HVAC FAQs

Q: What is HVAC?
A: HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is a system that provides heating and cooling services to residential and commercial buildings. Its main functions include thermal comfort, humidity control, and maintaining acceptable indoor air quality.

Q: How does an air conditioner work?
A: Most home and small commercial air conditioning systems circulate a compressed gas refrigerant in a closed “split” system to cool and condition indoor air. The refrigerant is cooled and condensed using outside air. “Split” refers to the system having components both indoors and outdoors, as opposed to a “package” unit where everything is contained in one unit.

Refrigerants, often recognized by the trademark “Freon” (a registered trademark of DuPont), help cool and dehumidify indoor air. In a “forced air” system, an internal blower circulates conditioned air through ducts. Air ducts may be located inside rooms or in attics. An outdoor fan pulls air across external system components to cool the refrigerant.

Q: What is ENERGY STAR?
A: ENERGY STAR is a program created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote energy efficiency. Products that meet high energy efficiency standards are awarded the ENERGY STAR label, making it easier for consumers to identify and choose quality, efficient products.

Q: What manufacturer makes the best air conditioners?
A: Air conditioning is a mature technology, so many popular brands perform similarly and even share components. Key considerations include price, warranty, appearance, and noise. Some brands offer 10- to 12-year warranties, while others offer just one year.

However, the contractor you choose is more important than the brand. Use a licensed contractor who follows best practices to ensure proper installation. Even the best system will perform poorly if installed incorrectly.

Q: What are the benefits of air conditioning?
A: Air conditioning provides comfort year-round by offering both heating and cooling, along with humidity control. Modern units often feature an auto changeover switch that automatically heats or cools to maintain your desired temperature.

Q: What is the average life of a system?
A: Most HVAC systems last 10–15 years, while gas furnaces may last 20–25 years. Efficiency declines over time, and older systems may become noisy and require frequent repairs. In coastal areas, harsh environments can reduce system lifespan. Systems over 10 years old should be inspected for maintenance or replacement.

Q: What is a heat pump?
A: A heat pump is a year-round heating and cooling system. In warm weather, it removes heat from indoors and expels it outside. In cold weather, it extracts heat from outside air even when it's cold and transfers it inside.

If the outside air doesn’t contain enough heat, an electric heater supplements it. Heat pumps are very efficient, producing 2–3 times more heat than the energy they consume. However, they can be more expensive upfront and may require additional electrical upgrades.

Q: What is an air handler?
A: An air handler is a large metal box containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filters, dampers, and sound attenuators. It circulates conditioned air through a building’s ductwork. Ductless systems may have air handlers that do not require ducts.

Q: What is a BTU?
A: BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measurement of heating or cooling capacity. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to change the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. There are 12,000 BTUs in one ton of cooling.

Q: What is S.E.E.R.?
A: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures air conditioning or heat pump cooling efficiency. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency and lower energy bills.

Q: How can I tell if my heating system is working efficiently?
A: Schedule regular maintenance with a qualified technician. Signs of inefficiency include high utility bills, uneven temperatures, and a system struggling to reach the thermostat setting. Clean filters and proper insulation also affect performance.

Q: Should I repair or replace my system?
A: Consider these factors:

1. Age: Over 10 years old? Replacement may be more cost-effective.
2. Efficiency: New systems are significantly more efficient.
3. Condition: Frequent breakdowns suggest replacement.
4. Cost: Use the “50% Rule” if repairs cost more than 50% of replacement, consider replacing.
5. Usage: If usage is heavy, newer systems save more over time.

Q: What goes into installing a new system?
A: Installation includes ductwork, insulation, piping, wiring, thermostats, condensate systems, filters, and more. Proper ductwork (supply and return) is crucial for air distribution and comfort. Ducts must be properly sized and placed near the furnace or air handler for best results.

Q: What makes up a ductless mini split system?
A: A ductless mini split includes:

• Indoor air handler (fan coil)
• Outdoor condenser unit
• Conduit (power, refrigerant lines, and drain line)

These systems can be 1:1 or multi-split, supporting multiple rooms and offering flexibility in unit placement.

