Frequently Asked Questions
Heat Pumps
Air Conditioning
Oil Furnaces
In-floor Radiant Heat
Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Indoor Air Quality
Service
Heat Pumps
Q: The temperature in the house is fine, but the indoor fan runs all the time. What’s wrong?
A: Sometimes homeowners turn the fan switch to “On” versus “Auto” which causes the indoor fan to run continuously. Turn the switch to auto and the fan should quit.
Q: Is there any advantage to setting my thermostat fan to “On” so the fan runs constantly?
A: Yes, there are a couple. The first is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. The second is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout the home. However, continuous fan mode during the cooling operation may not be appropriate in humid climates. If the indoor air exceeds 60% humidity or simply feels uncomfortably humid, it is recommended that the fan be used in Auto mode.
Q: In the winter many homeowners ask why their outdoor unit is smoking and making a funny noise and why the fan on the outdoor unit does not appear to be running.
A: This is normally just the defrost cycle for the heat pump to melt ice that forms on it. The process only takes a few minutes which means it goes into air conditioning mode to run the hot gas outside and melt the ice off of the unit. While it is in defrost mode it turns on the electric strip heat in the furnace to keep from blasting you with cold air.
Q: I have a heat pump and when I got my electric bill it was over $400.00! What has happened?
A: The heat pump is not working. The electric strip heat in the furnace is keeping the house comfortable. This heat costs 3 times more than heat pump heat. Many people do not realize in the winter that their heat pump is broken because the strip heat continues to keep the house comfortable. If you notice a little light on your thermostat is on, very often you had better check to make sure your outdoor unit is working.
Q: My outdoor unit makes excessive noise all the time. Is this a problem?
A: Yes. Even though some units are quieter than others, if you suddenly notice a change in the amount of noise your unit is making, chances are your fan blade, motor or compressor are bad.
Q: Why is a matched system important?
A: A matched system is important for a variety of reasons. One is comfort. When all our components are properly sized to your home, you can control exactly how much heating or cooling you need so you can relax. Also, a properly sized matched system enables every component to perform as designed, meaning proper cycle times are maintained, humidity is controlled, and system sound is minimized. Another reason matched systems are important is efficiency. Most systems people buy are too large for their homes, meaning they pay to heat and cool space that isn’t even there. A matched system outlined by a dealer who has completed a load calculation for your home provides just the right amount of heating and cooling you need so you get the most value for your utility dollar.
Q: What are the advantages of units with variable speed fans?
A: Variable speed fans operate on a simple principle: they are able to spin at different speeds depending on the heating and cooling needs of your home. Usually, they operate at lower speeds, delivering a steady, reliable stream of warm or cool air to your home. This helps control humidity levels, utility costs and system noise. When conditions become more extreme, the fan speed increases so that the system can meet increased demand, guaranteeing that on even the hottest days or coldest nights, your comfort needs will be met.
Q: The air coming from the registers feels cool when my new heat pump is set for heating. Is there a problem?
A: While a heat pump is perfectly capable of effectively heating your home, the temperature of the air coming out of the registers confuses some people. The air is heated to about 90 to 95 degrees, depending on the outdoor temperature. This temperature is approximately 20- 25 degrees warmer that the indoor air temperature and will warm your house. It is, however, below body temperature (98.6 degrees) and can feel cool when someone puts their hand in the airflow.
Q: What is the purpose of auxiliary heat?
A. Under normal operating conditions, the auxiliary heat is brought on automatically by the thermostat when the indoor temperature drops during heat pump operation. There are also times during cold, wet weather when the outdoor coil may ice up and your heat pump will go into a defrost cycle. This is nothing more than reversing the process back to cooling mode. Cooling mode makes the outdoor coil hot and melts any ice. The defrost cycle should only last a few minutes and then return to heating mode. During the defrost cycle, your comfort system is in cooling mode and the supply air is cool. To offset this cool air, the auxiliary heat will be energized during defrost. A mist or fog may be visible from the outdoor unit during defrost.
