FAQs
Q: What does HVAC imply?
A: HVAC is an acronym that represents heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Q: What kind of routine maintenance do I have to do on my heating and air conditioning unit?
A: The most suitable method to keep your unit operating well is by making sure that it has proper air circulation. When you have dirty air filters, obstructed registers or air vents, or debris around your outside unit, then you are not thoroughly taking care of your unit. Be sure that, as a homeowner , that you are very mindful of this and keep your system clean. Don’t forget to schedule a tune-up in the preseason. One must be arranged in the spring season for your cooling system and one more ought to be arranged in the fall for your heating system.
Q: How do I identify when to change out my air filter?
A: There is no accurate solution to this question. This is simply because one house will necessitate a different quantity of filter changes than another. A household that has household pets or is located in a dusty climate will require more filter changes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to inspect them once a month. Mark the calendar as a reminder. Life can get busy and remembering something like inspecting your HVAC filter can slip through the cracks. When you inspect it, thoroughly examine it. Be sure that it does not appear dirty. Never let more than 90 days between air filter changes. In addition, when it does appear dirty, be sure to swap it out even if you just replaced it a couple of weeks ago. The trick to an efficiently working HVAC system is proper filtration.
Q: How do I recognize when my AC system, central heater, or HVAC system is still under warranty?
A: Figuring out whether your warranty is still active or not will help you figure out if a needed repair job will be covered. The age of your unit often determines if it is covered by your warranty. If it is under 5 years old, then your manufacturer’s warranty is usually still active. If it is more than 5 years old, then it, more than likely, is not. This, naturally, is dependent on the manufacturer and the company that installed your system. You can always call SOS XTREME Comfort®, a certified Gardiner HVAC company, to let you know the standing of your manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: Should a loud noise coming out of my cooling system and heater be something that concerns me?
A: Even if your system seems to be functioning suitably, your neighbors will thank you for fixing your noisy HVAC system. Unquestionably, they do not wish to know whenever your system turns on or off. Additionally, there is enough sound pollution on the planet and the last thing that you intend to do is be a contributor to it. A noisy unit may possibly be triggered by a few variables. They include:
- Age
- Make and model of the unit
- Is your compressor insulated or not?
HVAC units that are made these days are built with a quieter design. The good news is that you can compare one model to another by taking a look at their sound ratings. This will really help you figure out which one to get due to the fact that you don’t want one of the louder styles if it is located right outside your bedroom window. That may not go over so well during the night.
Q: What does IAQ stand for?
A: IAQ is a phrase that is used in the niche that represents Indoor Air Quality. Although most people have generally heard of outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution is a concern. This term denotes that the amount of air pollution that is present in a home or even a building. According to the American Lung Association, being exposed to pollutants takes place more frequently indoors than outdoors by a considerable amount. This is why it is vital to have an HVAC system that improves IAQ and really aids homeowners who suffer from respiratory issues and allergy symptoms.
Q: How does my HVAC system force air all throughout my home?
A: Your HVAC system basically works by drawing air through your air vents. This air, then travels to your system’s air handler. The conditioned air is then pushed back into your home through your air vents or registers. These vents are usually found on your walls. In some cases, they are located on your ceilings or floors.
Q: What should I turn my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: If you desire to make your house as energy efficient as achievable, then don’t forget to set your thermostat to the ‘auto’ setting as an option. This setting makes the fan function only when it is necessary. The ‘on’ setting makes your fan work continuously. Though this is pleasant when you would like to have air consistently filtered through your house, it uses significantly even more power. This, is turn, will spike your electric expenses.
Q: My furnace/air conditioner does the job though it is old. Why should I change it?
A: Your heating and cooling system might get the job done but it certainly won’t work as efficiently when it is 12 years old. As they age, they lose their efficiency and this is reflected on your electric bill each month. When a unit loses its efficiency, it is a slow process so you may not realize it right away. When you invest in a brand new unit, you will get the return from your investment rather rapidly. You can save as much as 50% on operating expenditures. One of the main reasons that people upgrade their systems with a new one is to decrease their home heating and air conditioning costs.
Q: Can I close off doorways and air vents to rooms that aren’t generally used?
A: Do not close off spaces or air vents. Though it may seem like common sense, it is a waste of your resources. Your unit is matched to the duct system on your property. When you block air vents and rooms, it forms a lot of pressure and ramps up your blower, the heart of your HVAC system. This will make it less efficient and raises your home utility invoices.