HVAC FAQs
If you need service on your HVAC system, chances are you have questions. If the seasons are changing and it’s time for maintenance, chances are you have questions. If you’ve just moved into a new house and want to upgrade your HVAC system, chances are… you have questions! That’s why we’re here! HVAC FAQs
In the HVAC service industry, we get tons of questions, so we decided to share this article with our 10 most common frequently asked questions about HVAC.
1. What size HVAC system should I have? HVAC FAQs
All homes are built so differently that, contrary to what you might believe, there is no set parameter for the size system you should have. Sizing your HVAC system depends on a number of things relating to the construction of your home specifically.
When trying to decide the size HVAC system you need, have a licensed professional evaluate your home. They’ll examine the layout and the construction and make recommendations depending on the individual needs of your home. This way, you can maximize efficiency and performance by optimizing use of your system.
2. How do you measure efficiency? HVAC FAQs
Measuring efficiency in the HVAC industry is done by utilizing the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (S.E.E.R.). This measures efficiency based on the amount of heating and cooling your system delivers per dollar spent on your electricity bills. Higher SEER means higher efficiency and lower monthly utility bills.
3. Can I increase efficiency?
You can, in fact, increase the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system, and it’s relatively simple. The most important thing to do is change your air filters regularly. This is discussed in more detail in the question below.
Making sure your thermostat is set correctly also increases efficiency. For example, if you’re used to a comfortable temperature of 72, increasing your thermostat to 74 in the Summer or 69 in the Winter can save you some money. You’ll also want to close blinds on windows that let in direct sunlight, or you can use curtains to shade your home while still providing some natural light.
4. How often should I replace my filters?
How often you should change your filter depends on a number of different factors. If you have pets, you should change your filter every 1-3 months. With pets that shed tremendously, changing your filter closer to every month is recommended. If someone in your family suffers from allergies, you should also change your filter every 1-3 months depending on the season.
During colder months, you can go longer between changing your filter. If you’re still not sure how often you should change your filter, we can make recommendations based on your specific household situation.
5. At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
As discussed in question 3, we always recommend setting your thermostat a little above or below your most comfortable setting. If you keep your thermostat at 72, try turning it up to 74-76 during warmer months, and lowering it to 65-69 in colder months when you aren’t home.
Keeping your thermostat set this way will help your system run more efficiently and save you money on your monthly utility bills.
6. What are the advantages of a programmable or smart thermostat?
Programmable and smart thermostats can provide many advantages to a household. They allow you to set temperature and humidity levels in your home for the week so you can save money while you’re away and still come home to your ideal environment.
For example, if you work 8 hours a day, you don’t want your system to be working its hardest while you’re away. You can set your home’s temperature to be higher or lower while you’re away, and set it to be comfortable again before you return home. This prolongs the life of your system, provides maximum efficiency, and lowers your monthly bills.
7. How often should I get regular maintenance performed?
Regular preventative maintenance on your HVAC system should be performed twice a year – in the Spring before the weather heats up again, and in the Fall before the weather cools down. Checking your system at these times helps to prevent problems from occurring on the hottest or coldest days of the year.
Regular preventative maintenance helps prolong the life of your system, improves efficiency, and stops problems before they happen so you can be comfortable all year. Every homeowner should be enrolled in a preventative maintenance program for their HVAC system.
8. Is there anything I can check before I call for service?
Checking the basics before calling for service is a great idea and can save you time and money! Check to make sure your thermostat is functioning. If it has dead batteries, your system will not turn on. You’d be surprised how often this happens to homeowners!
Make sure breakers connected to your system are turned on. Sometimes breakers flip off by themselves, so check these prior to calling for service. Lastly, make sure your thermostat is set correctly. It could be that the thermostat is just set higher than normal and needs to be lowered. Easy fix!
9. Are there HVAC systems that are safe for the environment?
HVAC systems have been revolutionized in recent years. There are now plenty of systems that are environmentally friendly. We have many high-efficiency systems that will help lower your carbon footprint. Just give us a call!
To view our products, click here: https://legacyhvac.net/trusted-products/residential-ac-heating/
10. Do air purification systems really work?
Air purification systems really work! In fact, we recommend them to any homeowner. These systems are so important in ensuring clean air passes through your system into your household. On top of providing clean air, they can also rid your home of dust, pollen, allergens, and other airborne contaminants. Some systems even remove static electricity and odors that tend to linger around your home.
Learn More
For more answers to any questions you may have about heating and air conditioning, visit our website at https://legacyhvac.net/ or give us a call at (205) 364-1044.
Legacy Heating & Cooling is your local American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care dealer in Tuscaloosa, AL.
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