Answer: Plenum is a thin box with five sides made of galvanized sheet metal or fiber glass duct board. It connects to the outlet of a furnace or air handler and is a key component of getting air into the HVAC system.
Answer: If your HVAC system has broken down, you may be facing a decision. When considering repair vs. replacing your existing system, use the 50% repair cost of a new system, replacing it is the better choice especially if your older equipment is no longer under warranty.
Answer: It is wise to replace the entire system. Mismatched components won’t provide optimal energy savings, and the new unit may not be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty if it’s added to an existing system.
Answer: Yes, if your equipment is new and still under warranty, repairing it is usually the way to go. If it’s over 10 years old, it makes more sense to replace it. The reliability of HVAC equipment declines with age, so even after paying for a major repair, you’ll likely face more breakdowns in the future.
Answer: Investing in a new, more efficient system can save you money on future repairs and reduce your energy consumption. To give you an idea of how much your energy usage can drop, upgrading from a 10 SEER air conditioner to a new 16 SEER unit can trim your consumption by up to 42%, and that reduction can add up to significant cost savings over time.
Answer: By understanding what your Minimum, Efficiency, Reporting, Value or (MERV) rating is on your present filtering system. MERV gauges how successfully it is on filtering contamination. Your least expensive flat 1″ fiberglass filters are graded from 1 to 4 MERV and pleated 1″ filters are between 8 and 12 MERV but run a risk of clogging in a short amount of time causing your HVAC system to run overtime. We recommend no less than MERV 13 with a larger surface area by design.
Today we can deliver hospital-grade filtration that takes care of all categories of indoor contaminants at 99.9% of allergens, pollen dust and pet dander, 95% of bacteria sized particles, including ones that lead to strep throat, also removing SO% of voes and odors within 24 hours. It does all this without restricting your heating and cooling unit’s airflow.
Answer: HVAC pros will generally suggest keeping it between 40 and 60 percent relative humidity. You can accomplish this optimum range by installing a whole-home humidifier. This unit generally works with your furnace or air handler to deliver proper humidity throughout your residence.
During the summer months your air conditioner will keep your humidity in that range as well if operating correctly. Important to have yearly maintenance on all HVAC equipment!
Answer: Today’s houses and buildings are firmly closed, which is good for energy efficiency. But it also means your inside air may be worse than outside air. The EPA says inside air can be two to five times worse than outside air. This may be problematic, since we spend up to 90% of our life inside.
Answer: Yes, Comfort Pro, Inc can provide the audit at no charge please call 610 926 4200 and schedule one of our Comfort Advisors to visit your home. It might be the healthiest thing you can do for the whole family including your pets.
Answer: If you want to rely on a properly functioning HVAC system it is necessary to have your system maintained yearly before heating season and the same with your air conditioner before the heat wave hits. Watchdog maintenance plan provides a Comfort Pro technician to inspect all the components of your system including ductwork, filters, wiring, motors, pumps, valves, switches, belts, and more. The Technician will also check refrigerant levels in your AC unit and perform other tests to make sure the system will be operational and efficient when needed.
Call: Comfort Pro, Inc. for a Watchdog Maintenance Plan designed for your system. Call for details at 610 926 4200 and ask for Service Department.
