FAQs
Q: What does HVAC mean?
A: You may have heard this term before. It is commonly used in the field to refer to your heating and cooling system. It literally stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Q: What kind of care do I want to do on my heating and cooling system?
A: As a house owner, taking care of your system is definitely not rocket science. There are a number of things that you ought to keep in mind. The principle point to remember is efficient airflow. This implies that you must check your air filters frequently and replace them out when they are dirty. It also suggests that you need to make sure that your air vents aren’t obstructed by things such as furniture. As a matter of fact, don’t even close up air vents to rooms that are less commonly used. You are making your system run more than need be, using more electrical power to do so, and throwing away money. Finally, don’t forget to plan an annual tune-up on your air conditioning system. This ought to be carried out in the spring season. Set up an annual tune-up on your heater in the autumn season.
Q: How do I identify when to switch out my air filter?
A: The requirement to change your filter changes from one home to another. Some households are dustier or have furry family pets which will necessitate a filter change more often. It is a good idea to check it on a monthly basis. Some homes should change their filter monthly. Some households will need to change it every 90 days. This holds true if the residence is using a high quality filter and certain variables that make a filter dirtier more frequently are not present. Regardless, check it once a calendar month and if it looks filthy, then be sure to change it out.
Q: How do I learn when my air conditioner, central heater, or HVAC system is still under warranty?
A: Your equipment should have a label on it. Locate the label and find the manufacture date. Typically, if it is less than 5 years old, then it is still under warranty. This tends to change by manufacturer and installation company. Your HVAC service company, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, should be able to tell you and verify the status of your manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: Should a loud noise coming out of my cooling system and heating unit be something that concerns me?
A: You should most definitely do something about a loud noise coming out of your HVAC system. First, you do not need to be a contributor to noise pollution. While your system might be working well, your next-door neighbors will appreciate not needing to hear your system every time it turns on. There are many factors that add to a noisy system. They involve:
- Age
- Make of the unit
- Whether the compressor is insulated
Most modern-day units are far more quieter than their earlier comparable versions. However, don’t forget to compare makes and models and analyze the sound ratings for each. You do not want to install one that is a little louder than another option mainly if it is located right next to your bedroom window.
Q: I have knowledge of the real dangers of carbon monoxide. Is this something I ought to be concerned about?
A: Carbon monoxide is something that you should definitely be concerned about. It is helpful to get a CO detector in your home since you will not be able to recognize whether or not there is a leak in your home otherwise. Proper attention and maintenance of your HVAC system should prevent CO leaks.
Q: How does my HVAC system push air through my home?
A: Air is pulled through air vents by a fan. Subsequently, the air passes through your air ducts that ends up in your system’s air handler. It is returned to the rooms at home through the air vents or registers that are normally located on your wall, ceilings or floors.
Q: Should I cover my exterior unit over the winter?
A: Do not cover your system. These machines are constructed to endure the harshest of winter times. If a scenario were to come about where a person in your home switches on the AC when it is covered, then a lot of complications can develop. Principally, your condenser and its components might be majorly damaged.
Q: What should I set my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: You should really utilize the ‘auto setting’. This means that air will be spread throughout your home on an ‘as need’ basis. It is the more energy efficient setting of the two. When you set your thermostat to the ‘on’ position, it runs consistently. Although this produces an even temperature within your home, it also takes a lot more power. It is best to use the ‘auto’ setting so that you don’t have very high home heating and cooling expenses.
Q: How can I make my unit work even more efficiently without needing to exchange it?
A: Even when you do not prefer to change out your model, there are a number of things that you can possibly do to your existing HVAC system that will help it function more effectively. A few of them are listed here:
- Be sure to arrange for a tune-up in the early spring and in the fall. Studies show that people who carry this out save nearly 5%-10% on their energy monthly bills.
- Replace out your filthy air filters. A dirty air filter dramatically impacts the quantity of electrical power that your system needs to function. A dirty air filter will make your system run harder which costs you even more. You ought to buy top quality energy efficient filters. They keep your system cleaner while strengthening energy efficiency and enhancing indoor air quality.
- Do not shut or close your air vents. The answer to a more energy efficient system is good air flow. Your unit should breathe in order for it to perform its job.
- Keep your outdoor unit unobstructed and clutter-free. Remove anything that might prevent air circulation around your unit.
Q: I just invested in a new heating and air conditioning unit. Should I have a programmable thermostat put in also?
A: Property owners who have installed programmable thermostats are happy that they did. The reason why is because they are saving money. You can adjust this kind of thermostat to increase or decrease the temperature in your house based on your routine. This truly works when you have a regular routine. Outside of saving you money on your electric statements, a programmable thermostat can also provide a lot more comfort. It can warm up your house before you get out of bed in the morning!
