Despite the importance of your air-conditioner and furnace in keeping your home comfortable year round, many people still have HVAC questions. Whether it is issues on how these systems operate, whether you are running them properly, or what kind of maintenance needs to be done it never hurts to be ‘in the know’ about your heating and air conditioning systems.
The information below will answer some of the most popular HVAC questions we receive. If you have additional questions or would like to learn more, contact the heating & air conditioning professionals at Gamliche & Sons in St. Louis today!
How Often Is HVAC Maintenance Needed?
One of the HVAC questions that we receive most often is if heating or air-conditioning maintenance is really needed? Not only is regular maintenance recommended for optimum performance of your system, in many cases it is required per manufacturer warranty agreements. Having a documented, annual inspection is necessary to ensure that parts and labor are covered.
We recommend an inspection and servicing before each respective cooling or heating season – in the spring for an AC and the fall for a furnace.
Why Do HVAC Air Filters Need to be Changed So Often?
Your HVAC filter is necessary to create air flow for a combustion furnace to work. It is also a key component for your AC so that dirt and debris are not spread through the home. The filter’s job is to catch debris and remove it from the air, and as it does so, the particles build up. When you do not change the filter, the debris can block the air flow and may even eventually work its way through to get dispersed through the duct work.
How is my HVAC System Sized?
Some homeowners think that that HVAC questions about unit size should be answered as if it were like a car motor – the bigger the better. However, the truth is that your furnace or air conditioner should be carefully sized based on the exact load size and heating/cooling requirements of your home. A unit that is too small will cycle frequently and thus drive up utility bills. An air-conditioner that is too large turns off before it can adequately remove the humidity from the air in your home. Therefore, proper sizing by and HVAC professional is crucial.
What are the Most Important Areas for HVAC Energy Efficiency?
With increasing energy costs and a growing concern for the environment, we get TONS of HVAC questions about energy efficiency. The HVAC system works as a cohesive unit to provide comfort and efficiency.
That being said there are certain components within the system that are a definite source of energy loss. The HVAC ductwork, for example, can develop leaks that could be causing up to 25% of the heated or cooled air to be wasted. Additionally, newer energy efficient air conditioners and furnaces use energy more efficiently, resulting in substantial savings. Finally, when used properly, a thermostat can also result in energy savings.
What Ways Can I Lower My HVAC Utility Bills?
Many customers have HVAC questions on what they can do to lower their utility bills. Keeping the filter clean and the system maintained is a positive start to keeping your system running efficiently. You can also install a programmable thermostat so that the system can alter run settings during ‘down time’ when you are sleeping or away from home. Sealing gaps around windows and doors or upgrading your home insulation will also lower your utility bills and lessen the wear on your HVAC system.
Get Answers to Your HVAC Questions
As always, if you have specific HVAC questions about the unit in your home, it is best to contact a professional heating & air conditioning technician for answers to your questions. In St. Louis, contact the professionals at Galmiche & Sons today to talk with our experienced technicians or schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment.
