HVAC FAQ for the Southern New Hampshire Area

SkyWalker HVAC Co-owner Ryan Walker

Hey, it’s Ryan here from SkyWalker HVAC, and I wanted to take a moment and answer some of your FAQ about HVAC. Don’t worry, there won’t be a test on the information, but knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better you can make the best decision for your HVAC needs. If I don’t answer your question here, please, by all means, reach out to us, and we would be happy to help you with your question!

Click on a question for detailed answer

• What does HVAC stand for?

  HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Most people guess the H for heating and the AC for air conditioning, but it’s the V for ventilation that is often overlooked in what we do. Ventilation is a key component in helping to create a safe and healthy indoor air environment as well as protecting the materials and furniture in your home. As the HVAC industry evolves, Ventilation will continue to be an area that we get better at with technology and techniques to ensure that we achieve a great living environment.

• What factors affect indoor air quality, and what can a homeowner do about it?

  The air and its relative humidity are big factors in creating an optimized environment. It is recommended to keep an indoor humidity level between 30% and 50%. This often means installing a humidifier for the winter months, especially if you use a forced hot air heating system, as these tend to dry out the air too much.
  
  In the summer, air conditioners help remove the excess humidity found in Southern New Hampshire, but sometimes you might also need a dehumidifier to get the humidity level below 50%. Mini-Split Heat pumps can provide air conditioning, but they are not as effective at reducing humidity levels as Air Conditioners that use a ducted system. If you have an area using a Mini-Split Heat pump for AC, it might be good to install a dehumidifier.
  
  Air pollutants like mold and mildew thrive in humidity levels above 60%, and if you have a room or areas that are poorly ventilated, like bathrooms, etc., these areas can develop issues with mold and mildew. We can help with a diagnosis of your space and how to properly get it ventilated.
  
  Dust and pet dander also affect air quality, so make sure you change and/or clean the filters on your HVAC units. Also, avoid trapping chemical pollutants from cleaning products by allowing fresh air in when exposing your house to such contaminants.

• How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

  Now I say this with all importance, regular maintenance is critical in avoiding more costly fixes later on. It’s kind of like going to the dentist, it’s much better to get those teeth cleaned and checked out before something bigger develops.
  
  At SkyWalker, we recommend having each HVAC system tested by a certified technician before the season it will be used. If it’s an AC unit, that would be spring or early summer. For furnaces or heat pump systems, it could be spring or fall. When we service the HVAC system, we look for any indicators that could be an issue. We would much rather be doing a maintenance service call than. An emergency situation when you really need your HVAC system to work. The in-between season, like spring and fall, allows time to make sure things are working great!

• What signs should I look for if my HVAC system is having a problem?

  Any indicator that the system is not working as you remember is a reason to call us. That could be that it seems to turn off and on more than you remember. Even the airflow not being the same is an issue.
  
  Also, noises that seem different or stranger than usual. HVAC systems are not silent, but if you hear banging, squealing, or grinding, it might be something mechanical with the motor or a belt.
  
  If your energy bill increases, that is another area to show that your HVAC system might be working harder than it should and driving up costs.
  
  Any electric smells, or even sweet smells could mean refrigerant fluid is leaking. Refrigerant leaks are a complex issue that only a technician should try to fix. If the home is struggling to reach the temperature set on the thermostat, sometimes it’s because the coils are freezing up.
  
  Water leaking in areas, ice building up even though it is summer, or even extra moisture that shouldn’t be on the HVAC unit are issues. These can be due to the refrigerant lines or a blocked drain. Too much dust builds up around the vents of the unit, which might indicate that the filter needs changing or that the ductwork needs cleaning.

• What factors determine the size and type of HVAC system for your home?

  At SkyWalker HVAC, we take a detailed report of your indoor space and the area that needs treatment. We carefully measure the house and do a heat/cool load calculation. Take note of the insulation levels and architectural issues that might be a problem.
  
  Before we get any estimate, we use a scientific approach to ensure that you do not have too little or too much of an HVAC system for your needs. We also look at your lifestyle and what system would work best for you, as well as the aesthetics of how it will fit in the design of your home.
  
  Many HVAC companies skip the load calculations, and that can end up with the HVAC system having to work too hard and failing to properly heat and cool the space, or having a system that is too large, which increases energy bills.

• What is the installation process of a new HVAC system?

  If there is an old pre-existing HVAC system that we must remove, often that is what we will do first. Depending on the type of HVAC system, we might do some outside work before doing any work inside the building. It all depends on the type of HVAC system and how it pertains to your space. Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps often require very little inside work, as we run the lines of the indoor unit out a small hole to the outdoor unit.
  
