As a homeowner purchasing an HVAC system is a huge investment, so why not treat it like one? Unfortunately, trying to understand and diagnose your HVAC can be frustrating and highly complex. However, the professionals at Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning are here to help! To get the ball rolling, they have identified five of the most common questions when it comes to a residential HVAC system.
1. Should I know what HVAC Stands For?
We don’t expect you to know what this stands for right off the bat. Although we will only focus on the AC part of the system, you should begin to get acquainted with your system and know what it means for future reference. The acronym stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. These are all major contributors when it comes to keeping your home comfortable.
2. Is It Important to Replace My Filter?
Yes! You must change your air filter. If your air filter is full of dust and debris, it cannot properly do its job. If not, it will result in unclean air flowing throughout your home. Additionally, this will cause a spike in your energy usage because your unit is working overtime to try to filter clean air through a dirty filter. A good rule of thumb is to replace the air filter within your unit once every three months. However, if you want to change it sooner, it couldn’t hurt. Remember, it’s more important to change it frequently than not at all.
3. Should My A/C Make Noise?
If sounds are coming from your AC, it is normal for it to make some noise to function correctly. However, are squealing, buzzing, or hissing, you should contact an HVAC expert ASAP. Each of these sounds can mean a different problem within your A/C unit. Therefore, you should try to determine what type of sound your system is making so the technician can know what they should be looking for.
4. When Should I Look Into Replacing My AC unit?
Most AC units should last anywhere between fifteen to twenty years; however, this is considering you have frequently changed the air filters and scheduled your annual tune-up and check out. If you have done these things and are thinking about updating your AC system, our professionals suggest doing some research on your own first. Since there are multiple types of AC units for every kind of household, you should determine which one best fits your lifestyle. Some of the factors you should consider are:
- How old is the system you are trying to replace?
- Could it potentially be repaired? Or do you need a brand new one?
- How often do I use my air conditioning?
- Have I frequently changed my filters and scheduled my annual tune-up and check-out?
5. Is There A Way I Save Energy and Money Simultaneously?
Keep in mind, a large portion of our home’s energy is used up entirely by our HVAC systems. But, on the bright side, there are a few ways you can save energy and money, including:
- Completing a home energy examination
- Schedule yearly tune-ups and check-out for your systems
- Buying a smart thermostat that will learn your temperature preferences
Remember, you can’t become a technician overnight, so trust the experts at Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning with all of your AC questions and concerns.
Do you need more help?
If you have a question that is not on this list? Call Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning today (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!