FAQs
Frequently Asked HVAC Questions
At Advent Air Conditioning, we believe in honesty, providing accurate and timely service, anticipating our customer's needs and going beyond expectations.
One of the ways we express these values is by sharing information with our customers. Above all else, we want to ensure our customers are making informed decisions about their heating and cooling systems.
So, on this page we're sharing answers to some of the frequently asked questions about HVAC from our DFW customers.
Temperature Control Questions for HVAC Systems
You probably already know that your thermostat uses a sensor to detect the temperature in the room. Next, you are able to pick a temperature setting. If your thermostat detects that the actual temperature is too far away from the desired temperature setting, it will turn on your air conditioning or heating system. Once the thermostat senses that the temperature in the space has reached one or two degrees beyond your set temperature, it will turn off your AC or heater. This is how a thermostat keeps your home comfortable.
A programmable thermostat can save you money on your energy bills. Without a programmable thermostat, most people in DFW leave their HVAC at the same temperature all of the time. However, you really don't need your home to be conditioned as much when you are at work or away from the home. When you use a programmable thermostat, you can set up your system to automatically change temperatures depending on the time of day. Changing the temperature just one or two degrees can have a major impact on your energy bills over time. So, the cost of a programmable thermostat often pays for itself quickly.
This is one of the most common questions for HVAC. For air conditioning in Dallas, a good starting point is about 75 degrees. For heating, we recommend about 70 degrees. There are a lot of things that impact your thermal comfort. For example, the clothes you wear, whether or not you use ceiling fans, and how much heat your electronic devices give off. Ultimately, you should set your temperature to whatever makes you most comfortable.
Oftentimes, there are rebates available for new thermostats. Rebates can make your new thermostat purchase more affordable. Check out our promotions page for more info.
Unfortunately, no. Setting your A/C to a lower temperature will not make your system work faster. It is a common misconception that your system will work harder the lower you set the temperature. Instead, it will work longer. The result is excessive cooling and unnecessary expense. If your air conditioner isn't working properly, it may be time to call in a HVAC professional.
Air Conditioner and Furnace Questions
Air conditioners are sized based on how much energy your home needs to stay cool. The more heat your home has, the larger your air conditioner needs to be. For example, if your walls have poor insulation, your AC must have enough capacity to compensate. But, the most helpful indicator of what size your A/C needs to be is judging whether or not your current A/C is working properly and cooling your home to your desired temperature. A licensed professional can help you identify the right size of air conditioner.
The word "ton" is an expression of HVAC system size. It is the amount of energy a system can produce. 1 Ton is equal to 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). Here's a fun fact: one ton is equal to the amount of heat required (288,000 Btu) to melt one ACTUAL ton of ice in a 24-hour period.
Just like a vehicle, the lifespan of a furnace or air conditioner depends on how well you have taken care of it. Regular maintenance is key to ensure system longevity. If you have properly serviced your equipment, you can expect an air conditioner to last 11-13 years and a furnace to last 18-20 years. However, technology evolves quickly. Just because a system is still working doesn't mean it's always the best choice for your home. An older system can be a real energy hog. Many times, you will be better off replacing your system once it's older than 10 years. If you have questions about whether or not to replace your HVAC, give us a call. We'd be happy to evaluate your system.
Don't worry. A burning smell is normal if it's the first time you've turned on your furnace in a while. In short, your furnace is simply burning off dust particles that have accumulated within the machinery while it's been dormant. The smell should go away after a few minutes of operation. Still, if you're concerned, don't hesitate to call us.
As of 2019, there are no federal tax credits available for air conditioners. The residential energy efficiency tax credit expired on 12/31/2017. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways Dallas/Fort Worth customers can save money on a new air conditioning system. Manufacturers and local utilities offer rebates and promotions for HVAC systems. Plus, you can combine these rebates with financing subject to credit approval, for a convenient monthly payment
Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Questions
You're not alone! A lot of people have questions about when to replace their HVAC filter. For the best performance, air filters should be changed every 3 months. If you have pets, or family members with allergies, you should change your filter more frequently. When you keep a dirty filter in an air handler, your system will have to work harder to pull the air through. The result? Your system will use more energy, which means a higher utility bill each month. Check out our online store to get a replacement air filter right now.
