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Here are a few questions that we hear most often from our Customers. If you have a question or concern that it still unanswered, please give us a call toll free at (877) GO HELMS. We will be more than happy to help you in any way possible.
The Federal government requires all air conditioning and heating equipment to be rated as to efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model. For cooling, the rating is SEER; heat pump is HSPF; gas furnaces are rated by AFUE. All of these ratings can be compared by asking your dealer, utility company, or referencing the ARI directory.
Covering your unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes. In fact, rain helps keep your unit clean. Of course, because heat pumps run all year long, they should NEVER be covered.
Humidity is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable speed air handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds, the variable speed motor uses much less electricity than conventional motors.
There are a couple. One is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. The other is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout the home.
Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need to take in and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service.
Residential air conditioning systems contain a refrigerant which is an HCFC. The specific one is R-22. This is an environmentally safe and efficient refrigerant that will be available as long as your new system will last. There are some rulings being made by the US Environmental Protection Agency which require changes be made to refrigerants within the next 5-10 years which may cause the cost of R-22 to increase. See R-22 vs. Puron
There are many things which will determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are: square feet to be cooled, climate, humidity, number of windows, insulation factors, which direction your home will face, heat producing appliances, and even the number of people who will be in the home. Helms Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can do a load analysis on your home and help you decide what your particular needs are for your lifestyle.
A limited warranty covers specific parts (compressor, coil, heat exchanger, etc.); therefore, it is limited by the language in the warranty. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the equipment. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include labor for the service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for the duration of the warranty. See Extended Warranties
Once the thermostat is set, it should be left alone. The air filters inside the system need to be checked, cleaned, or changed each month. The outdoor fan should not be covered or obstructed, so it can receive proper airflow. Preventative Maintenance should be performed which include refrigerant level checks, indoor/outdoor coil inspections (cleaning, if needed) and duct inspections. See Energy Saving Tips
Inspect each month and change or clean filters as needed. Time intervals frequently vary with each family and household. The most important aspect of efficient operation of your heating and air conditioning system is proper airflow. Dirty air filters will severely limit airflow, which can cause the compressor to run continuously. Dirty filters could cause a 20% or more increase in operating costs. The outdoor units should be free of debris to ensure uninterrupted movement of air.
Ducts usually don't require cleaning, especially if filters are kept clean. You can occasionally check ducts by removing a few registers and inspecting the ducts from the inside with a flashlight. Some contracting companies have invested in special "duct cleaning" equipment and often offer specials just to keep their cleaning crews busy. Your money might be better spent on purchasing a high efficiency air filter that would keep the ducts clean.
That depends largely on your personal needs. Humidification is definitely helpful in many homes during a 6-8 week period during the coldest winter weather. In the coldest weather, insufficient moisture in the air often is responsible for such assorted problems as stuffy noses, sore throats, more dust than usual, cracks and dried-out joints in wood furniture and static electricity. A humidifier will be used only during the winter months and you will need to "clean and start" the humidifier in the fall. When spring arrives, you must "drain, clean, and shut-down" the humidifier or it could become a breeding ground for mold during the summer. See Humidifiers
No, raise the setting on the thermostat a few degrees. This will use less energy and still allow for the A/C system to recover when you lower the thermostat to your desired comfort level when you get home in the evening.
The number one question we
are asked! I have a two story building and in the summer it is always hot
on the top floor but cool downstairs. Why is this, and can anything be done to
correct this problem?
The real problems here are several. Obviously heat
rises. The top floor WILL ALWAYS be hotter in the summer and the reverse in the
winter. Also in the equation is the fact that if you have only (1) system, your
thermostat is usually on the main floor. When the main floor reaches temperature
the thermostat shuts off the equipment, whether or not the other floors are the
same temperature! In some cases a system called " Zoning " can be added which
will give you a thermostat on each floor controlling dampers electronically to
each floor. However, if manual dampers are installed in your system, you may be
able to balance your airflow.