Most Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Systems

If you have an HVAC system in your home or business, you may have HVAC questions that need answers. The Superb HVAC Repair Redwood City experts have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked HVAC questions providing the expert answers you need. If you have more questions about your HVAC system, you can always contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer them.

General HVAC FAQs

What is zoning?

  • Even when using the most advanced programmable thermostat, it is too much to expect it to provide perfect conditions for every room in your home or business. A favorably comfortable temperature in one room may be uncomfortable in another area. Zoning divides your entire home or building into areas with common heating and air conditioning requirements by using additional thermostats. A proper zoning system allows you to set temperatures in each zone according to your preferences, saving you money on energy costs.

What is a ductless HVAC system?

  • Ductless HVAC systems are more common in smaller areas where an internal air conditioner controls the temperature. The outer unit consists of the condenser, conveniently located to allow efficient cooling. A ductless HVAC system can be less costly than installing a complex network of ducts. Not to mention, ductless systems are easier to maintain and clean.

What is a programmable thermostat?

  • A programmable thermostat can be pre-set to control the temperature automatically. You can set it to lower the temperature in rarely occupied areas or turn the AC or heater off to save energy.

How often should I service my HVAC system?

  • It is recommended to have your HVAC system serviced before the start of every season, especially in summer and winter. Ensuring your heater and air conditioner are in good running condition before you need them can save you the hassles of going a day or two without a heater in winter or AC in summer.

When should I change my air filter?

  • Asking how often you should change your filter is one of the most important HVAC questions you need a professional to answer, as a dirty air filter can render your HVAC system useless. You should change your air filter at least once a month to eliminate the buildup of dust and debris that can cause allergies or bring other health hazards. The buildup of dust can also obstruct the circulation of air, making your system highly inefficient.

Common Cooling FAQs

What do ratings mean for air conditioning units?

  • EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the cooling capacity of an AC unit divided by its energy usage. A higher number means the system is more energy efficient.
  • SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures an AC unit’s efficiency. Like EER, a higher SEER rating means the unit is more efficient.
  • HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures the heat pump’s efficiency. Higher HSPF means a more efficient unit.

How can I make my air conditioning unit last longer?

  • To ensure your AC unit lasts longer than your expectations, have it regularly serviced by a professional. Keeping your AC clean and in good working order lessens the stress it experiences from its day-to-day operation. Knowing how to make your AC unit last longer is an important air conditioning FAQ that every HVAC owner should know.

How do I lower my energy bill?

  • Air conditioning units contribute at least 40% of your home’s energy consumption. To lower your monthly energy costs, ensure your AC runs at peak efficiency. Get it serviced by a professional regularly. You can also upgrade to an AC unit that runs on inverter-based technology. You can also use an advanced programmable thermostat to automatically lower or turn off your system when you are not home.

How often should I service my AC?

  • Many homeowners often ask this central air FAQ. If you want your AC to run in good condition, let a professional HVAC technician service your system each season, especially at the start of summer. You don’t want to discover in the middle of summer that your AC is problematic and needs repairs.

Why is my AC making noise?

  • An AC unit is generally quiet. If your AC makes unusual noises, it can be due to several factors. One, it can be due to a buildup of dust and debris. If your AC unit struggles to keep your home cool, the compressor is forced to work harder, which can cause it to make unusual noises. A noisy AC unit can also be due to old age. Upgrading your system should fix the problem in no time.

Heating FAQs You Need To Know

How long does a furnace usually last?

  • The average lifespan of a regular furnace is between 15 to 20 years. A furnace can last longer than two decades with proper and regular maintenance. Parts might need to be replaced over time, but the overall functionality of a well-maintained furnace will last longer.

Should I turn off my heating unit in the summer?

  • You can turn off a standard gas furnace during the summer by switching its heating settings to cooling on the thermostat. Some furnaces have a summer and winter mode that you can switch to summer mode to lower the temperature or turn off the furnace altogether.

How often should I replace the filter on my furnace?

  • It is best to replace air filters for your AC or heating unit monthly. Ensuring your filters are clean and debris-free allows warm air to circulate throughout the building without obstruction.

Why are some rooms in my home warmer than others?

  • Different factors can cause some rooms in your home to be warmer than others. It can be because of an obstruction in the duct system or because your furnace is not the right size for your home or commercial building. Each furnace has its heating capacity; if your home goes beyond that, your heater will struggle to keep areas warm.

What are three common heater problems?

  • The three most common heating issues are ignition failure, a cracked heat exchanger, and a faulty flame sensor or thermostat. You can call our HVAC experts to fix these problems or if you have other heating questions.

Usual Heat Pump FAQs

What is a heat pump?

  • A heat pump is a ductless HVAC system that uses refrigeration technology to provide heating and air conditioning for homes and businesses. A heat pump comprises an outer condenser unit and an indoor control unit.

Can a heat pump produce enough heat for an entire building?

  • A heat pump can produce enough heat to keep your home warm. For bigger houses and business establishments, the heat pump’s size determines if it is enough to produce heat for the entire building.

Can heat pumps work in cold weather?

  • High-efficiency units work well in cold weather. These units are designed to withstand lower temperatures, with some rated to work even at -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why does my heat pump make gurgling noises?

  • The heat pump has an outdoor and indoor unit connected by a copper wire that carries refrigerant between the two. The movement of refrigerant through the pipes can produce a gurgling sound.

Is a heat pump better than a furnace?

  • Heat pump FAQs often ask if it is better for your home than a centralized furnace. A heat pump uses electricity for power, not for heat generation, making it highly efficient. Heat pumps are also easier to install and maintain than usual furnaces in a centralized HVAC system.

If you have more questions about your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to contact us via our hotline or book a service through our online form. We’ll give you a callback so that you can schedule an appointment with our HVAC experts anytime. We are always available to answer your questions or service your HVAC system 24/7.

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