Frequently Asked Questions about HVAC and Plumbing
Things We’ve Learned Over the Years
Green Leaf FAQ
With over a decade of experience in this industry, we have seen a lot of different cases, situations, and needs. In that time, we’ve seen a few Plumbing and HVAC FAQs come up again and again from our clients. So, to help our customers and provide valuable knowledge, we have created this list of questions and responses here to help you better understand the systems that run your home!
HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. HVAC systems are used in homes and businesses to regulate temperature and ensure indoor air quality. While HVAC systems vary in size and complexity, they all perform the same essential functions. Heating systems provide warmth during cold weather, while air conditioning units cool the air during hot weather. Ventilation systems help to circulate fresh air and remove harmful pollutants from the indoor environment. HVAC systems play a vital role in maintaining comfort levels indoors and can also help improve energy efficiency. As a result, HVAC systems have become an essential part of modern life.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) are two critical rating systems that can help you compare the energy efficiency of different HVAC and plumbing products. Here’s a quick guide to SEER and HSPF:
SEER is a rating system that measures the cooling efficiency of HVAC units. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. HSPF is a similar rating system that measures the heating efficiency of HVAC units. Again, the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit.
So what do these ratings mean for you? First, if you’re shopping for a new HVAC unit, it’s essential to compare SEER and HSPF ratings to find the most efficient model. And if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency, upgrading to a more efficient HVAC unit can make a big difference. For example, upgrading from an HVAC unit with a SEER rating of 10 to one with a rating of 15 can potentially reduce cooling costs by up to 30%.
A pilot light is a small flame igniting the gas furnace’s main burner. The pilot light is usually near the bottom of the furnace and stays lit at all times. When the thermostat calls for heat, the main burner turns on, and the pilot light ignites the gas. The flame from the pilot light then heats up the metal plate inside the furnace, which in turn heats the air circulated through the HVAC system.
Pilot lights can also be found in other appliances that use gas, such as water heaters and boilers. In most cases, the pilot light is lit manually with a match or a lighter. Once it’s lit, it should stay lit unless there’s a problem with the appliance. If the pilot light goes out, you’ll need to relight it before the appliance works properly.
HVAC and plumbing are important parts of any home, and finding a qualified contractor to handle repairs and maintenance can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you find an HVAC or plumbing contractor that is right for you:
- First, ask around. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to see if they have any recommendations.
- Second, do your research. Once you have a few contractors in mind, take the time to read online reviews and check out their websites.
- Third, ask questions. When you call or meet with a contractor, be sure to ask about their experience, qualifications, and rates.
- Fourth, get everything in writing. Before work begins, make sure you have a signed contract that outlines the scope of work and the price.
By following these steps, you can be sure that you will find an HVAC or plumbing contractor that is qualified and reputable.
A good HVAC system is essential for any home, and one of the most important components of an HVAC system is the air filter. Air filters help to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air, keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. There are a wide variety of air filters on the market, and it can be tough to know which one is right for your home. Air filters vary widely in price, and while it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, that may not be the best decision in the long run. Higher-quality air filters will last longer and do a better job of filtering out particles from the air. As a result, they may end up being cheaper in the long run than cheaper options that need to be replaced more often.
There are a lot of different things to consider when you’re looking into getting a home filtration system. In this HVAC FAQ, we’ll go over some of the basics to help you make an informed decision.
What are the different types of home filtration systems?
The three most common types of home filtration systems are whole-house filters, point-of-use filters, and reverse osmosis systems. Whole-house filters are installed on your main water line, so they filter all the water that enters your home. Point-of-use filters are installed on individual faucets or appliances. Reverse osmosis systems are usually installed under the sink, and they filter water as it’s being used.
What do home filtration systems remove?
Home filtration systems can remove a variety of impurities from your water, including bacteria, viruses, sediment, chlorine, lead, and rust. The type of filter you need will depend on the specific impurities you want to remove from your water.
What are the benefits of using a home filtration system?
There are many benefits to using a home filtration system, including improved water quality, improved taste and smell of your water, and peace of mind knowing that your family is drinking clean water. Additionally, filtering your own water can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for bottled water.
The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of HVAC system you have, the quality of your air filter, the level of contamination in your area, and the amount of traffic in your home. In general, however, it is recommended that you change your air filter every three months. This will help to ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently and that your indoor air quality is high. If you have an HVAC system with a higher level of contamination or if you live in an area with a lot of traffic, you may need to change your air filter more frequently. However, if you have a well-maintained HVAC system and live in a relatively clean area, you may be able to get by with changing your air filter only once or twice a year. Ultimately, it is important to consult with your HVAC professional to determine the frequency with which you should change your air filter.
