HVAC FAQ's
HVAC FAQ's (Top questions customers ask our technicians)
What does HVAC stand for?
HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.
What is a diagnostic fee?
The diagnostic fee allows the technician to come to your home or business to estimate the exact repair required.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay a Technician for a Service Call?
The cost of a service call depends on several factors. Most HVAC technicians will charge a flat rate just to come to your home and examine your HVAC system. Additionally, a more experienced technician with a good reputation may charge more than a less experienced one. Furthermore, a weekend, holiday or evening visit will be more expensive than a weekday or regular working hour visit. Depending on these variables, the price of a service call can cost anywhere from $85 to $165. Be aware that in some cases the HVAC technician might discover that the problem is an electrical one and will need to contact an electrician, however the HVAC technician will almost always expect payment for his time and diagnosis.
Is There Any Reason To Replace My Current Air Conditioning or Heating System?
If your system is 10+ years old, needs repairs or has become very inefficient, then replacement could be a good option. Most air conditioning systems last anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Gas furnaces can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years.
If your utility bills continue to rise and don’t seem to be slowing down, then you might want to consider allowing us to replace your system. We also recommend replacement if your HVAC system is likely to need a very expensive repair in the near future.
What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat?
Normal cooling settings are 75 degrees - 80 degrees. Normal heating settings are 68 degrees- 72 degrees. You should always set your thermostat to the highest possible setting that is comfortable for you in the summer, and the lowest comfortable setting in the winter.
Can Indoor Aid Be Hazardous To My Health?
Absolutely. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) important for homeowners to know about. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a buildup of contaminants within the home.
How often should I replace the filter?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of filter changes is driven by how much your heating and air conditioning system operates, which is also driven by your individual climate. Start by checking the system's filters at least once a month. Hold the used filter up to the light and compare it to a clean "spare." When light is obscured by captured dust and dirt particles, the old filter should be changed. Keep a record for one year and then replace the filter on that basis. At a minimum, it is always a good idea to change filters at the start of the heating and cooling seasons and then in between according to your need. Also, it is a good idea to have your heating and air system checked at the beginning of heating and cooling season to insure proper operation.
What is the proper size HVAC system for my home?
Sizing the equipment load requires the consideration of several factors. Ceiling height, construction, window size and placement and dozens of other variables all need to be considered to properly size a heating and/or cooling system. A professionally conducted load calculation is the foundation of an effective system.
Why Hire a Professional?
Most homeowners do not know too much about their HVAC system. Even the most enthusiastic DIYers often find central air and heating systems a bit beyond their reach. Tampering with an HVAC system when you have no experience can lead to further damage or potential injury. Therefore, it’s best to leave these types of problems up to the pros. In addition to having the knowledge and tools to repair your HVAC system, a professional will usually be familiar with the newest products and techniques, and know ways to save you money.
HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.
What is a diagnostic fee?
The diagnostic fee allows the technician to come to your home or business to estimate the exact repair required.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay a Technician for a Service Call?
The cost of a service call depends on several factors. Most HVAC technicians will charge a flat rate just to come to your home and examine your HVAC system. Additionally, a more experienced technician with a good reputation may charge more than a less experienced one. Furthermore, a weekend, holiday or evening visit will be more expensive than a weekday or regular working hour visit. Depending on these variables, the price of a service call can cost anywhere from $85 to $165. Be aware that in some cases the HVAC technician might discover that the problem is an electrical one and will need to contact an electrician, however the HVAC technician will almost always expect payment for his time and diagnosis.
Is There Any Reason To Replace My Current Air Conditioning or Heating System?
If your system is 10+ years old, needs repairs or has become very inefficient, then replacement could be a good option. Most air conditioning systems last anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Gas furnaces can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years.
If your utility bills continue to rise and don’t seem to be slowing down, then you might want to consider allowing us to replace your system. We also recommend replacement if your HVAC system is likely to need a very expensive repair in the near future.
What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat?
Normal cooling settings are 75 degrees - 80 degrees. Normal heating settings are 68 degrees- 72 degrees. You should always set your thermostat to the highest possible setting that is comfortable for you in the summer, and the lowest comfortable setting in the winter.
Can Indoor Aid Be Hazardous To My Health?
Absolutely. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) important for homeowners to know about. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a buildup of contaminants within the home.
How often should I replace the filter?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency of filter changes is driven by how much your heating and air conditioning system operates, which is also driven by your individual climate. Start by checking the system's filters at least once a month. Hold the used filter up to the light and compare it to a clean "spare." When light is obscured by captured dust and dirt particles, the old filter should be changed. Keep a record for one year and then replace the filter on that basis. At a minimum, it is always a good idea to change filters at the start of the heating and cooling seasons and then in between according to your need. Also, it is a good idea to have your heating and air system checked at the beginning of heating and cooling season to insure proper operation.
What is the proper size HVAC system for my home?
Sizing the equipment load requires the consideration of several factors. Ceiling height, construction, window size and placement and dozens of other variables all need to be considered to properly size a heating and/or cooling system. A professionally conducted load calculation is the foundation of an effective system.
Why Hire a Professional?
Most homeowners do not know too much about their HVAC system. Even the most enthusiastic DIYers often find central air and heating systems a bit beyond their reach. Tampering with an HVAC system when you have no experience can lead to further damage or potential injury. Therefore, it’s best to leave these types of problems up to the pros. In addition to having the knowledge and tools to repair your HVAC system, a professional will usually be familiar with the newest products and techniques, and know ways to save you money.