1) Can I troubleshoot HVAC problems on my own?
2) What is the ENERGY STAR label?
3) How do I know if there are problems with air quality in my home?
4) What is a SEER rating on an air conditioner?
5) How does vairable-speed heating work?
6) How can I save money this winter when running my furnace?
7) How can I identify the reasons for high home energy costs?
8) What does an annual HVAC checkup involve?
9) Will I save money by switching off the AC at night?
10) How can I improve the air quality in my home?
12) What temperature should I set my thermostat to for cooling and heating?
13) I have seen my outdoor unit's fan go off and on when in heating, is this normal?
1) Can I troubleshoot HVAC problems on my own?
HVAC Repairs May Require Specialists. Weekend handymen may not want to hear this, but it needs to be said: Average homeowners are not able to make most repairs on their own air-conditioning and heating systems. When there is a repair problem -- and not maintenance to be done -- call an HVAC service technician. You cannot expect to pull out the toolbox and owner's manual, and fix your system.
Heating and cooling systems are more sophisticated than in years past. Many repairs require special diagnostic equipment. If there is a problem with coolant levels, you not only need special equipment, but a license to handle the Freon. If you do try to troubleshoot problems on your own, turn off the power first to your heating and cooling system.
2) What is the ENERGY STAR label?
ENERGY STAR is not just another empty advertising label, like "All Natural" or "Doctor Recommended." ENERGY STAR is not a brand or product model either. So what is ENERGY STAR?
It is a voluntary labeling system devised by the EPA and backed by the Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR products undergo extensive testing to ensure they meet high-efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR products offer easy-to-understand consumer information. You can get estimates on energy savings for such products as air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, washers and dryers, and lighting. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on 40 categories of home appliances.
3) How do I know if there are problems with air quality in my home?
Identify Indoor Air Quality Problems and Comfort Concerns
Take this quiz to find out if you have air quality problems at home:
1.) Does the air in your home feel clammy or wet?
2.) Does your home overheat or get too cold?
3.) Does your home get stuffy?
4.) Do you suffer from indoor allergies?
5.) Do odors linger in the kitchen and other rooms?
Answering yes to one or more of these questions can be a sign of problems with the atmosphere and comfort of your home. Perhaps you need extra dehumidification to reduce moisture or sensitive filtration systems to clean mold spores from the air. Identifying air problems is the first step to finding a residential HVAC system that meets your needs.
4) What is a SEER rating on an air conditioner?
Look for the SEER Rating on Air Conditioners
Before you buy a new air conditioner, you need to learn some of the industry language. It will help you find an efficient model that does not waste energy and saves money on monthly utility bills. Look for the SEER rating on new air conditioners. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the air conditioner operates.
The federal government requires a minimum SEER of 13 out of a maximum rating of 20. Why does the government set standards? Higher-efficiency air conditioners save energy and cause less pollution.
Consumers also save money on electric bills. Well-designed new air conditioners are up to 70 percent more efficient than the current average. This can yield significant savings for consumers over the service life of their air conditioner.
5) How does vairable-speed heating work?
Control Heating System's AirFlow and Costs
Variable-speed heating is a common-sense approach to saving energy and money. It allows you to better control the airflow and costs of your heating system.
Here's how it works: "Variable speed" is a technical term that refers to how a furnace's indoor blower motor runs. When it can operate at different -- or variable -- speeds, you can better control airflow in your home. Better control increases your comfort and eases heating bills. Variable speed motors use less electricity than standard one-speed motors.
6) How can I save money this winter when running my furnace?
Save on Electric Costs When Running Your Furnace
If you live in a cold climate, you may feel like you cannot do little about heating costs, other than locking in early on fuel prices with local dealers. But there is another way to save money and improve heating efficiency:
Consider installing a variable speed fan, which is more efficient than a single-speed fan. Furnaces use a lot of electricity to power the fan motor that circulates air through your house. If you run the furnace fan continuously, a variable speed fan can save hundreds of dollars in utility charges a year.
7) How can I identify the reasons for high home energy costs?
Various Factors Drive Operating Costs for Air Conditioners
The local climate, your area's electric rates, even how often doors and windows are opened and shut affect the costs to run your central air conditioner. Know the factors, so you can save money on electric bills and maintenance.
HVAC contractors and your local utility company may offer home energy audits or refer you to an independent consultant. Of course, there are some factors you cannot control, like climate. A central air conditioner will run a lot harder and get more use in Florida, than in the Northeast.
But you can lower operating costs by better insulating your home, and by keeping windows and doors to the outside shut as much as possible. Also, look at household activities and use of appliances that may require the air conditioner to work harder to cool the house.
8) What does an annual HVAC checkup involve?
HVAC Contractors Offer Yearly Maintenance
Ask your HVAC contractor to check your heating and cooling system annually. It's a good idea to schedule an appointment in the spring or fall, ahead of peak seasons for running HVAC systems. Summers and winters also are peak times for HVAC contractors to work, and their schedules fill fast. The following is a thorough list for an HVAC system checkup:
* Check thermostat settings.
* Review electrical connections and measure voltage and current on motors.
* Lubricate all moving parts.
* Check and clean the drain.
* Make sure the system starts and shuts off properly.
* Clean air conditioning coils.
* Check and refresh refrigerant levels.
* Clean blower parts.
* Check all gas (or oil) connections.
* Clean or change air filters.
9) Will I save money by switching off the AC at night?
Turn Off the Air Conditioner at Night to Save Money
It may be cheaper to shut off your air conditioner at night, if your house has good ventilation and the outdoor temperature cools down. Switch the AC back on during the day. Make sure you close all windows and doors to the outside. It may take some time to bring the indoor temperature to the setting you want, especially on hot mornings. Another way to save money is to keep the air conditioner on but set the thermostat at higher temperature, say 80 degrees.
10) How can I improve the air quality in my home?
Combat Air Pollution with HVAC Technology
The latest advances in air quality combine ultraviolet-light technology and high-efficiency air filters to combat air pollution in your home. If allergies or asthma are a problem, you may want to invest in a heating and cooling system that reduces indoor air pollution and improves air quality. Cooking odors, cleaning chemicals, pet dander, dust and pollen can make indoor air unhealthy for you and your family. Look for HVAC systems that offer high-efficiency air cleaning with HEPA filters. HEPA removes most particles from the air.
11) My air conditioner does not seem to be cooling so I turned the thermostat down, shouldn't it work better?
No, turning the temperature down further will not make it cool any better and may only compound a problem. If your air conditioner does not seem to be cooling there may be a problem with its operation and a professional should be called to check the system.
12) What temperature should I set my thermostat to for cooling and heating?
It is best to set the temperature to a setting that is comfortable for your individual preferences. Typically, most people are comfortable between 76-78° for cooling and 68-70° for heating.
13) I have seen my outdoor unit's fan go off and on when in heating, is this normal?
Yes, this is typically associated with the defrost cycle on a heat pump and is part of the normal operation. It may also occur on certain model units when heat is running and the temperatures are slightly warmer inside and outside..
