Question 1

What is the SEER and AFUE Rating?

Accepted Answer

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER is one of those hard-to-understand acronyms but SEER is a lot like the MPG for your car. The savings you can achieve with a higher SEER is similar to gas savings with a car that gets a higher MPG. For example, if you have a car that gets 8 MPG (many older air conditioners are about 8 SEER) and you upgrade to a 16 MPG car (or a 16 SEER AC) you will be achieving 50% fuel savings (or 50% energy savings on your AC use).

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This rating tells you how much of your heating dollars are converted to heat energy put into your home and how much is lost up the flue pipe. Most older furnaces are 60% efficient. That means that for every dollar you spend on gas from your utility company $0.60 cents is used to heat your home and $0.40 cents goes up the chimney. Federal law mandates that all furnaces being produced today be at least 80% efficient and many of our furnaces are 90% plus in efficiency. Oftentimes, if you replace an old, energy-wasting furnace the savings on your utility bills, will more than cover the cost of the new furnace.

Question 2

Why should I have regular (or preventative) maintenance? How often should I have it performed?

Accepted Answer

Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home every day. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the life-cycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. You should have maintenance two times a year completed on your system to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent possible problems that may occur in the near future. At Bayside we also perform a safety check at no additional charge to make sure your HVAC equipment is safe for your family.

Question 3

What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers’ warranties state that you should have routine maintenance by a professional on your heating and cooling system. Failure to replace your filters on a regular basis as recommended can also cause excessive wear, equipment failure, and increased utility costs.

Poorly serviced furnaces will cause unhealthy air to be circulated through your home which could be the cause of allergies and sickness. Texas A & M University found that a 23% refrigerant undercharge could result in 52% efficiency loss. Pacific Gas and Electric found that consumers could have an average energy savings of 18.4% when the refrigerant charge is correct.

Question 4

Is Freon, as a refrigerant, being discontinued?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As of January 2010, the refrigerant R-22 (what consumers call Freon®) is no longer allowed to be used in the manufacturing of new equipment. R-22 has been used as the “standard” refrigerant for many years but has been found to be harmful to our planet by our government. All new air conditioners and heat pumps use “environmentally sound” refrigerants, such as Puron® (commonly known as R-410A).

R-22 is still the most commonly used refrigerant in existing air conditioning equipment in residential homes today. However, per the Montreal Protocol, caps have been established to eliminate the production of R-22. In 2004, there was a 35% reduction; in 2010 there was a 65% reduction; in 2015 a 90% reduction; and finally in 2020 a 99.5 % reduction in the production of R-22. This means that during the time of these reductions with high demand, the price of each pound of R-22 refrigerant could potentially skyrocket.

Question 5

How do I know if my AC unit is big enough?

Accepted Answer

Bigger isn’t always better; its performance and efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Our Comfort Advisor will thoroughly assess your home, perform load calculations and talk to you about your comfort requirements to determine the proper size, and make the appropriate recommendation. According to the International Building Code, the only way to properly size residential equipment is a Manual J Load Calculation. Our highly trained Comfort Advisors will always do this prior to recommending a size of equipment – it’s the law! Ask about our no-cost, no-obligation proposals if you think your HVAC equipment is the wrong size.

Question 6

Why are some rooms colder or hotter than others?

Accepted Answer

The cause may be your duct system. The Department Of Energy states that the typical duct system loses an astounding 25% to 40% of the energy put out by the central furnace, heat pump or air conditioner. In addition to putting a strain on your monthly budget, this energy waste causes temperature discomfort. If the conditioned air is leaking out of the ducts, it is not getting to where it’s needed and costing you money. Have your duct system examined by a professional to look for leaks, tears or the need for a new duct system.

Question 7

My family has terrible allergies. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

YES we have indoor air quality solutions for your home!

