General HVAC Questions
What are the most common HVAC issues in my area?
Common HVAC issues in the Lake Oconee area include failed start components, clogged drains, refrigerant leaks, and failed motors. A large issue faced in our area is air quality issues with high humidity levels in the home causing the home to feel wet, sticky, and warmer than the thermostat reads.
How often should I schedule maintenance for my HVAC system?
OCC recommends biannual service on HVAC systems. Heat pump systems work in reverse in heating and cooling. Biannual maintenance helps to ensure the unit is working in both functions.
What is the average lifespan of an HVAC system?
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is around 10-15 years.
What factors affect the energy efficiency of my HVAC system?
Factors that affect the energy efficiency of your HVAC system include efficiency ratings, unit sizing, air filter and equipment cleanliness, leaking duct work, home insulation, and thermostat settings. You can improve the energy efficiency of you HVAC system by ensuring your unit is properly sized for your home, investing in a system with high energy efficiency ratings, ensuring your system receives regular maintenance, inspecting and repairing leaky ducts, or investing in a smart thermostat to automatically adjust heating and cooling to reflect your daily habits and schedule.
What are the signs that I need to replace my HVAC system?
Signs that you should replace your HVAC system include the age of the system and the cost of repair vs replacement.
Specific HVAC System Questions
What is the difference between a single-stage and a multi-stage HVAC system?
A single-stage HVAC system operates at maximum staging at all times. Multi-stage HVAC systems are able to stage up or down depending on the needs of the home. During non-extreme weather conditions, your unit may be able to properly heat or cool your home using a lower stage therefore using less energy. Staging allows for the home to maintain a more even temperature, avoiding temperature swings between system start-ups, and increases the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
What is a ductless mini-split system?
A ductless mini-split system is a wall mounted or floor console system that is installed in your home without the installation of duct work. Ductless mini-splits work to heat or cool individual rooms or specific zones of a home. A ductless mini-split may be a great choice for an addition or if you have a room in your home that is consistently in need of extra heating or cooling.
How does a programmable thermostat work?
A programmable thermostat works by creating a schedule in the thermostat programming that tells the unit to run more or less depending on the time of day. A programmable thermostat is able to automatically adjust the temperature setting to run the HVAC less when you are out of the house.
What is the difference between SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings?
Seer2 measures an HVAC system’s colling efficiency. HSPF2 measures the heating efficiency.
What is the change occurring with refrigerant?
The most recent change in refrigerant is the shift from R-410 to R-454B. These changes are due to EPA regulations aimed at lowering Global Warming Potential (GWP) and protecting the environment.
Cost and Installation Questions
What factors affect the cost of an HVAC system?
Factors affecting the cost of an HVAC system replacement include level of efficiency desired in replacement equipment, location of current equipment in the home, accessibility of equipment in need of being replaced, tonnage of the unit, and required or desired accessories.
What is the typical installation time for a new HVAC system?
The typical installation time frame for Oconee Climate Control is within two weeks of agreeing to the proposal. Most often, the replacement can be completed within a couple of days. Time frames vary depending on the season. The typical installation takes one day to complete.
What kind of warranty do you offer on your products and services?
Oconee Climate Control offers a standard one-year labor warranty. Extended labor warranties of up to 10 years are available for purchase. Carrier systems have a 10-year parts and compressor warranty.
Do you offer financing options?
Oconee Climate Control offers financing through Wells-Fargo using the Carrier Credit Card. Special financing promotions may be available.
Maintenance and Repair Questions
What does a typical HVAC maintenance check include?
Oconee Climate Control’s typical maintenance visit includes cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting accessible air duct, cleaning condenser coil, and cleaning/flushing accessible drains. Checks include auxiliary heat, condensation drain, defrost control, electrical connections, indoor and outdoor coils, evaporator coil, heat exchanger, motors, proper venting, refrigerant level, refrigerant lines, system operation, thermostat, operating temperatures, amperage draw, and safety controls. These checks help ensure systems operate properly and efficiently.
How often should I change my air filter?
Oconee Climate Control changes air filters twice per year for members of the maintenance program. Customers are recommended to replace standard 1” filters every 30 days. Special filters and 4” filters should be changed every 6-12 months.
Additional Questions
What should I do if my HVAC system stops working?
If your HVAC system stops working, you should turn the unit off and call Oconee Climate Control to request service. If your call is related to the unit making a strange noise, try to record the noise for your technician before his visit.
How can I tell if my AC has a refrigerant leak?
An HVAC unit with a refrigerant leak will not heat or cool well. You may also notice the equipment is freezing up. If your unit has frozen, turn the unit off and allow the ice to thaw.
What indoor humidity level should I maintain?
The recommended range for indoor humidity is 30%-50%. Maintaining the proper indoor humidity levels helps keep the air in your home comfortable and helps to prevent mold and allergens.
Why does my home feel humid even when the AC is running?
AC does help with dehumidification, but that may not be enough to maximize your home comfort. Dehumidifiers help to remove excess moisture from the air and improve home comfort. Oconee Climate Control offers full-home dehumidification options.
Can my existing ductwork be used with a new HVAC system?
Existing ductwork can often be used with your new HVAC system. Technicians are able to use transitions to connect new equipment into existing ductwork. If your existing ductwork is in poor condition, it may be best to consider replacing the ductwork for system for maximum system efficiency and equipment lifespan.
What should be included in an HVAC replacement estimate?
An HVAC replacement estimate should include model numbers of quoted equipment, a list of services included in the replacement, warranty information, and the state license number of the business contractor. Ideally, a quote should include multiple options to find the best solution for your home.
