Category: Maintenance Service Call

10 frequently asked HVAC Questions, Answered

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Every homeowner who has heating, cooling and ventilation systems, wants it to work efficiently and effectively. Here are some questions we frequently get asked:

1. How do I choose an air filter for my HVAC system?

Every system has their own specific sized filter, this can be found on the current filter in the system. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, a higher-grade filter is best. Pleated air filters are good for reducing allergens; however they cannot be left in the unit for too long or they will become clogged.

2. How do I know if my HVAC system is running safely?

We always recommend having working carbon monoxide and fire detectors in your home. This is also a Wisconsin state requirement. This can give you peace of mind that your HVAC system is not a hazard. 

3. How can I increase efficiency and the lifespan of my HVAC equipment?

The best way to improve your systems efficiency and increase it’s lifespan is by regularly changing its filters and keeping it clean. We recommend having your system serviced once a year for a tune-up. Other ways to increase efficiency include having a programmable thermostat, keeping curtains closed and making sure no vents are blocked from airflow, etc.

4. Does adjusting the thermostat up or down really save money on energy bills?

The short answer is yes, adjusting your thermostat up or down can save you money on your energy bill. However we do not recommend – Starting up and shutting down consumes a lot of energy so changing the temperature frequently causes unnecessary wear and tear on not only t6. he thermostat but on your HVAC system as a whole. 

5. How often should I have my heating & cooling systems serviced?

It is recommended to have your heating and cooling systems serviced at least once a year. This will increase the lifespan and efficiency.

6. What size system does my home require?

If your HVAC system is too large, then you are paying more for no reason and adding additional wear and tear to your equipment. If your HVAC system is too small, you may not be able to cool or heat your house efficiently enough. To determine the correct size system, you will need to calculate your square footage, determine your base BTUs and pick your unit. Technicians will do a Rescheck or Manual J, which helps increase the accuracy of your system size by looking at other factors such as your local climates, insulation of your home, etc. 

What is SEER rating and why is it important?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER is the ratio of cooling output of an AC over a regular cooling season, then divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. This ratio is calculated over an entire cooling season using a constant indoor temperature. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy efficiency of the system. 

8. How long will my HVAC system last?

Your HVAC system should typically last 15-20 years, but there are factors that play into this time frame. Changing your air filters often and regularly servicing your systems can help increase longevity. If you have any worries about your heating & cooling system, it is best to have it checked out sooner than later. 

9. Does Furnace or AC brand matter?

The brand of your furnace/AC can make a difference, but is not the most important part in the life of your HVAC system. No matter the brand, if your system isn’t installed to the manufacturing code, you could be losing out on money. Who installs your system and the attention to details is more important than the equipment itself. 

10. How much will my new Air Conditioner or Furnace cost?

The only way to have an exact price on your installation is by having a technician come out to your home to do a free estimate. This ensures that you are getting the best price. 

Factors that go into pricing include: 

  • Efficiency of the equipment
  • Whether your system is single-stage, two-stage or variable speed
  • The size of your home
  • Whether or not ductwork is needed
  • Condensation pump considerations

Typically:
Air Conditioner replacement can range from $4,500 – $12,000
Furnace replacement can range from $4,000 – $8,000
Full system replacement can range $8,000 – $18,000


Have any other questions? Feel free to send us an email at NorthlandProHVAC@gmail.com or message us. We can also be reached by texting or calling 715-580-0741

What to expect from a Maintenance Service Call

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By regularly scheduling heating and cooling maintenance service visits, you are adding additional years of life to your systems. 

Before your Maintenance service call with a technician: 

If you can, identify the manufacturer and model number of your equipment to your technician. It is very helpful to know your equipment information ahead of time, but if you are not sure you should not try to open any equipment yourself. 

During technician service:

The HVAC technician will perform a complete system check. We will inspect all parts of a system, clean it, and perform routine maintenance specific to your system.

A routine HVAC maintenance service call may include:  

  • Inspecting main HVAC components
  • Checking for adequate air flow
  • Inspection of refrigerant lines
  • Clearing drain lines and pans
  • Inspecting exterior fan
  • Tightening electrical connections
  • Inspecting system controls
  • Inspecting and lubricating moving parts
  • Replacing parts that are showing wear and tear
  • Replacing air filters
  • Checking electrical connections

Steady airflow is crucial for indoor comfort. If you think you may have poor airflow, talk to your technician about checking ductwork. If we discover that your ductwork is leaking, we may recommend duct sealing.

Follow Up:
Routinely servicing your systems by a licensed professional HVAC technician is just as important as taking your car to a mechanic for oil changes and maintenance. If you are interested in a possible extended service contract or agreement, talk to your technician about setting up a maintenance agreement. This is where the customer agrees to pay a set fee for routine maintenance to extend the life of your HVAC equipment. 

Schedule maintenance today! or give us a call/text at 715-580-0741

We are an Amana dealer, but service all brands

Consequences of Not Changing Your Air Filter

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Do you know how often you should be changing your air filter?

It is best to change your air filter every 30 to 60 days, but this can also depend on the type of air filter you are using and the circumstances of your home. If you have multiple pets or family members with allergies, you may want to change your air filter every 25-45 days. If you have no pets, you could possibly be fine with waiting up to 90 days. 

What Happens if you do not change your air filter?

When you do not change your air filter, it will start to build up and become clogged. If the air filter becomes clogged, then there is a barrier that does not allow the air to flow through it. This can have an effect on your entire HVAC system including:

  • Higher power bills – the entire system has to work hard to get through the filter.
  • Poor temperature regulation – if the air can not go through, this can affect the temperature of your home.
  • Health concerns – long-term health issues can happen due to breathing in the contaminated air.
  • System failure – overworking of the system can cause it to completely fail and may cost you an entire new furnace. 
  • Clamped-up coils – your coils can freeze up from being over used and not cooling the room like it is supposed to. 

If you look at your air filter and it is very clogged up, and you know it has been a very long time, I suggest giving your HVAC professional a call to make sure there isn’t further damage. To keep this from happening, change your filter regularly and create a reminder on your calendar!