HVAC Faqs
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about heating and cooling systems. If you ever have a question not listed here, the friendly team at DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. would be happy to answer it for you! Call us anytime at 763-684-3965.
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How often should I service my HVAC system?
Your heating and air conditioning system should be professionally inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. At DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc., we recommend that you have your heating system – whether it’s a furnace, boiler, or heat pump – checked in the summer or fall, and your air conditioner checked in the spring. Throughout the year, make sure you change your air filter every 30 to 90 days and keep all HVAC units clear of debris.
What happens when I need a repair on a holiday or weekend?
Not to worry! The HVAC experts at DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. are available 24/7/365 to help with any and all of your heating or cooling emergencies. Did your water furnace break down on Thanksgiving? Give us a call. What if your air conditioner goes out on a Sunday night? Give us a call. Our team of pros is ready and waiting to help you. They will arrive promptly, assess the situation, provide an upfront estimate, and get to work as soon as you approve. Our goal is to keep your family or business comfortable all year round, so call us the moment you need us and we’ll be there!
Which HVAC system is right for my home?
Deciding which HVAC system is right for your home can seem overwhelming. But here are a few things to keep in mind that could make choosing a heating and cooling system a little easier.
- Consider the size of your home – If your air conditioner and heater are too small for your house, they’ll have to work extra hard to cool and heat your space. But an HVAC system that is to large will heat or cool your home too quickly and keep cycling over and over again. Both situations cause problems for the units – and your utility bills. That’s why we will do what’s call a “load calculation,” which helps us determine the perfect system size of your home.
- Think about the energy efficiency level you desire – The best thing about high-efficiency air conditioners and heaters is that since they use less energy, not only are they environmentally friendly, they help you save money.
- Keep your budget in mind – Remember that you need to consider the cost of operating your HVAC system as well as the initial cost of the unit. Just because an air conditioner, for example, is inexpensive, doesn’t mean it will cost you less in the long run.
The heating and cooling pros at DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. are always available to help if you have any questions about choosing an air conditioner, furnace, boiler, or heat pump. We love helping our customers make the best decision for their needs.
What can I do to lower my energy bills?
Here are a few quick, easy ways to reduce your energy bills and save money:
1. Change your air filter – Not only will a dirty filter cause your HVAC units to use more energy, it could actually damage your system. We recommend changing your filter every 30 to 90 days.
2. Get a programmable thermostat – When you are able to control the temperature of your home, not only can you create the perfect indoor environment, you can also save money by having your heat or A/C turned up or down automatically when you’re sleeping or away from home.
3. Use your blinds and curtains – Keep them open on sunny winter days to keep your home warmer, and close them during the summer to help keep your house cool and prevent your A/C unit from overworking.
4. Insulate your home – Make sure your attic and basement are well insulated by having your home professionally inspected by an insulation expert. It’s very easy to lose heat and cool air from these two spaces, so insulating them well will be a big money saver.
5. Routine HVAC maintenance – We can’t stress how important this is to the life of your HVAC system. DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. offers reasonable rates on thorough HVAC tune-ups that will nip any potential problems in the bud and ensure that your family stays comfortable all year long.
How do I know if I need a new heater or air conditioner?
If you’re wondering if you need a new heater or air conditioner for your Wright County, West Metro or Buffalo MN home, chances are you probably do. You’ve probably experienced one of the following:
1. Your unit doesn’t work – The most obvious sign that you need a new HVAC unit is that your current unit stopped working and no longer cools or heats your home.
2. Expensive repairs – If your latest repair bill is really high – or you’ve had your HVAC unit
repaired several times in the past year and your system is 10+ years old – it’s time to replace the unit.
3. It’s old – Some units can last for 20 years, if they’ve been meticulously maintained. But even with routine tune-ups, once your HVAC unit gets older you’ll see problems more and more frequently. Once that starts happening, it’s time for a new heater or A/C unit.
4. You want to save money – New heaters and air conditioners get more and more efficient every year. Since they are designed to use less energy than older units, you’ll save money on your monthly utility bills when you have a new A/C unit or heater installed. Even though a new unit will cost more up front, you can save hundred on heating and cooling throughout the year.
What kind of filter do I need for my HVAC system?
When choosing a filter for your HVAC system, the first thing you need to do is determine the correct size. If you have a filter in the furnace slot already, just read the numbers (for example: 16” x 25” x 1”). If the size isn’t listed on the filter, get out your measuring tape. If you can’t find the exact measurements you took at the store, go up to the nearest inch (for example, if you measured 24½”, buy one that is 25”). Next, decide what MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating you would like. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the particle size they catch and the cleaner your air will be. Finally, make sure you change the filter every 90 days; more frequently if you have pets or allergies.
How do I choose a good HVAC service company?
