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.

Ductwork is composed of two parts, supply and return. Supply duct is attached to the outflow of the new system, delivering air to each zone in a home. The amount of air reaching each zone is determined by the size of supply ductwork connecting it to your system. Your dealer will help you determine the size of all the supply ductwork in your home.

The second part of the ductwork, the return duct, attaches to the inlet of the new system and draws air out of the spaces to be heated or cooled. Attached to the return duct is the filter. The filter should be placed as near to the furnace or air handler as possible. Ductwork can be either fiberglass or metal and must be properly sized in order to evenly distribute the proper amount of air to each room.

An HVAC system should:

1. Be properly sized to provide correct air flow, and meet room-by-room calculated heating and cooling loads.
2. Be installed so that the static air pressure drop across the handler is within manufacturer and design specifications to have the capacity to meet the calculated loads.
3. Have sealed supply ductwork that will provide proper air flow.
4. Be installed with a return system sized to provide correct return air flow.
5. Have sealed return ductwork that will provide proper air flow to the fan, and avoid air entering the HVAC system from polluted zones (e.g., fumes from autos and stored chemicals, and attic particulates).
6. Have balanced air flows between supply and return systems to maintain neutral pressure in the home.
7. Minimize duct air temperature gain or loss between the air handler and room registers, and between return registers and the air handler.
8. Be properly charged with refrigerant.
9. Have proper burner operation and proper draft.

 

 

• EVALUATION
• RECOMMENDATION
• SERVICE
• INSTALLATION
• ATTIC INSULATION
• INDOOR AIR QUALITY

NATE Certified Technicians