  If there is ductwork to be done for furnaces or air conditioning, we will be in the interior of the building. A boiler will require work in a basement or utility room. Some systems might only take a day, while others take multiple days.
  
  At SkyWalker, we strive to make the installation process as smooth as possible with a detailed plan before we begin and a tactful approach to helping you maintain a good living environment while we do the work. We know how important the home is and how it is a sacred space for all of us to recharge.

• What can I do to improve my HVAC system in regards to cooling and heating?

  Make sure you replace and or clean filters when they are recommended. This simple but often neglected act is a good way to help make sure things are running smoothly. Many makes and models of HVAC systems require that a filter be changed every one to three months. It is a common myth that you only need to change a filter once a year.
  
  A dirty filter restricts airflow, and this causes the system to work harder and turn on more often. This leads to more energy usage and even more airborne allergies present in the indoor air. Once it’s clogged, airflow is restricted, and this can cause the system to overheat and shut down.
  
  There are even upgraded filters that are available for many HAVC systems that do a better job at filtering airborne things like dust, mold, smoke, and VOCs.
  
  You also want to make sure that nothing is obstructing the airflow of the HVAC system. This goes for both indoor and outdoor units. Sometimes people put things in front of or in the way of the vents. This can impact how well the air is distributed.
  
  Check to make sure any ducts are properly sealed and that no air is escaping. Air loss in ducts is one of the primary reasons for inefficient systems using ductwork. You can also check window and door weatherstripping, as this is an area of loss that contributes to higher energy bills.
  
  Lastly, make sure you do regular seasonal maintenance by a certified HVAC technician.

• Is there an optimal temperature to set my thermostat for the best energy usage?

  Obviously, people have different comfort levels regarding heat and cooling, but from a position of what is most efficient for the home and energy usage, there are a few standard recommendations.
  
  For the winter months, it is recommended to go with a temperature of 68-70°F. In the summer months, with the use of air conditioning, it is recommended to go with a temperature around 78°F.
  
  Using a Smart Thermostat will help save money by programming it to keep the temperature where you need it without having to remember. In the winter, setting the temperature a few degrees cooler at night or when you are away at work and school can save energy. With the programmable thermostat, you don’t have to remember, and the HVAC unit can begin its temperature adjustment, so that when you want it to be at that temperature, it is there and ready!
  
  One of the myths in HVAC is that setting your thermostat to a much higher or lower temperature will heat or cool your home faster. The fact is, HVAC systems work best by running in a consistent manner until the unit reaches the selected temperature. Putting the thermostat up or down to a higher or lower number won’t actually make the HVAC system work faster. It will just run longer. This then requires more energy usage and higher utility bills. And you might then forget to put the temperature back at the setting you want, and that again drives costs up!

• What does SEER stand for?

  You might have heard this term in regard to air conditioning. SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the efficiency of an air conditioning system and how well it cools in comparison to other air conditioning units. It's a standard used to assess all the AC units and create an honest form of data to compare brands.
  
  The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system is. Since 2006, the minimum SEER rating for Southern New Hampshire is 13.
  
  Higher SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency. For example, a unit with a SEER of 15 is more energy-efficient than one with a SEER of 13. A higher SEER rating usually means more upfront cost, but this can save money later on in energy usage.
  
  The square footage of the space being air conditioned determines what SEER rating you will need, as the bigger the area, the higher the SEER rating needed to achieve the same effectiveness.



• How many years does a typical HVAC system last?

  It depends on a few factors, like the brand, how well it is taken care of with regular maintenance, and the workload it is under. For instance, if a HVAC system is working harder than the exact type in another house, it could change the life span by up to 40%.
  
  That’s why it’s important to get the heat/cool load calculations done for all new installs so that the right-sized unit is installed and you can get a maximum return on your investment.
  
  The average HVAC system in Southern New Hampshire lasts 10-15 years, but it very well can last even longer with proper maintenance and intelligent design installation.
  
  In regards to a ducted system where you have air ducts running through the house and pushing air through vents in the walls, floors, and or ceilings, the ductwork might need replacement. Especially if the ducts are very old or show signs of damage.
  
  Flexible ductwork lasts on average 10-15 years, Sheet metal ductwork 20-30 years, Fiberglass 15-20 years, PVC 20 years, and Insulated ductwork 20-30 years.

• Why is R-22 refrigerant in many HVAC units getting bad press?

