HVAC FAQs
There are a few reasons why your AC might run continuously without cooling the house. Common problems include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, and compressor issues. Proper maintenance, like regular yearly check-ups, is crucial to keep your AC system running well.
Loud noises from your furnace can indicate various issues like a loose motor, fan blade, or improperly placed filter. It’s important to call a professional to check your furnace immediately if you hear noises during heating, as it could be dangerous.
The size of an HVAC unit is determined by your home’s square footage, climate, insulation, and the number of windows and doors. Like vaulted, eight-foot, or ten-foot ceilings, ceiling height also plays a role. Most importantly, the insulation value is crucial..
The industry is changing rapidly, with rising costs for employee wages and parts, making it harder to get them. A typical repair bill could range from $300 to $2,000, depending on the issue and your location. If a main component needs replacement, costs could be even higher.
For residential homes, it’s not recommended to clean air ducts since it can disturb debris and worsen air quality. Instead, focus on cleaning the return cavity, replacing filters, and maintaining the blower assembly. If ducts are over 10 years old, consider replacing them rather than cleaning them to avoid potential damage.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is used in the industry to compare the efficiency of air conditioning systems. A higher SEER rating means the air conditioner is more efficient, as it uses less energy to produce cooling over a season.
Inverter air conditioners are more energy efficient because they can adjust their compressor and fan speeds to keep the desired temperature. Unlike regular air conditioners that run at full power, inverters can save electricity and reduce your bill by not always running at 100%.
If your home system is over 10 to 15 years old and needs frequent repairs, it’s time to replace it. It’s a good idea to start saving money for this purpose when the system hits 10 years because it begins to decline around then, and by 15 years, repairs are not worth it anymore.
It is recommended to have your HVAC system serviced twice a year: once for the heater before the winter season and once for the air conditioner before summer. Filters should be replaced every three months, but if you use your system heavily, like keeping cool during summer or having pets, check it monthly.
The typical lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 25 years, depending on factors like usage, maintenance, and environmental conditions. However, individual components may need replacement sooner – for example, furnaces often last 15-20 years, while air conditioners typically last 10-15 years.