We understand that living in Maryland with the change of seasons comes with a fair dose of allergens. We have a variety of options to bring relief. With a high-efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There is also a great reduction in household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the costs of your energy bill.

Question 8

How often does my home AC unit need to be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year is the best policy. To begin, the best time of year to schedule air conditioner maintenance is in the spring. To ensure that your furnace is ready for use in the winter, schedule maintenance in the fall. There are numerous reasons for this, but one of the most important is that you want to have your heating and cooling systems ready before the months when you need them the most.

Question 9

How often should you clean your outside AC unit?

Accepted Answer

For most homeowners, twice a year is sufficient: once before the summer season begins and you'll be cooling your home, and once before the winter season begins and you'll be switching to heat mode. You should remove any leaves, branches, sticks, or other unwanted materials that may be around or on your outdoor AC unit in addition to cleaning it. It's also important to remember that plants and shrubs should be kept a reasonable distance away from the unit to allow for better air flow and thus improved efficiency.

Question 10

How much does a new HVAC system cost in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a new HVAC system in Maryland varies greatly depending on the type of system, its size, and its efficiency. A basic, low-efficiency system can start at around $3,000, while a high-efficiency system with advanced features can cost upwards of $10,000 or more. Other factors that can impact the cost include the complexity of the installation, the cost of ductwork and other materials, and the location of the home. It's recommended to get several quotes from licensed HVAC professionals to compare prices and find the best option for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that a high-quality HVAC system can provide long-term energy savings and comfort for your home.

Question 11

Can I replace an HVAC unit myself?

Accepted Answer

It takes specialized knowledge and experience to replace an HVAC unit because it is a complicated and technical process. While some DIY enthusiasts may be able to handle simple maintenance jobs, a full replacement is typically beyond the capabilities of the average homeowner and should be handled by a qualified HVAC professional. Without the right training and equipment, replacing something can lead to improper installation, decreased efficiency, and even dangerous malfunctions. In addition, many states mandate that HVAC contractors be insured and licensed, which can offer homeowners additional security in the event that something goes wrong during the installation. A professional should always be hired to ensure the security and dependability of your HVAC system.

Question 12

What is the life expectancy of a home HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

The life expectancy of a home HVAC system is around 10-15 years for a well-maintained system. However, factors such as usage, environmental conditions, and maintenance history can impact the lifespan of a system. Regular maintenance, such as annual tune-ups, can help extend the life of your HVAC system and prevent breakdowns. If you have an older system and are experiencing increased breakdowns or decreased efficiency, it may be time to consider a replacement. Consult a licensed HVAC professional for a personalized assessment and recommendation.

Question 13

Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

The lifespan of a typical air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. Your unit's performance can last even longer if it is well-maintained.

As a general rule, buying a new unit may be preferable if yours is over ten years old, the warranty has expired, you're encountering more issues frequently, or the cost of repairs is high. It might be preferable to repair your air conditioner if it is less than ten years old, well-maintained, and has not suffered a serious breakdown.

Question 14

Why is my furnace running but not heating my home?

Accepted Answer

The most frequent cause of furnace issues is dirty filters. Airflow is impeded by dust and dirt, and if the filter becomes overly clogged, the heat exchanger overheats, shuts off prematurely, and your house doesn't warm up. Replace the filter if the blower is running but no heat is coming out. Additionally, a clogged filter contributes to soot accumulation on the heat exchanger, decreasing the furnace's efficiency and shortening its lifespan. The owner's manual details the location and removal of the filter.

Question 15

How much does heating repair in Maryland cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of heating repair can vary widely based on factors like the type of heating system, the nature of the issue, and local labor rates. Minor repairs might cost around $100 to $300, while more complex problems could range from $500 to $1,000 or more. Factors like the need for replacement parts, the system's age, and the complexity of the repair influence the final cost. It's recommended to obtain multiple quotes from reputable HVAC professionals to get a better idea of the specific costs associated with your heating repair needs.

Tag: summer comfort