Q: How does a ductless split system work?
A: Similar to traditional systems, it transfers heat between indoor units and an outdoor condenser via refrigerant lines. Units are placed in desired rooms for zoned temperature control, allowing for greater efficiency and comfort.

Q: Can I install a ductless mini split system myself?
A: It’s more complex than installing a window unit but simpler than central air. However, improper installation can lead to major issues. Always hire licensed, trained professionals to ensure correct installation and protect your warranty.

Q: How noisy is a ductless mini split?
A: Indoor units typically operate between 21–30 decibels (library-quiet), and outdoor units around 60 decibels (normal conversation) quieter than traditional systems.

Q: Why do I blow fuses or why does my circuit breaker trip for my AC system?
A: Breakers shouldn’t trip. Causes may include loose wires, short circuits, or failed components. Never touch wiring call a licensed electrician or AC contractor for safe diagnosis and repair.

Q: How do I reset my breaker when it has tripped off?
A: Turn the breaker completely off, then back on. Disconnect any devices that may have overloaded the circuit. If the breaker won’t reset or feels loose, call an electrician.

Q: When my air conditioner cycles on, I notice my lights blink. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Large motors cause momentary voltage drops, leading to blinking lights. This is harmless for other electrical equipment.

Q: My smoke detector keeps chirping. What does this mean?
A:

1. Intermittent chirping = possible defective smoke detector.
2. Consistent chirping = low battery replace the battery.

Q: What are furnace ratings?
A: Furnaces are rated by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which shows how efficiently fuel is converted into heat. A higher AFUE means lower energy costs. Look for ENERGY STAR® labels when choosing efficient models.

Q: What is two-stage heating?
A: Two-stage furnaces have high and low output settings. They usually run on low, providing consistent heat and improving comfort and efficiency.

Q: When should I replace my heating system?
A: Replace your system if:

• It's 20+ years old
• It requires frequent repairs
• Utility bills are increasing
• Rooms heat unevenly
  Have it inspected by a professional to assess safety and efficiency.

Q: How do I know what type of heating system is right for me?
A: Consult an HVAC contractor. Climate, utility availability, and home requirements all affect your best system choice. Our Comfort Consultant can help with a home survey and tailored recommendations.

Q: Will my new furnace work differently than my old one?
A: Yes. New furnaces provide more even heating and are compatible with high-efficiency AC units. They may sound different due to increased airflow, especially in older ductwork systems. Variable speed models help reduce noise and improve performance.

Q: How often does my heating system need to be serviced?
A: Once per year. Annual maintenance helps your system run efficiently, saves on heating costs, and allows technicians to address problems before they worsen.

Q: What is the purpose of a furnace filter?
A: Furnace filters protect system components from debris and improve indoor air quality. Cheap filters protect equipment, but high-efficiency filters also remove pollen, bacteria, and mold. Choose the highest efficiency filter your system supports especially important for allergy or respiratory conditions.

Q: How do I determine which filter to buy for my furnace?
A: Check your system documentation or ask our technicians. Filters must match your system’s size and efficiency requirements to avoid airflow issues and performance loss.

Q: What are some types of thermostats?
A: There are several types of automatic and programmable thermostats:

• Manual
• Digital
• Digital Non-Programmable
• Digital Programmable
• Remote Access
• Touchscreen
• Wireless/WiFi
• Smart

Prices vary, so give us a call to help determine which type is best for your needs. Think thermostats don’t matter? Think again! Thermostats control about half of your home’s energy use—more than all appliances, computers, stereos, and lighting combined.

Q: What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?
A: Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings, especially as it affects the health and comfort of occupants. Since we spend most of our time indoors, it's essential to ensure clean, healthy air where we live and work. Poor indoor air can be just as harmful as outdoor pollution. Ask us how to identify and restore your home's indoor air quality.

Q: What is the difference between UV Air Purifiers and air filtration?
A: Both systems remove harmful elements from the air:

• UV Air Purifiers: Target airborne germs, bacteria, and mold.
• Air Filtration Systems: Remove harmful particulates like dust, pollen, and pet dander.

