Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, we have answers!
HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the ductwork, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.
The most important part of your HVAC maintenance is maintaining unrestricted air flows. 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. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.
Warranty terms and conditions change by the manufacturer and the installing company. Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for the 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.
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 indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens, and germs. Depending on the type of filters you have, 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 contribute to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on the comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not.
Bigger isn’t always better; performance and efficiency are what counts. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Your B&B Plumbing and Heating representative will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the right size and make an appropriate recommendation.
A few quick tips:
- Clean and replace your filters frequently.
- Your systems will heat and cool more evenly when the blower is in the “on” position. The blower provides constant air movement throughout your home and allows for better filtration.
- Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.
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 get rid of them. These remedies may in fact 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 roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home which help kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.
Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls, windows, and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified B&B Plumbing and Heating service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.
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 for the reduction of triggers and irritants. Our B&B Plumbing and Heating service technicians can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.
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 the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are 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 provide information about which indoor air improvement devices are right for you.
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.
