FAQs
Q: What does HVAC imply?
A: You may have heard this term before. It is commonly used in the industry to refer to your heating and cooling system. It literally stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Q: What kind of care do I have to do on my cooling and heating system?
A: The solution to HVAC routine service is suitable airflow. This means that everything that constricts airflow should be promptly addressed. Things like dust, debris, or dirt should be cleared away. Your air filters should normally be clean for proper circulation. An annual tune-up on your AC should be scheduled in the springtime and a yearly tune-up on your heating unit should be set up in the fall.
Q: Should a loud noise coming out of my cooling system and heating unit be something that worries me?
A: A noisy heating and cooling unit can be bothersome to you and your neighbors. Even when your unit seems to be running decently, no one wants to know when your system is kicking on or off. This is certainly the case when your unit is in close proximity to a bedroom window. Also, noise pollution is a genuine dilemma and a loud HVAC system definitely contributes to it. The reason that your system is so loud is commonly because of the following:
- Your unit is older
- The kind of unit you have
- Your compressor-insulted or not
Fortunately, new systems have sound ratings that you can compare. Most modern units are manufactured to be quieter than their earlier counterparts. Sound ratings will direct you as to which model might work most ideal for you. A quieter model will be more suitable if there is a bedroom close by.
Q: What does IAQ imply?
A: IAQ is a word that all house owners should know. It is a term that stands for Indoor Air Quality. In the headlines and media, outdoor air pollution is a common theme. Having said that, indoor air pollution poses more of a hazard to property owners than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution is identified as the amount of pollution that exists within a structure like your home. Exposure to these pollutants is more prevalent than you might realize. Newly constructed homes are built so that there is not enough ventilation or exchange between outdoor and indoor air. This is wonderful for energy efficiency but it does present a challenge for air quality. A person can avoid this complication by having a system that is produced to make improvements to air quality.
Q: How does my HVAC system force air through my home?
A: Air is extracted through vents by a fan. At that point, the air goes 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 outside unit throughout the winter?
A: Your outside unit should not be covered during the wintertime. Regardless of whether a blizzard is predicted, your system can deal with it. These systems are made to hold up against even the coldest of weather conditions. Covering it can trigger some unforeseen complications. If a person were to accidentally start up the air conditioner, it can damage the condenser and its components.
Q: What should I set my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: You ought to set your thermostat to the auto setting. This enables the fan to run only when it is required. Most homeowners like this setting because it is more energy efficient. The on setting is used when you need to have air continually filtered throughout your house. The air is circulated and it can deliver a more even temperature through your house. Having said that, it does take additional power to do this. Modern central heaters have fan motors that have this feature.
Q: How can I make my system work even more efficiently without needing to exchange it?
A: The best process to try to keep your system running economically is by simply taking care of it. You ought to have your cooling system serviced in the spring season before you start to use it frequently in the summertime. Additionally, you need to have your heater serviced in the fall season before the cold winter months shows up. Research studies confirm that property owners who don’t maintain their system two times a year, have less efficient systems by practically 5% -10%. Likewise, as a homeowner , you have to replace your filters as often as needed. Be sure to choose filters that have high efficiency ratings for you to keep your system clean. Your system must breathe so do not block off your register or vents. Keep clutter away from your outdoor unit. You have to allow for proper circulation.
Q: I need to purchase a new heating/cooling system. How do I go for the appropriate one for me?
A: The number one element that you ought to take into consideration is overall size. The model will need to be the correct size for your home. Many people make the miscalculation of purchasing systems that are too large, thinking that the system will heat up or cool down their house more quickly. Other property owners get units that are too small, assuming that their units will use less energy and therefore, save money. This is a big no-no. Your unit has to complement the size of your house so that it can properly heat or cool it. A Spring Valley, New York cooling and heating professional, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, has the expertise to match your unit. Also, be sure to discuss operating charges of your system with your contractor. You want a system that, essentially, pays you back. Make sure to buy a system that, on a monthly basis, balances out the cost of the unit through your utility bill.
Q: Will a new Spring Valley HVAC system reduce my electrical bills?
A: A brand-new Spring Valley HVAC system will definitely save you money. It will drop your home heat and air conditioning costs. A system’s efficiency is determined by its SEER rating. SEER is a term in the HVAC field that stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. New designs are mandated by regulation to have a minimum 13 SEER rating. With a SEER 13, operating expenses could be lowered by as much as 50%. This says that, yes, your brand new system will definitely bring down your power bills.
Q: I like to landscape my backyard in the summer. Can I plant near my exterior unit?
A: When you landscape your lawn, you must pay close attention to the space around your outdoor air unit. Be sure your plants are at least 18 inches to 2 feet from your unit. This includes the area around your unit and the area above your unit. Your outdoor unit needs sufficient air circulation surrounding it in order for it to work the way that you need it to. House owners often make the error of planting too close to their unit or neglecting to trim back the vegetation around their unit. This has led to costly and unnecessary repairs.
Q: Can I close off doors and vents to rooms that aren’t regularly used?
A: There is a prevalent mindset among house owners that if you shut doors or air vents to spaces that are not regularly used, then you will reduce your power expenses. This is definitely false. Your unit is installed to match the ductwork in your home. When you shut an air vent or door, then the air needs to go somewhere. It creates a great deal of pressure which then your blower, or the heart of your HVAC system, will need to make up for. It operates more and increases your electric costs.
