HVAC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A:HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

A:SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Heating and air conditioning systems are tested and evaluated according to their SEER. The Department of Energy (DOE) requires that all residential systems manufactured and installed maintain a minimum SEER score of 13. Most modern heaters and ACs have a SEER score that ranges from 13 – 21. The higher the SEER score, the more energy-efficient the system. When shopping for a new HVAC system, you will want to select a system with a high SEER score so you can save plenty of money on your monthly energy bills. The DOE is in the process of implementing new efficiency requirements for 2023.

A:The lifespan of your HVAC equipment is dependent upon a number of factors, including maintenance, installation, climate, usage, etc. Generally, heaters last anywhere from 15 – 20 years, and ACs last anywhere from 10 – 15 years. The better you take care of your system, the longer it will last.

A:To keep your AC and heater running better for longer, they need to be maintained by qualified professionals. Experts recommend annual maintenance for each of your systems, in the spring for your AC and the fall for your heater. That way, you can ensure your systems are prepared to keep you comfortable all year long without running into problems. In addition, many manufacturers require annual maintenance to uphold warranties.

A:Before being circulated throughout your home, air passes through an air filter. This filter traps dust, dirt, pollen, and other pollutants to improve your indoor air quality. If you go too long without replacing it, it will become clogged, which puts a lot of strain on your HVAC system and can even lead to repairs and breakdowns. To avoid this problem, we recommend checking your air filter at least once per month. If your filter is dirty, you either need to clean or replace it, depending on the type of filter you have.

A:Setting your thermostat too high during the winter and too low during the summer can put a lot of strain on your HVAC equipment, forcing it to work overtime to heat or cool your home. This can easily cause a lot of damage and even lead to premature failure, so we recommend being careful about how you set your thermostat. Our recommendation is to set your thermostat to 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit during summer and 68 – 72 degrees Fahrenheit during winter. By lowering your thermostat by 10-15 degrees for eight hours, you can also reduce your heating bill by 5-15%. If the time period of the setback is at least eight hours, there could be a 1% savings for each degree. You can save as much as 3% on heating costs each degree you lower your heat, according to EnergyHub.

A:When purchasing new HVAC equipment, you will want to be sure to find a reliable, trusted manufacturer with plenty of good reviews. HVAC equipment is an investment in the comfort, safety, and efficiency of your home. You will want to prioritize quality to ensure you are maximizing the benefits of a new system. Additionally, we recommend selecting a system with a high SEER rating so you can improve your efficiency and reduce your monthly utility bills.

A:Have you noticed that there are hot and cold spots in your home? This problem can be caused by a number of issues, including:

A:If your AC or heater are on their way out the door, they will give you plenty of warning signs. The key is being able to recognize those signs. Here are some of the most common signs you need to replace your HVAC system:

A:Short cycling is not due to age, but rather inappropriately sized components. You may notice short-cycling if your HVAC system is too large for your house, if the ductwork is undersized, or some combination of the two.

A:A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system installed outside of your home. It transfers thermal energy between spaces to either heat or cool them. For example, to heat your home, it removes heat from the outside air and transfers it inside. To cool a home, it removes heat from the air inside your home and transfers it outside. These systems are typically more environmentally friendly than conventional HVAC systems that run off fossil fuels.

A:Ductless mini-splits are a great solution for areas of the home that cannot be heated/cooled by a conventional ducted system, such as finished basements, sheds, garages, living rooms and new additions. These systems do not need ducts, are “mini” because the units are much smaller than conventional systems, and are “split” between an inside unit and an outside unit. Each indoor unit is used to heat or cool a single room or area. Even base models are more efficient and quieter than conventional systems. With proper installation and maintenance these systems have a lifespan of 10-15 years.

A:Financing makes it easier than ever to make the home improvements you want or need now. Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air offers a variety of financing options to make your home improvements more affordable. For Easy Pay, fast approvals, and low monthly payments, call our team today!

A:Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Air is committed to being there for you when you need us most, which is why we are open for business 7 days a week! Give our team a call the moment your system breaks down and we will be there in no time, ready to save the day. Because ‘Nobody wows clients like we do!’