Getting a new HVAC system is a big commitment, and it can be hard to know where to start. Not only do you want to ensure you’re getting the right unit, but you also want to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Once it is installed, you may wonder about the best way to keep the comfort coming all year long. We’ve got you covered.
Here are a few frequently asked questions we get here at MSCO. We are going to help you with finding the right size unit, learning how to maintain it, and special tips from MSCO to give you a better HVAC experience.
HVAC Replacement Question #1: What size HVAC system should I get?
The size of your HVAC system is chosen based on many factors, both internal and external to your home. No two houses are exactly alike, and your HVAC system should be customized to your needs. There are specific load calculations performed to size the system to the home. These calculations take many factors into account, such as insulation, windows, foundation, even which direction the house faces. If your heating and cooling system is sized improperly to the house, it will not perform as expected and can even lead to problems such as moisture in the home. To ensure your home’s heating and cooling system isn’t too large or too small, an evaluation from a licensed professional at MSCO can help.
HVAC Replacement Question #2: Is an HVAC system with more capacity always better?
No, as this can greatly diminish your overall comfort. Having more capacity can mean that more frequent shorter cycles occur where the system frequently turns itself on, quickly satisfies the setting and then turns right back off. In theory, this might seem more efficient, but the opposite is actually true. It’s important to note that indoor humidity is only removed while the AC is running, therefore these short cycles don’t allow humidity to be properly removed – leaving you feeling uncomfortable.
HVAC Replacement Question #3: How long should my system stay running without shutting off?
This depends on the relationship between factors such as outside temperature and your thermostat settings. Certain high efficiency systems are also designed to run more than others. HVAC systems in our area are designed to perform normally when the outdoor temperatures are at or below 95 in the summer, and at or above 20 in the winter. When the conditions outside get close to or exceed these limits, then the system could run more than it typically does. This is completely normal and expected. And, as we noted above, your air conditioner does not perform it’s function of removing excess humidity if it is not allowed to run for long enough
HVAC Replacement Question #4: What can I do to maintain the health of my HVAC unit?
The most important thing to remember is to maintain your filters. Clean filters lead to a cleaner system. And a cleaner system makes for a more comfortable home. If they’re disposable, replace them once a month and if they’re washable, clean them once a month. If you have a high efficiency filtration system, follow the recommendations of your service technician for filter change-out schedules. Other maintenance includes cleaning any branches or debris from your outdoor unit, cautiously weed whacking any overgrown landscaping around the unit (be careful to not damage any control wiring!), and keeping pets away from your unit (pet urine = expensive damage).
HVAC Replacement Question #5: What’s the best way to purify the air in my home?
MSCO offers options to purify your home’s air, either to add on to your existing unit or install when you get a new system. PlasmaPure uses bipolar ionization technology to proactively purify the air in your home. Air Scrubber technology goes beyond traditional air purification measures by not only eliminating stale air and reducing dust in your home, but by also eliminating harmful contaminants in the air and on the surfaces in your home. And, as always, our current offering of Trane products can not only help with purification but also efficiency and total home comfort.
Check out our special pricing and financing options here.
HVAC Replacement Question #6: How long should my new unit last?
If everything goes accordingly and life doesn’t throw anything too crazy at your HVAC system, they can last up to 15 to 25 years. However, you can elongate the life of your HVAC unit with one of our Continuous Maintenance Plans. Plans are available starting as little as $29 a month, and you will be treated like a VIP!
We’ll see you every six months to make sure everything is running smoothly, spot potential problems you might not even have noticed, and clean your system. You also will not have to wait for your repairs with our 24/7 priority service, even at the height of the season.
See the benefits and more info about this plan here.
