HVAC FAQs

You have questions about your HVAC equipment, and we have answers. At Arctic Air Conditioning, it’s our goal to provide you with exceptional heating and cooling services whether we’re on the job or not—that’s why we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked HVAC questions.

General HVAC

When should I have my heating and cooling equipment serviced?

Your HVAC systems should be serviced before the start of each heating and cooling season. So, your air conditioner should have regular maintenance performed at the end of winter or beginning of spring, while your heat pump or furnace should have its regular maintenance performed at the end of summer or beginning of fall.

How often should I replace my HVAC air filters?

Your air filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on usage. This is vitally important to the performance of your HVAC systems and your indoor air quality.

How important is my indoor air quality?

The short answer? So important! Your indoor air quality can be as much as 100 times worse than the outdoor air. That means pollutants, allergens, dust, and mildew can be circulating in your home affecting your family’s health and wellbeing. Improving and maintaining your indoor air quality is vitally important to your home and family.

What are the benefits of attic ventilation?

Did you know that when the summer heat beats down on your roof the attic can reach up to 150 degrees? Having attic ventilation can help control moisture, keep cooling costs down, and prevent the accumulation of mold and mildew.

What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?

Installing a programmable thermostat in your home helps you take control of how much energy you use for heating and cooling. If used effectively, a programmable thermostat can help you improve energy efficiency and save money on your utility bills.

What is a ductless mini-split system?

A ductless mini-split system is an alternative to traditional heating and cooling like central air. Ductless HVAC works similarly to central heating and cooling, except that it doesn’t require ductwork. Your mini-split system will have an indoor and outdoor unit, but it will only require a small hole to be cut through the exterior wall—just big enough for a tube of refrigerant to pass through. Inside your home, the air will be conditioned and returned into the room by the same unit.

How does a ductless heat pump work?

Many people use ductless mini-split systems for cooling, but we usually recommend installing heat pump systems, so they can be used for both heating and cooling. This can help improve your overall energy-efficiency! A ductless heat pump is an efficient zonal heating and cooling system that doesn’t require ducts. It comprises just an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units, linked by a refrigerant line.

What are the benefits of HVAC zoning?

Zoned HVAC allows for better comfort control, decreased energy bills, and higher energy efficiency (energy waste is reduced because your HVAC equipment won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature throughout the house).

Cooling

What should I do about my frozen AC?

When your AC freezes up, either inside or at the outdoor unit, you have a problem. When your AC is frozen, you could subject your system to serious damage if it isn’t addressed promptly.

How do I know when it’s time for an AC replacement?

Many homeowners have a difficult time deciding whether to keep pouring money into their aging air conditioning system for costly repairs or to upgrade to a new, more efficient AC.

What’s wrong with my noisy air conditioner? Can I fix it myself?

First things first, you shouldn’t attempt to fix your noisy air conditioner on your own! Unless you have professional knowledge of HVAC electrical system layouts and the proper meters to test all the working components of your AC, you are putting yourself and your air conditioner at a significant risk for harm.

Learn more about fixing your noisy air conditioner »

What is dual zone air conditioning?

A dual zone air conditioning system is a network of thermostats and duct dampers that regulates the amount of cooled air each zone (one or more rooms) receives throughout the day. Zoning technology allows homeowners to cool only the occupied areas of living space at any given time or to set different temperatures in different areas of the home.

What is the best thermostat setting for summer?

Saving money on your monthly electric bills in the summer is important—so what is the best thermostat setting during the hottest season of the year? We recommend keeping your thermostat set to 72 degrees (at the lowest) with the fan set to AUTO rather than ON.

How can I lower my electric bill this summer?

Money is always a big concern for homeowners all over the country—but how can you lower your electric bill this summer without sacrificing comfort? There are a few things you can do to lower your energy usage, from raising the temperature to closing the curtains.

Why is R-22 being phased out?

HCFC-22, commonly called R-22, has been a common refrigerant used in residential heat pumps and air conditioners for more than 40 years. But releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion, and the making of R-22 results in a byproduct that contributes to global warming. This refrigerant is now being phased out by the EPA. By January 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22.

Heating

When should I replace my furnace?

There are a number of factors that contribute to needing a furnace replacement. How old is your furnace? If it’s over 10 – 15 years old, it’s likely time for a furnace replacement—simply because this will improve your energy efficiency. Other factors include: how well it’s heating your home, how often it requires repairs, how much it costs to heat your home, etc.

year?

Yes! Not only does a furnace cleaning improve the performance and efficiency of your system, most manufacturer warranties require annual service to maintain the warranty.

How can I have lower home heating fuel prices?

With home heating fuel prices on the rise, many homeowners are concerned about their growing utility bills! Find out what you can do to lower your costs! Contact us today.

Do I need to replace my boiler?

Since boilers have very few moving parts, they tend to be incredibly durable and reliable throughout the course of their life. However, even the most dependable appliances will reach the end of their life eventually.

What is the difference between a gas and oil boiler?

Gas boilers can be more affordable to operate, but there are also differences in utility line requirements and fuel storage (natural gas has no onsite storage needs).

What do I do when the heat goes out?

We have a few tips on what you should do when the heat goes out, including layering your clothes, calling the power company, and more.

Heat Pumps

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump works by transferring heat energy from one source to another. In the winter when your heat pump is acting as a heating system, it extracts heat energy from the outside air (even in near-freezing temperatures), and transfers it into the air in your home. When summertime rolls around, it’s as easy as flipping a switch to change your heat pump to cool mode.

Why are heat pumps more efficient?

Heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient HVAC systems available on the market because they don’t burn fuel to provide heat. In addition to their high efficiency, they can operate as both a heating and cooling system, thus reducing the number of systems that require maintenance, repairs, and replacements.