Pinnacle Group FAQs
- Will a new HVAC system lower my energy bill?
- What is the most common HVAC system?
- How long does an HVAC system installation take?
- Should I have maintenance on my HVAC system every year?
- What is the average cost of a new air conditioning system?
- What is the average life expectancy of an air conditioner or heating system?
- Do I have to replace the outdoor unit at the same time as the indoor unit?
- Will indoor air quality products help with COVID-19?
- How do I know if my HVAC technician is doing a good job?
Will a new HVAC system lower my energy bill?
New HVAC systems are generally more energy-efficient and will probably lower your bill if you’ve been using your current unit for ten years or more. However, the amount you will save will depend on the unit’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) it has. That’s why it’s important to get the advice of a heating and cooling expert who can help you pick out the right unit for your home.
What is the most common HVAC system?
The most common type of HVAC system is the split system, which has a heating unit indoors that heats the air and a cooling unit outdoors that uses refrigerant to cool your home. After that, the most common are mini-split systems which have better control of the temperature in individual rooms, followed by hybrid systems which use gas or electricity to power it. The type of HVAC system that is best for you will depend on what you are looking for and what would work best for your home.
How long does an HVAC system installation take?
How long an HVAC system installation or replacement all depends on several factors including the size of your home, the location, the type of installation, and the type of unit being installed. If you have a larger home and the installation is more than simply switching things out, then it will naturally be longer. Plus, the type of home you have and where you want to put your unit might require more legwork to properly install it. It’s important to take into account these factors with the installation team so you can properly understand how long it will take. In general, installations typically last between 1-2 days.
Should I have maintenance on my HVAC system every year?
Yes! For starters, most HVAC warranties require you to have your system maintained by a professional at least once a year. Regardless of warranty, maintenance is still important as it will give your system a longer life and lower the chance of you needing more repairs for the unit. If you want to save money and have a unit that will work at its peak efficiency, getting it maintained yearly will be very cost-effective in the long run.
What is the average cost of a new air conditioning system?
The cost to have an air conditioner installed can vary greatly. While the initial cost of a new system can range from lower-end, standard models that cost in the $4,000-$8,000 ballpark and higher-end, high efficiency and high performance models that can exceed $10,000, that is only the cost of the system. The price to have an air conditioner professionally installed will make the total cost higher, naturally, but a professional installation is vital to your investment being a good one. Other factors can affect the price including the size of your home, the features, brand, and more. Options like financing can greatly reduce the initial cost, and consulting with a professional. Trustworthy HVAC company will help make sure you get the best system for your needs and home at a fair, competitive price.
What is the average life expectancy of an air conditioner or heating system?
An air conditioning unit can sometimes last up to twenty years while a heat pump can last around the same time, but it’s usually around fifteen years. The life of a system will also depend on where you live, like a coastal area, which can decrease the lifespan of an AC unit due to the salt in the environment. It also depends on how regularly you have your system maintained, how properly sized for your home it was, and how much you use it.
Do I have to replace the outdoor unit at the same time as the indoor unit?
It is highly recommended that you do so as if you just replace one of them instead of both, it can lead to compatibility issues. HVAC units change all the time and one unit might work too different than the other, meaning your home comfort could take a big hit. Plus, it’ll most likely void the warranty as well as cause you to have to spend more money in the near future to fix the problem, leading to you getting two compatible units, anyway.
Will indoor air quality products help with COVID-19?
Better ventilation can reduce airborne contaminants in your home including the virus that causes COVID-19, but it won’t protect you from exposure to the virus. However adding the use of a fan, opening windows, and using an air filter can improve home ventilation. That said, this is not an ultimate end-all solution that will prevent any possibility of contracting covid. There are, however, air purification systems that have been tested to be highly effective at eliminating viruses similar to COVID-19, and some that have proven to be effective against the COVID-19 virus specifically.
How do I know if my HVAC technician is doing a good job?
There are several ways to tell, including if they are on time and if they can properly communicate what they are doing. If they are operating on your unit and can tell you what they are doing and why it will fix your problem, they are probably experienced enough to do the job. Communication is a two-way street that is key in ensuring you can tell them what you need, and for them to convey what they are doing to fix your problem. Most importantly, contacting a reputable HVAC company will ensure you have a technician that is held to high standards for experience and quality in their work.