HVAC System FAQ

HVAC System FAQs in Gastonia, NC 

The more you understand about your heating and air conditioning system, the more confident you can feel in your decisions! And what better way to learn than with a few HVAC system FAQs? Unique Air and its many contractors have experienced it all, so we’ll know how to find the answers to everything you need! See our list of home heating or home air conditioning FAQs, or explore the importance of clean, fresh air with our indoor air quality FAQs! And be sure to call Unique Air Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule AC or heating services the minute your system starts to show wear and tear!

If I call for emergency service, how long do I have to wait?

Emergency services aren’t emergency services if they can’t be there when it matters most. We value our customers, so we will try to arrive at your location within one hour if possible. We know how it is to be without heating and cooling, so we’ll bring all the necessary tools to get the job done right.

Am I in your service area?

Yes! Unique Air provides heating and cooling services to residents in the following areas:

  • Alexis
  • Belmont
  • Charlotte
  • Cornelius
  • Cramerton
  • Pineville
  • Ranlo
  • Davidson
  • Denver
  • Gastonia
  • Huntersville
  • Kings Mountain
  • Holly
  • Stanley
  • Lake Norman
  • Lincolnton
  • Lowell
  • Matthews
  • McAdenville

How much does an HVAC system cost?

Heating and cooling systems vary in price. A lot is used when pricing a system, such as the location of the system, tonnage, SEER ratings, and more. We offer free estimates because we want to give you the correct cost without charging you before we perform any HVAC services.

Are programmable thermostats good for my home?

A programmable thermostat is an excellent piece of equipment for anyone who spends more than a few hours a day away from home. The thermostats can reduce your energy bills by 15%, and the newest ones can even be set from your phone! Think your thermostat might not be working as well as it once was? Check out our page for thermostat installation and repairs.

What is a good temperature for my home in the winter and summer?

This can be answered in two ways, but we need to know what your goals are. If you are looking to be comfortable in your home, you should keep the house at whatever temperature keeps you cool and comfortable. If you’re looking for a temperature range to leave your house on to save on energy bills, you should put it on 78° in the summer and 68° in the winter.

What is a cracked heat exchanger?

A cracked heat exchanger makes up the main component of your gas furnace. If a heat exchanger has a crack or rust holes, your furnace could send carbon monoxide through the duct system and into your house. If you have discovered a gap in your heat exchanger, you might need a furnace replacement. It is essential to shut the heating system down immediately and call Unique Air Heating & Air Conditioning!

How do I know if I should repair or replace my system?

Look for these signs if you need to get an AC repair:

  • The room stays warm even though the system is running
  • Water leaks out of the unit
  • The unit won’t turn on
  • The air has a weird smell (like rotten eggs)
  • The AC unit is blowing out warm air

Signs you need your heating system repaired:

  • The thermostat seems to be broken
  • The heat is inconsistent throughout the room
  • Banging or clanking sound when the system turns on
  • No heat

Signs you might need your cooling system replaced:

  • You call for repairs frequently
  • The unit is leaking water
  • Your AC system is older than 10-15 years old
  • The AC system makes a buzzing, clanking, or banging sound

Signs you need your furnace replaced:

  • Your heating bills keep rising
  • Your house doesn’t stay warm, or only certain parts of the home stay warm
  • Your heating system is over 10 years old
  • You frequently call in for furnace repairs

What does SEER stand for?

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the SEER, the more money you save on energy bills.

How long does it take to install a new HVAC system?

Every home is different. From past experiences, it can range from 8-12 hours of labor, depending on the situation.

Do you offer 24-hr emergency service?

We offer emergency, 24-hour services because we know that a heating or cooling system breakdown can be dangerous to our customers.

I have a gas furnace in my home with no central AC installed. Can I add AC to my home?

You can do an AC installation in your home! Give us a call (704) 865-7474 for an installation estimate today!

Why Is Indoor Air Quality Important?

Indoor air quality is crucial when it comes to our overall health and well-being. Indoor air quality is the type of air flowing through your property, and it has a direct impact on the health and comfort of occupants. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a wide range of health problems in both the short and long run, including respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, and even cancer. Ensuring optimal indoor air quality requires proper maintenance for your HVAC systems and air ducts, adequate ventilation, and high-quality HVAC products.

How can my HVAC system improve indoor air quality?

HVAC systems utilize the air inside your home to create the heating or cooling it needs. So your system naturally plays a crucial role in your air quality. One way to assist it is by installing high-efficiency air filters that can trap various contaminants like dust, allergens, pollen, and bacteria. These filters come in multiple sizes and types, ranging from simple disposable to advanced HEPA filters.

HVAC systems must undergo periodic maintenance, including regular cleaning, filter replacement, and duct cleaning, in order to keep up with the demands of your home. Keeping the system functioning correctly and free from contaminants that propagate within will help improve IAQ, dehumidify your home, and lead to years of comfort.

How long should I wait between service appointments?

One of the more common HVAC system FAQs we receive is how long homeowners should wait between service appointments.

The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, including the age of your unit, the make and model, usage, and how well it has been maintained in the past. As a general rule, it’s recommended to have your HVAC system serviced twice a year — once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. But your needs may vary, so don’t hesitate to bring your home heating or home air conditioning FAQs to us for more confirmation.

Do I need to clean my air ducts?

Air ducts are an essential component that processes the air throughout each room in your home. Unfortunately, over time, these ducts can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can negatively impact indoor air quality and the functionality of your HVAC system. So yes, cleaning your air ducts is critical to maintaining indoor air quality.

If you notice an increase in dust or debris around your home, or if you see visible signs of mold or mildew around your vents, your ducts likely need service. Additionally, if you or your family members experience unusual health symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, or headaches, poor air quality might be the cause. If you’re still unsure, reach out to Unique Air and broach any IAQ or HVAC system FAQs you might have.

Is seasonal maintenance really worth it?

As leading HVAC technicians, we always get asked about the importance of seasonal maintenance. And we always answer these HVAC system FAQs in the same way: we confidently say that seasonal maintenance for your HVAC system is definitely worth the investment.

Regular maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your system. In addition, a well-maintained system can save you plenty of hard-earned cash over the lifespan of your unit. During the maintenance check, the technician will inspect and clean various components of your system, such as filters, coils, and blades. This will ensure that the system is running at peak performance, consuming less energy, causing fewer repairs, and more.

Regular maintenance can also extend the overall lifespan of your HVAC system. Your unit is a considerable investment, and it’s in your best interest to ensure that it operates effectively for as long as possible. During the maintenance check, the technician will identify any potential issues that can lead to significant damage. Addressing these problems will prevent your unit from breaking down, which could result in expensive repairs or even system replacement.

Contact Unique Air and Let Us Answer All Your HVAC System FAQs! 

Unique Air Heating and Air Conditioning are committed to you! We always arrive on the same day of a service call and are fully trained and certified in HVAC services and HVAC system FAQs! We know that your air conditioner repair or furnace repair will sometimes need service outside of usual business hours, so we offer emergency services for all clients, and we do the best we can to help you stay warm in the winter and stay cool in the summer We’re unique for a reason—let us prove it to you!

Refer to these home heating, home air conditioning, and indoor air quality FAQs, or call us or schedule an appointment online. We service YOUR community.