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Your 9 Top HVAC Questions, Answered!
A systems expert addresses popular queries to help make HVAC selection and care a breeze
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We all want an HVAC system that leaves our home feeling just right. Too hot and you’re dabbing your brow and downing ice water. Too cold and you’re digging out the blankets. But the steps to getting comfy can easily leave you feeling baffled. What’s SEER and why is it important? How often should you do maintenance? And what about air filtration? Stay cool — Mark Woodruff, an American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning product manager, addresses these and other common HVAC conundrums below.
1. How can an HVAC system make your air cleaner?
Today’s homes are better insulated and more tightly sealed, which means air quality can be worse inside than out. “For this reason, having an effective whole-home air cleaner installed as a part of the HVAC system is a fantastic idea, especially for those with allergies and/or asthma concerns,” Woodruff says. “The air in your entire house will be cleaned repeatedly several times per hour.”
Well-designed whole-home filtration systems can remove 99.98% of airborne pollutants, and reusable filters can trap particles as small as 0.1 micron, including cooking smoke, pollen, mold, bacteria, pet dander and household dust. Look for a system that’s certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Woodruff says.
Today’s homes are better insulated and more tightly sealed, which means air quality can be worse inside than out. “For this reason, having an effective whole-home air cleaner installed as a part of the HVAC system is a fantastic idea, especially for those with allergies and/or asthma concerns,” Woodruff says. “The air in your entire house will be cleaned repeatedly several times per hour.”
Well-designed whole-home filtration systems can remove 99.98% of airborne pollutants, and reusable filters can trap particles as small as 0.1 micron, including cooking smoke, pollen, mold, bacteria, pet dander and household dust. Look for a system that’s certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Woodruff says.
2. What is a SEER rating and why does it matter?
SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is an important acronym to know. “It is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours,” Woodruff says. “The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system will be.”
Most modern air conditioners have a SEER between 13 and 21 — the minimum standard SEER is often 13. “An air conditioner with a higher SEER provides a higher level of comfort, typically because it will have two features: a two-stage or variable-speed compressor and a variable-speed blower,” Woodruff says. “These features allow the system to make slight adjustments in speed to maintain the temperature and avoid turning the system off and on frequently, which is an energy-draining process.”
SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is an important acronym to know. “It is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season divided by the energy it uses in watt-hours,” Woodruff says. “The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system will be.”
Most modern air conditioners have a SEER between 13 and 21 — the minimum standard SEER is often 13. “An air conditioner with a higher SEER provides a higher level of comfort, typically because it will have two features: a two-stage or variable-speed compressor and a variable-speed blower,” Woodruff says. “These features allow the system to make slight adjustments in speed to maintain the temperature and avoid turning the system off and on frequently, which is an energy-draining process.”
3. How can your HVAC help you save energy and money?
An energy-efficient system can help you keep money in the bank. “If your HVAC unit was installed in 2006 or earlier, you could see as much as 54% in energy savings by upgrading to one of today’s units,” Woodruff says. Upgrading to a system with a higher SEER of 16 or above also helps.
Look for a variable-speed system that continuously adjusts the motor speed for greater efficiency while maintaining your desired temperature. This quiet variable-speed HVAC system offers that consistency as well as advanced humidity control. Woodruff notes that your home’s size and ductwork condition also affect energy efficiency.
An energy-efficient system can help you keep money in the bank. “If your HVAC unit was installed in 2006 or earlier, you could see as much as 54% in energy savings by upgrading to one of today’s units,” Woodruff says. Upgrading to a system with a higher SEER of 16 or above also helps.
Look for a variable-speed system that continuously adjusts the motor speed for greater efficiency while maintaining your desired temperature. This quiet variable-speed HVAC system offers that consistency as well as advanced humidity control. Woodruff notes that your home’s size and ductwork condition also affect energy efficiency.
4. How do you address hot and cold spots in your home?
If you’re peeling off layers in one room and piling them on in another, evaluate your system type. “A variable-speed or two-stage system will provide a more consistent level of heating and cooling across your home because they run on the lower stages more frequently and keep air moving in the house,” Woodruff says. Consider a ductless system for additional comfort in spaces without ductwork, such as basements and garages.
If the problem areas are linked to your ducted HVAC system, consider zoning your home and installing a thermostat to control each space. “A central control panel then regulates the temperature in each zone by activating dampers,” Woodruff says. “These dampers are like a faucet for your system, opening and closing to control the airflow to each zone.”
If you’re peeling off layers in one room and piling them on in another, evaluate your system type. “A variable-speed or two-stage system will provide a more consistent level of heating and cooling across your home because they run on the lower stages more frequently and keep air moving in the house,” Woodruff says. Consider a ductless system for additional comfort in spaces without ductwork, such as basements and garages.
