Frequently Asked Questions
If You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers!
About HVAC
HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.
The most important part of HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.
We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year; ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.
Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than 10 years old it may have a warranty for residential and under 5 years for commercial, but also may not based on the model. Warranty terms and conditions change by manufacturer and the installing company. 3HAC Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system.
Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.
A few quick tips:
- Clean and replace your filters frequently.
- Your system will heat and cool more evenly when the blower is in the “on” position. The blower provides constant air movement throughout the home, and allows for better filtration.
- Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.
Temperature settings depend on the time of year and your personal preferences. In the summer, the average temperature setting is 75°-80°. In the winter 68°-72° is the norm. Remember, when leaving your house; try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more than 5°; this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired temperature setting.
About 3H AC
We are authorized dealers for Trane, Rudd, and Lenox.
New residential systems have a warranty that covers all major parts for 10-years. This means less worry for you! All new installs include a 1–year labor warranty AND a FREE (YES! FREE) checkup one year later. This is so we can make sure things continue to run smoothly! AND.. that’s NOT all.. 3H always registers your equipment with the vendor, so you don’t have to!
The #1 most important element in the HVAC world is installation! At 3HAC, we perform analysis before, during, and after a new system is installed. WHY? Because we believe in long-lasting, efficient systems that work, that’s why.
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About Air Quality
Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants. With a Home Health Report Card, Service Experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.
You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don’t get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.
Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.
Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified 3HAC Service Experts technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.
According to studies created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. A Home Health Report Card from Service Experts will provide the information about which indoor air improvement devices are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation 3HAC Experts at 813-979-4208.
Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements. Your 3HAC Experts service or installation technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s).
About Air Conditioning
Bigger isn’t always better; its performance and efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Your 3H AC Expert will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.
Air conditioners usually last around 15 years, sometimes longer with good maintenance.
Yes, you can replace just the outside unit but you will need to find one of similar age that is compatible with your air handler on the inside. Your money may actually be better spent on a new, more energy-efficient air conditioner.
It is bad for your AC to run all day, in particular, because your electric bill will be very high! It also puts a strain on the system to run without a break. A properly maintained unit will run for about 15 or 20 minutes until the indoor temperature reaches the setting on your thermostat, and then it will shut off until the temperature rises above the setting again. During heat waves, the system may cycle on and off more often than more moderate temps, and this is OK. But if your system never takes a break, give us a call and we will perform a complete system check to make sure your AC and ducts are working properly. We will also check your ductwork and insulation to see if you are losing air in the attic, or losing your cool or heat due to a lack of insulation.
If your outside AC unit is making screeching or clattering noises, not coming on at all, or your breaker is tripping repeatedly, chances are good your AC compressor is having electrical problems. The compressor repair could be something as simple as a blown fuse, a capacitor, frayed wire, or it could be an issue with the motor. Give us a call and we will walk you through some steps to see if it is a simple fix.
If there is no air blowing from your air conditioner, it could be a blown fuse or a tripped breaker panel. If you flip the breaker switch back to the ON position and the breaker trips again, please give us a call. AC fuses are not expensive parts to replace, but a skilled technician should do the work, as there is a lot of electricity going to the AC unit and there may be something else wrong that is causing the fuse to blow. AC fuses can last 20 years or more.