Sometimes our Melbourne, FL homeowners need answers when it comes to their HVAC problems. Let’s cut right to the chase and look at a few questions that we are frequently asked. We’ve given our best answers to these questions.
Make sure you call our team if you need more help. We’re available and ready to help with your HVAC-related questions, no matter how complicated or unique they seem. Every home is different and we’re specialists at thinking outside of the box.
The average lifespan of a central air conditioning system in Florida is 10 years. We find that larger components start to fail at 10 years, which causes expensive repair bills. Most manufacture warranties are 10 years long, so parts are no longer under warranty. Regular maintenance helps the equipment to run as efficiently as possible, often prolonging the unit’s life.
Your air conditioning system does not bring cold air into your home. On the contrary it is designed to remove heat from inside of your home and bring it outside. The refrigerant inside of the system absorbs heat and carries it to the outside condensing unit where it removes the heat to the outside air.
A heat pump can both heat and cool your home. Heat pumps are HVAC systems that are amazing for our climate because they’re made to handle summers and mild winters. Heat pumps are also great because they’re eco-friendly. They move heat rather than generate it through traditional means.
The AC drain line typically runs from the inside unit underground and exits outside of the home. It has standing water sitting inside of the drain line that can grow bacteria and sludge over time. The sludge can create a clog that will cause water to back up into your home. We recommend adding 1-2 cups of distilled vinegar into your drain line every 3 months to prevent sludge build up.
Yes. It’s imperative that you maintain your air conditioner. Air conditioner maintenance is vital preparation for the cooling that your air conditioner does. Maintenance helps reduce energy costs, improve your cooling power, and help your system last. We suggest that you maintain your AC system once every spring. This is easy through the assistance of our professionals and with the help of our maintenance plan.
Your air conditioning system does not bring cold air into your home. On the contrary it is designed to remove heat from inside of your home and bring it outside. The refrigerant inside of the system absorbs heat and carries it to the outside condensing unit where it removes the heat to the outside air.
The average lifespan of a central air conditioning system in Florida is 10 years. We find that larger components start to fail at 10 years, which causes expensive repair bills. Most manufacture warranties are 10 years long, so parts are no longer under warranty. Regular maintenance helps the equipment to run as efficiently as possible, often prolonging the unit’s life.
The AC drain line typically runs from the inside unit underground and exits outside of the home. It has standing water sitting inside of the drain line that can grow bacteria and sludge over time. The sludge can create a clog that will cause water to back up into your home. We recommend adding 1-2 cups of distilled vinegar into your drain line every 3 months to prevent sludge build up.
A heat pump can both heat and cool your home. Heat pumps are HVAC systems that are amazing for our climate because they’re made to handle summers and mild winters. Heat pumps are also great because they’re eco-friendly. They move heat rather than generate it through traditional means.
Yes. It’s imperative that you maintain your air conditioner. Air conditioner maintenance is vital preparation for the cooling that your air conditioner does. Maintenance helps reduce energy costs, improve your cooling power, and help your system last. We suggest that you maintain your AC system once every spring. This is easy through the assistance of our professionals and with the help of our maintenance plan.
The average furnace is set to last about 10 or 15 years. Floridians can typically get ours to last closer to that 15-year mark because we have such a warm climate. This is especially true if your furnace is always given quality service by a professional.
Heat recovery ventilators or HRV systems are systems that can take the fresh air from outdoors and bring it back indoors without wasting energy. Having one of these systems is great because it allows you to circulate fresh air into your home without sacrificing the internal temperature.
Energy recovery ventilators or ERV systems are indoor air quality systems that can transfer heat and moisture. The advantage of an energy recovery ventilator is that it can help you balance the feeling of your home and bring in fresh air without compromising the internal temperature of your space. Don’t let stale air get you down.
A zone control system is an HVAC system that segments your ductwork so that you can heat or cool your space in zones. Zone control systems are great for larger homes or homes that have natural temperature disparities due to multiple floors or an imbalance of natural light. We can help you determine if a zone control system is right for you.
As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your HVAC system’s filter once a season (i.e. once every three months). Living in Florida can make things a little different. If you’re using a system more often, then it might benefit you to change your filter more often. You can consult one of our professionals about this.
MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting values. It’s a measurement made to determine a filter’s ability to capture larger particular matter. This rating is helpful because it can help you determine what filter is right for the needs of your home.
