FAQs

If You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers!

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most oftenused to depictthe whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

The most important part of HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.

We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year; ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

The label on the outside surface of the equipment will have a model and serial number. Each manufacturer has a unique format for the model and serial. Go to the manufacturer’s website to check for a warranty, usually only requiring the serial number, as they are unique for each machine. Alternatively, call the 800 number for the manufacturer and ask for help with the warranty verification. Warranty terms and conditions vary by manufacturer and the installing company.

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements. Your Air-Man Experts service or installation technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s).

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

Bigger isn’t always better; its performance and efficiency that count.  A system that is sized too small will have to work harder and may not provide the cooling you need. One of the features of air conditioning is that it removes humidity from your home as a part of the cooling process. A system that is sized too large will not run often enough, resulting in higher humidity in your home. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget.

Your Air-Man Expert will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.

A few quick tips:

  • Clean and replace your filters frequently.
  • Your system will heat and cool more evenly when the fan (blower) is in the “auto” position to properly regulate the air movement throughout the home, and to allow for better filtration and dehumidification. Keeping the fan (blower) in the “on” position will interfere with the cooling and dehumidification.
  • Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.

You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don’t get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Air-Man technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritants and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants. Air-Man can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.