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Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes homeowners need answers when it comes to their HVAC problems. Let’s cut right to the chase and look at a few questions that we are frequently asked. We’ve given our best answers to these questions.

Make sure you call our team if you need more help. We’re available and ready to help with your HVAC-related questions, no matter how complicated or unique they seem. Every home is different and we’re specialists at thinking outside of the box.

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What Costs Go Into a Heat Pump Replacement?

This is going to be relative to the size of your home, the type of heat pump you’re purchasing, and the status of your ductwork. Centralized heat pumps hook up to your old ductwork so they can send warm or cool air into your home. However, investing in a ductless heat pump might be a better choice if your ducts are in rough shape or if you don’t have ducts at all. Ductless systems are more expensive to install, but the costs even out when you don’t have to pay for air duct services.

Why Is My Equipment Pricing So High?

HVAC equipment is more expensive than it used to be. That’s because systems are incredibly energy-efficient these days as electricity prices rise year after year. Air conditioners today can cool your home at a much lower energy cost with similar or better levels of cooling.

Also, with the advancement of technology, more specialized technicians are required to perform quality services. We make sure we’re trained thoroughly in all the systems we work on, so there’s a 100% chance of a job well done.

What Should Humidity Levels Be in a Home?

Humidity levels should be in the range of 30-40%, never exceeding 50%. Any lower than this range and your nose’s mucus membranes will harden and be unable to catch illnesses before they reach your respiratory system. Any more than 50% humidity and you’ll begin to feel uncomfortable as sweat becomes unable to evaporate off your skin. Also, you’ll see an increase in mold growth.

Why Isn’t My Thermostat Working?

Thermostats can stop working for a variety of reasons.

  • Firstly, your thermostat could be outdated and in need of replacement. Check and see how old it is and see if you can’t replace it with a newer, more high-tech system. 
  • Secondly, these systems rely on a steady flow of electricity, so you could be dealing with an electrical problem.
  • Thirdly, if there’s something wrong with the HVAC system, you’ll see problems reflected in your thermostat as well.

What’s the Difference Between an AC and a Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are air conditioners but air conditioners are not heat pumps. Air conditioners refer to systems that can cool the air using evaporating and condensing refrigerant. A heat pump can do anything that an air conditioner can do with one huge difference—the flow of refrigerant in a heat pump can go in reverse. This means your heat pump can heat your home as well as cool it, becoming a system for the entire year.

What Does a Smart Thermostat Do?

Smart thermostats can help curb your energy bills by prompting your HVAC system to run in a more efficient way, automatically. It can learn your heating and cooling preferences, and allow you to stay comfortable while not stressing the technology in your air conditioner or heater. Some Wi-Fi thermostats can even be controlled by your smartphone, so you can change the temperature of your home while on vacation or at work!

What Is the Maintenance Club?

Our maintenance club is designed to help you get the most out of your system. By signing up for yearly maintenance, you get access to a licensed professional who can tune up your HVAC unit and provide measurable benefits, like high efficiency rates, more system longevity, and better comfort. Our maintenance club also comes with certain perks, like a 20% discount on repairs or priority scheduling!

How Do I Know When to Replace My Heat Pump?

Heat pumps can last anywhere from 10-15 years in the best of cases. When you start noticing any of the following, then you’ll know your heat pump has reached its limit.

  • Decreased comfort levels and lukewarm air.
  • Higher energy bills.
  • Frequent repair needs keep cropping up.

If any of these sound familiar, be sure to call us for high quality heat pump repairs that you can count on!

 

McDonald Home Services

Serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties