At Appel, we’re always looking for ways to add value, improve communication, and keep our customers in “the know.” And since we get a lot of the same questions, we thought it’d be nice to answer them in one convenient place. Below are a few of the things we get asked about the most. Don’t see your question in the list? Give us a call! We’re always happy to chat with customers and impart our HVAC wisdom.
What indoor temperature do you recommend?
Somewhere along the line, we were taught the ideal indoor temperature is 72°. But it really depends on a lot of things, like the time of day, the season, and your goals. For example, sleep scientists recommend setting the temp to 60-65° when you’re going to bed. But that’s obviously not a very comfortable waking temp. In the summer, if you’re wanting to save energy, the EPA recommends setting your daytime temp to 78°. In the winter, they recommend 68-70°.
Does preventative maintenance actually matter?
YES, absolutely. Too many homeowners wait until their system breaks down to have someone take a look at it, but that tends to be quite expensive—and could be dangerous. Having an experienced HVAC tech perform regular preventative maintenance prolongs the life of your system, makes your system more efficient, and stops those costly breakdowns before they even start. (Click here to learn more about the benefits of signing up for our Platinum Maintenance Plan.)
How do I tell if something is wrong?
If your HVAC starts behaving differently, it’s probably time to give us a call. For instance, is it making a weird, new sound? Did it stop heating or cooling? Do you see a puddle near the unit? Did your energy bill spike? Does it smell a little… “off?” Having us come check it out sooner rather than later could end up saving you a lot of money and hassle.
Can my HVAC system affect my health?
Yes. Your HVAC system has an air filter which captures a lot of “undesirables,” like dust, allergens, and pollution, before they circulate throughout your home. So, if you change your air filter regularly, that improves your indoor air quality, which in turn can improve respiratory issues, like allergies, colds, and the flu. In other words, if you’re taking care of your HVAC system, you’re also taking care of yourself.
How often should I change my air filter?
If we had to give you one, simple answer, we’d tell you to change your 1-2″ filters every 30-60 days and your 3-5″ filters every 9-12 months. But the more detailed answer depends on a number of factors. Do you have pets? Is it pollen season? Do you live in a dusty area? How many people live in your home? All of these factors, and more, can affect the life of your filter. So, ask an HVAC pro for details.
What does “zoning” mean?
Zone control, or “zoning,” helps you target your heating and cooling to one, specific “zone,” which could be an area as small as a bedroom or as large as an entire floor of your home. For example, let’s say you like it really cold when you sleep in the summer, but you don’t want to waste money cooling down the rest of your home at night. That’s where zone control comes in.
What do WiFi thermostats do?
WiFi thermostats allow you to control your home’s climate from an app on your smartphone or computer, which gives you the convenience of being able to adjust your home’s climate remotely. Are you leaving work a few hours earlier than expected one day? If you have a WiFi thermostat, you can easily bump the temp up before you leave the office, so your home will be nice and toasty by the time you get there. WiFi thermostats also allow you to set multiple different schedules–one for every day of the week, if you wish. And many Wi-Fi thermostats will also send you alerts via email and text if anything in your home goes awry, so you can make sure to get it taken care of ASAP before it develops into a major issue.
Is it worth it to install a whole-house humidifier/dehumidifier?
Yes. The humidity levels in your home play a large part, not only in your comfort, but also in your health, and even the condition of your belongings. Too much humidity can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can ruin furniture and lead to respiratory issues. Too little humidity can lead to dry, itchy skin and exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. It can also suck the moisture out of your hardwood floors and furniture, making them warp and crack. Installing a whole-house humidifier and dehumidifier keeps the moisture levels in your home’s air just right.
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
As you might expect, the answer to this one is: it varies. When choosing a new HVAC system for your home, there are several factors to consider, such as the size of the house, the efficiency rating of the system, whether or not you want zoning, et cetera. We’d love to give you one flat price, but the best way to go about it is really to have a professional come out, assess your home and your family’s needs, and discuss your options from there.