Q: What is air purification?
A: Air purification typically involves filters, such as anti-fungus filters, which trap allergy-causing mites, smoke particles, and odors to keep indoor air clean and fresh.

Q: Do UV Air Purifiers produce increased ozone?
A: It depends on the style and brand. Some UV lights emit ozone, while others do not. According to the EPA, UV lamps installed in HVAC systems typically do not increase ozone concentrations. Consult with our trained technicians for specific product details.

Q: Is UV light harmful?
A: UV light can be harmful with direct exposure just like sunlight. Never look directly at or touch a UV bulb while it's on. However, when properly installed in your HVAC system, UV lights pose no risk. Always turn off the unit before replacing bulbs and avoid looking at powered-on UV lamps.

Q: What maintenance does a UV Air Purifier require?
A: Minimal maintenance is needed. Replace the bulb once a year (or every two years depending on the model). Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Q: What is a MERV rating?
A: MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It's a standardized system created by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) to rate and compare the efficiency of air filters.

Q: Why is there a MERV rating?
A: The MERV rating measures a filter's ability to capture particles like dust mites, pet dander, and allergens. Higher MERV ratings remove more particles, but may also slightly increase energy use as airflow is more restricted.

Q: How does a MERV rating benefit me?
A: Choosing the right MERV rating improves your home's air quality and can extend the life of your HVAC system. A MERV 8 or higher is recommended for households with allergies or asthma.

Q: What does MERV mean?
A: It stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A higher MERV number indicates a more efficient filter. For example, a MERV 12 filter captures smaller particles than a MERV 8. Note: Add-ons like carbon or antibacterial treatments are not part of the MERV rating but may offer added benefits.

Q: What are the life expectancies of filters?
A:

• Fiberglass Filters: Up to 30 days
• Pleated Filters: Up to 90 days
• Washable Filters: Wash every 30 days; can last up to 5 years
• Mini-Pleated Filters: Vacuum every 60 days; last up to 1 year

Filter life depends on your home's environment (pets, smokers, outdoor pollution, etc.). Check your filter monthly and replace when necessary.

Q: How often should I change my filter?
A: It depends on your environment and filter type. Consider changing more often if you:

• Have multiple people in the home
• Own pets
• Live with smokers
• Keep windows open
• Live near pollen-producing plants or in a dusty/damp climate

Rule of thumb: Check filters monthly. If you can’t see light through it, it’s time to change it. At a minimum, change your filter every 3 months.

Q: How do you change a filter?
A:

1. Locate your filter (usually near the blower unit or in ceiling/wall return ducts).
2. Remove the grill or cover.
3. Remove and dispose of the dirty filter.
4. Install a new filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the blower.
5. Record the date and follow the recommended replacement schedule.
   Tip: Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder.

Q: Why do I need to change my filter?
A: Your filter collects dust, dirt, and allergens. Over time, it becomes clogged and reduces airflow, forcing your system to work harder raising energy bills and potentially damaging your HVAC system. Dirty filters also fail to capture airborne pollutants, which can worsen allergies or asthma. Worst case: a clogged filter may be sucked into the blower motor and cause major damage.

Q: How often should I clean the filter?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Cleaning frequency depends on:

• Type of filter
• Number of occupants
• Presence of pets
• System usage

Check filters monthly and clean or replace as needed. Don’t forget wall or ceiling-mounted filters. Always follow manufacturer recommendations or consult our technicians for guidance.

Q: Why is it important to have regular maintenance on my home comfort system?
A: Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance for optimal performance. Routine inspections help:

• Improve energy efficiency
• Prolong equipment life
• Prevent costly breakdowns
• Ensure safe operation

Enroll in our Service and Maintenance Program for peace of mind our Customer Care Specialists will remind you when service is due and send a technician to inspect and maintain your system.

Q: What does the warranty cover?
A: Warranties typically cover parts only. For complete details, refer to the warranty document provided with your equipment. Labor may be covered if your dealer offers a labor or extended warranty. Always check with your contractor.