Your HVAC Questions Answered
Common HVAC Service FAQs
How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?
Routine maintenance is recommended at least twice per year. Once before summer (cooling) and once before winter (heating) to keep your system running efficiently and to prevent unexpected breakdowns. In Georgia's climate, systems run long seasons and preventative maintenance protects efficiency and warranty compliance.
What signs indicate my HVAC system needs repair?
Unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, higher energy bills, or frequent cycling are common indicators that your HVAC system requires professional inspection and possible repairs.Can I improve indoor air quality with my HVAC system?
Yes, installing air purifiers, upgrading filters, and regular duct cleaning can enhance indoor air quality and reduce allergens and pollutants in your home. Our licensed and insured HVAC pros are qualified to inspect your ducts to ensure your home is optimized for air quality. Good air quality in your home is important for your overall health so it is important to have your air flow and air quality inspected by an expert.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
As a general rule, if the repair is great than 30-40% of the replacement cost, it is best to replace the system. If a system is over 10 years old or there is a major compontent failure, such as compressor or coil replacement needed, it is best to replace your unit. Other factors come into play, but generally, those are the most common reasons to move forward with replacement. We understand that replacing an HVAC unit can be stressful and our team does everything we can to ensure your unit lasts as long as possible, saving you time, stress, and budget along the way.
What size HVAC system do I need?
In order to determine what size system you will need, we need to perform a manual J load calculation. Bigger is not always better as oversized units can cause humidity problems in your home. Oversized units and humidity issues are a serious issue we commonly see in Georgia. It is important to have a licensed and certified comfort control professional inspect your entire heating and cooling system indoor and outdoor to ensure you get the best HVAC unit for your size and layout of your home.
Why does my house have hot and cold spots?
You can often find hot and cold spots in a home when there is an inefficiency with your overall system. Many factors can contribute to this including, but not limited to, poor duct design, air balance issues, insulation gaps, and single-zone thermostats in multi-level homes.
How often should I change my filter?
If your unit requires a 1" filter, we recommend changing it every 30 days, but in some cases, the filter can be changed every 60 days. For 4" to 5" media filters, we recommend changing them every 6 to 12 months. Homes with pets or construction dust require more frequent changes.
What should I do if my air conditioner isn’t cooling properly?
Start by checking the thermostat settings and air filters. If your thermostat system is functioning properly and you have already changed out your air filters and installed them properly, it may require professional diagnostics to identify refrigerant leaks or mechanical faults. Air conditioning systems not cooling properly is a common problem we see. Our team is happy to take a look for you and get your home cool again quickly.
How long does a typical HVAC system last?
With proper maintenance, most HVAC systems last between 12 to 20 years depending on the type of system you have, efficiency, and initial set up. Timely repairs and regular servicing can extend the lifespan of your equipment. AC systems typically last 12 to 15 years while furnance systems typically last 15 to 20 years. Heat pumps usually last between 12 to 15 years if maintained properly. Georgia humidity and long cooling seasons shorten the lifespan of an HVAC system compared to northern climates. If you are interested in annual maintenance, check out our membership packages page today and we will be happy to get you started on living comfortably this season.
What are the benefits of air balancing?
Air balancing ensures even airflow throughout your home, improving comfort, reducing energy costs, and preventing strain on your HVAC system. Having your duct system set up properly and completing annual maintenance will help ensure your air is balanced and flowing efficiently throughout your home.
What is SEER efficiency?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently an air conditioning system cools your home over an entire cooling season. It measures the total output and total energy used in a calculation that lets HVAC professionals know how effective your system is over a season. Having proper insulation, ductwork, airflow, and functioning HVAC units all contribute to a better SEER rating.
Why is my power bill so high?
Common causes of a high power bill are dirty coils or filters, refridgerant issues, duct leakage (very common in Georgia homes), incorrect system sizing, and aging equipment that is losing SEER efficiency.
Is a heat pump good for Georgia homes?
Yes, Georgia's mild winters make heat pumps very efficient. Dual fuel systems are also common in our state.
What SEER rating should I buy?
The minimum SEER allowed is federally regulated, which is why it is important to ensure your home's HVAC system is being worked on by a professional who is fully licensed. Practical guidance is that 15 to 16 SEER2 is a good value. 18+ SEER2 equals higher efficiency. Higher upfront cost return on investment depends on usage patterns and time horizon in the home.
Why is my system running but not cooling?
The most common causes of a system running but not cooling are low refrigerant, a dirty outdoor coil, a failed capacitor, a frozen evaportaor coil, or a clogged condensate drain triggering the safety switch. These are all common issues that can cause an HVAC system to run but not cool.
Busting HVAC Myths
Common HVAC Customer Misconceptions
Myth: Bigger is Better
Many believe that a larger HVAC system will cool or heat their home more effectively. In reality, an oversized unit can lead to inefficiency, higher energy bills, short cycling, poor humidity removal, and uneven temperatures. Proper sizing is crucial for optimal performance.
Myth: Maintenance is Optional
Some homeowners think that skipping regular maintenance is fine, especially if the unit is working correctly. However, neglecting routine check-ups can lead to costly repairs and reduced system lifespan. Regular maintenance ensures your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently. Even deffered HVAC maintenance can lead to higher failure proability and energy waste.
Myth: Air Filters Don’t Matter
Many underestimate the importance of air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and even lead to system breakdowns. Regularly changing your filters is essential for maintaining good air quality and system performance. Just as important, having the correct sized air filter ensures your HVAC unit is running at optimal performance.
Myth: Closing Vents Saves Energy
Some believe that closing vents in unused rooms will save energy. In fact, this can create pressure imbalances and lead to higher energy costs. It's better to keep vents open and adjust the thermostat instead. Closing vents can lead to increases in static pressure and can damage equipment.
Myth: All HVAC Brands Are Basically the Same
Although installation quality matters more than the brand of your HVAC system, the build quality and parts do matter. It is also important to remember that not all brands' parts are easily available so it is important to get a brand where parts are accessible to your trusted HVAC technician.
Myth: Refrigerant Needs to Be Topped Off Regularly
Refrigerant is a closed system so it does not need to be topped off regularly. If your refrigerant is low, there is a leak that needs to be repaired.
Myth: Thermostat Locations Doesn't Matter
The location of your home's thermostat absolutely matters. Improper placement causes comfort imbalance so it is important that your thermostat is installed and located correctly in your home.
Myth: Higher MERV Filters Are Always Better
This is not necessarily true. Higher MERV filters increase static pressure if the duct system cannot support the filter and airflow. It is important for the air to be able to flow through the filter without building up pressure on your system. During your semi-annual maintenance, our technicians will recommend the filter that is best suited for your HVAC system.
Myth: New HVAC Systems Eliminate Humidity Problems
A new HVAC system only works correctly if the ductwork and sizing of the new unit is the correct size and fit for your home. It is important to have a licensed and insured, experienced expert determine what new system is best for your home. An incorrect system size or incompatible ductwork can leave to further costly issues with your new heating and cooling unit.
Myth: HVAC Replacement is Mostly About the Outdoor Unit
A new, functioning HVAC unit is important for proper heating and cooling, but just as important is the indoor coil, duct system, airflow, and installation standards.
Myth: The Lowest Bid is the Best Deal
Although it is important to save money and to have an efficient unit that is budget-friendly, the lowest bid is sometimes not the best option. Low bids often exclude proper load calculation, correct permits, essential code upgrades, and labor warranty coverage. This can lead to further, costly issues down the road.