  The R-22 refrigerant is being phased out due to its high global warming potential (GWP). New systems are using lower GWP refrigerants. 

• How come one area of my house is warmer/cooler than another area?

  It can be a sign that your HVAC system is failing in some manner, especially if you have recently noticed a change in temperatures. It’s a good idea to schedule a service call with a certified technician to see what adjustments can be made to your HVAC system.
  
  If the problem has been ongoing, it could be that your current HVAC system is not designed with proper heat/cool load projections. Without matching your load calculations accordingly, you have areas that are hot/cold spots.
  
  The good news is that with the advancements of Mini-Split heat pumps, you can help older HVAC systems by implementing a cost-effective ductless heat pump to help bring overall balance to your home. Contact us today so we can calculate what your space needs to operate efficiently.

• What is a Mini-Split Heat Pump, and why are they so popular?

  A Mini-Split Heat Pump, also called a Ductless Heat Pump, is a heating and cooling system that does not require any pre-existing ductwork. Ductwork is the way that the air travels through the walls, floors, and ceilings before exiting through an air vent. This ductwork is extensive and best installed during the construction phase, when the walls are opened up.
  
  If you already have a finished house, a Mini-Split Heat Pump often works great because you can avoid costly ductwork installation. It also works great for renovations, garages, and additions. A ductless mini-split system is comprised of the indoor air handling unit and the outdoor compressor. The indoor unit tends to be fixed high on a wall or ceiling and pushes conditioned air into the room.
  
  Learn more about the pros and cons of a Mini-Split Heat Pump in our article.

• What Causes Carbon Monoxide Leaks?

  Carbon monoxide builds up from a source of combustion within an enclosed space. That’s why ventilation is one of the most important ways to reduce risk. If an appliance is unvented, it can greatly increase the likelihood of carbon monoxide building up in the indoor air. Especially if using a propane or natural gas source.
  
  An old furnace or one that is damaged and malfunctioning is a prime area for carbon monoxide. That’s why it’s important to have those furnaces checked out before the start of a long Southern New Hampshire winter.
  
  Pressure causes backdrafts in poorly installed HVAC systems, which are another source of carbon monoxide leaks. Even if an appliance is getting proper ventilation, there can be an issue. If the pressure imbalance is off, it will hinder the air from pushing out through the ventilation.
  
  A blocked flue in a chimney is a common carbon monoxide leak. Make sure the flue is clear, and that also means checking the roof to make sure there is nothing blocking the ventilation. Even snow can build up and keep the vent from doing its job. In those winter months with a lot of snow, a furnace can start leaking carbon monoxide if the ventilation system is clogged. Take notice of where your vents are and periodically check them for proper functioning.
  
  Make sure you have carbon monoxide monitors installed and test them regularly. Also, check the batteries, even if it is plugged into the power supply; the backup batteries are important for power failures, especially if you have a wood stove going. When we sleep at night, it is the most common time for carbon monoxide poisoning, so having carbon monoxide detectors in the bedrooms is a great way to reduce the risk.

• What are Emergency HVAC Tips?

  It’s important to know what to do when your HVAC system is not working in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts.
  
  1. Go to your thermostat and make sure it is set to the correct mode and temperature. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a change in the thermostat that you didn’t notice. Maybe someone changed the heat/cool mode.
  
  2. Check the power supply and all circuit breakers. See if any have been tripped. If the HVAC unit is experiencing an issue, it can sometimes cause the breaker to trip where the unit is accessing power.
  
  Reset the HVAC system by turning it off and on again. This can often clear minor faults. Wait 15 minutes before turning the HVAC system back on. If you reset it and it trips again, call a technician because something is causing it to trip that can be unsafe.
  
  3. Check for unusual noises; if the sounds are not what you are used to, they might indicate a mechanical issue. Shut off the HVAC system and contact us to have a look.
  
  4. Even an odor can indicate an issue; if it is sweet-smelling, it could be refrigerant fluid leaking, or a sulfur smell can mean an electrical issue. If you smell mold, that is another reason to schedule a service call.  
  
  5. Do you see any water around your HVAC unit? This can indicate a leak. Again, shut off the system and contact us so we can see what the issue is and how we can fix the HVAC system.
  
  6. When was the last time you changed your filter? A clogged air filter can cause your system to stop working efficiently. If the filter gets clogged, it causes airflow restriction. Without proper airflow, the HVAC unit can shut down due to overheating.
  
  If you are unsure about anything with your HVAC system, shut it off and contact us so we can get you back up and running as quickly as possible!