If the weather is nice, opening screened windows and doors can be a great way to get some fresh air into your space. But, make sure to close the windows if your space temperature starts to get uncomfortable. We recommend keeping your HVAC off when your windows are open, and using ceiling fans to help keep rooms comfortable and air flowing. If it's raining or humid outside, windows should stay closed. Letting too much humidity in your space can cause other problems in your home, such as promoting the growth of bacteria.
The first line of defense is a carbon monoxide monitor. Contact us about adding a monitor to your home.
Energy-Saving HVAC Tips from Advent Air Conditioning
In the average U.S. household, the HVAC system plays a significant role in overall energy usage. That's why it's important for homeowners to look for new ways to use their HVAC system more efficiently.
Energy efficient HVAC can help you reduce your monthly energy use (and utility bills) while improving your home comfort. Are you looking for ways to be more energy efficient and lower your monthly energy costs? Here are just a few tips and tricks you can try to reduce your HVAC energy usage:
Did you know that each degree you lower (or raise) your thermostat closer to the outdoor temperature can help reduce your heating or cooling bill by one percent? According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, adjusting your thermostat closer to the outdoor temperature for a period of 8 hours can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling costs. This doesn't mean that you have to be uncomfortable. If it's cold outside, try adding another blanket, and if it's warm, try sleeping with a light sheet instead.
Dirty air filters can restrict your HVAC system's airflow, which makes your air conditioner or heater work harder than necessary to keep your home comfortable. An overworked system can increase your energy bill, not to mention cause wear and tear on your system's parts. Homeowners should check their air filters at least once a month and clean or replace them when they become dirty or clogged. Regularly replacing your air filter will not only help you keep your system running efficiently, but it can also improve indoor air quality
Do you often forget to adjust the thermostat when you leave the house? A programmable thermostat helps you better regulate temperature (and save energy) when you're not home. Homeowners can program the thermostat to adjust the temperature during times of the day when they are typically not home such as when they are at work or during vacation.
Another way to save on your monthly energy costs is by ensuring that there are no drafts in your home. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save as much as 30% on their energy bills by sealing air leaks and closing up drafty windows. One of the easiest ways to stop a draft is by rolling up a towel and placing it over the crack where the air is escaping. You can create a more sturdy air seal by filling up a scrap of fabric with sand and then placing the draft guard over the drafty spot.
Just like your vehicle, your home's HVAC system needs regular tune-ups to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Though systems vary based on manufacturer, it is recommended that you get your air conditioner and heater serviced at least once a year. During your planned preventative maintenance visit, an experienced HVAC technician will make sure that your equipment is clean and well-lubricated. They will also check for any repair needs and recommend the best fix. By ensuring that all of your system's parts are in working order, you can work to prevent more serious repair needs later on. Getting your HVAC system serviced at least once a year will not only help you maintain or improve system efficiency, but it can also prolong the life of the unit.
Advent Leads the Way in Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency has come a long way in the past few years, let alone the last decade. If you have an older HVAC system that is hitting the 10-year mark, it may be time to upgrade to equipment that can provide better energy efficiency. Advent Air Conditioning offers top-of-the-line Carrier HVAC systems that help you save energy and cut down on utility bills while staying comfortable.
Advent Air Conditioning leads the way in energy efficiency. Not only will our expert HVAC team help you find the right new energy-efficient heating and cooling system for your home, but we can provide the maintenance and repair services to help you keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Do you still have questions about HVAC energy efficiency? Call us at (469) 240-5456 or click the button below to ask our experts.
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