Frequently Asked Questions
What is HVAC?
The use of various technologies to control the temperature, humidity, and purity of the air in an enclosed space. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
What does HVAC / HVACR stand for?
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
HVACR: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration
What is covered in my warranty?
We offer a 1-year warranty on labor and a 10-year warranty on parts. We also offer a Preventative Maintenance Agreement for the first year to help keep your system running as efficiently as possible and keep your utility bills low.
What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is exactly that; it is the quality of the air inside your home. Think about the many things that pollute the air, then think about those of which are in your home. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that concentrations of pollutants could be 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. IAQ is determined by the amounts of pollutants, humidity, and ventilations levels in your home. The American Lung Association has estimated that most people spend 90% of their time indoors! We recommend adding flowers or plants to your home to help remove pollutants from the air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and then release clean oxygen back into the air.
Should I be concerned about my home's IAQ?
In homes where children or seniors live, as well as those suffering from respiratory illnesses or ailments, stagnant and polluted air can cause longer lasting effects. However, polluted air does not affect all people the same way; often vacuuming and environment-friendly cleaning will improve air quality.
What causes indoor air pollution?
Gas appliances, carpeting, furniture, paints, solvents, cleaning products, air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothing, and pesticides are some of the things that can cause indoor air pollution. The smoke from cigarettes and wood stoves releases harsh chemicals that also pollute the air. This is why ventilation is very important in your home! You do not want these pollutants to be trapped indoors. High temperature and humidity can also increase the amount of some pollutants.
Why should I have my air conditioner checked?
Preventative maintenance will keep your HVAC system alive longer and save you money on your electric bill! You should always have your air conditioner checked and inspected at the beginning of each season to ensure your system will run efficiently before you need it most.
Do you recommend buying Energy Star products?
Yes. The government guarantees Energy Star products meet certain efficiency standards that will help you save money on your utility bills and will cut down the pollution in your home’s indoor air, improving your home's indoor air quality. Although Energy Star products do cost more upfront, they can save you money long term, due to more efficient energy consumption.
What temperature should I set my AC to save money?
We recommend setting your AC about five degrees higher than normal to save money and energy. For example, if you normally run your AC at 70 degrees, try running it at 75 degrees to save money.
Why are my utility bills so high?
This could be due to several factors, but most commonly, it is due to a dirty AC unit. Monthly filter changes and yearly maintenance are recommended to prevent dirt build up and help your AC run more efficiently.
How long does an air conditioner last?
The industry averages suggest that your air conditioning system should last about 12-15 years and a gas furnace should last about 20-25 years. These averages also suggest that a professional technician is performing regular preventative maintenance and service.
What are the benefits of having a preventative maintenance or service agreement?
Preventative maintenance will extend the life of your air conditioner and will help it run as efficiently as possible.
Why is my air conditioner is loud?
Newer HVAC systems have become much more efficient and environment-friendly, which has consequently made them quieter. Replacing your system will most likely fix this. If you are not ready to purchase a new air conditioner, then options such as insulation could improve the sound.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
We recommend you get your air ducts cleaned at least once every 2-4 years. If dust is accumulating on the inside duct walls or if you feel your air quality is not good, then it may be time for a cleaning.
Should I buy a UV Germicidal Light for my HVAC system? What is it for?
A UV Germicidal Light is specifically designed to kill mold, viruses, and bacteria from the air flowing throughout your home. It also removes odor from the air. A UV Germicidal Light will help your indoor air quality. We highly recommend a UV Light be installed in homes with children, elderly, and people will respiratory diseases.
How does an air conditioner work?
Many people think that the air conditioner releases cool air into your home, however it removes heat from indoor air and transfers it to the outdoor air. The indoor air passes across a refrigerant coil in the indoor unit, and again through refrigerant lines that carry the air to the outdoor unit (where it is released outdoors). This cycle will continue until the indoor temperature reaches the thermostat setting. Setting your AC to a lower temperature than normal will not cool the indoor air any faster than if it was left at 75.
Why do I need a load calculation for the HVAC being installed in my home?
To make sure that the equipment in your home properly matches its square footage and other factors, you need a load calculation. A load calculation evaluates various aspects of the home, such as: climate; size & shape of your home (square footage); insulation factors; windows; walls; vents & ductwork; seals & air leakage; which materials your home is made of, etc. These aspects of the home will help us find a system that will be efficient for you and your home.
What is the difference between R-22 and R-410A refrigerants?
Without refrigerant, cooling the air would not be possible. Refrigerant is a liquid agent that cools and dehumidifies the indoor air. R-22 refrigerant is being used less and less as the environment becomes more concerning. R-410A contains no chlorine, and because of this is considered environment-friendly.
Why does my air conditioning unit freeze up?
This could be due to several factors; bad air flow over the evaporator coil or a refrigerant leak can also cause a unit to freeze. When you encounter this, we recommend turning the AC unit off, while leaving the AC fan on. This will help the unit thaw and allow our technicians to troubleshoot the issue sooner.
Why do you need to visit my home to give me a quote or estimate? Why can’t you give me a quote or estimate over the phone?
We will not be able to determine what exactly your home needs without an in-home consultation. We must measure the square footage of your home, check the existing airflow, check the ductwork, inspect all rooms- supplies and demands, and examine the best place for your new equipment.
Is it okay to have plants, shrubs, and flowers planted near my outdoor unit?
If you leave about 12-18 inches (depending on the size of the plant) between the plants and unit, then they should not cause any unwanted maintenance.
Should I replace both units at the same time? Should I replace the outdoor unit as well as the indoor unit?
There are a few reasons why you should probably change both your indoor and outdoor units at the same time. All units and pumps are specifically designed to work with their pair for optimum efficiency and performance, so changing them at the same time would be a smart move. Also, a unit's efficiency ratings are based on their performance as a matched system. Also, most of the time both the indoor and outdoor units are the same age, and therefore should both need replacing. Changing both the indoor and outdoor units at the same time will give you the best performance for your newly purchased unit.
Why does my air conditioner trip the circuit breaker sometimes?
A circuit breaker helps your electrical system shut off before it overloads. If your air conditioner is consistently tripping your home’s circuit breaker, then your system may have the following:
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Dirty air filters.
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Low refrigerant levels.
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A frozen evaporator coil.
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A faulty compressor.
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A malfunctioning circuit breaker.
Most of these can cause your unit to work harder; forcing your unit draw more electricity to compensate. We are able to resolve most issues, but we recommend calling a licensed electrician if there is an issue with the circuit breaker / breaker panel.