HVAC and plumbing contractors offer a variety of services to homeowners and businesses, but there are some key differences between local and national companies. Local HVAC contractors are typically small businesses that serve a specific geographical area. They may be family-owned and -operated, or they may have a handful of employees. National HVAC contractors, on the other hand, are typically large corporations that operate in multiple states or even across the country. They usually have dozens or even hundreds of employees.
When it comes to pricing, local HVAC contractors tend to be more affordable than national companies. This is because they don’t have the overhead costs associated with running a large operation. National HVAC contractors may also offer discounts if you purchase multiple services from them, such as HVAC and plumbing.
Local HVAC contractors sometimes have relationships with local suppliers, which can help to keep costs down. They may also be able to get parts and equipment at a discount because of their volume. However, national HVAC contractors usually have their own warehouses and distribution centers, so they can pass the savings on to their customers.
Service is another important consideration when choosing an HVAC or plumbing contractor. Local HVAC contractors typically have fewer customers, so they can provide more personalized service. They may also be more familiar with the zoning regulations in your area. National HVAC contractors usually have call centers where you can speak to a customer service representative.
When choosing an HVAC or plumbing contractor, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. If you’re looking for the most affordable option, a local HVAC contractor may be the best choice. If you need a wide range of services or want the convenience of working with a national company, a national HVAC contractor may be a better option.
There’s a lot that goes into keeping your home comfortable – and it all starts with your thermostat.
A thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, regulating temperature and humidity levels to keep you comfortable. But there’s more to it than just turning the dial! Here are a few FAQs about thermostats:
How do I choose the right thermostat for my home?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a thermostat, including:
- The type of HVAC system you have (central, ductless mini-split, etc.)
- The size of your home
- Your budget
- Whether you want additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity or remote access.
The two main types of thermostats are mechanical and electronic. Mechanical thermostats use mercury to sense temperature changes, while electronic thermostats use a digital display and electronic sensors. In most cases, electronic thermostats are more accurate and easier to use than mechanical models. However, they can be more expensive upfront.
Most modern thermostats are programmable, meaning you can set them to automatically adjust temperature settings throughout the day. This can save you money on your energy bills by ensuring your HVAC system isn’t running when you don’t need it. Check your thermostat’s user manual for instructions on how to program it.
You should calibrate your thermostat at least once a year – preferably in the spring and fall when temperatures are changing the most. This helps ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently and that your home is as comfortable as possible.
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is about 15-20 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of system, the quality of the installation, and the amount of wear and tear it experiences. For example, a central air conditioner that is properly maintained and only used occasionally may last longer than a window unit that is constantly running.
Our tune-up and check-up services are designed to provide a cohesive and detailed inspection of your facilities and their capabilities. Our technicians will check over compressor amps, ensure that all fluids, coiling, and systems are in working order, and make sure that your pilot light and relevant components are working properly.
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an air filter is the MERV rating. The MERV rating is a measure of how effective an air filter is at removing particles from the air. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective the air filter will be. However, it’s important to choose an air filter with a high enough MERV rating for your needs. If you have allergies or asthma, you’ll need an air filter with a high MERV rating to keep the air in your home free of allergens and irritants.
As professionals, we get a lot of different types of calls within a single day. Ranging from quick repairs and relighting pilot lights to full installations, we see all kinds of kinds. One thing that we want to make clear is that proper maintenance of your system will render a lot of these issues moot. For example, dirty air filters that need to be replaced can eventually lead to an HVAC system breaking down as it gets clogged. Other issues we see are leaks or blockages in pipes and HVAC systems. These issues are often too obvious to miss and can become quite severe and lead to serious disruption of normal life. Refrigerant leaks, for example, can cause your entire system to fail and even lead to water damage in your home.
While it may be tempting to try and fix these issues yourself, we highly recommend that you contact a professional for assistance. Not only will they be able to properly diagnose the issue, but they will also have the tools and experience necessary to fix it quickly and efficiently. In many cases, attempting to fix the issue yourself can actually make it worse and end up costing you more in the long run.
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This is a comprehensive guide to the most common Plumbing and HVAC FAQ we get as professionals. However, it does not and can not cover every situation possible when it comes to your HVAC or plumbing system. If you have a question that you do not see answered here, our specialists will be able to help get you the answers you seek. Connect with our team here, and we’ll set you up for a consultation.
