HVAC FAQ
Find expert answers to your HVAC questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Whether you're looking for tips on maintaining your system, troubleshooting common issues, or understanding energy efficiency, this resource is designed to provide clear and helpful insights. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly year-round. If you have a specific question not covered here, feel free to reach out – we're here to help!
Residential HVAC
We’ll help you determine the right system for your home based on factors such as your home’s size and insulation, budget, and energy efficiency needs.
The right size depends on the home’s square footage, insulation, and layout. Our professional HVAC contractors can perform a load calculation to determine the correct capacity for your space.
HVAC installation varies based on the type of system as well as your home’s size. On average, the cost to replace a HVAC system is between $5,000 to $12,000.
Watch for signs like strange noises, reduced airflow, bad smells, spikes in energy bills, and water leaks.
Uneven heating, excessive noise, and high energy bills may indicate it’s time for a repair or replacement.
Key maintenance tasks include regularly cleaning or replacing air filters, cleaning outdoor condenser units, checking refrigerant levels, and scheduling annual tune-ups.
Maintenance should include cleaning filters, inspecting burners and pilot lights, checking for soot or debris in chimneys or flues, and scheduling annual tune-ups.
Review our winter HVAC maintenance guide and summer HVAC maintenance guide for more tips.
We recommend getting your HVAC serviced at least twice a year: once before summer for cooling and once before winter for heating.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat, ensure proper insulation, clean the air filters regularly, and keep windows and doors sealed.
Schedule regular maintenance, replace air filters on time, keep the outdoor unit clean, and avoid overworking the system by setting realistic temperature goals. Learn more here.
Most HVAC systems typically last between 10 to 15 years. Replace systems that are over 15 years old, inefficient, or incurring frequent costly repairs.
Set thermostats to 68-72°F in winter and 74-78°F in summer for balance in comfort and energy savings.
Properly maintained systems filter dust, allergens, and pollutants, while poorly maintained ones worsen indoor air quality. Add-ons like UV lights and high-efficiency filters enhance air cleanliness.
Commercial HVAC
Considerations include the property size, energy efficiency requirements, budget, local climate, and specific business needs. Consulting our HVAC professionals can help ensure you make the best choice.
The size depends on the square footage, insulation quality, layout, and local climate of your building. A professional load calculation is essential to determine the proper unit size.
Costs vary based on system type, size, energy efficiency rating, installation complexity, building size, and brand. Permits and any necessary building modifications may also influence pricing.
Installation typically takes 1 to 5 days, depending on the system's complexity, the building's layout, and preparation work, such as duct modifications.
Common signs include uneven temperature distribution, strange noises, unusual odors, high energy bills, frequent cycling, or insufficient heating or cooling.
Routine maintenance includes changing filters, cleaning coils, checking for leaks, inspecting ductwork, and ensuring all components function properly. These tasks promote efficient operation.
Review our winter HVAC maintenance guide and summer HVAC maintenance guide for more tips.
Schedule professional servicing annually for inspections and cleaning. For heavy use systems or those in demanding environments, servicing every 6 months is recommended.
Enhance efficiency by sealing air leaks, regular maintenance, upgrading to energy-efficient units, using programmable thermostats, and optimizing insulation.
Replace your system if it's over 15 years old, frequently breaking down, or underperforming despite repairs. Upgrading may also be wise for improved energy efficiency.
A well-maintained HVAC system improves air quality by filtering out allergens, dust, and pollutants. Regular cleaning of filters and ducts is critical to maintaining healthy indoor air.
Indoor Air Quality
Yes, air filters significantly improve air quality by trapping dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne particles. High-efficiency air filters can capture smaller particles like fine dust and some bacteria, creating a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
Dehumidifiers reduce excess moisture in the air, making conditions less favorable for mold growth and preventing issues like dampness and condensation. Humidifiers increase moisture in overly dry environments, reducing respiratory issues and preserving wooden furniture. Together, they stabilize indoor humidity levels between 30%-50%, ideal for mold prevention and comfort.
In older homes, improving air quality includes sealing gaps to reduce drafts, regularly changing HVAC filters, using air purifiers, and ensuring good ventilation to prevent pollutants from accumulating. Upgrading to modern HVAC systems and scheduling duct cleaning can also help manage contaminants and allergens effectively.
Common indoor air pollutants include dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products or paints, smoke, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Poor ventilation can exacerbate the accumulation of these pollutants in indoor spaces.
Indoor air quality testing typically includes measuring levels of pollutants like VOCs, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter; testing for mold or allergens; and assessing humidity and ventilation. Advanced tests may also detect radon and chemical residues, providing a comprehensive understanding of air quality issues.