FAQ
- What size HVAC system should I have?
- How is the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment measured?
- How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home's heating and cooling systems?
- Is a system with more capacity better?
- What temperature should I set my thermostat?
- What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
- How often should I replace my filters?
- What maintenance should I do on my air conditioner?
- How often should I have maintenance done on my air conditioner?
- Is there anything I should check prior to calling for service?
- How much does a new replacement system cost?
- Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I do not use on a regular basis?
- Why are humidifiers used more in heating than cooling?
- During the heating season, my heat pup delivers warm air, but not hot air, and will operate
for long periods of time. Is this normal?
- How do I know if my A/C unit is big enough?
- What size HVAC system should I have?
Depending upon the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool
anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet. The only way to insure the size of the system
you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need,
is to have your home's heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
They would then need to perform a heating and cooling load calculation for the structure.
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- How is the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment measured?
The S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the amount of cooling your system will
deliver per dollar spent on electricity. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a S.E.E.R.
efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the S.E.E.R. the more efficient the
system will be.The S.E.E.R. rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 17 to 24.
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- How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home's heating and cooling systems?
To increase the unit's efficiency: seal up the duct work fittings & joints with a mastic
or foil tape. This can account for up to 25% capacity loss and make the unit run
excessively long cycles, shorting the life of your equipment and increasing your utility
bills.
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- Is a system with more capacity better?
No. A larger system with more capaciity delivers less comfort and costs more to operate.
An air conditioner is at its least efficient when first turning on. A system with too
much capacity will run in numerous short cycles, turning on and off repeatedly, therefore
causing it to be less efficient. Also keep in mind that an air conditioner only removes
humidity when it's running, so a system with shorter run cycles doesn't remove humidity
from the air very well.
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- What temperature should I set my thermostat?
Obviously the time of year becomes a big factor for desired temperature settings.
In the summer months an average settings range from 75 to 78 degrees, in the
winter this would be from 65 to 68 degrees. Remember when leaving your house,
try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more
than 10 degrees; this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired
setting and eliminate any savings that you gained.
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- What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Different programmable thermostats offer many different features.
However, because they are electronic, they are all more accurate and
efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable
thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different
times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything
is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.
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- How often should I replace my filters?
For optimum efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace
your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable
filters, they should be cleaned once a month.
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- What maintenance should I do on my air conditioner?
The most important maintenance you can do is to change your filters
regularly. Ground mounted outdoor units need to be kept clear of
debris, clutter; weeds or landscaping that can grow too close and
reduce the airflow to the unit. Also, keep pets away from the unit
because pet urine can cause expensive damage. Use caution with a weed
trimmer around the unit to prevent damaging control wiring. Any
additional maintenance should only be performed by qualified personnel.
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- How often should I have maintenance done on my air conditioner?
You should have maintenance done on your air conditioner every spring. This not only
ensures maximum efficiency, it enables us to foresee any possible problems that may
occur in the near future. The cost of a typical a/c start up will pay you back in energy
savings from the improved operation.
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- Is there anything I should check prior to calling for service?
Yes. Check to be sure that the thermostat is set correctly and that the furnace or air
handler switch is on. You also need to make sure that the breaker and disconnect switch
is turned on.
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- How much does a new replacement system cost?
Due to the many different makes, models and customer needs, price is an
issue that can only be solved by doing a thorough evaluation of your
home and existing equipment. There is no charge for an in-house
replacement proposal.
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- Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I do not use on
a regular basis?
Only 1 or 2 vents (10%), by closing off any more it would decrease the systems air
flow and efficiency. Every system is designed to cool a certain number of square
feet. By closing registers and doors in certain rooms, you disrupt the
airflow and cause your air conditioning system to work harder to
distribute air to other areas of your home. Your system will work
harder, to cool less space, making it cycle more and become less
efficient.
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- Why are humidifiers used more in heating than cooling?
When cool outside air enters a home it tends to dry out as its heated, which increases
the static electricity in the home and causes sinus problems. Adding a humidifier will
help to add moisture back into the air. The average comfort range for relative humidity
in a house in our region is from 25% to 35%.
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- During the heating season, my heat pup delivers warm air, but not hot air, and will
operate for long periods of time. Is this normal?
Yes, this is normal. A heat pump generally produces air that is80°, which is considered
warm, and will heat the house. However, 80° may feel cool to your hand, which is usually
closer to 90°.
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- How do I know if my A/C unit is big enough?
Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your
system is sized properly. D & D Heating can provide a heat load
calculation to determine the proper size and make the appropriate
recommendation. Remember, bigger is not always better.
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Repair or Replace?
Should I repair or replace my system? Consider asking yourself a few basic questions.
- Am I operating an efficient system?
Consider, a 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump will save you money on your electric
bill and your savings will be determined by the SEER rating, efficiency of your current
system, are you getting the most for your money? For example; a 13 SEER can amount to a
savings of about 23%.compared to a 10 SEER. Just think you could possibly save up to 60%
on your energy bills with a new, high-efficiency system. In a short period of time, your
new high efficiency system could actually pay for itself.
- My system is only a few years old.; is it worth it to replace?
Your current system may be enormously inefficient by today's energy efficiency standards. History illustrates the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system. In 1992, the typical SEER rating of units made were about 6.0. During 1992, the government established the minimum cooling efficiency standard for units installed, in new homes, at 10.0 SEER. All manufactured equipment on or after January 23, 2006, has a minimum efficiency standard set and mandated, by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Does this mean I need to replace the coil too?
The standard set by the government addresses the entire air conditioning system, not a
portion of the system.
- Does my system breakdown often, and are the chances good, it will break down again?
If you answered yes, this will mean an extra added expense for an emergency call or even
worse, possible damage to the other components of your heating and cooling system.
Now ask yourself how long have I been experiencing this unexpected, extra out of pocket
cost that I may have been able to avoid?
Contact the experts at D&D HVAC, Inc. and begin to rid yourself of unwanted expenses and
source of worry. Along with the savings, start enjoying your new "Indoor Comfort System"
today.
We offer a wide range of quality, efficient and quiet running air conditioners that will
help make your indoor environment comfortable. Contact us for details.