FAQs
Q: What does HVAC imply?
A: HVAC means heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Q: What kind of upkeep do I need to do on my heating and air conditioning unit?
A: The secret to HVAC care is ideal air movement. This suggests that everything that constricts airflow should be rapidly attended to. Things like dust, debris, or dirt should be cleared away. Your air filters should generally be clean for proper circulation. An annual tune-up on your AC should be scheduled in the early spring and a yearly tune-up on your heater should be scheduled in the fall.
Q: Why do I have to replace my air filter?
A: Keeping your air filter clean is the essential to a reliable working HVAC system. For this reason, it is crucial to switch it out when it gets dirty. Your air filter might not look like it does much but, in truth, it is a key component for the function of your device. It keeps your home dust-free while protecting against you from being exposed to allergens and germs. A filthy filter puts stress on your system’s motor. It makes it run inefficiently and it will not cool or heat your house properly. When it runs inefficiently, then it makes it work harder to do its job. The harder it works, the more it costs you. Don’t forget to check your filters monthly. If it is dirty, then make sure to swap it out for a brand-new one. Regardless of the fact that the variety of filter that you buy might instruct you to change it out every 90 days, various aspects will change how often you should swap it out. These factors include household pets and whether or not the climate that you live in is dusty. A skillful Plattekill HVAC company will be able to advise you on what kind of filter works best for your type of system.
Q: I have knowledge of the dangers of carbon monoxide gas. Is this something I should really be concerned about?
A: Carbon monoxide gas is a problem that you should certainly be concerned about. It is recommended to get a carbon monoxide detector in your home since you will not be able to determine whether there is a leak in your home otherwise. Proper attention and maintenance of your HVAC system can prevent CO leaks.
Q: What does IAQ represent?
A: IAQ is a term that homeowners should understand. It is a word that indicates Indoor Air Quality. In the news reports and media, outdoor air pollution is a familiar theme. That being said, indoor air pollution poses more of a hazard to homeowners than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution is specified as the level of pollution that exists within a structure such as your home. Direct exposure to these pollutants is more prevalent than you might realize. Newly constructed houses are built so that there is an inadequate amount ventilation or exchange between outdoor and indoor air. This is wonderful for energy efficiency but it does pose a challenge for air quality. A household can avoid this challenge by having a system that is designed to greatly improve air quality.
Q: What are the causes of indoor air pollution?
A: Contributors to indoor air pollution can range. Some might actually shock you. Some items in your home have compounds that produce fumes or gases. These include:
- Carpet
- Furniture pieces
- Drapes or curtains
- Upholstery
- Cleaning products
Since newer homes are constructed so tightly, they do not breathe as well as older residences do. While this may make for a remarkably energy efficient home, it also promotes to indoor air pollution. The build-up of gases and fumes cause indoor air pollution. This can be prevented by having an HVAC system that allows proper ventilation. With a whole house ventilation system, a homeowner can enjoy a very energy efficient home without the problem of indoor air pollution.
Q: How does my HVAC system move air all over my home?
A: Air is drawn through air vents by a fan. Then, the air travels through your ducts that winds up in your system’s air handler. It is returned to the spaces in your house through the vents or registers that are usually found on your wall, ceilings or floors.
Q: Should I cover up my outdoor unit through the winter weather?
A: Your outdoor machine should not be covered during the winter months. Regardless of whether a blizzard is expected, your machine can deal with it. These HVAC systems are designed to withstand even the coldest of weather conditions. Covering it can result in some unforeseen complications. If anyone were to mistakenly start up the air conditioning system, it can ruin the condenser and its parts.
Q: What should I set my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: If you desire to make your house as energy efficient as achievable, then make sure to set your thermostat to the ‘auto’ setting as an option. This setting makes the fan function only when it is needed. The ‘on’ setting makes your fan work continuously. Though this is great when you would like to have air consistently filtered through your house, it uses significantly even more energy. This, is turn, will spike your electricity bills.
Q: I have purchased a brand-new furnace and cooling system. How much time should I presume it to last?
A: Generally, a brand-new furnace or air conditioning unit should last almost 10-20 years when it is thoroughly taken care of. However, some people prefer to change them faster than that since as a system grows older, it is less efficient. Life expectancies of systems vary. Proper installation and maintenance are the biggest variables that have an effect on the life-span of an unit. By successfully taking care of it, you will guarantee that your system runs more efficiently. Make sure to select a Plattekill HVAC company, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, to maintain your heating and cooling system.
Q: My furnace/air conditioner runs even though it is old. Why should I change it?
A: Regardless of whether your heating and cooling system is functioning, when it is over 12 years old, it quits working as well. Due to this fact, you are paying more on your monthly power bill in order for it to try to keep your home comfortable. New systems can save as much as 50% on operating expenses so they pay themselves off in a very short time. It may not be a financial investment that you planned on but you will be happy that you did. An additional feature of a brand-new unit is that it will keep your home more comfortable.
Q: I want to landscape my home in the spring season. Can I plant near my outdoor unit?
A: You can grow plants in close proximity to your unit but we suggest that you leave 18 inches all around your unit unobstructed from any plants. This allows for adequate air circulation which your system needs to have just to operate effectively. Alternatively, your system could get too hot which can result in an unwanted service phone call.
Q: The temperature inside of my house is fine but my unit’s fan seems to be running all of the time. What should I do?
A: Check your thermostat. People unintentionally set it to the on position instead of the auto setting. The on setting causes your fan to blow continuously which uses more energy.
