Q. How can I improve efficiency and the lifespan of my HVAC system?
A. One of the best ways to enhance your system’s performance is to frequently clean and replace air filters. Other ways include purchasing a programmable thermostat, keeping curtains drawn or installing shades in rooms that are more exposed to sunlight, and not blocking airflow by closing vents in multiple rooms.
Q. How Often should I have my heating unit serviced?
A. To ensure everything is running smoothly we recommend getting a professional service done to the system once a year.
Q. How often should I clean and or/replace air filters in my unit?
A. For your HVAC system to operate at optimal efficiency frequent filter changes are important. Although each home environment is different, generally filters should be changed on a monthly basis when the system is in high use, such as during winter and summer months, and every other month during lower-use times in the spring and fall. If the filter looks dirty, it is dirty. If you want a clearer way to determine when it needs replacing, you can have an air filter gauge installed. A little trick we find helpful is to write the date on your filters when you change them.
Q. How do I choose a filter for my HVAC system?
A. Your system is designed to take a certain sized filter, so that is always a good place to start. Consider each filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). A higher-grade filter is typically best for homes with asthma or allergy sufferers. Pleated air filters are great for reducing allergens, but they cannot be left in the unit for too long or they become clogged which is hard on the system.
Q. What type of filter should I use?
A. Standard furnace filters work well to keep your system and its duct work clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet in most applications and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard furnace filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. A media filter can have a life of a year or more, and its only drawback is that its tight fiber weave can cause your furnace to have to work harder to blow air through the house. Contact us to ensure your filter matches your blower’s capacity.
Q. What regular maintenance does an HVAC system require and how often should it be serviced?
A. Maintain air flow by keeping dust, dirt, and debris away from any system. Keep air filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. Ideally, a system should be serviced twice a year — once before the summer cooling season and once before the winter heating season. This is good practice to ensure parts and components are functioning properly. Preventative maintenance is ideal with your heating and cooling units, saving you money in the long run.
Q. What maintenance can I do myself?
A. Change your filters on a regular basis and clean your outside coils, with a low-pressure hose, once a month during the cooling season.
Q. What size system does my home require?
A. Size is everything when it comes to your HVAC system. A third-party energy auditor can do a “Manual J” calculation on your home. This calculation surveys your entire home and includes how much insulation there is, how old your system is, and what kind of windows your home consists of and which direction they are facing. This calculation will tell you exactly what size system your house needs.
Q. How do I know if my HVAC system is operating safely?
A. An important HVAC safety measure is to make sure your home consists of working fire and carbon monoxide on every floor of your home. These can provide peace of mind in knowing that your HVAC system is not a hazard.
Q. What is SEER rating, and why should I know about it?
A. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio – it measures HVAC system efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy output during the same time frame. The minimum rating recommended for most homes is 14.5 SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency of the system. The downside to a higher-SEER system is that it could potentially cost a homeowner thousands of dollars more to purchase and might take upwards of 10 years to recoup those costs. Be sure to ask your HVAC professional for advice on the best system for your budget and home.