10 Most Common HVAC FAQs of Tennessee Valley Residents

Tennessee Valley HVAC FAQs

Whether you need preventative maintenance, service on a broken down system, or a complete system replacement, chances are you have questions. We want to provide you with as much information as possible to assist you with making a decision. At Environmental Comfort Systems, we get tons of questions regarding all things HVAC, so we’re sharing this article to answer the most frequently asked questions you may be wondering about yourself! Check out these 10 HVAC FAQs.

1. What size HVAC system should I have?

Since every home is built differently in size, space, and construction, there is no set parameter for the size HVAC you “should” have. Sizing your home’s HVAC system is done specific to your home itself. So, depending on a number of things, including things such as how many windows you have and the direction your home is facing, your local, licensed HVAC professional will determine what size is right for the individual needs of your home specifically. This way, you can maximize efficiency and performance by optimizing the intended use of your system.

2. How is efficiency measured?

Measuring efficiency in the HVAC industry is done by utilizing the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (S.E.E.R.). This measures efficiency based on the amount of heating and cooling your system delivers per dollar spent on your electricity bills. Higher SEER generally means higher efficiency and the possibility of lower monthly utility bills.

3. How can I increase efficiency?

Increasing the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system is relatively simple. The most important thing to do is change your air filters regularly. Other than that, changes can be made in areas including:

- - Appliances – having the most up-to-date Energy Star rated equipment
  - Thermostat – raising or lowering the temperature depending on the season to save money
  - Windows and Doors – ensuring they’re properly sealed and keeping blinds/ curtains open or closed depending on the weather
  - Air Vents – keeping vents clean and unobstructed
  - HVAC – having the most energy-efficient system (can save you up to 50% on your energy bills, depending on your current system)

4. How often should I replace my filters?

Every homeowner’s situation is different, therefore your air filters will require attention differently. Depending on your specific situation including whether or not you have an air purification system, how many pets you have, and how often you deep clean your home, you’ll need to change your filter, on average, every 1-3 months. To determine the most effective solution, ask the professionals at Environmental Comfort Systems how often you should change your filter according to your situation.

5. At what temperature should I set my thermostat?

As discussed in question 3, lowering or raising your thermostat’s temperature for ultimate efficiency depends on the season. We recommend setting the thermostat a little above or below your where you’re most comfortable. For example, in the summer, if you’re comfortable at 70, try raising the temperature to 72-74. During colder months, lower the temperature to 66-68. When you have a programmable thermostat, you’re able to set temperatures according to your schedule to achieve maximum energy-efficiency even when you’re not home.

6. What are the advantages of a programmable or smart thermostat?

Programmable and smart thermostats can provide many advantages to a household. They allow you to set temperature and humidity levels in your home for a week or longer so you can save money while you’re away and still come home to your ideal environment. This is an especially great feature for hot, humid climates like ours in the Tennessee Valley.

For example, if you work 8 hours a day, you don’t want your system to be working its hardest while you’re away. You can set your home’s temperature to be higher or lower while you’re away, and set it to be comfortable again before you return home. This prolongs the life of your system, provides maximum efficiency, and lowers your monthly bills.

7. How often should I get regular maintenance performed?

Regular preventative maintenance can help prolong the life of your system, improve efficiency, and ideally stop problems before they happen so you can be comfortable all year. We recommend that every homeowner be enrolled in a preventative maintenance program for their HVAC system.

Environmental Comfort Systems offers our ComfortCare Club to help keep your system in tip-top shape throughout every season. We perform preventative maintenance tune-ups twice a year on your HVAC system – in the Spring before the weather heats up, and in the Fall before the weather cools down. Checking your system at these times helps to lessen the occurrence of breakdowns on the hottest or coldest days of the year.

8. Is there anything I can check before I call for service?

Checking the basics before calling for service is a great idea that can save you time and money! Some things to check that may solve your problem are:

- - Thermostat: If it has dead batteries, your system will not turn on. If it’s not set to the correct temperature, it won’t heat or cool your home as desired.
  - Breakers: Sometimes breakers flip off by themselves or become disconnected.
  - Power: Ensure your system’s power is on.
  - Filter: An unclean filter can prevent effective air flow into your home and can cause your system to shut down.

9. Are there HVAC systems that are safer for the environment?

HVAC systems have been revolutionized in recent years. There are now a number of systems that are more environmentally friendly than systems of the past. We have a great selection of high-efficiency systems that will help lower your carbon footprint. Just give us a call at 256-308-0032 or visit our website at https://envcomfort.com/ac-installations/.

10. Do air purification systems really work?

Air purification systems have become more prevalent than ever in the past year because of their amazing capability to virtually eliminate mold, dust, dirt, allergens, and viruses from homes and businesses. On top of providing clean air, they can also reduce odors, static electricity, and contaminants on surfaces. These systems really work and we highly recommended them to improve the safety and health of our customers. View Environment Comfort System’s air purification solutions here: https://envcomfort.com/air-purification/.

Learn More

For any other questions regarding your HVAC system, call Environmental Comfort Systems. We are a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Decatur, AL. We care about the comfort of your whole home, and often provide tips and inspiration for home projects and whole home comfort.

Call today at 256-308-0032 or email us at info@envcomfort.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! HVAC FAQs HVAC FAQs HVAC FAQs

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