The Truth about what your HVAC Technicians might be Telling you!

There are a lot of myths and misinformation about HVAC systems, how they work, and how they should be maintained. Listening to what an HVAC technician tells you and separating fact from fiction can help you make an informed decision about choosing a heating and air conditioning company that’s right for you.

Your system is old and needs to be replaced

Properly maintained modern heating and air conditioning systems last an average of 15-20 years. If your contractor tells you that your system must be replaced because it is 10 years old—get another opinion.

The bigger the better

If your heating and air conditioning company is telling you to purchase the biggest unit because they work best, run the other way.  Be sure they use the Manual J (heat load calculation) to determine what kind of unit your home will need to stay cool and dry in the summer and warm in the winter. This load calculation is used to accurately determine the size and power of the unit.  It considers such factors as the size of the home, insulation, the location of windows and doors, air leakage, and the orientation of the house in relation to the sun. 

Multiple parts need to be replaced

If your HVAC technician says that a lot of parts need to be replaced, get a very detailed explanation of what happened to cause the failure of each part. Most HVAC systems have safeguards in place to prevent the system from continuing to run when one part goes bad.

Your unit is leaking carbon monoxide

Some companies use this as a tactic to scare clients into unnecessary replacement or repair. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas.  There is no way to tell if it is leaking by sight or smell.  Measuring flue gasses with a combustion analyzer is the only way to test for a CO leak. If a repair is recommended, make sure it is be based on data, not just what the technician “thinks” might be happening.

Maintenance plans are worth the money.

HVAC units need to be maintained regularly.  A qualified technician can proactively inform you of potential problems before they occur.  Annual or semi-annual checks and maintenance improve system performance and extend the life of your system.

Price is the most important factor when making a purchase.

Not necessarily. A properly designed HVAC system that has had all of the available rebates and incentives applied will provide you not only the “best deal”, but will perform reliably for the life of the system. A home’s energy bill can be as much as 50% heating and AC usage depending the time of the year, the type of unit, and the square footage of the home. An efficient top-quality system will help save on energy usage and be more cost-effective in the long run.

Before choosing a heating and air conditioning company, do your research.  Asking family and friends for recommendations is always a good way to find reliable, affordable services.  The helpful and knowledgeable staff at H&H Heating and Air Conditioning can answer any questions you may have about which system is right for your home.