Commonly Asked HVAC Questions
HVAC units are complex systems that are asked to work 24/7 to keep us comfortable. That is why it is important to give them just a bit of TLC by changing the filter, checking the coils, and doing regular maintenance.
These are the questions you ask most often about heating and air conditioning units and the answers you need:
How often should I change my air filter?
Change your air filter when it begins to get discolored, but definitely no less often than every three months. Remember that whatever you see on the filter is what your family breathes daily.
How often should I have my unit serviced?
Just as your teeth must be cleaned twice yearly and your car’s oil changed every few thousand miles, your HVAC system requires regular checkups. It’s a great idea to have a professional HVAC specialist provide preventative maintenance at least annually but before the heating and cooling seasons optimally. A reliable professional will inspect the system, ensure its efficient operation, lubricate the components, clean any dirty parts, and repair or replace any malfunctioning components. They might also recommend further maintenance, like upgrading to dual zones.
Should I replace my R-22 refrigerant with R-410A?
Due to international protocols related to climate change, R22 refrigerant is being phased out in favor of lower-impact R-410A. Eventually, it will be impossible to find R-22, and HVAC professionals will no longer service them, so you can save yourself some trouble by making the switch before you need to.
How can I increase the life of my HVAC system?
There are two very simple ways to lengthen the life of your heating and AC system. First, change your filters and clean off the outside coils regularly. Second, the unit should be serviced annually to ensure efficient operation.
But there are other actions you can take as well that require a bit more initiative—for example, keeping the thermostat at moderate temperatures during the hottest and coolest months (70 is a good balance between efficient and comfortable, with somewhat lower temps in the winter at night), drawing curtains and shades in sunlit rooms during the summer, and installing a programmable thermostat that allows for less heating and cooling in unused areas.
What should I do to my heating and AC to reduce my utility bills?
The suggestions above will make your unit more efficient and reduce your bills. That includes changing the filter regularly, doing preventative maintenance, keeping the outside coils clean, installing a programmable thermostat, avoiding extreme temperature settings, and turning the thermostat down when sleeping or leaving the house. Other steps you can take include ensuring the home is well-insulated, sealing windows and doors to keep heated or cooled air from escaping, and operating ceiling fans to cool rooms in the winter and warm them in the summer.
Note: fireplaces generally do not lower energy bills because they draw heated air into the fireplace and up the chimney.
How do I know if I need a new HVAC system?
Systems exceeding 15 years of service live in extra innings and will likely require replacement soon. If the system is struggling to heat or cool the premises or requires constant repairs or replacement parts, that is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
How big should my replacement unit be?
That depends on several variables, including the size of the home, the amount of insulation, the location of the unit, and more. A professional HVAC technician can guide you to the optimal size for your circumstances. An undersized system will wear out, struggling to heat and cool your home. An oversized HVAC system can cool the building too fast to dehumidify it, leading to uncomfortably humid conditions and spurring mold growth. Make sure to work with a professional before deciding on the replacement system. At Holley Heating & Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 concern. Air conditioning system maintenance is the key to keeping your system up and running efficiently and cost-effectively. You can trust our experienced team to keep your system running smoothly in all seasons. Call us to schedule an appointment t
