FAQ

First and foremost, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This system provides heating and cooling to residential and commercial buildings. You can find HVAC systems anywhere from single-family homes to submarines where they provide the means for environmental comfort. Becoming more and more popular in new construction, these systems use fresh air from outdoors to provide high indoor air quality. The V in HVAC, or ventilation, is the process of replacing or exchanging air within a space. This provides a better quality of air indoors and involves the removal of moisture, smoke, odors, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases as well as temperature control and oxygen replenishment.

The three main functions of an HVAC system are interrelated, especially when providing acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Your heating and air conditioning system is often one of the most complicated and extensive systems in your home, but when it stops working you’ll know soon enough! There are nine parts to your HVAC system that you should be familiar with the air return, filter, exhaust outlets, ducts, electrical elements, outdoor unit, compressor, coils and blower.

Surprisingly, we get this question a lot. So what exactly is the difference between HVAC and air conditioning, you ask? Well air conditioning is actually the last portion of what HVAC stands for, but they are often used interchangeably in reference to any type of heating or cooling device in a home. Think about HVAC as the overarching term and air conditioning as one piece of the puzzle.

Your furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump are precision-engineered, heavy duty systems which undergo long periods of intensive operation. No matter how well built, they can be expected to wear over time – and the lack of regular maintenance can accelerate that process. By changing filters, performing cleanings, and conducting other recommended regular maintenance as required, you extend the life of your systems and increase their efficiency.

Every furnace and air conditioner is different, and manufacturer’s specifications vary. However, you should expect to regularly inspect and replace your furnace’s air filter, clean dust and dirt from your air conditioner’s outside unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and get your systems professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure optimal performance.

You should inspect your air filter monthly, and replace it at least every three months. If you have a reusable air filter, clean it according to this schedule, or more often if it is especially dirty.

Apart from routine maintenance, there are a few ways to increase your system’s operation:

• Clean and replace your filters frequently.
• Turn on the blower, which provides constant air movement throughout the 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.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is strongly connected to health and wellbeing. Humans tend to spend a large amount of time indoors. Breathable air that’s free of health threatening pollutants can lead to a higher quality of life, lower risk of respiratory illnesses, and a reduced risk of various chronic conditions. For health and protection, homes and public spaces can be equipped with the best air quality monitor for mold and other environmental pollutants.

There are many things you can do to improve the IAQ in your home including the following: 

• Eliminate moisture sources
• Good housekeeping & vacuuming/cleaning regulalry
• Ventilate frequently
• Regularly change your air filters
• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance