Expert Insight from Our HVAC Technicians
Your HVAC system keeps your Santa Rosa, CA, home comfortable no matter the weather, but when issues arise, you could be wondering who to turn to. It might be that your AC is making strange noises or won’t turn on. Maybe your furnace is less efficient than it used to be, and you’re looking for a replacement. No matter your situation, our KC Home Services technicians are here to provide insight into all things HVAC. With our decades of experience, we’re sure we can help answer your questions and give you peace of mind. Use our list of commonly asked questions and answers below to help you get started. If you have any additional questions, contact us today!
Use our FAQ section below to get insight into commonly asked HVAC questions. Whether you need a technician today or you just want more information, our HVAC tips are sure to help!
At the very least, homeowners should schedule HVAC maintenance yearly to prevent undue wear and tear from decreasing their HVAC system’s efficiency and lifespan. However, because you rely on your HVAC system in the high temperatures of the summer and low temperatures of the winter, we recommend having your heating and cooling system tuned up by an HVAC technician before those seasons ramp up. We suggest adding HVAC maintenance to your routine so that you stay ahead of repairs for your home’s heating and cooling system. Our KC Home Services maintenance includes two annual tune-up appointments to ensure your home is always comfortable.
Your air conditioner might give you several indicators that it requires timely repair. First, you might notice grinding or clanking sounds when the system operates, indicating an unbalanced fan blade. Squealing or screeching sounds could indicate trouble with a loose fan belt or dry fan motor bearings. Additionally, you may notice unusual smells coming from your air conditioner, like burning, foul, or musty odors. Other signs that should cause concern are high utility bills when your usage remains the same, poor airflow, no cool air blowing from your vents, or if you’re experiencing water leaks. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact our technicians immediately for assistance to avoid more damage or a premature AC replacement down the road.
It’s natural to want to improve the air you breathe at home as it impacts allergies, asthma, and even sleep quality! Simple steps you might be already taking are changing your AC filter regularly and using a single-room air purifier, but your home’s overall air quality might still be lacking. There are different steps you can take to determine the right whole-home IAQ solutions for you. First, assess the current level of indoor air quality that your home has, including whether you have pets, excessive dust, or other allergens that need to be addressed. You can improve your home’s indoor air quality through IAQ solutions like whole-home air purifiers, HVAC UV lights, humidity control products, and more. KC Home Services can help you determine what whole-home air quality solutions you could benefit from.
Sizing an HVAC system for your home is extremely important for its effectiveness, efficiency, and the overall comfort of your home. There is a lot more to take into consideration than just measuring square footage. For example, an HVAC system that is too large or too small for your home will result in higher energy costs and uncomfortable indoor temperatures. There are several factors to consider when sizing an HVAC system for your home. First, consider the type of system you need, whether split-system, packaged, or ductless. Once you’ve decided on a system, it’s important to compare different energy efficiency and cooling capacity ratings, which will be SEER ratings and BTUh ratings. Last, estimate the total cooling needs of your home. This can include the number of people who live in your home, the amount of insulation or ductwork, the age of your home, and how much direct sunlight your home receives. Get expert help from the technicians at KC Home Services to accurately size the perfect HVAC system for your home.
While heat pumps and furnaces perform similar functions in warming up the air in a home, they operate differently. A furnace will generate or create heat for a home by burning gas or oil or through electricity. Heat pumps, however, don’t generate heat themselves; they move or transfer the heat from outside sources, like the air or the ground, through electricity and refrigerant. There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Heat pumps are commonly used in milder climates, while gas or oil-burning furnaces are found in climates with harsher winters. Heat pumps are a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly choice in a moderate climate but won’t provide as much heat as a furnace in a harsher climate.
There are several things that you can do to reduce your energy costs with your HVAC system, some of which you can take immediate action on. First, make sure you’re keeping up with your HVAC’s routine maintenance, which includes changing air filters and having your system serviced regularly by a trained technician. Second, consider upgrading your HVAC’s thermostat to a programmable or even a smart thermostat to raise and lower your home’s temperature on a schedule. Third, determine whether your home’s windows, doors, and ductwork are properly sealed to reduce any unnecessary strain on your system. Last, consider replacing your HVAC system if it’s past its prime, swapping it out with a more energy-efficient option. KC Home Services technicians can help you determine whether an HVAC replacement is the right choice for your home.
