What is HVAC?

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

Why is my AC freezing up?

There are many factors that can cause your HVAC system to freeze up. Almost all of them usually need to be corrected by a professional technician. Determining if the air filter is clean or replaced and making sure the airflow is not restricted are about the only tasks a homeowner can safely identify or handle.

Some possibilities are:

• Low refrigerant: In some cases, freezing up is initiated by a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak brazed joints, friction from piping that rubs or vibrates against an object, leaking valves and loose fittings can cause leaks. The length of time your system has been installed and the nature and location of the leak are the determining factors on whether your system will need to be repaired or replaced.
• Dirty evaporator coil: Over time, the evaporator coil will become dirty. On these occasions the results are similar to those of having a dirty filter. Gradually you will loose airflow and you probably would not realized until the system freezes up or is not cooling adequately.
• Defective blower motor or relay: A blower motor running at an improper speed or not running at all can cause freezing. Defective motors and relays can all be sporadic, starting at full speed and then slowing down after the motor heats up. Or a relay could cause the motor to start one time and not the next.

How can I better control my energy costs?

With energy costs rising there are a few steps homeowners can take to help reduce the expenses of heating and cooling your home. HVAC equipment usually users more energy than other appliances in your home and this is reflected in your monthly utility bills.

Maintenance: One method to help control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance to ensure that your furnace and air conditioner are running properly and efficiently.

High Efficiency: If you are in the market for new HVAC components make sure that you are paying close attention to the efficiency ratings on your products. The higher the SEER rating on you air conditioner or AFUE rating on your furnace, the higher efficiency the product is, leading to lower costs to operate.

Zoning: Zoning means dividing your home up into separate comfort areas which are heated and cooled based on the occupancy of the rooms. This technique can dramatically lower your energy costs.

Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats can make a big difference in energy consumption. You are able to proactively set a schedule for the days and times that home is occupied so your not paying to heat or cool your space when no one is around.

Why is my furnace turning off and on very frequently? Is there a problem?

Yes there is a problem. Having a furnace turn off and on frequently is called short cycling and may lead to damage in your system if not fixed quickly.

I can't seem to set my thermostat to get my desired temperature in my house. Is this normal?

It may be possible that your thermostat is not functioning correctly. However, your heating and cooling system could be in need of maintenance or may not be properly sized for your home. A quick check can be done to make sure there is no furniture, or obstructions against the return air grills or over the heat registers.

I don’t get the same amount of airflow through all of my registers, what can I do?

It is always important to make sure that your ductwork is free and clear of all debris and blockages. Investing in a good duct cleaning service can be beneficial to the long term maintenance of your heating and cooling systems. An air balance with an anemometer can be performed to help distribute air flow more evenly throughout your home.

Is there anything that can be done about the noise coming from my furnace?

Generally speaking older equipment will be louder. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a technician if you feel your furnace is too noisy.

I have a heat recovery ventilation system. What sort of maintenance should I do?

1. Check intake and exhaust filters on a monthly basis. If required us a vacuum to clean filters or rinse under tap water. Mild detergents may be used but DO NOT use solvent cleaners.
2. Check the core every six months for dirt accumulation. If required slide the core carefully out of the case and clean with mild detergents only. DO NOT user solvents or other cleaning agents. The water temperature must not exceed 150degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use a high pressure hose and be sure to replace the core very carefully.
3. Drain pans should be wiped clean with water on mild detergents. Do not use solvent based cleaners.
4. Set Dehumidification control to summer and winter setting with the seasons.
5. Check outside hood to make sure it is free and clear of debris.
6. Turn off HRV in summer months and start to turn on in shoulder seasons when A/C is no longer required.

My furnace quit, what do I check before I call a service technician?

Check outside exhaust vents for ice or obstructions.

Note that significant portions of our winter service calls are a result of the outside exhaust vents icing up. Keep the area around the exterior vents free and clear of any snow and ice. Be sure to remove any rodent screens on the outside exhaust termination to prevent frost from collecting.

What maintenance should I do for my air conditioner?

Basic air conditioner maintenance should be done annually. Do not wait until you need cool air, check your unit in the spring to ensure your family will be comfortable in the summer months.

The most important thing to do for your AC unit is to make sure the coil is clean and free of debris. After turning off the power to the unit, rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose to remove any dust grass cuttings etc.

I have hot and cold spots in my home, what can I do?

The most common solution to level out the room to room temperature variation is to run the furnace fan on a continuous basis. A furnace with a variable ECM motor is the best choice for this. You can also work to adjust the registers in your home. There are now thermostats that remote sensor that can be put in these locations (wall or counter top) to help the furnace average the temperatures through the home. Please contact us with more information.

How often do I need to change my furnace filter?

We recommend that you replace or clean your furnace filters every two months. Some system require a filter to be replaced more often if you have a newly constructed home, are currently doing renovations or live in a home with several pets.

What should I do for my humidifier between winter and summer?

1. Before starting, be sure to turn off your humidifier, then turn off the water supply, and then you can close the humidifier damper every spring.
2. In the fall you can turn on the water supply, then turn on the humidistat, and then open the damper for the winter.

Notes: Humidifiers only operate when the furnace fan is running, and the humidistat is calling for humidity, or if there is a call for heat. This depends on how the wiring installation was done.

Acceptable levels of humidity vary depending upon outside temperature but usually the range is between 30% and 45%.