9 Valuable Questions You Should Ask Your Air Conditioning Technician

So you’ve made an HVAC repair appointment and want to get the most out of it. You’re not alone if you haven’t figured out how to achieve it.

Should you inquire about something? How about staying out of the way?

A skilled, trustworthy HVAC expert won’t mind if you pay attention and ask a lot of questions. After all, it’s your home and your heating and cooling system, so you should be interested in learning about it and how to properly maintain it. Use this checklist to ask the right questions and obtain a better understanding of your home and how it works.

Here are Some of the Questions You Can Ask Your HVAC Tech

1. In the summer and winter, what temperature should I set my thermostat to?

Families have been split by thermostat battles for years. Consult an expert and inquire about the ideal temperature ranges for each season. This will save money as well as maybe strengthen family relationships.

Your HVAC professional can also provide advice on how to keep the house pleasant without racking up exorbitant utility bills. For example, during the transitional seasons, you may be able to rely only on your HVAC system’s fan setting and a few open windows to provide airflow.

2. What exactly are smart thermostats?

After outlining the benefits, installation process, and prices, your HVAC professional can help you sort through the smart thermostat selections and find the ideal one for your home.

(Spoiler alert: Smart thermostats are excellent and highly user friendly; you’ll find dozens of great options at a variety of pricing ranges, and it’s incredibly exciting to see your energy expenditures drop after your thermostat is programmed and in use.)

3. What can I do to improve the quality of my indoor air?

Many HVAC companies provide indoor air quality services such as duct cleaning and the installation of an air purifier or dehumidifier. If you or a member of your family suffers from allergies, air quality is a critical concern. At the very least, you should get a recommendation for allergen-capturing air filters.

4. Is it necessary to have my air ducts cleaned?

Airflow and indoor air quality can both benefit from duct cleaning. Inquire with your technician about the state of your ducts and when they need be cleaned next.

5. What are the advantages of a company-sponsored maintenance plan?

Specific maintenance plans differ from business to company, so find out what your HVAC firm’s maintenance plan includes. There may be several plan levels to pick from, and your technician may advise you on which is ideal for your system’s condition.

6. When is my next scheduled maintenance appointment?

Make at least two annual maintenance visits, one in the spring and the other in the fall. With their annual maintenance programs, some companies, on the other hand, provide more frequent maintenance checks. If you have an older system, you may want to have it checked more frequently than a new one.

7. Is there anything else I should know about my old air conditioner?

Perhaps your old unit is still functional for the time being, but you’ll want to know when you’ll need to replace it. Ask your air conditioning technician if a few fixes will keep it working for a few more years or if you should start looking for a new one before it dies.

Another thing to think about is whether or not your older unit uses R-22. Due to environmental concerns, this type of refrigerant is being phased out. R-22 for current units will have to come from recycled or recovered sources after the ban on R-22 production and import is lifted in 2020. Prices will rise as R-22 availability decreases. If your older unit uses this type of refrigerant, consider upgrading now to save money and time in the future.

8. What factors should I consider while purchasing a new air conditioner?

If you know you’ll need to replace your unit soon, seek guidance and instructions from the technician to help you limit down your options. If you live in a mild area, ask your HVAC expert about a heat pump and whether it would be a good option for both air conditioning and heating.

9. What do SEER ratings mean?

There are numerous materials available to explain SEER ratings, but if you want a quick and dirty explanation from a master, simply ask your technician. They can explain how SEER ratings work in the context of buying a new HVAC system or evaluating the efficiency of your current one.

How to Get Ready for Your HVAC Service

Basic HVAC System Inspection

If you’re not sure whether or not your system requires service, attempt some simple A/C troubleshooting before calling your HVAC firm. There are a few things you may do to prepare for your appointment once it has been set.

1. Make a list of the problems you’ve discovered. Strange noises? Strange odors? Make a mental note of them all.
2. Make sure you know where your equipment is. The air handler, outside condenser unit, and thermostat controls are all included. You should be able to identify the primary electrical panel as well.
3. Remove any impediments. This means moving anything in the way of your indoor and outdoor equipment, stuffing all those toys into a closet, and ensuring that your dogs are safe during the stay.

Don’t Be Hesitant to Ask Questions

Your HVAC technician is waiting to assist you. Ask your inquiry, even if you think it’s absurd. These professionals are experts who enjoy sharing what they know. Both you and your HVAC specialist will profit from knowledge sharing because it will facilitate conversation about issues and help you manage your system appropriately.

The Homeowner’s Guide to HVAC Maintenance

There are things you may take on your own throughout the year to keep your A/C system healthy:

• Regularly replace your air filter. Change it at least once a quarter, but if you have pets or allergies, change it regularly.
• Reduce the stress on your body. Throughout the year, use sensible temperature settings and remember to alter them according to the season. While you’re gone, don’t leave the air conditioner running all the time. Shade trees and drapes can also help keep your home cool in the summer.
• Plants and things should be kept away from the outside unit. Make sure there’s enough space on all sides for airflow. After significant storms, inspect the unit to make sure it isn’t damaged and that the grilles aren’t clogged with dirt or debris.

In conclusion

Take advantage of your HVAC technician’s visit to ask all of your burning air conditioning inquiries. You can ask some or all the questions we discussed on this post to learn more about your HVAC.