FAQs
Q: What does HVAC imply?
A: You may have heard this phrase 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 type of routine maintenance do I want to do on my cooling and heating system?
A: The most recommended means to always keep your unit running efficiently is by ensuring that it has proper air circulation. When you have unclean air filters, obstructed registers or air vents, or debris around your outdoor unit, then you are not properly maintaining your unit. Be sure that, as a property owner, that you are very mindful of this and keep your system clean. Be sure to arrange a tune-up in the preseason. One ought to be arranged in the spring season for your air conditioner and one more should be scheduled in the fall for your heating unit.
Q: How do I know when to change out my air filter?
A: There is no solid solution to this question. This is just because one house will necessitate a different amount of filter changes than another. A residence that has family pets or is located in a dusty climate will require more filter changes. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check them once a month. Mark the calendar as a reminder. Life can get very busy and remembering something like inspecting your HVAC filter can slip through the cracks. When you check it, thoroughly examine it. Make sure that it does not look dirty. Never let more than 90 days in between air filter changes. In addition, when it does appear dirty, make sure to swap it out even if you just changed it a couple of weeks ago. The solution to an adequately working HVAC system is proper filtration.
Q: How do I comprehend when my air conditioning unit, central heater, or HVAC system is still under warranty?
A: All these types of systems have a manufacturer’s label on it. Check your unit and locate the label. Generally, warranties last about 5 years. This can fluctuate from one brand name to another but this is mostly standard. It also changes according to the service provider that installed it. A respectable Piermont heating and cooling company, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, will be able to give you more info on your unit and let you know if the manufacturer’s warranty for your unit is still legitimate.
Q: Should a loud noise coming out of my air conditioning unit and heating system be something that concerns me?
A: A loud HVAC system can be irritating to you and your next-door neighbors. Even when your system seems to be operating well, no one wishes to know when your system is kicking on or off. This is specifically the case when your unit is in close proximity to a bedroom window. Also, sound pollution is a genuine problem and a loud HVAC system definitely contributes to it. The reason that your system is so rackety is generally because of the following:
- Your unit is older
- The style of unit you have
- Your compressor-insulted or not
Fortunately, new systems have sound ratings that you can compare and contrast. Most model units are manufactured to be quieter than their earlier counterparts. Sound ratings will direct you as to which model might work better for you. A quieter model will be preferable if there is a bedroom close by.
Q: What are the causes of indoor air pollution?
A: Indoor air pollution is a problem that should be addressed by all homeowners. This is especially the case for property owners who have a newly constructed home. These homes are constructed so tightly that they do not ventilate as well as older homes do. A tightly built home allows for the greatest energy efficiency. That being said, it indicates that house owners should really have a whole house ventilation system to avoid being exposed. Factors to indoor air pollution are:
- Carpet
- Household furniture
- Drapes or window curtains
- Upholstery
- Chemical cleaning products
These items send out fumes and gases that accumulate. The build up of these gases and fumes is the top source of indoor air pollution.
Q: How does my HVAC system move air all throughout my home?
A: An HVAC system uses a fan to pull air in. The air that is drawn in is then pushed to your air handler. Once it has heated or cooled down the air, then it moves it back through your ductwork and out of your vents. Vents or registers are traditionally positioned on your walls, ceilings, or floor surfaces.
Q: Should I cover my outside unit throughout the winter?
A: Do not cover your system. These units are designed to withstand the coldest of winters. If a circumstance were to come about where someone in your home turns on the air conditioner when it is covered, then many issues can arise. Mainly, your condenser and its parts might be majorly damaged.
Q: What should I turn my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: You should set your thermostat to the auto setting. This allows the fan to run only when it is necessary. Most property owners favor this setting because it is more energy efficient. The on setting can be used when you desire to have air continually filtered all through your house. The air is spread and it can provide a more even temperature throughout your house. Nevertheless, it does take additional energy to do this. Modern furnaces have fan motors that have this function.
Q: I have installed an updated furnace and air conditioning unit. How long should I expect it to last?
A: Generally, a brand-new furnace or air conditioning unit should last approximately 10-20 years when it is adequately maintained. Having said that, some people elect to remove and replace them far sooner than that for the reason that as a system grows older, it ends up being less efficient. Life expectancies of units differ. Correct installation and upkeep are the most important components that influence the life expectancy of a heating and cooling system. By carefully caring for it, you will ensure that your system runs more efficiently. Don’t forget to choose a Piermont HVAC company, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, to maintain your heating and cooling system.
Q: My furnace/air conditioner works though it is older. Why should I removed and replace it?
A: Even though your heating and air conditioning system is doing the job, when it is more than 12 years old, it quits working as effectively. For that reason, you are spending more on your monthly electric bill in order for it to try to keep your house comfortable. New systems can save as much as 50% on operating costs so they pay themselves off in a very short time. It might possibly not be an investment that you planned on but you will be happy that you did. An additional feature of an updated unit is that it will keep your home more comfortable.
