FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If You’ve Got Questions, Then We’ve Got Answers!
What is HVAC?
HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. The word is often used to describe the whole heating and cooling system, which consists of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers. An HVAC contractor can generally do work on your entire system.
What type of regular maintenance do heating and air conditioning systems need?
The most important part of HVAC maintenance is maintaining unrestricted air flows. That’s because 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. You also need to keep heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. If you follow this routine, then you’ll be less likely to have problems with your heating and cooling systems.
We recommend that your heating and cooling system be serviced twice a year. Ideally, you would have a tune-up in spring and another one in autumn. Springtime air conditioner maintenance is particularly important prior to Tucson summers. Also, we recommend that you change your filter regularly. The frequency will depend on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can thus reduce the risk of a serious breakdown.
How do I know if I have an existing warranty on my furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system?
In order to determine if you have a warranty on your system, find the label on the equipment. Then, look for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than five years old, then it may have a warranty. However, it also may not due to warranty terms and conditions changing by the manufacturer and the installing company. Our experts can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system. Thus, you won’t miss out on any potential coverage for system repairs.
Why do I need to change my filter regularly?
Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels. It also improves indoor air quality. Therefore, it is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free of dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements. Our service experts will recommend the best filters and air conditioner maintenance schedules for your system.
Are there quieter solutions available for heating and cooling my home?
You may wish to upgrade your HVAC system due to loud noises associated with operating your heating and cooling units. Loud heating and cooling equipment also contribute to sound pollution. While no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can affect your 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 model of the unit and whether the compressor is insulated.
What is the right temperature to set my thermostat at?
The right temperature for your thermostat is mostly a matter of comfort. To ensure efficiency, however, you should not set it lower than 78 degrees in the summer. Likewise, you should keep the dial at 68 or below during the winter. In addition, you may wish to set the temperature a little cooler at night when you sleep or slightly warmer during the day when you aren’t home. A programmable thermostat can also help you customize your indoor temperature and save energy in the process. It all depends on you and what your needs are.
When payment is made before a job is completed, then what is the refund policy?
All contracts/accepted work orders will be subject to a restocking fee, all custom material costs, as well as any other costs the company has incurred associated with that job prior to cancellation.
How do I know if my A/C unit is big enough?
Bigger isn’t always better. Rather, it’s performance and efficiency that count. Before buying a replacement system, you should always make sure it is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Therefore, your technician from American Conditioned Air will assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the right recommendation for you. A properly sized A/C unit will also help to reduce future air conditioner maintenance needs.
How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home’s heating and cooling systems?
There are a number of things you can do to keep your heating and cooling systems running efficiently. Above all, you should always follow your technician’s maintenance recommendations for your specific setup. While every system is different, there are a few quick tips every homeowner can use:
- Clean and replace your filters frequently.
- Turn the blower to the “on” position. Now, your system will heat and cool more evenly. Because the blower provides constant air movement throughout the home, it allows for better filtration.
- Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to direct sunlight. This will help keep room temperatures at moderate levels.
What can I do to eliminate indoor odors?
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 also affect your indoor air quality due to chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners. Thus, none of these solutions are ideal. So, what is the solution?
Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may all be causes of your home’s odor problem. One way to tackle these problems at the source is to use germicidal (UV) lights in your home. These lights help kill odors and also inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They even 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 odors. Moisture condensation on walls and windows and stagnant air are both signs of poor ventilation. A qualified HVAC service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also tell you how to solve ventilation issues, so your home can effectively circulate and ventilate indoor air.
How do I know which indoor air quality solution is right for me?
Indoor air quality should be a concern for every household. However, every home has a different comfort need. The right solutions for your house will depend on the threshold of irritation in your family as well as the various triggers present in your home. If you or your family has allergies, asthma, or other breathing disorders, then your threshold level will be fairly low. So, what can you do?
High threshold levels may require simple solutions such as a better air filter. On the other hand, low threshold levels may require an air purification system to reduce potential irritants and allergy triggers. With a Home Health Report Card, our service experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.
Just how healthy is my indoor air?
According to studies by the EPA, exposure to air pollutants can be 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites that are present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can remove particles that are too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. A Home Health Report Card from American Conditioned Air will provide information about which indoor air improvement devices are right for you.
How will I know when I need HVAC repairs?
It’s usually easy to tell when you need air conditioner maintenance. Is your furnace or air conditioner making strange noises? Is your system cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? These are all signs that your system needs maintenance or repairs. If any of these problems sound familiar, then you may need a professional. In most cases, however, waiting to call for service will only allow the underlying issues to become worse. So, be sure to contact American Conditioned Air to inspect your system and make repair recommendations. Don’t wait—call today to get started!