Our Most Often Asked HVAC Questions

March 05, 2020

A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is essential and significant to your daily comfort. As such, homeowners often inquire about the units controlling the temperature and quality of the air in their homes. Keep reading and discover helpful replies to some of our most asked HVAC questions.

Which HVAC system is right for my home?

So many options available for heating and cooling systems can easily overwhelm a person. The best way to determine which system is right for your home is by deciding what you need to be comfortable.

Forced-air systems are common and work for both heating and cooling. The system heats or cools the air and then distributes it throughout the home through ductwork and ventilation. Oftentimes a humidifier is integrated into these systems to add moisture to the air in dry seasons, especially winter.

Geothermal heat pumps are another great choice. They use natural energy from the earth to heat and cool your home. Additionally, geothermal heat does not pose the combustion gas or carbon monoxide risks associated with gas furnaces. Many times, a geothermal heat pump will pair with a gas furnace, with the latter acting as a backup heat source.

The experts at Hanson’s can help you determine if these or other systems may be best for your home.

Is bigger better?

Many homeowners elect a unit that is larger than necessary, and the costs for maintenance and wasted energy add up. Be sure the HVAC system you choose will work for your needs. The best way to do this is to call in a professional.

A qualified contractor will use a Manual J calculation – which factors in features such as wall positioning, square footage, and manufacturing components – to properly determine the heating and cooling load for your home. From there, he or she will recommend the appropriate HVAC equipment for your needs.

Having an over-or under-sized unit will shorten the life of the equipment, decrease efficiency, and increase your utility bills.

How can I save on energy costs?

Making some simple adjustments can help you save on energy costs.

• Secure your home. Drafty doors and windows can drastically affect your energy costs. Look for and take action in places where cold air seeps in or warm air escapes.
• Seal your ductwork. The average duct system leaks 10 to 20 percent of the conditioned air in your home, which takes a 95 percent efficient furnace down to 85 to 76 percent efficient. Ductwork that is accessible can be sealed by hand. Any ductwork that is not accessible can be secured with Aeroseal.
• Maintain your unit. Keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently with scheduled service at least seasonally. Prevent dirt buildup by changing your filter on a regular basis, which is every 1-3 months. Keep outside units free from debris.
• Make an upgrade. If your current unit is more than 10 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a newer and more energy efficient system.

How long do HVAC systems last?

The life of your HVAC unit depends on how it’s maintained. Keeping up with routine maintenance and regularly scheduled tune-ups will help keep your system running for a long time. Most will last 10 to 15 years. Some may last longer while others may not. Upgrading to a newer and more efficient system at least every 15 to 20 years is optimal for energy and maintenance costs.

What if I need service on a weekend or holiday?

Our commitment to our customers has stayed the same for decades, and your comfort is our top priority. Unanticipated problems can happen, but we have the solution. Hanson’s offers 24-hour emergency assistance to our service area. If your heating or cooling unit stops working at any time, we’re here to help.

Still have HVAC questions? Contact Hanson’s. Our team of expert technicians can provide you with the answers you need to make informed decisions about HVAC systems and service, or any other plumbing, heating, or indoor air quality concerns.