Five Commonly Asked Questions about HVAC Systems
The importance of an efficient HVAC system can never be stressed enough. They keep indoor air fresh by blocking dust, mold, and bad odor, and maintain proper indoor climate by controlling airflow. Since they are an expensive investment, it is imperative that HVACs are well maintained. If you own one and are overwhelmed by the seemingly complex mechanism at work, here are a few commonly asked questions about maintaining HVACs:
1. What Does HVAC Stand For?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It refers to a system that heats and cools an indoor setting like a home or business. The ventilation portion of this system is equally important and responsible for maintaining indoor air quality.
2. Can I DIY the Installation and Maintenance of my HVAC System?
Even if you know a few things about HVAC systems, you should not DIY the installation and maintenance of your system. For one, installation done by anybody who is not a factory-authorized technician automatically invalidates the warranty and guarantee. Also, installing an HVAC system is not an average weekend DIYer job. It requires skills and experience. Licensed technicians have spent years getting the necessary training and experience to work on these systems. You could damage the system, your property, or injure yourself! Some of the refrigerant chemicals used in HVAC systems can be deadly and must only be handled by professionals.
3. What Can I Do to Take Care of My HVAC System?
Some of the things that you can do without the help of AC contractors include changing air filters or cleaning reusable air filters at least once a month. You can also visually check to see if air vents are blocked and clear debris and dust from the outside unit of the system. The most important thing you can do is schedule a maintenance visit at least once a year or as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. What Size HVAC System Will I Need?
The answer to this question is a little tricky. In general, square footage and the area to be covered are the most important elements when determining the size of the unit. For example, an area anywhere between 300 to 800 square feet will need a 1 ton AC. But this assumes the room has a normal ceiling and the building is efficiently designed. Several other factors go into deciding the size of the system. Factors like the number of people in the room, the climate of the area, the number of windows and doors and their placement, insulation efficiency, lighting, etc. are also considered.
A larger system will cool or heat the room quickly but will start and stop more frequently, resulting in higher energy bills. On the other hand, a smaller HVAC system will have to work continuously to achieve the desired temperature. This also results in higher energy bills. In both cases, you will be overworking the system and need more frequent repairs. Speak to a local AC contractor to take the proper measurements and design a system that will work best in your home or office.
