A: In most cases no.  Most duct cleaning systems are ineffective at best and can severely damage ductwork at worse.  In most cases, duct cleaning will make dust problems worse. Excessive dust is generally related to leaking supply and return ducts and undersized return airs.

2.   What is “SEER”?

A: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating is a government  contrived formula that determines how quickly and how efficiently an air conditioner lowers the temperature in a specified area in a specified time frame.

3.  Should I buy based on SEER?

A: While it is nice to purchase a high SEER system, proper sizing of equipment and proper installation procedures are much more important. A properly sized and installed 13 SEER system can easily out perform an improperly sized and installed 21 SEER system. While SEER is an important value to know, it is not the most important factor in a climate like Houston, where humidity removal is paramount.

4.   Is one brand better than another?

A:  In most instances, no.  The installation procedures and the quality of the contractor are most important.  Each brand has it’s own short-comings and it’s on strong points.  Most equipment uses the same basic components, such as compressors, motors and electrical components.  Different products are more appropriate for different situations and are determined on a case-by-case basis.

5.  How many supply and returns should I have?

A:  Every house and every system is different. This is something that must be determined based on needs or design criteria.

6.  How do I know if a variable speed blower is right for me?

A: A variable speed blower is always beneficial in a humid climate. It will improve humidity control and indoor air quality significantly over a standard blower motor.

7.  What does it mean when my outside unit (condenser) has ice on it?

A: It means the system is either low on refrigerant, has low air flow, or a combination of these.

8.  What is the difference between R-22 and R-410A?

A:  Basically, R-22 is being phased out . R-410A is the refrigerant that is been chosen to replace R-22.  Each has it’s positive and negative aspects. R-22 was a very “forgiving” refrigerant as far as installation procedures are concerned. Meaning a poorly trained technician using minimal skills and knowledge could install equipment without too much detriment to the equipment longevity. R-410A is a very “unforgiving” refrigerant. It requires specific procedures during installation and service to provide efficient and long lasting service of the new equipment.

9.  Which is better – hard pipe duct work or flex duct?

A: Rigid duct work is always preferable because it has less resistance to air flow, but any duct work will work well if properly designed and installed. Unfortunately, most contractors do not take the time to design or properly install any type of duct work – especially flex.

10. What should I look for in a contractor?

A:  Licensed and insured, NATE certified technicians; but more basically, one that will take the time to ask questions, answer questions, address your concerns and offer solutions to solve your problems.

A clean furnace is an efficient furnace. If you’re looking to save money on energy bills, you should start by having your furnace checked and cleaned. While this isn’t the cheapest way to save on home heating costs, it is one of the most effective. Do not contact the cheapest contractor to service your unit – do your homework and find one that will perform a quality service. A furnace needs a tune up just as an Air Conditioner does. A poorly tuned furnace will use more fuel and burn dirty producing more potentially dangerous exhaust gases. Furnaces and heat exchangers wear out regardless of brand or grade level. The main reason for failure is an improper install and lack of periodic maintenance.

2. Change Your Air Filter

For less than $20 you can change the air filter on your furnace. A dirty air filter will block the airflow from your furnace and can actually decrease the furnace’s life expectancy. There are a myriad of filters available on the market today ranging from the older style that you can see through to very high efficiency pleated filters. Installing a filter that is too efficient for your system can be as detrimental to your furnaces efficiency and the units life expectancy. Permanent washable filters are almost always a very bad option as even new they can reduce airflow by 50% of a standard filter. Depending on your geographic location and climate your HVAC system needs 300 CFM (cubic feet per minute) to 500 CFM’s of airflow through the system. Generally speaking an HVAC system with just one return air grill has insufficient airflow. A good rule of thumb formula to determine available airflow is length X width of grill X 2 = CFM (20X25=500X2=1000 CFM). If your total CFM of return air grill is less than 400 CFM per ton use less efficient filters.

3. Use Your Ceiling Fans

This advice may sound counter-intuitive, but you should actually use your ceiling fans during the winter. A ceiling fan set in reverse can draw warm air through your home, helping to keep it warm.

4. Keep Shades Up and Blinds Open

Take advantage of natural daylight and solar heat through your windows. Rather than having light bulbs running all day, keep your shades and blinds open and you’ll be able to make use of the natural sunlight and the warmth that naturally comes from the sun.

5. Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat

If you talk to any heating and cooling specialist, they will tell you that one of the best things to do in order to save money on your energy bills is to install a programmable thermostat. You’ll be able to program the thermostat to reduce the heat in your home when you’re away and when you’re asleep. Check with your HVAC contractor – there maybe thermostats designed just for the specific equipment in your home that has special functions to improve system comfort and efficiency.

6. Seal Leaks

If you have air leaks in your home, seal them up with caulk or weather strips. Drafts can add significantly to your home heating costs during the winter, so make sure that you locate and seal off any drafts in your home. Most importantly do not overlook your HAVC ducting. There have been numerous studies that show that the average residential duct system leaks 15% to 20% of the conditioned air you paid for.

• Consumers seeking to replace an existing system often choose a new unit with equal or higher efficiency ratings compared to their previous system. Replacing a unit that is 10- to 15-years-old may reduce natural gas or electricity costs by 30 to 50%.
• Contact HVAC-AL at 713.620.8307 to help determine initial cost, warranty protection, service options, maintenance options, operating cost and proper installation.

Air Conditioning Facts:

• The typical central air conditioning system is a split system, with an outdoor air conditioning, or “compressor bearing unit” and an indoor coil, which is usually installed on top of the furnace in the home.
• Using electricity as its power source, the compressor pumps refrigerant through the system to gather heat and moisture from indoors and remove it from the home.
• Heat and moisture are removed from the home when warm air from inside the home is blown over the cooled indoor coil. The heat in the air transfers to the coil, thereby “cooling” the air.
• The heat that has transferred to the coil is then “pumped” to the exterior of the home, while the cooled air is pumped back inside, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
• Central air conditioning can also be provided through a package unit or a heat pump.

Central Air Conditioning – Benefits:

• Indoor comfort during warm weather - Central air conditioning helps keep your home cool and reduces humidity levels.
• Cleaner air – As your central air conditioning system draws air out of various rooms in the house through return air ducts, the air is pulled through an air filter, which removes airborne particles such as dust and lint. Sophisticated filters may remove microscopic pollutants, as well. The filtered air is then routed to air supply ductwork that carries it back to rooms.

Quieter operation – Because the compressor bearing unit is located outside the home, the indoor noise level from its operation is much lower than that of a free-standing air conditioning unit.

Why should I purchase a new air conditioning system?

Efficiency and cost savings

• If your existing system is old, in need of repair or simply inefficient, purchasing a new unit, one which can be as much as 60% more efficient than a system purchased just 10 years ago, can offer long-term benefits.
• Rather than continuing to pay for ongoing maintenance and costly monthly bills, invest in a new system today that will save you money for years to come.