If the problem areas are linked to your ducted HVAC system, consider zoning your home and installing a thermostat to control each space. “A central control panel then regulates the temperature in each zone by activating dampers,” Woodruff says. “These dampers are like a faucet for your system, opening and closing to control the airflow to each zone.”
5. What are the benefits of a smart thermostat?
Designed to make life easier, a smart thermostat allows you to control and schedule your HVAC settings from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet or computer. “It can also provide a way for your HVAC professional to constantly monitor the health of your system and alert you before potential problems arise,” Woodruff says. The smart thermostat seen here offers zoning capabilities; a built-in humidity sensor; maintenance and filter service reminders; and five-day weather forecasts, alerts and radar.
Designed to make life easier, a smart thermostat allows you to control and schedule your HVAC settings from anywhere using your smartphone, tablet or computer. “It can also provide a way for your HVAC professional to constantly monitor the health of your system and alert you before potential problems arise,” Woodruff says. The smart thermostat seen here offers zoning capabilities; a built-in humidity sensor; maintenance and filter service reminders; and five-day weather forecasts, alerts and radar.
6. What maintenance can you do yourself?
Replace your HVAC filter, or clean it if you have a reusable one, about once a month during operating seasons. “A dirty filter can restrict airflow and increase energy use in your home,” Woodruff says. “Look for a MERV rating of 11 or higher when choosing filters for better indoor air quality.”
Also, keep the area around your outside unit clean — have at least 2 to 3 feet of space around the unit and a 5-foot clearance above it. “It’s important to leave adequate space between the unit and any plants to avoid restricting airflow,” Woodruff says.
7. How often should you get your HVAC serviced?
Get your unit professionally serviced at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. “Having it checked during the milder seasons helps avoid any emergencies during the peak seasons, when it may be more difficult to get an appointment,” Woodruff says. “And you can get ahead of any costly repairs or replacements you might need down the road.”
Replace your HVAC filter, or clean it if you have a reusable one, about once a month during operating seasons. “A dirty filter can restrict airflow and increase energy use in your home,” Woodruff says. “Look for a MERV rating of 11 or higher when choosing filters for better indoor air quality.”
Also, keep the area around your outside unit clean — have at least 2 to 3 feet of space around the unit and a 5-foot clearance above it. “It’s important to leave adequate space between the unit and any plants to avoid restricting airflow,” Woodruff says.
7. How often should you get your HVAC serviced?
Get your unit professionally serviced at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. “Having it checked during the milder seasons helps avoid any emergencies during the peak seasons, when it may be more difficult to get an appointment,” Woodruff says. “And you can get ahead of any costly repairs or replacements you might need down the road.”
8. How do you know whether to replace or repair your HVAC?
Have an HVAC service professional evaluate your current system’s condition. “They can see whether there is a simple issue, like a spider in the contactor, or if the system is ready for retirement,” Woodruff says. It’s important to keep in mind that, on average, air conditioners last for 10 to 12 years and furnaces last for 15 to 20 years, Woodruff says.
9. Are financing and rebates available?
HVAC dealers often offer monthly payment plans and manufacturers regularly have deals on their websites. “Rebates and tax credits are often available to help offset the cost of a higher-SEER system,” Woodruff says. “It’s also important to ask your technician about specific HVAC warranty plans that best fit your needs and situation.”
More: To learn more about HVAC systems and to find the best one for your needs, visit American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Have an HVAC service professional evaluate your current system’s condition. “They can see whether there is a simple issue, like a spider in the contactor, or if the system is ready for retirement,” Woodruff says. It’s important to keep in mind that, on average, air conditioners last for 10 to 12 years and furnaces last for 15 to 20 years, Woodruff says.
9. Are financing and rebates available?
HVAC dealers often offer monthly payment plans and manufacturers regularly have deals on their websites. “Rebates and tax credits are often available to help offset the cost of a higher-SEER system,” Woodruff says. “It’s also important to ask your technician about specific HVAC warranty plans that best fit your needs and situation.”
More: To learn more about HVAC systems and to find the best one for your needs, visit American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
For a hundred years and counting, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has held itself to a higher... Read More
For a hundred years and counting, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning has held itself to a higher... Read More
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Will depend on how your ductwork is laid out, but often, yes.
should they be covered in the winter?
My Florida East Coast home was built in 1988 and has original duct work, AC replaced in 2002 and still working great but know its time is coming. One AC installer said I would have to replace all duct work to match the new systems and another company I have used for 30 years said I did not have to. What is your expert opinion. thank you.