HVAC Questions Charlottesville Homeowners Ask Most

Many things that happen to an HVAC system can be remedied by the homeowner WITHOUT a service visit. Such as:

• Check the filter. A dirty filter can either stop or compromise your system's ability to perform.
• Sometimes it’s simply a matter of a tripped breaker. If that’s the case, switch the breaker back on and in most cases you’re good to go.
• When is the last time you checked the batteries in your thermostat? If it’s been a while, a simple replacement could be your solution.

Your system is still not responding? Give Airflow a call to schedule a technician for same day service at (434) 979-4328

HERS stands for the Home Energy Rating System. The index is a nationally recognized scoring system for measuring a home’s energy performance, sort of like a miles-per-gallon sticker for houses. Many certification programs require a specific minimum HERS score.

A HERS score identifies a number of issues with energy efficiency. These include:

• Amount and location of air leaks in the building envelope
• Effectiveness of walls and ceilings insulation
• Amount of leakage from HVAC distribution ducts
• Any existing or potential combustion safety issues

Most likely YES. There are several reasons:

• In recent years, indoor blower coil units have undergone numerous design advances, especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.
• The cooling and/or heating efficiency rating assigned to a given air conditioner or heat pump is based on matched system performance. While you may gain higher efficiency by replacing only the outdoor unit, the efficiency levels (and savings) are not as high as with a matched system.
• If an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit is 10 years old and needs replacement, the indoor unit is just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear. Replacing both units means you won’t have to replace the indoor unit in a short time—you’ll have years of service from both units.
• A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit gives you added peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers the entire system.
• Replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain. That is, until you consider the lower efficiency, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership associated with single-unit replacement. It may cost more to replace an entire system, but this gives you more efficiency, reliability and comfort.

Mini-split systems offer several advantages for homeowners

• Mini-splits are among the most energy-efficient HVAC options available, often delivering significant savings on utility bills.
• They allow you to heat and cool individual rooms or zones, giving you precise control over comfort levels throughout your home.
• Unlike traditional systems, mini-splits require only a small hole in the wall for connection, making installation less invasive.
• Indoor units are remarkably quiet, typically operating at whisper-soft levels.
• Perfect for older homes or additions where installing ductwork would be impractical or expensive.

Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas to cool or heat only areas that need conditioning. For example, a living room with large windows may stay too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. A zoning system will send more conditioned air to the living room to make up for the heat gained or lost through the windows.

Zoning uses only one comfort system to control the temperature for each zone. Installing a comfort system with a zoning system costs quite a bit less than installing two systems, and the yearly maintenance is also less expensive.

• Today’s families have different lifestyles and comfort needs. Maybe you have a home office that needs extra conditioning during the day, and none at night.
  Or you only use the upstairs bedrooms when guests visit. Whatever your needs, zoning can keep each area of your house at the perfect temperature with the most economical operation.
• If you are replacing your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is an excellent time to install a zoning system and achieve precise control and comfort everywhere in the house. Zoning is also excellent for new homes, since it is installed during construction.
• Installing more than one comfort system can work to keep temperatures comfortable, but multiple systems are expensive. Typically, in a two-story home, one comfort system is installed for the downstairs, and one for the upstairs.

Filter replacement frequency depends on several factors:

• Standard 1-3 inch filters: Every 1-3 months
• Homes with pets: Every 1-2 months
• High-traffic households: Every month
• 4-5 inch media filters: Every 6-12 months
• HEPA filters: Every 6-12 months

A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and increasing energy costs. When in doubt, check your filter monthly and replace when it looks dirty.

We recommend having your HVAC system professionally serviced at least twice a year—once before the cooling season and once before the heating season. Regular maintenance helps:

• Prevent unexpected breakdowns
• Improve energy efficiency and lower utility bills
• Extend the lifespan of your equipment
• Maintain warranty coverage
• Ensure optimal indoor air quality

Consider joining our Performance Program for automatic scheduled maintenance and priority service!

Here are proven ways to reduce your HVAC energy costs:

• Install a programmable or smart thermostat
• Change air filters regularly
• Schedule regular maintenance
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors
• Add insulation to your attic
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air
• Keep vents and registers clear
• Close blinds during hot summer days
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency system
• Consider a zoning system for targeted comfort

Consider replacing your HVAC system if:

• Your system is 10-15 years old or older
• Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value
• Energy bills are steadily increasing
• Frequent breakdowns and repairs
• Uneven temperatures throughout your home
• The system uses R-22 refrigerant (being phased out)
• Excessive noise or unusual sounds
• Poor indoor air quality

Modern systems are significantly more efficient and can save you 20-40% on energy costs. Contact us for a free replacement consultation and estimate.