HVAC & Air Conditioning FAQ

What does the term HVAC mean? 

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning. HVAC generally refers to the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, & registers (vents) in your home. 

What regular maintenance do HVAC systems need? 

Most important: keeping HVAC air flow unrestricted. Dust is the worst. For both indoor or outdoor equipment, keep filters & coils clean. We recommend that your heating & cooling system be checked & serviced twice a year; ideally a spring & autumn tune-up. Filters get clogged with dust very quickly, especially in the warm climate here in Texas; so filters need replacement or cleaning regularly (most filters are replaceable, not cleanable). This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that HVAC systems face. 

Why do I need to change my filter regularly? 

Well, to expand on this, regular filter replacement does two things: air moves more freely (saving money, increasing efficiency) and your air quality will be better.

How do I know if I have an existing warranty on my furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system? 

Examine your equipment, look on the inside equipment first. Look for a label with a manufacture date. Typically, warranties are for 5 years, but some makers vary. We can help: Naylor Services can verify the warranty status of your heating & cooling system. 

How do I know if my A/C unit is property sized for my system? 

Bigger isn’t always better; its performance & efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs & budget. Too big, and you might waste money (over the course of years). Too small, and you’ll sacrifice comfort. A Manual J heat load calculation should be performed upon your home using state of the art HVAC design software.

How can I increase the efficiency & life of my home’s heating & air conditioning systems? 

A few quick tips: again: change filters frequently–these are literally pennies compared to how much money dirty filters can waste. Shades, drapes, shutters, & screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels. 

At what temperature should I set my thermostat? 

That’s up to you, but also temp 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.

How long does an average HVAC unit last?

Regular maintenance is a must. Most HVAC systems last about 10 to 20 years–although 20 years is fairly rare. Now, even when your AC equipment is working, it might not be working efficiently. Your equipment may get louder and need more repairs. When a unit starts showing its age, you can either keep repairing the system or decide to replace it. We can help with that decision, just reach out.