Most Commonly Asked HVAC Questions From Homeowners Looking To Install a New HVAC System
Silicon Valley Comfort will get the job done correctly every time. We always commission the system before we are finished.
We provide all the documentation that explains how the system works and lists the system operating vitals, which can be compared to the system operation of the newly installed equipment we have completed.
After installing a new HVAC system, Silicon Valley Comfort will provide the customer with all of the necessary documentation, including a copy of the installation permit and any other relevant permits, a detailed service agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the installation, and any applicable warranties, a list of all the materials used in the installation and their associated costs, a user’s manual for the system, instructions for use, and safety guidelines.
Silicon Valley Comfort also provides the customer with a completed commissioning report that details the results of the installation.
Additionally, Silicon Valley Comfort will provide our customers with a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty, as well as any additional warranties that may have been purchased.
Finally, Silicon Valley Comfort provides the customer with a receipt for the payment of the installation and any other related expenses.
Furnace Maintenance
Many things need to be checked on for your furnace, such as:
• Perform vital system checks and log the data for future performance comparisons
• Inspect the exhaust system and confirm there isWhat kind of maintenance does Silicon Valley Comfort provide? proper venting and adequate combustion air for the furnace to operate safely and efficiently.
• Perform a combustion analysis once per year, and log data for future reference
• Ensuring air filters are in good condition and replaced when needed
• Inspect and clean blower assembly (includes blower housing, blower wheel, and motor)
• Motor, bearings, belts, and switches are clean and working properly
• Inspect burner assembly—clean and adjust as needed
• Monitor system for correct line and load volts/amps
• Monitor gas furnace for correct line and manifold gas pressure—make adjustments as needed
• Carbon monoxide is at safe levels, and there’s nothing obstructing airflow
and more...
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Air conditioners have similar needs, so our trained team looks for things like:
• The seals around the unit are still tight and not leaking any air.
• Filters aren’t clogged and can produce quality airflow.
• Wires and other electrical components are safe for you and your family.
• Test the unit for proper refrigerant level and adjust if necessary
• Clean dirt, leaves, and debris from inside the cabinet
• Inspect base pan for restricted drain openings—remove obstructions as necessary
• Inspect coil and cabinet—clean as needed
• Inspect fan motor and fan blades for wear and damage—on older models, lubricate as needed
• Inspect the control box, associated controls/accessories, wiring, and connections.
Parts often found during repairs of existing equipment include...
• Contactors
• Relays
• Defrost control boards
• Capacitors
• Hi/Low-Pressure limit switches
• Condenser fan motor
• Service valves
• Refrigerant
Just like your health vitals, temperature, pulse, blood
pressure, etc.
Your A/C system vitals show the overall health of your air conditioning system.
These vitals account for both the refrigerant and air delivery side of the system.
System targets that are out of range are typically related to a system diagnostic listed below.
Correcting the diagnostic faults, if possible, should put the system vitals back in the normal range.
Click link for example of our commissioning reports
Commissioning Tune_Up_20220124-010941
The type of system you need will depend on your climate and your budget. Generally, a split system is a good option for most climates. A packaged system is ideal for homes without ducts, and a geothermal system is best for homes that have a lot of land.
The cost of a new system will depend on the type of system, the size of the system, the efficiency rating, and the features included. Generally, a split system will cost between $5,000 and $10,000, while a geothermal system can cost up to $17,000.
Some contractors will provide a labor warranty for up to ten years and will require you to continue using their preventive maintenance agreement during that time, but trust me, it is well worth it.
The equipment warranty is also important, but when repairing a system that is still covered by the manufacturer warranty, labor is always the most expensive service.
Look for the following features in the equipment…
• A higher efficiency rating, as well as a higher SEER rating (17 SEER+).
• A variable-speed blower motor
• Multi-stage gas valve 2-stage gas valves and modulating gas valves will provide you with savings as well as a higher level of overall comfort by lowering the gas output as well as fan speed to more easily maintain the temperatures in the home.
• A smart thermostat
• If your budget allows, upgrade your ducting system.
There are several benefits of using a heat pump for heating and cooling, including:
Energy efficiency:
Heat pumps use less energy than traditional heating and cooling systems because they transfer heat rather than generate it.
Cost savings:
Because heat pumps use less energy, they can result in lower utility bills.
Versatility:
Heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, making them a suitable choice for year-round climate control.
Environmentally friendly:
Heat pumps do not produce emissions or pollutants, making them a more environmentally friendly option compared to fossil fuel-burning systems.
Quiet operation:
Modern heat pumps are designed to operate quietly when equipped with an inverter.
The choice of whether to use a heat pump with a gas furnace or a fan coil depends on several factors, including the climate, the size of the building, and personal preferences.
A heat pump with a gas furnace, also known as a dual-fuel system, is a good option for areas with moderate to cold climates.
During the colder months, the heat pump can struggle to extract heat from the outdoor air, so the gas furnace provides supplementary heat. This can provide more consistent and efficient heating compared to using a heat pump alone.
A heat pump with a fan coil, also known as an "air handler", is a good option for areas with mild to moderate climates.
A fan coil circulates air through the building, distributing the heat produced by the heat pump. This can be a more cost-effective and energy-efficient option for milder climates where a gas furnace is not needed.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and the climate in your area.
It is recommended to consult with a professional HVAC contractor to determine which system would be the best fit for your home or building.
A dual-fuel HVAC system, also known as a hybrid system, is a combination of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace. It uses the heat pump for most of the heating and cooling needs and switches to the gas furnace during extremely cold temperatures when the heat pump is less efficient.
The benefits of a dual-fuel HVAC system include:
Increased energy efficiency
The heat pump is typically more energy-efficient than a gas furnace, and the dual-fuel system allows the heat pump to be used most of the time.
Improved comfort: Because the system switches to the gas furnace during extremely cold temperatures, it can provide more consistent and efficient heating compared to using a heat pump alone.
Cost savings
The increased energy efficiency of the heat pump can result in lower utility bills.
Versatility
The dual-fuel system can be used for both heating and cooling, making it a suitable choice for year-round climate control.
Environmentally friendly
The heat pump does not produce emissions or pollutants, making the dual-fuel system a more environmentally friendly option compared to fossil fuel-burning systems alone.
Flexibility
It allows you to use the most efficient source of heat depending on the temperature outside.
It's important to note that dual-fuel systems are typically more expensive to install than a single-fuel system but can offer greater energy savings in the long run.
It's recommended to consult with a professional HVAC contractor to determine if a dual-fuel system would be the best fit for your home or building, and if the cost will be justified by the energy savings over time.
Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperature of the earth as the exchange medium instead of the outside air temperature. This allows them to maintain high efficiency levels even in extreme weather conditions, and can provide both heating and cooling. They use 25 to 50% less electricity than conventional HVAC systems, which can result in significant energy savings over time. They also have a longer lifespan than many other HVAC systems, and require less maintenance.
Additionally, air-source heat pumps and mini-split systems are also efficient options for central air conditioning and heating. Air-source heat pumps use the outside air to heat and cool the building and are more efficient than traditional systems in moderate climate, while mini-split systems are ideal for zoning and temperature control in specific areas of a building.
It's important to note that all options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consult with a professional HVAC contractor to determine which system would be the best fit for your home or building. A professional will consider factors such as the size of your building, the climate in your area, and your budget and energy goals.