General Heating & Air Conditioning Questions
Q: What is the APP?
A: The APP at Abel Onsite is an acronym that stands for "Abel Performance Program". This program is designed for people who want peace of mind for
Q: What is HVAC?
A: "HVAC" stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
Q: What is the biggest energy user in my home?
A: Minnesota winters make the furnace, Boiler or heat pump your biggest energy consumer.
Q: How often should my heating & A/C system be checked?
A: Annual check-ups by a qualified technician is recommended for proper efficiency. Get your heating unit tuned up in the fall, and cooling system tuned up in the spring. (Humidifiers, air to air exchangers, etc. can also be serviced during a "tune up")
Q: If I have a boiler in my home or office that utilizes hot water, do I need a plumber?
A: In a building there is two different catagories of water systems that can be present. They are called "potable" and "unpotable" water. Potable water is for drinking & cooking or anything that might be consumed in some manner. Unpotable water is not intended for consumption and include uses such as boilers & in-floor heating. If you have problems with your "potable water" you need a plumber. If you need work done on an "unpotable" system such as a boiler, you need a Heating & Cooling technician to take a look at the problem. If you are confused or need more information please give us a call and we'd be happy to answer your questions!
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Heating Questions:
Q: What is performed during a furnace tune-up?
A: Our furnace tune-ups consist of a 20 point inspection, which includes the following:
o Inspect and clean thermostat and adjust as necessary
o Inspect and test all safety controls
o Inspect and clean pilot assemblies
o Clean burners and burner compartment
o Inspect for gas leaks
o Inspect and adjust gas pressures
o Inspect flame rectification
o Inspect flue for proper draft
o Clear condensate traps on high efficiency units
o Inspect all drain lines in high efficiency units
o Inspect electrical connections
o Inspect blower motor operation
o Lubricate blower motor and bearings if applicable
o Clean and inspect blower assembly
o Inspect filter and instruct customer on filter maintenance. (filter not included)
o Visually inspect heat exchanger
o Inspect pressure switches and vent blower operation
o Adjust humidifier dampers
o Wipe down equipment interior & exterior.
o Leave work area clean
Q: What are the benefits of having annual Maintenance on a furnace?
A: The benefits of having annual inspections of your equipment includes:
• Extended equipment life
• Fewer repairs, breakdowns, and improved system reliability
• Peace of mind for you and your family
Q: What is the warm room concept?
A: As we try to shrink our environmental footprint some people turn the heat down very low in rooms that are not used as often. Be aware that using an electric space heater or other type of heating device can offset the savings gained by limiting your central heater use. Automatic thermostats that control heating an cooling settings are a great way to save & conserve energy. Unlike a space heater, this strategy never forgets when you are away.
Q: Is solar hot water cost effective?
A: Using solar energy for hot water in domestic homes is a great idea. The suns energy is free and has zero emissions. We can install a system for you today. It might be less cost effective than other systems we offer, but it's much more eco-friendly than other alternatives.
Q: What is electronic zoning? What are the benefits?
A: An electronic zoning system divides your building into sections. Each section is given a thermostat. A building with proper zoning has a constant temperature in each room, saving money and energy.
Q: Why are some areas in my building hotter than others?
A: There are two possible options: Your thermostat location, and a problem with your ductwork. You'll most likely need an HVAC certified company such as Abel Onsite to help you remedy the situation.
Q: The Efficiency rating on my furnace, what does it mean?
A: It pertains to the energy that actually heats your home, not lost through exhaust. The higher the efficiency rating of your furnace, the greater the potential energy & cost savings.
Q: How often should I change my furnace filter?
A: Check it every month. Change it when dirt is visible. How often it needs to be changed depends on three factors:
1) How often the equipment runs,
2) The conditions around your equipment when it runs, and
3) The filter you have.
Q: When should I replace my furnace?
A: Furnaces should last for 10-20 years under normal circumstances.
Lifetime depends upon:
1) How well it has been maintained,
2) How often it has been used, and
3) Under what conditions it has been used
(A furnace that has gone through a remodeling project could have lost a few years)
Q: Should I turn down heat at night to save energy?
A: Turning down your heat can save money & energy. But it takes an 8∞ temperature difference over 8 hours to notice substantial savings. Check the owner's manual for the thermostat in your building. It should offer recommendations for energy savings.
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Air Conditioning Questions:
Q: What is involved in an air conditioning tune-up?
