Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC & AC Repair
What is the SEER Rating?
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) relates to how much energy — and money —an AC unit will use over the course of one year. The U.S. Department of Energy requires all new air conditioning units to meet the minimum efficiency identified by these SEER ratings. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency level of that cooling system.
Why are the SEER ratings on my heating and cooling equipment different than the SEER rating for the system that the contractor quoted?
Each piece of equipment has its own SEER rating. The SEER rating of a system is based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, boiler or air handler), contribute to the total rating.
Why does my HVAC system require regular maintenance?
To make sure your system is operating at peak efficiency and to identify any potential problems, your heating and cooling equipment requires a professional tune-up each. Inspections on boilers and furnaces should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines and the oil tank. Heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include an examination of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils and refrigerant lines.
How can I troubleshoot a problem with my HVAC system to avoid an unnecessary service call?
The professionals at Precision LLC are your troubleshooting experts, and we are glad to help you with any problem you may experience with your HVAC system. Just call us during normal business hours. The informative blogs on our website may be helpful to you in solving many common HVAC concerns. If you have an emergency after hours, you can contact one of our on-call technicians.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
A programmable thermostat allows you to program settings in advance so that you can control the temperature at different times of the day and not worry about remembering to adjust the settings. By scheduling your programmable thermostat to a higher or lower temperature based on the hours you’re typically away from home, you can save money on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. A Precision LLC technician will gladly walk you through how to use your programmable thermostat.
What type of filter should I use for my HVAC system? How often should I replace it?
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they can only do so much to improve indoor air quality. A media air cleaner does a much better job of trapping small particles. It rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times more effectively than a standard filter. Upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, you should clean them once a month during periods of heavy use.
Why can't I find the correct size furnace filter at my local home improvement store?
Filters for your unit may be made specifically for that brand. They may be made of different or higher-quality materials than the disposable filters found in retail stores. Check with your HVAC system local dealer to find the right filter for your system.
What size HVAC equipment is right for my home?
Many factors affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home and duct sizing and arrangement. A technician from Precision LLC can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending on the construction of your home, one ton of air conditioning can cool 300 to 800 square feet. You can ensure that the system you purchase is the right size and not smaller or larger than you require by having a licensed professional evaluate your heating and cooling needs.
What is the life expectancy of an HVAC system?
HVAC systems last an average of 10 years. However, there are a number of variables that affect life expectancy, including the type of system, climate and the regularity of routine maintenance.