Every company claims they offer great services. So how do you choose a good HVAC service company. Here are a few tips:
1. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for referrals.
2. Make sure the HVAC company has all the necessary licenses and certifications required by the State of Minnesota.
3. Is the company large enough to take care of your needs 24/7? If the company has only one or two employees, who will take care of YOU on Christmas when your furnace goes out or when everyone is on vacation?
4. Did the HVAC company provide a detailed quote with options for you to consider? Did they do a proper home evaluation for equipment sizing? Every home is different. Is the new equipment accurately designed to fit your needs for you home?
5. Do they continue to train their employees 2-3 times a week? It’s an ever-changing industry, are they up to date on the latest technology? Are they NATE Certified?
6. Have their employees had a background check prior to entering your home?
At DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc., you’ll get all of this and more. We take our services very seriously and are happy to answer any questions or provide any information you need!
Should I cover my air conditioner or heat pump in the fall and winter?
No, there’s absolutely no need to cover your air conditioner or heat pump in the fall and winter. Outdoor HVAC units are designed to withstand ice and cold temperatures. And debris, such as leaves or sticks, can be cleaned off easily before you run the A/C again in warmer weather. If you really want to, you could cover your air conditioner, but you need to be sure the cover is removed before you use it again. Running an HVAC unit with a cover on restricts air flow and could seriously damage the unit. Another potential issue is that rodents may start nesting under the cover, which could lead to chewed wires. A heat pump, on the other hand, should never be covered because it runs all year, either heating or cooling your home or business.
What is the best thermostat to use for my heating system?
First of all, you need to know which types of thermostat are compatible with your heating system. Check your heating unit’s owner’s manual. If you can’t find the manual, feel free to give the team at DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. and we can help. Next, you should decide which one works best for your needs.
Here are the types of thermostat available, from most advanced to the simplest:
1. Smart Thermostats – a.k.a. learning thermostats, don’t even need to be programmed. As you use them, they learn your temperature and timing preferences and turn on and off based on your unique needs. This type of thermostat connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and can be managed by your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
2. Remote Energy Management Thermostats – Just like a smart thermostat, a remote energy management thermostat lets you program and monitor your HVAC system from your computer, smartphone, or tablet via Wi-Fi from a remote location. While this type does not “learn” your preferences, it is still a very convenient thermostat to have.
3. Programmable Thermostats – This type of thermostat lets you choose the perfect temperature for days, nights, and weekends. Just program in the temperature and time and your thermostat will turn on and off on command.
4. Manual (or Mechanical) Thermostats – The easiest thermostat to use, the manual thermostat lets you choose the temperature settings with a twist of a dial or by sliding a lever. While simple to use, these are the least efficient thermostats unless you keep your home at the same temperature all the time (or remember to turn it up and down every day and night!).
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a device that warms and cools your home by moving heat from one space to another. They pull heat out of the outside air to heat your home. Then, to cool your space, they can be reversed to pull heat from your house and move it outside. Heat pumps are very efficient when paired with a plenum heater and using off-peak from your utility company. DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. technicians are fully trained to install, repair, and maintain heat pumps. If you’d like to learn more about whether a heat pump is right for you, call us today to talk to one of our helpful customer service reps.
How often should I check and clean my air filter?
At DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc., we recommend that our customers check and clean their air filters at least once every 90 days. If you have allergies or pets, however, you should clean them more frequently – every 30 to 60 days. Dirt and dust block airflow, which makes your HVAC system work harder, costing you more money. Always buy the best air filters you can afford, as the better quality filters remove more particles from the air, leaving your home environment cleaner and healthier. Checking and cleaning your home’s air filters is one of the easiest and more cost-effective ways to keep your HVAC system running at its best.
What is the proper indoor humidity level?
Indoor humidity – the amount of moisture in the air inside your home – makes a big difference in the comfort of your home and should be between 35% to 50%.
Here’s what your indoor humidity level should be in relation to the outdoor temperature:
1. If your outdoor temperature is over 50˚F, then your indoor humidity levels should be less than 50%
2. Outdoor temp over 20˚F, then indoor humidity levels less than 40%
3. Outdoor temp between 10˚F and 20˚F, then indoor humidity levels less than 35%
4. Outdoor temp between 0˚F and 10˚F, then indoor humidity levels less than 30%
5. Outdoor temp between -10˚F and 0˚F, then indoor humidity levels less than 25%
6. Outdoor temp between -20˚F and -10˚F, then indoor humidity levels less than 20%
7. Outdoor temp at -20˚F or lower, then indoor humidity levels less than 15%
To help regulate the humidity in your home, DeZiel Heating & A/C, Inc. can install a whole-home humidifier system, which work with your existing HVAC system to add moisture to or remove it from the air. Call us for more information.