A: Our A/C tune-ups consist of a 17 point inspection, which includes the following:
o Inspect and clean condenser coils as needed
o Inspect condenser level
o Inspect proper voltage and amperage
o Inspect thermostat and make adjustments as necessary
o Inspect unit wiring and terminal screws for tightness
o Lubricate where needed
o Inspect for oil and refrigerant leaks
o Inspect refrigerant level
o Inspect service valves
o Inspect safety controls
o Clean condensate drain
o Inspect air temperature split across evaporator coil
o Inspect and clean condensate pumps
o Inspect and replace filters as needed (filter not included)
o Adjust humidifier dampers
o Inspect total performance and operating efficiency of cooling system
o Leave work area clean
Q: What are the benefits of having annual tune-ups on your cooling system?
A: The benefits of having annual inspections of your equipment includes:
• Extended equipment life
• Fewer repairs, breakdowns, and improved system reliability
• Peace of mind for you and your family
Q: Can I have central air conditioning if I do not have a furnace?
A: Yes. However, it is best to schedule an HVAC certified technician to inspect your particular building and discuss your options.
Q: Is there anything I can check before I call for service on my heating and/or air conditioning units?
A: Yes. Make sure the thermostat is on and your equipment is getting power. There is a power switch on the furnace and a service disconnect on the air conditioner. Also, check your buildingís breaker or fuse box. If all of these things are functioning properly and your still exists, you probably need to call for assistance.
Q: What size furnace do I need?
A: Sizing of equipment can be a complicated process. To guarantee accuracy, contact a licensed HVAC company such as Abel Onsite to show you what furnace size would be best for your building.
Q: Do I qualify for a rebate since I just got a high efficiency furnace?
A: Most likely, you do. The rebate programs are processed by the local energy companies. We can supply you with the necessary paperwork if youíd prefer.
Q: What is a SEER Rating?
A: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficient Ratio) ratings are assigned to air conditioners based on efficiency. The more efficient the air conditioner is, the higher the number.
Q: What SEER rating should my air conditioner have?
A: Your air conditioner should be a 13 or higher to be a relatively efficient unit.
Q: Why is my upper floor so hard to cool in the summer?
A: Ductwork that moves the air throughout your home can be too small or could have been changed since the house was built. A technician can balance the system and with simple changes improve the efficiency of air exchanges throughout the house.
If the AC is sized improperly we often see uneven cooling. If it is too small and it canít keep up. Too big and it shuts off quickly and only the areas near the unit get cooled. New technology gives us terrific variable speed blowers that can improve temperature differences and be easier on your electric bill.
Q: Can I install central air conditioning in my old house?
A: Every home is unique. How the cooling system is designed changes from house to house. It is best for an HVAC company to take a look at your home and discuss your options.
Q: My air conditioner seems really loud. I hear it every time it kicks in. Is this normal?
A: Ideally, you do not notice your air conditioner when it kicks in. If proper installation practices were followed, and you are still hearing your AC kick in, there may be a problem that requires service.
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Humidification Questions:
Q: How do I keep my windows dry in winter?
A: An air-to-air heat exchanger or HRV will reduce the moisture in any home to clear off the windows. However, you could try a little higher room temperature setting and see if that works.
Q: How can I regulate humidity when running the heater?
A: The humidity level can be controlled by a humidistat on a whole-house humidification system. One that has an outdoor temperature sensor is recommended. If you do not currently have whole-house humidification,
we can help you to decide if this is a good option for you.
Q: How humid should my building be?
A: During a Minnesota winter, 35% relative humidity is recommended.
Q: It is 70 Degrees outside and really muggy. What I can do to make my house more comfortable?
A: It is most likely the humidity is making you uncomfortable. The air conditioner, which relies on temperature, doesn't run long enough to have a chance to dehumidify. Your options are to turn your thermostat down (which may make you chilly!) or consider a whole-house dehumidification system.
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Indoor Air Quality Questions:
Q: What can I do for my family members with asthma or allergies?
A: A good first step is to get a whole house air filtration system. The Lennox healthy climate system has been rated the best
in the industry by a leading consumer advocates.
Another great idea is to install a SteriLightô system by Steril-AireÆ. It destroys mold and microorganisms that might cause allergies in your home or building. Abel Onsite is a member with the Indoor Air Quality Association and if you would like to find out more information on Steril-AireÆ products click here.
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If you can't find what you're looking for call, email or ask on facebook
Phone: 952.446.9545
Email: info@abelonsite.com
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