Top FAQs for Air Conditioning and Heating Service

To ensure the optimal functioning and longevity of your air conditioning system, it’s recommended that you have it serviced at least once a year.

Regular maintenance helps detect potential issues early, preventing expensive repairs down the line. A professional service often includes a thorough inspection, cleaning of the unit, checking for leaks, and refilling refrigerant if necessary.

Scheduled service just before the peak cooling or heating season can keep your system running efficiently and provide comfort when you need it the most.

This routine practice can also save energy costs, reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, and extend the life of your AC system.

Various signs could indicate your heating system needs repair.

• If you notice cold spots throughout your home, your heating system may not be working correctly.
• Odd sounds like banging, clanking, or screeching could signify a mechanical problem, while unusual odors might suggest issues with your system’s gas or oil.
• If your indoor air quality deteriorates, or if the system is short-cycling or constantly operating, these could also point to a malfunction.
• The flame of your pilot light should be blue; if it’s yellow or another color, this may indicate incomplete combustion.
• Lastly, if you’re frequently adjusting your thermostat, it’s likely your heating system isn’t effectively regulating the temperature.

In all these instances, it would be wise to have a professional inspect your system.

Improving the energy efficiency of your air conditioning and heating system can be achieved through several strategies.

1. Regular maintenance helps your system work at its peak efficiency, reducing energy usage.
2. Replacing outdated systems with Energy Star rated models can also lead to substantial energy savings.
3. Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees can make a big difference, as can utilizing programmable thermostats to manage your heating and cooling when you’re away or asleep.
4. Insulating your home well can reduce the load on your HVAC system.
5. Regularly changing or cleaning your system’s filters allows it to operate more efficiently, improving air quality and extending the system’s lifespan.
6. Finally, consider using window treatments or shades to block out the sun in summer, or let it in during winter, to help manage indoor temperatures.

The size of the air conditioner or heater you’ll need largely depends on your home’s size, layout, insulation, climate, and your specific comfort needs. Here’s a rough guideline based on square footage:

• For 600-1,000 square feet, a 1.5-ton system may suffice
• 1,000-1,500 square feet could require a 2-ton system
• for 1,500-2,000 square feet, a 3-ton system may be necessary
• 2,000-2,500 square feet might need a 4-ton system

However, several factors could impact these requirements, so it’s recommended to consult with a professional. They can conduct a load calculation to accurately determine the right system size for your home, ensuring optimal comfort and efficiency.

Regularly changing the air filters in your HVAC system is crucial to maintaining its efficiency and enhancing indoor air quality. Generally, it’s recommended to change your filters every 90 days, but this can vary based on several factors.

If you have pets, you might need to change them more often, about every 60 days, as pet dander can clog the filters faster. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions, it could be beneficial to change filters even more frequently, perhaps every 30-45 days, to maintain the cleanest air possible.

Remember, filters may need to be changed more often during peak usage seasons when your HVAC system is working harder.

Yes, the government does provide incentives for upgrading to more energy-efficient HVAC systems. For instance, effective from January 1, 2023, there is a tax credit available to homeowners. This credit equals 30% of installation costs for the highest efficiency tier products.

The maximum amount for this rebate is up to $600 for qualified air conditioners and furnaces, and up to $2000 for qualified heat pumps. Always check the latest state and federal programs, as incentives may vary by location and can change from year to year.

Poor indoor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors, including specific contaminants like dust from construction or renovation, mold, cleaning supplies, pesticides, or other airborne chemicals.

To improve air quality, maintain a clean house by reducing dust and cleaning regularly. Using natural cleaning supplies can reduce exposure to harsh chemicals.

Ensure proper ventilation, especially during activities that generate pollutants, such as cooking or painting. Regularly maintain and change filters in your HVAC system to remove contaminants.

If mold is a concern, address any sources of dampness in your home, as mold thrives in moist conditions. If necessary, use air purifiers to help remove contaminants from the air.

To reduce humidity levels in your home during the hot, humid summer months, consider the following strategies.

• Install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air. Properly ventilate your home, particularly rooms that often get damp like the kitchen or bathroom.
• Reduce the amount of laundry you do, as washing and drying clothes adds moisture to the air.
• Indoor plants can help absorb humidity. Redirect downspouts away from your house to prevent water from accumulating near your foundation.
• Check your air conditioning system to ensure it’s operating efficiently and not contributing to indoor humidity. Insulate problem areas where condensation tends to form.
• Lastly, try to keep surfaces in your home dry, as damp surfaces can contribute to higher humidity levels.

Taking care of your air conditioning and heating equipment is essential for it to operate efficiently and have a long lifespan.

1. Regularly schedule at least two tune-ups a year, ideally before the heating and cooling seasons begin, to ensure that your systems are ready to perform.
2. The size of your HVAC unit should correspond with the size and needs of your home. An improperly sized unit can lead to inefficient operation and wear out faster.
3. Changing the filter on a regular basis, about every 90 days, can improve system efficiency and air quality, and reduce strain on the equipment.
4. Avoid overworking the system by setting reasonable temperature goals. Constantly setting your thermostat to extremely high or low temperatures can stress the system.
5. Using the “Auto” fan setting on your thermostat can help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent continuous operation of the fan, thereby reducing wear on the system.
6. Check the condensate drain line regularly to ensure it’s clear. Blocked drains can cause water damage and affect system efficiency.
7. Lastly, a properly shaded and ventilated unit will work less hard, prolonging its life. Regular inspections can help catch and address minor issues before they become major problems.

Yes, programmable thermostats can indeed save money. By automatically adjusting your home’s temperature at different times of day, you can avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when you’re asleep or away from home.

ENERGY STAR estimates that homeowners properly using programmable thermostats can save about $180 a year. This saving is achieved by reducing energy consumption when it’s less needed, while ensuring comfort when you’re at home.

Additionally, by reducing the workload on your HVAC system, programmable thermostats can also contribute to longer system lifespans, saving you money on potential repairs or replacement costs.