At Cool/Hot Guys AC, we know knowledge is power
We are here to help answer your most commonly asked questions regarding your home's AC, heating, and ventilation systems
HVAC issues can be frustrating, expensive, and in the Arizona heat, downright urgent. The more you know about your AC unit and how it works, the less time and money you need to spend down the road. Our experts will be talking about all the tips and tricks to keeping your home and business cool and comfortable, including:
- What are 5 HVAC troubleshooting tips that every homeowner should know?
- Why should you have an air quality test?
- Tips to prepare your HVAC unit for 100+ degree heat
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How often should I service my HVAC system?
It is not a bad idea to have a professional inspect your HVAC system annually.
-
What is the warranty like on a new HVAC system?
Most manufacturers offer a 10yr warranty on the parts in a new system. The labor warranty comes from the company that installs it. Most companies give 1-2 years. We give 5 years.
-
Which HVAC system is right for my home?
That is like asking which car is right for my family. There are specific issues to each home and each homeowner that drive the answer here. Call us and we will be happy to help answer this for you.
-
How do I know if I need a new heater or air conditioner?
Like a car, an air conditioner can always be repaired. The question really is, when does it make more sense to replace a system rather than repair it. That is usually somewhere between year 11 to year 15.
-
How often should I change my air filter?
Air filters should be changed monthly.
-
How often should I clean my air filter?
Monthly.
-
How often should I replace my air filter?
Monthly.
-
What is the proper indoor humidity level?
There is no "proper" level, but most people are comfortable somewhere between 30-50% humidity.
-
Why do I need a humidifier?
Humidifiers are typically used in the winter in colder climates. That is because air below freezing cannot hold any moisture and running furnace dries out the indoor air. As hot and dry as our summers are, indoor humidity levels typically still stay in the 30-50% range.
-
Should I have my air ducts cleaned?
We rarely recommend duct cleaning. It tends to do more damage than good.
-
What size heating and air conditioning system do I need?
The rule of thumb is 400-450sq ft per ton. The formal way is to do a heat load calculation. Those are done whenever a house is built or remodeled.
-
What type of heating and air conditioning system should I get?
You do not really get to pick the type of system. That is determined by your home and the availability (or often lack thereof) of natural gas.
-
What is the best way to heat and cool my home?
With a Trane comfort system installed by Cool/Hot Guys.
-
What is better: gas, electric, or oil?
Gas!!! Every time, no questions asked. But most homes in Maricopa County do not have natural gas available. That is why we are forced to use electricity for our heat. Oil heating is a very antiquated form of heating typically only seen back East in older cities.
-
How do I know if my air quality is bad?
If you live in the greater Phoenix area, that is how you know.
-
How can I check or test my air quality?
We just so happen to own a $7000 Fluke Air Particle Counter. We can come to your house, measure the indoor and outdoor air quality then make recommendations for improving it if necessary.