Heating And Cooling FAQs Part 1

Heating and cooling units are critical components of every residential, commercial or office setting. It is credited for keeping the temperature indoors comfortably cool or warm. At the same time, it greatly influences the overall quality of the indoor air.

Being thoroughly informed about how your HVAC system functions is crucial in ensuring that it will remain up to par, no matter the season. Many property owners are also interested in how they can potentially cut down the costs of running an AC during the summer months. However, it is important to understand that cost isn’t the only factor that should come into play where Air Conditioners are concerned.

In this article, we hope to answer many of your questions, especially those pertaining to whether your AC system needs a replacement or if an upgrade will do. We also hope we can provide you with the information you need on how to choose the most ideal HVAC system for your home while at the same time, balancing comfort and cost in the process.

Does my HVAC system need replacing?

Perhaps one of the most crucial decisions you ever have to make concerning your HVAC system is whether to replace, repair or upgrade it. This isn’t always an easy decision to make. Thankfully, there are reliable cooling and heating contractors which you can consult regarding this matter. In most cases, how much your budget is will play a crucial role in your decision. Do remember that an HVAC system is a critical investment. This is why it makes sense that you will spend a considerable amount on the upfront costs in order to enjoy some great savings later.

Compared to older models, modern systems are known for being better and more efficient. Not only are modern systems made more reliable, but they also tend to be more cost-efficient as well. If you have an HVAC system that has been around for over 10 years, however, there’s a very good chance that it needs replacement. If you have a system that seems to be constantly in need of repairs or has parts that constantly seem to require replacement, consider it as a sign that replacement is overdue.

If your monthly AC bills seem to have unexpectedly spiked for no reason, investing in a cost-efficient unit may be the best thing to do. You may want to do the same thing for the components of your HVAC unit.

What should I expect when replacing my old system?

When fitting in a new HVAC system to replace an old one. It is important that the existing structure is inspected by the HVAC contractor first. This is crucial to determine which parts of the structure may still be usable and which ones will have to be discarded all together. Among the structural elements that should be checked include the ductwork or piping, wiring, insulation, refrigerant and flue piping, condensate, filter, evaporator coil and the slabs.

Ideally, you need to replace as many of these components as possible. This is because modern units will need upgrades to the structure if they were to perform at their optimal state. To know more about your options, you can always consult your HVAC contractor.

What is the lifespan of a new HVAC system?

Newly installed, modern HVAC systems can easily last between 12 and 15 years, provided that ideal conditions are met. Your first step should be to find an experienced, qualified and licensed HVAC contractor. You need one to ensure that the system will be fitted in correctly the first time. Faulty installations will usually cost you issues in the long term, so the installation has to be done right.

You’ll need regular maintenance for the system too to ensure that any potential issues are spotted long before they turn into serious ones. The only way for your HVAC system to last for a long time is to ensure that preventative maintenance is carried out on the regular. A reliable HVAC technician will also be more than happy to suggest system upgrades that will help make it more efficient and less likely to break down.

How often should preventative HVAC maintenance be done?

You want your HVAC system to be efficient no matter the season. To do that, you must make sure that certain elements and components of the system get inspected and checked at least once a year or more frequently, depending on what the manufacturers recommend. For instance, a yearly tune-up is required for gas furnaces and heat pumps.

During maintenance, it is important that your HVAC contractor should check out for soot, leaks, corrosion, leaks and even frayed wires. He will also need to check the pipes, ductwork, chimney, valves or dampers, pump or blower as well as a whole host of other elements. The heating system also needs to be run through a heating cycle. In addition, the heat exchanger and the burner will also need to be thoroughly cleaned.

Part of checking the heat pump is to make sure that the fan and compressor are checked. The outdoor and indoor coils need to be cleaned as well. They also need to check the refrigerant lines to assess the current refrigerant pressure.

 

 

from Air Check Mechanical Service
via https://www.aircheckms.com/ac-installation/heating-and-cooling-faqs-part-1/