Heating and air conditioning consists of a wide array of topics that bring a large amount of questions, especially for homeowners.
Are there things I can do to prolong the life of my system? HVAC FAQs
What am I able to fix myself?
How do I save money on my energy bills?
We understand HVAC services can be a lot to take in, so lately, we’ve kept up with the questions we get asked most often. We’re sharing those questions here with answers to help you learn more about what we do and what you can do for your system. Hopefully, this will help you save some time and money! HVAC FAQs
1. What size HVAC system do I need? HVAC FAQs
You may have been told that bigger is better when it comes to your air conditioning system, but this is not true! All homes are constructed differently. The size of your air conditioner depends on the specific construction of your home.
The best way to size a system to your home is by calling a licensed professional for an evaluation. Our technicians are trained to examine your home’s size, layout, and build to decipher the system your home needs. With a properly sized system you’ll maximize efficiency by optimizing use of your HVAC system, and in turn, you’ll be more comfortable and your home will be more energy-efficient each month.
2. How is efficiency of my heating and cooling system measured?
The HVAC industry uses the S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). This ratio measures efficiency based on the amount of heating or cooling your system delivers per dollar spent on your electricity bill. The higher your system’s efficiency rating is, the more efficient your system is, which translates to lower monthly utility bills.
3. Can I do anything to increase the efficiency of my system?
There are some things you can do yourself to increase the efficiency of your system. The most important thing is to change your air filters regularly. This ensures all the air flowing through your system is making its way into your home, not getting stuck.
Also, make sure your thermostat is set at higher temperatures in the summer and lower temperatures in the winter. This will be discussed in more detail below. Lastly, you’ll want to keep blinds closed on windows that let in direct sunlight, or use curtains to provide shade in your home while still getting the glow of natural lighting.
4. How often do I need to replace my filters?
How regular your filter should be changed depends on a number of things. We recommend households generally change their filters every 1-3 months. If you have pets, change your filter more regularly, every 1-2 months depending on how much they shed. The same is true if you have allergy sufferers in the family.
In warmer months, change your filter more often versus colder months where you can wait longer between changing. If you’re still unsure of what your specific situation calls for, a licensed professional can make recommendations as to how often you should change your filter. Just give us a call!
5. At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
If you’re used to a comfortable temperature of 70, In warmer months, we recommend setting your thermostat up to around 74. When your thermostat is set higher your system will run less often, saving you money each month on your bill.
In colder months, do the opposite and set your thermostat to around 67. Luckily, in the colder months we can add more layers of clothing or snuggle up in a blanket to keep us warm. These small changes can make a big difference in saving you money in the short run and the long run.
6. What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Programmable thermostats have advantages for most households. The most important advantage is they allow you to set a schedule for the temperatures in your home for the week depending on your needs. This means you can save money on your bill even while you’re away from home.
By setting your home’s temperature to be higher or lower (depending on the season) while you’re away from home, your system doesn’t run as much. This means less electricity is being used while you’re away. You can even have the thermostat set to a comfortable temperature again before you return home.
7. How often should regular maintenance on my system be done?
Regular maintenance on your comfort system should be performed twice a year in the spring and the fall. We recommend having your system serviced at these times to prevent the need for repair when temperatures reach extreme highs or lows. Regular maintenance allows for a longer system life, higher efficiency, and proactive service to stop issues before they happen. If you’re not enrolled in a maintenance program for your HVAC system, you should sign up today!
8. Is there anything I can check before calling for service?
It’s always best if the homeowner checks the basics before calling for service, and by the basics, we mean the very basics. Believe it or not we frequently arrive to see a thermostat with dead batteries. Check this first!
Also be sure to check any breakers connected to your system are turned on. Sometimes they flip off automatically. If all of your breakers seem to be in working order, it is probably time to call Bunns & Bennett.
9. Do air purification systems really work?
We stand behind air purification systems 100%. If you want to ensure clean air is passing through your system into the air you breathe in your home, an air purification system can do that! These systems remove dust, pollen, allergens, and other airborne particles from the air in your home, and some systems can even remove lingering odors and static electricity.
Call us to see what kind of air purification systems we offer.
Learn More
For more answers to HVAC FAQs, visit our website at https://bunnshvac.com/.
Bunns & Bennett is an American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Huntsville, AL. We always make recommendations depending on the specific needs of your household and lifestyle.
Give us a call at 256-536-0967 or email us at [email protected] today! HVAC FAQs HVAC FAQs HVAC FAQs
