When shopping for a new HVAC system or caring for an existing one, asking questions is always important. In this FAQ, readers will learn:
- Regular maintenance is imperative to maintaining efficiency
- You can lower your energy costs by undergoing preventative maintenance
- Working with the professionals to correctly size an AC unit is crucial
Unless you yourself have been a professional in the HVAC industry for years, the odds are that you have a few questions when it comes to the care, upkeep, cost, and other details of your home’s heating and cooling system. The Weather Changers receive hundreds of questions each and every week from the owners of homes and commercial buildings throughout the Denver area from individuals who want to make informed decisions on buying, installing, and maintaining HVAC systems of all shapes and sizes. We’re here to provide superior HVAC professional services Denver residents can be confident in, which is why we’re dedicated to answering any and all questions you might have about HVAC systems, installation processes, and much more.
Some of Our Most Common HVAC FAQs
Over the years, customers have approached our technicians with a long list of questions about every part of buying, installing, and caring for an HVAC system. While every question is important to our technicians and representatives, we find that some are asked more than others. Here we’ll review the most common questions we receive from customers as a provider of HVAC professional services Denver turns to time and time again.
How Often Should I Replace My HVAC Air Filters?
One of the easiest maintenance tasks to complete for your HVAC system is replacing the filters regularly. The frequency of these changes differs depending on the size, brand, and overall rating of the filter itself. Typically, this information will be highlighted on the packaging of the filter itself or, in some cases, may be located in the owner’s manual of your air conditioner or furnace. If you’re uncertain or have trouble locating this information, speak to a technician about the issue during your next scheduled maintenance visit.
When Is it Time to Replace My HVAC System?
The typical lifespan of an HVAC system is estimated to be around ten years. However, proper maintenance and care can help systems last for several additional years in some instances. On the other hand, failure to maintain the HVAC system could reduce its lifespan significantly. Generally speaking, the best time to replace your system is when it becomes outdated and inefficient to the point of raising your energy bill while failing to cool your home or commercial building, or when it costs more to repair your HVAC system than it’s worth. You may also choose to voluntarily change your system if you simply want to upgrade to a more efficient model.
What Routine Maintenance Should I Perform?
To keep your HVAC system running smoothly, performing routine maintenance is necessary. While some maintenance tasks should be left to The Weather Changers HVAC professional services Denver trusts, there are several steps you can take on your own, including:
- Regularly changing your air filter
- Keeping vents clean and unobstructed
- Clearing space around the outside unit and keeping the outside unit clean
By taking these steps, you’re ensuring that your HVAC system isn’t fighting against vent blockages and other issues that place additional strain on the machine, thus keeping it as efficient and effective as possible while preserving its lifespan.
What Can I Do to Lower My Energy Bills?
There are a few main ways to lower your energy bills. First, properly maintain your system to ensure your blower isn’t working against dust, dirt, and other obstacles to deliver air throughout your home. Next, consider investing in a programmable thermostat to keep your home or building warmer or cooler when no one is expected to be inside. Lastly, invest in regular visits from your local HVAC service professionals. Visits from the professionals allow you to ensure your system runs smoothly and gives technicians the chance to perform HVAC repair measures that keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently to keep monthly utility costs low.
What Does Energy Star Mean?
Energy Star is a government-backed agency that provides thorough and clear information on energy efficiency regarding appliances of many different shapes and sizes. When an appliance such as an AC unit performs in line with Energy Star efficiency expectations, it’s given Energy Star certification, which can be used to easily identify models that focus on conserving energy while performing their relevant duties.
What Are the Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat?
Programmable thermostats serve homeowners as an easy way to control the indoor temperature throughout the day and lower energy bills over time. Programmable thermostats allow you to keep your home cooler or warmer as needed when you’re home so you can enjoy complete comfort in your home while raising or lowering the temperature (depending on the season) to save energy while you’re away. This means you’re wasting less energy on an empty building and therefore wasting less money each month.
Why Is Preventative Maintenance Important?
When you choose to schedule preventative maintenance with HVAC professional services Denver trusts, you’re investing in a more efficient, more powerful, longer-lived AC system and furnace. When the pros stop by your home for preventative maintenance visits, they have the opportunity to clean your system and perform repairs, which prevents small problems from becoming large, HVAC-destroying ones later on. Regular maintenance you perform on your own (such as changing air filters and cleaning the outdoor unit) serves this same purpose and saves you money and hassle in the long run. Failure to perform preventative maintenance could result in the eventual breakdown of your HVAC system.
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?
Sizing your unit appropriately for your home before HVAC installation is imperative for getting proper cooling and ensuring your air conditioning unit can remain efficient while performing its duty. However, sizing an AC unit can be a difficult process. When deciding which unit is right for your home, be sure to consult with an HVAC servicing professional to get proper recommendations and a more accurate estimate of how large your AC unit should be.
How Do I Know When It’s Time for an AC Replacement?
There are several common signs that it may be time for a new air conditioning system, including:
- Failure to produce or distribute cool air
- Burning smells when AC is running
- Inefficient operation
- Short cycling
- Outdated operation
How Important Is My Indoor Air Quality?
Keeping your indoor air quality high is imperative for reducing respiratory illness, especially for those with conditions like asthma or allergies. Keeping dust, dander and other pollutants to a minimum ensures everyone within your home or building can breathe easily and keeps airborne illness to a minimum.
What Is a Ductless Mini-Split System?
A ductless mini-split system is an alternative AC system for homes that do not have ductwork. When using these systems, units are mounted inside on walls and are connected to an outdoor unit through a thin tube that exchanges fluid. They’ve historically been popular in Asian and European homes but are quickly becoming more common in the United States thanks to their efficiency and ease of installation.
When Should I Replace My Furnace?
The lifespan of the average furnace is between 10 and 15 years. Even if your unit is still running fairly well after surpassing these expectations, you may want to consider replacement to maintain efficient operations within your home. If your furnace stops heating your home requires frequent repairs or poses a danger to your home during operation, it’s time for a replacement.
Learn More
Whether you’re here to learn more about caring for your HVAC system or you’re looking for more information on AC units and furnaces before investing in a replacement for your home or business, The Weather Changers are here with all the facts and expert advice to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance and installation services, or browse our AC repair services and specials to learn more about what we have to offer your home.
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