1. Why do I need to hire an HVAC professional?
You want your HVAC system to operate as long as possible without experiencing serious problems that’s why we suggest that you get a professional to install or repair it. A professional will ensure that it is correctly configured, which helps ensure that it will operate without major issues. Additionally, skilled installations and repair ensures efficiency, ensuring that your monthly energy cost is as low as possible.
2. What are zones and should I use them?
Zones are a common topic for people looking into energy efficiency in their homes. If you have rooms that you want to keep at different temperatures, creating zones might be a good solution.
3. Is my unit still under warranty? How can I tell?
The easiest way to double-check this is to head over to the manufacturer’s website and input the serial number for your unit. The information should pop right up. If it doesn’t, you may also have accidentally voided the warranty if you failed to register your machine when you had it installed.
4. Why do I need preventive maintenance?
Performing preventive maintenance prolongs the life of your equipment, reduces downtime, decreases reactive maintenance requests, helps you manage compliance and inspection needs, and prevents costly emergency repairs from occurring.
5. How often should my filters be changed?
The filters on a furnace or air conditioning unit need to be changed regularly. Usually, the longevity of the filter will depend on the quality of the filter, how often the system is used, and whether there are pets, smokers, or other potential allergens or contaminants in the home.
Fiberglass Air Filters are the more affordable of the two but less efficient at capturing dust and particles in the air. They generally need to be changed every 30 days or less.
Pleated Air Filters are more expensive at the outset, but they are also more efficient at trapping particles and can last up to 90 days, depending on use
6. How long will my central air unit last?
Remember, while the average HVAC system lifespan is anywhere between 10–15 years—based on your climate and what type of heating and cooling system you have. But your HVAC system may last less time than that if it has been overworked by insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow (due to unsealed air leaks)
7. Is it better to repair or replace my unit?
When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, the first consideration should be its age. Is the AC unit two years old? Ten years old? Twenty years old? Generally, AC units that are more than 10 years old should be replaced with newer, more efficient models. The reason? Older units tend to run much less efficiently and often have lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) than newer models. Air conditioner units that require frequent repairs could signal that it’s time for a replacement. If your AC unit is constantly breaking down, never cooling the home properly, and always operating loudly, you should definitely consider replacing the unit. You should also consider replacing the unit if important components like the compressor or condenser fail.
8. What are BTUs?
BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are the units used to measure hot and cold energy. BTUs describe how much energy will be required to increase or decrease the temperature by one degree for a pound of water. BTU ratings are generally determined based on the square footage of the home.