With all the information out there about heating, it’s no wonder the average homeowner is confused! Today, we’d like to answer some of the most commonly asked questions from our customers.  We hope this helps you understand how your system works, and how to maintain it for better energy savings:

Q:  How should I set my thermostat?

A: The 2 basic settings are “auto” and “on”.  When set to auto, your condenser & air handler will turn on only when the temperature requires it.  This is the setting most people use the majority of the time. Using the “on” setting runs the fan in a continuous operation.  This constantly circulates the air, but increases the humidity in your home when in the cooling mode.  In our Southwest Florida climate, the auto setting creates drier, more comfortable air.

Q:  How often should I clean my filters?

A: Filters should be cleaned or replaced every three to six months.  However, you should make a habit of checking them once a month.  Regularly scheduled professional maintenance will ensure that your filters don’t get clogged up and affect the performance of your heating and cooling systems.  Check with us about which filters you need for your system.

Q:  What size system does my home need?

A: The best way to determine this is to do a load calculation.  We perform these all the time.  The basic factors involved are: size of the home, climate, number of windows, type and quality of insulation, number of occupants, etc.  If you’re installing a new system, make sure you contact us to get a professional recommendation.

Q: What are SEER ratings?

A: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and all cooling equipment is required by law to have this designation.  The number reflects energy efficiency, and the higher the number, the more efficient the unit is.  Air conditioning equipment with a high SEER number burns fuel or uses electricity more efficiently.  When combined with smart system operation, this generally means lower energy bills.

Q: Should I repair or replace my system?

A: Your system may be trying to tell you that it’s time to replace it.  Energy guidelines set down by the US Department of Energy in 1992 require that heating and cooling equipment meet certain efficiency percentages, depending on their type.  If your system is more than 10 years old, is costing you a lot of money in repairs, isn’t keeping you comfortable or your energy bills are rising despite your efforts to operate it efficiently, it may be time for a replacement.  We can help you determine if a replacement is right for you.

If you have a question that we haven’t answered here, contact us.  We’ll be happy to help you figure out how to choose, operate and maintain your heating and cooling system for maximum efficiency and comfort.