If your heater is on and functioning properly, but various rooms in your home have large temperature differences, it’s a sign that your walls aren’t holding in heat. Touch the walls in each room in your home while the heater is on. If your walls are cold to the touch, it’s a sign that your insulation needs to be replaced.
Finding ductwork leaks is difficult since ducts aren’t very accessible. One simple way to tell if your duct has a leak is to feel the airflow and gauge the temperature of the air from each vent in your home. If most rooms have consistent airflow and warmth, but one room experiences lower airflow and the air doesn’t feel as warm, the ducts connecting to that vent could be leaking. The best way to know for sure is with a duct inspection from a professional.
Leaky ductwork and poor airflow are among the most common issues. Poor airflow can be helped with duct cleaning while leaky ducts require testing and sealing. An inspection will reveal other problems such as poor insulation and twists or choked points in the ductwork.
It depends on the type of insulation used. Ideally and without damage from moisture, modern fiberglass insulation can last for 80-100 years on average while older fiberglass insulation may fail after 15 to 20 years. Cellulose insulation can last from 15-30 years.
One of the most common duct types is flexible ductwork which consists of a metal coil and plastic covering. When you think of attic ductwork, this is likely what comes to mind first, but it’s not the only kind of insulation available. There’s rigid ductwork and sheet metal ductwork as well. There are pros and cons to every type of ductwork. A technician will be able to help you determine which will work best for your home, budget, and needs.
Yes, it helps to keep cold air inside the home and keeps the warm air out. Proper insulation prevents or reduces air leaks. One major way that insulation helps in warm weather is by preventing heat from entering your attic which can otherwise cause the house the heat up more quickly.
A good rule of thumb to follow is once every 3-5 years. This prevents excess air resistance and keeps your ducts optimized for airflow.
Yes, it’s possible to add ductwork to your existing system. You just have to make sure that your HVAC system can handle it. If your existing system isn’t large enough to accommodate more ductwork (and more vents as a result), it could impact the ability to heat and cool your home.
There are a few reasons for this. Airflow could be interrupted by a dirty air filter, you could have leaky ductwork between the vent in one room, or your insulation may need to be replaced.
Closing a vent in one room does not redirect airflow to other vents or increase the air that exits through another vent. Your forced air system is sending air through the ductwork regardless. Closing a vent simply doesn’t allow air to enter that room, which could inadvertently cost you more in energy prices since it will take longer to cool your entire home.
Yes. Air returns are vital for indoor air quality and aid in the prevention of sick building syndrome. Fresh air returns also maintain optimal indoor air pressure.
Air leaks do lead to higher humidity levels within your home which increases the chance of mold and mildew problems.
Auto. When your fan is constantly on, it adds to wear and tear and costs you more energy. With the auto setting, it only runs when your air conditioner or heater does which is more than enough for your home.
Yes! We are licensed and certified to work on all major brands of HVAC Equipment. We can process parts warranties with the major manufacturers after repairs are completed.
Maintenance is extremely important for proper operation of your AC system. Use the proper type of air filter and change them often. Keep your drain line clean and treated with distilled vinegar. Keep AC coils clean. Ensure proper levels of insulation and reduce heat inside the home, so the AC system does not need to work as hard.
Yes! We are aligned with some of the best financing companies in the industry! We have plans that offer 0% interest, no down payment, and low payment options. We have financing options that work well with clients that have less than perfect credit as well.
Yes! We can definitely give ballpark estimates by email, phone or text. Although it can be difficult to give accurate estimates without seeing the entire set up of your system. The HVAC system is attached to many working parts in your home and as “Climate Experts” we like to make sure they are working together correctly. We have Zoom appointments available for estimates on system replacement for your convenience.
Yes! We try to keep availability for same day appointments for customers who need their AC fixed ASAP. If same day is not available we are 99% of the time available for next day diagnostic appointments.
Are you wondering what an HVAC maintenance plan includes? Our HVAC maintenance plan includes a check of your air conditioning and/or heating and system to prepare it for its upcoming heating and cooling work. HVAC maintenance can help you avoid breakdowns and fix minor issues that would cause problems later on in the cooling or heating season.
Residential HVAC systems are the systems that are used in homes while commercial HVAC systems are the systems that are used in businesses. The main difference is that commercial systems are typically much bigger to allow them to provide a higher level of power.
