HVAC FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers!

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

 

The most important part of HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.

We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year; ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than five years old it may have a warranty, but also may not based on the model. Warranty terms and conditions change by manufacturer and the installing company. Air Mechanic Services can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system via Get Warranty form.

  • The brand of your unit
  • Who the distributor of your brand equipment in your area is
  • The model and serial number

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves 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. Your Air Mechanic Services service or installation technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s).

 

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

 

Is it making strange noises? Is it cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? Any of these are signs that you may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any underlying problems will get. So be sure to contact Air Mechanic Services to check out your system whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.

 

Bigger isn’t always better; its performance and efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Your Air Mechanic Services Expert will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.

 

A few quick tips:

  • Clean and replace your filters frequently.
  • Program your thermostat to a set temperature. Avoid frequently changing the thermostat temperature setting
  • Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.

You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don’t get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Air Mechanic Services technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter.

Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants.

An Air Mechanic Services Expert can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

Most air conditioning units older than 10 years use an AC refrigerant called R22 . About 25 years ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered R-22 to be phased out because it contains ozone depleting substances. R22 refrigerant will be phased out completely by 2020. Because production is limited, costs to charge existing units that are leaking R22 refrigerant have gone up and are only expected to rise. As the cost for R22 continues to rise, you might find that replacing your old R22 system with one that uses R410A is a better option. The good news is that, if you do invest in a new system, it will be more environmentally friendly and more energy efficient.

If you aren’t sure what type of AC refrigerant your air conditioning system uses, we can help. Call Air Mechanic Services Air Conditioning and Heating today and we can provide an inspection to confirm if you are currently using R22 and, if so, which alternative works best for you.

Temperature settings depend on the time of year and your personal preferences. In the summer, the average temperature setting is 75°. In the winter 70° is the norm. Remember, when leaving your house; try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more than 5°; this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired temperature setting.

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