What does SEER rating mean?

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is a system for measuring how energy efficient air conditioners are. SEER is calculated by dividing the amount of heat removed from the air in a cooling season by the energy used by the air conditioning system. The higher the SEER number is the more efficient the air conditioner is.

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How often does regular maintenance need to be performed on an HVAC system?

Proper maintenance for HVAC systems should happen twice a year ideally. We recommend a professional inspection in the fall to get your HVAC ready for heating the home. Then a tune up in the spring to get the air conditioning system running as efficiently as possible. We'll also look for any potential problems that we can head off before they cause a breakdown in the middle of San Antonio's sweltering summer.

Another thing to stay on top of is changing the air filter.

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What maintenance requires an HVAC professional?

There are some maintenance measures a homeowner can take on their own, but some tasks require the help of HVAC technicians. One maintenance measure that has to be handled by technicians is adding more refrigerant to the system. Refrigerant is a chemical that is able to remove heat from the air so it can be released outside. Freon and other refrigerants can only be handled by trained professionals.

Anything that involves getting inside the unit is something you probably want an HVAC specialist to handle. For example, cleaning the condenser coils.

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Does maintenance help lower utility bills?

Yes, it can help you lower your electric bill. The goal with maintenance is to ensure the system is operating efficiently. Efficient operation means less electricity is being used, and as a result your energy bill should be lower.

Maintaining your equipment can help you save money beyond improved efficiency. It can help you prevent premature wear and tear, avoid costly repairs and extend the lifespan of the equipment.

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Are water heaters connected to HVAC systems?

Typically, hot water heaters aren't tied to the HVAC system. They operate through the plumbing system.

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What are the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency?

Changing your HVAC air filters as needed is the easiest way to lower your energy bill by reducing HVAC use. Dirty, clogged filters hinder air flow, making the AC system work harder to pump conditioned air throughout the home. The Department of Energy has estimated the average household can reduce HVAC energy use by as much as 15% by changing dirty air filters. You can get a new air filter for $15 that lasts 2-3 months and save up to $22 a month.

Using your programmable thermostat is another easy way to lower energy bills by increasing energy efficiency. Many people have a programmable thermostat, but they don't really use them to optimize use. Just setting up a weekly schedule based on your regular routine can make a big difference. Where the programmable thermostat is placed is also important for accurate readings. For example, when thermostats are placed near windows in direct sunlight it can throw off the temperature control sensors.

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Does the HVAC system affect indoor air quality?

Yes, the HVAC system does impact indoor air quality. The air inside cycles through the heating and cooling system. There are air filters and vents within the system that help to clear the air of contaminants. But if the air filters aren't changed regularly and debris builds up in ducts it can make the air cycling through a home less clean.

Indoor air quality is just one more reason why regular maintenance is so important.

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How does a ductless heat pump work?

A ductless heat pump, also sometimes called a ductless mini split system, is used when there isn't a duct system to heat and cool a house. Instead, you install small units in different rooms for direct heating and cooling. Usually, up to five indoor units and one outdoor unit is installed.

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What are the biggest problems with an outdoor unit?

Outdoor units are out in the elements, which tends to be the source of a lot of problems. The outdoor unit also runs hard, and that can cause issues as well. Some of the biggest problems you may run into with an HVAC outdoor unit includes:

• Fan issues from the motor, bent blades or a bad capacitor.

• Poor airflow from a dirty air filter and blocked vents.

• Frozen evaporator coils.

It's possible for the indoor unit to work just fine while the outdoor unit isn't working properly. Everything is connected within heating and cooling systems, but the units operate independently. If one unit is running and the other is dead in the water, you definitely need an HVAC technician to take a look.

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What are the top signs an air conditioning system needs service?

The clearest indicator that an air conditioning system needs service is how it feels inside. If nothing in the house has changed but it's not cooling off like normal, that's a sign something is off. However, the temperature inside isn't the only indicator that an AC unit isn't working right. You may also notice:

• The thermostat is malfunctioning and temperatures aren't accurate.

• The air has an odd smell.

• Loud noises while the AC unit is on.

• It takes much longer to cool the house.

• There's weak airflow.

• Higher utility bills

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You may notice one or all of the signs above. The HVAC services you'll need all depend on what the technicians determine is the problem.

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How do you know when AC replacement is needed?

If your AC is still running but it's on its last leg it can be difficult to decide between making a repair and choosing to replace the system entirely. There are a few things to consider:

• How much repairing the HVAC system would cost.

• How much you could save on your electric bill with more efficient HVAC equipment.

• If there are rebates and tax incentives that lower the cost if you install new equipment.

As you can see, the decision to repair or replace an HVAC unit largely comes down to financial matters. You may find that in the long run you'll save money on heating and cooling costs by replacing the entire HVAC system or major components like the furnace or air conditioner unit. An inspection may actually find that the problem isn't the HVAC equipment at all but the ductwork.

To know for sure, give AllState Air and Heat a call! We can inspect the heating and cooling system to provide expert advice on what heating and cooling services will improve the system and if replacement will save more money in the end.

 

These are some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about heating and AC systems. If you need answers to other questions one of our technicians is happy to help. We can even provide a few tips for things you can do on your own to improve HVAC use.

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Contact us today for one-on-one assistance!