Frequently Asked Questions
What does HVAC stand for?
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
What is SEER?
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. For example, a 24 SEER unit is extremely efficient, but it is also more expensive than a 14 SEER which is less efficient.
What is the difference between a heat pump and a straight cool system?
The difference between a heat pump and a straight cool system lies in the outside condensing unit. A heat pump will run to both heat and cool the house. It does this because it has a reversing valve which reverses the flow of Freon. A straight cool unit does not have a reversing valve and only will run in cooling mode. People chose a heat pump because it heats the house much more efficiently than a straight cool.
How often should I change my filter?
You should change your filter about once a month, or if your filters are washable, you should clean them once a month.
Why do I need to change my filter regularly?
Regular filter replacements help your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improve indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements.
How should I chose a filter?
Ask your technician which filters will work best for your system and what size to use. He should also give you a schedule for changing/cleaning your filter.
Is there anything I should check prior to calling for service?
You should double check to be sure that your air conditioner is turned on. Check that the breakers and the disconnects are turned on and be sure the thermostat is set correctly. Also make a note of any strange noises or smells.
Water is draining into my room from my air conditioner. What do I do?
The most common cause would be a clogged drain line. If, however, this is a new installation, you may want to have it inspected to be sure that it was installed correctly.
How can I improve my system's energy efficiency?
In order to maximize efficiency you must keep your filters, and coils clean. Freon levels need to be both checked and maintained for maximum efficiency, and electrical components should be inspected and replaced as needed. This is one reason why regular scheduled maintenance is important.
What does it mean when my A/C freezes up?
If this is happening in cooling mode. icing on the condenser coil on the indoor portion of your air conditioner, or ice on the refrigerant lines outside can be caused by several conditions. The most common culprit is reduced or restricted airflow from a dirty air filter or restricted air ducts. In some instances, a Freon leak can cause icing on the indoor coil. This condition may damage your system, and you should immediately contact your technician.
If this is happening during heat mode, there is no need to panic. See our blog post from 1/19/2014.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
What is SEER?
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. For example, a 24 SEER unit is extremely efficient, but it is also more expensive than a 14 SEER which is less efficient.
What is the difference between a heat pump and a straight cool system?
The difference between a heat pump and a straight cool system lies in the outside condensing unit. A heat pump will run to both heat and cool the house. It does this because it has a reversing valve which reverses the flow of Freon. A straight cool unit does not have a reversing valve and only will run in cooling mode. People chose a heat pump because it heats the house much more efficiently than a straight cool.
How often should I change my filter?
You should change your filter about once a month, or if your filters are washable, you should clean them once a month.
Why do I need to change my filter regularly?
Regular filter replacements help your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improve indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements.
How should I chose a filter?
Ask your technician which filters will work best for your system and what size to use. He should also give you a schedule for changing/cleaning your filter.
Is there anything I should check prior to calling for service?
You should double check to be sure that your air conditioner is turned on. Check that the breakers and the disconnects are turned on and be sure the thermostat is set correctly. Also make a note of any strange noises or smells.
Water is draining into my room from my air conditioner. What do I do?
The most common cause would be a clogged drain line. If, however, this is a new installation, you may want to have it inspected to be sure that it was installed correctly.
How can I improve my system's energy efficiency?
In order to maximize efficiency you must keep your filters, and coils clean. Freon levels need to be both checked and maintained for maximum efficiency, and electrical components should be inspected and replaced as needed. This is one reason why regular scheduled maintenance is important.
What does it mean when my A/C freezes up?
If this is happening in cooling mode. icing on the condenser coil on the indoor portion of your air conditioner, or ice on the refrigerant lines outside can be caused by several conditions. The most common culprit is reduced or restricted airflow from a dirty air filter or restricted air ducts. In some instances, a Freon leak can cause icing on the indoor coil. This condition may damage your system, and you should immediately contact your technician.
If this is happening during heat mode, there is no need to panic. See our blog post from 1/19/2014.