FAQs
Q: What does HVAC mean?
A: HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Q: What kind of maintenance do I need to do on my heating and cooling system?
A: The most ideal approach to keep your unit working adequately is by making sure that it has proper air circulation. When you have dirty air filters, blocked registers or air vents, or debris around your outside unit, then you are not effectively taking care of your system. Be sure that, as a homeowner , that you are very aware of this and keep your system clean. Be sure to arrange a tune-up in the preseason. One ought to be scheduled in the springtime for your air conditioning unit and another ought to be arranged in the fall for your heating system.
Q: How do I identify when to remove and replace my air filter?
A: The need to change your filter changes from one house to another. Some homes are dustier or have furry household pets which will call for a filter change more often. It is advised to examine it on a monthly basis. Some households must change their filter monthly. Some residences will need to change it every 90 days. This is the case if the household is using a good 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 don’t forget to change it out.
Q: How do I recognize when my AC, furnace, or HVAC system is still under warranty?
A: Your equipment should have a label on it. Find the label and find the manufacture date. In most cases, if it is no more than 5 years old, then it is still under warranty. This has the tendency to change by manufacturer and installation company. Your HVAC service company, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, should be able to tell you and determine the status of your warranty.
Q: Should a loud noise coming out of my cooling system and heater be something that concerns me?
A: You should most definitely do something about a loud noise coming out of your HVAC system. First and foremost, you do not really want to be a contributor to sound pollution. While your system may be functioning well, your next-door neighbors will welcome not needing to listen to your system every time it turns on. There are many elements that contribute to a noisy system. They include:
- Age
- Make of the unit
- Whether the compressor is insulated
Most modern-day units are far more quieter than their earlier counterparts. Nevertheless, make sure to review makes and models and compare the sound ratings for each. You do not want to install one that is a little louder than another option especially if it is located right next to your bedroom window.
Q: I have heard of the hazards of a carbon monoxide leak. Is this something I need to be worried about?
A: When you have a CO leak in your house, it is a risky situation. It can cause serious health risks, including casualties. CO is not something that you can observe or smell. Don’t forget to get a CO sensor in your home. Furthermore, you can prevent a risky circumstance similar to this by having an HVAC company conduct adequate maintenance and care on your system.
Q: What does IAQ represent?
A: IAQ is a phrase that is used in the niche that means Indoor Air Quality. Although most individuals have typically heard of outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution is a concern. This term signifies that the amount of air pollution that is present in a home or even a building. According to the American Lung Association, exposure to pollutants happens more often inside your home than outside the house by a substantial amount. This is why it is necessary to have an HVAC system that greatly improves IAQ and really aids homeowners who suffer from respiratory issues and allergies.
Q: How does my HVAC system move air all over my home?
A: Your HVAC system essentially operates by drawing air through your vents. This air, then goes to your system’s air handler. The conditioned air is then pushed back into your home through your air vents or registers. These vents are usually found on your walls. Sometimes, they are located on your ceilings or floor surfaces.
Q: Should I cover my outdoor unit during the winter?
A: Your outside unit is constructed to handle the harshest of winters so it is not a good idea to cover your unit. If an individual were to mistakenly turn on the air conditioner when your machine is covered, it can damage the condenser and all of its components.
Q: What should I set my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: You really should 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 continuously. Although this gives a balanced temperature throughout your home, it also uses a lot more energy. It is most ideal to use the ‘auto’ setting so that you don’t have high home heating and air conditioning fees.
Q: How can I make my system work more efficiently without needing to upgrade it?
A: The very best strategy to keep your system running efficiently is by just caring for it. You ought to AC your air conditioning system serviced in the spring season before you begin to use it frequently in the summer. Also, you need to have your heater serviced in the autumn before the cold winter weather shows up. Studies prove that homeowners who do not maintain their system two times a year, have less efficient systems by approximately 5% -10%. Also, as a homeowner , you need to replace your filters as often as needed. Make sure to work with filters that have high efficiency ratings for you to keep your system clean. Your system will need to breathe so do not shut your register or vents. Keep clutter away from your exterior unit. You need to allow for proper circulation.
Q: I just bought a new heating and cooling unit. Should I have a programmable thermostat installed too?
A: People who have installed these devices are happy that they did. The reason is due to the fact that they are saving money. You can adjust this kind of thermostat to raise or reduce the temperature at home based on your schedule. This really works when you have a regular routine. Outside of saving you money on your energy costs, a programmable thermostat can also provide further comfort. It can heat up your home before you get out of bed in the morning!
Q: My furnace/air conditioner does work though it is outdated. Why should I change it?
A: Regardless of whether your heating and cooling system is getting the job done, when it is more than 12 years old, it quits working as effectively. For that reason, you are paying more on your monthly utility bill in order for it to keep your house comfortable. New systems can save as much as 50% on operating expenses so they pay themselves off in a very short time. It might not be an investment decision that you planned on but you will be glad that you did. An additional benefit of a brand-new unit is that it will keep your home more comfortable.
Q: I like to landscape my lawn in the spring. Can I plant near my exterior unit?
A: When you landscape your lawn, you must pay close attention to the space around your exterior air unit. Be sure your plants are at a minimum of 18 inches to 2 feet away from your unit. This includes the area on the sides of your unit and above your unit. Your outside unit needs suitable air circulation around it in order for it to run the way that you want it to. House owners often make the error of planting too close to their unit or failing to remember to trim the vegetation around their unit. This has triggered costly and unnecessary repairs.
Q: The temperature inside of my home is fine but my unit’s fan seems to be working all of the time. What should I do?
A: More than likely, your thermostat is set to the ‘on’ setting. It is best to have it on the ‘auto’ setting. This setting will save power. The other setting, or the ‘on’ setting, does create a good even temperature in your house but it takes a lot of energy to accomplish this. It carries this out by making your fan blow continuously which equates into much higher electricity expenses. The ‘auto’ setting should be sufficient for you to keep your home comfortable.
