Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, we have answers!
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is most often used to describe the whole heating and cooling system, which consists of the ductwork, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.
The most important part of your HVAC maintenance is maintaining unrestricted airflow. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.
We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year, ideally for a Spring and Fall tune-up. Also, we recommend that you change your filters regularly, depending on the type of filters you have, as this alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a severe breakdown.
Warranty terms and conditions change by the manufacturer and the installing company. On the outer surface of the equipment, locate the manufacturer’s model and serial number and call our service department. We can help to determine if your equipment is still under warranty.
Warranty terms and conditions change by manufacturer and the installing company. Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for manufacturer’s model and serial number and give our service department a call. We can help to determine if your equipment is still under warranty.
Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling systems operate at peak levels and improves your home’s indoor air quality. It is important to change your filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens, and germs. Depending on your filter type, you may require monthly or bi-annual filter replacements. Your B&B Plumbing and Heating service or installation technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s).
Yes, loud heating and cooling equipment contributes to sound pollution. Although lower sound levels do not yield financial savings, a cooling system’s sound rating can considerably affect home comfort and enjoyment. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on various factors, such as the age and make of the unit and whether the compressor is insulated.
Bigger isn’t always better for A/C units; performance and efficiency count. Other factors to consider are your needs and budget and finding a replacement system that matches them. Your B&B Plumbing and Heating representative will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the correct size and make an appropriate recommendation.
Here are a few quick tips:
- Clean and replace your filters frequently.
- When the blower is in the “on” position, your systems will heat and cool more evenly. The blower provides constant air movement throughout your home and allows for better filtration.
- To keep room temperatures at moderate levels, install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight.
According to studies created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce your home’s dust and dust mites; however, these actions alone cannot eliminate all airborne particles. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), and electronic air cleaners. A B&B Plumbing and Heating service technician will explain which indoor air improvement devices work best for your needs.
Every person and every home has a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system to reduce triggers and irritants. Our B&B Plumbing and Heating service technicians can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.
You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these methods only mask the odors; they don’t eliminate them. In fact, these remedies may negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.
Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, and mold may also be the roots of your home’s odor problem. Integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home comfort system is one way to purify the air. These lights help kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the development of pollutants.
Moisture condensation on walls and windows and stagnant air are signs of poor ventilation, sometimes contributing to unpleasant odors. A qualified B&B Plumbing and Heating service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this issue should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to improve the ventilation system’s ability to circulate and ventilate indoor air correctly.
Temperature settings depend on the time of year and your personal preferences. In the summer, the average temperature setting is 72°-75°. In the winter, 68°-72° is the norm. Remember, when leaving your house, try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more than 5 °, as this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired temperature setting.