Q: What do S.E.E.R., A.F.U.E., and H.S.P.F. mean?
A: S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rate. A.F.U.E. stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and H.S.P.F. stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies. The higher the number, the better.
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Air Conditioning
Q: Is R-22 Freon really being phased out?
A: Yes. The Clean Air Act of 1990 mandated a complete phase-out of R-22 and in 1996 a production cap was placed on its production. In 2004 production of R-22 was cut by 25% and the manufacture of R-22 compatible equipment will be prohibited after 2010. Production of R-22 will be banned completely in 2020. The replacement is a much more environmentally friendly chemical, R-410A.
Q: Should I set my thermostat at a constant temperature during the summer months or should I turn it off while we are away and then turn it on when we are home? Which will save me more money in the long run?
A: During the summer months, set your thermostat back during the day when you are not at home. We do not recommend that you go over your desired temperature more than five to ten degrees. You may want a programmable thermostat that would automatically change the setting for you once it was programmed. Many people save as much as 30% on their utility bills just by setting the temperature back when no one is at home.
Q: What do S.E.E.R., A.F.U.E., and H.S.P.F. mean?
A: S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rate. A.F.U.E. stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and H.S.P.F. stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies. The higher the number, the better.
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Oil Furnaces
Q: Can I stick some lighted paper or a match in the furnace if it doesn’t light?
A: No. Putting a foreign object into the fire box can be hazardous to your furnace and to your home by causing a house fire.
Q: How many times can I push the restart button?
A: Once or twice only! Pushing the restart button repeatedly will cause your fire box to flood and heating oil, unlike gasoline, does not evaporate, thus making a lot of noise once it is started. Although rare, flooding the fire box could be a fire hazard.
Q: Where is my pilot light?
A: Unlike gas, oil furnaces have an electronic ignition system and do not require an open flame.
Q: Should my furnace have an oil smell?
A: No, a fuel odor is an indication that something is wrong and should be checked by a service technician.
Q: What do S.E.E.R., A.F.U.E., and H.S.P.F. mean?
A: S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rate. A.F.U.E. stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and H.S.P.F. stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies. The higher the number, the better.
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In-floor Radiant Heat
Q: Does a radiant heat system cost less to operate than the alternatives?
A: Yes they do. The amount of savings will vary depending on the heat loss, how well the structure is built, how well the building is insulated and the natural fuel source being used. For the most part, radiant floors will operate anywhere from 25% to 40% more efficiently than other forms of forced air heating.
Q: What type of maintenance is required for my radiant heating system?
A: Most maintenance items center on the pumps and boilers. For the most part, the pumps used today are maintenance free. They use water to lubricate the bearings, which allow for quieter, efficient life span. In general, these pumps have an estimated life span of 10 years. Different boiler types require different maintenance.
Q: Can I use any kind of fuel source in my radiant heating system?
A: Any natural resource can be used to fire the heat source, natural gas, propane, electric, wood, etc. It does not matter what the heat source is, as long as it can provide the necessary BTU’s (energy) at the required design temperatures. There will be a variance between heat sources based on efficiency, response, cost and capacity.
Q: Can my radiant system also melt snow and ice?
A: Yes. Snow melt systems are becoming more and more popular, especially in areas where nature conservation is important. Snow melt systems eliminate all of the other necessary chemicals and pollutants used today to keep areas free of ice and snow. No more salt to track indoors. No more uneven melting. Streams and rivers no longer get polluted with unnecessary additives. Snow melt systems also protect your investment. Slabs last longer. Salt and other chemical additives will begin to break down the surface of a concrete slab over the years. For brick paver applications, snowmelt systems provide a certain amount of physical protection.
Q: Does a radiant house take a long time to heat up from a cold start?
A: Most radiant floor heat systems take about a day to come up to full temperature. The reason for this is due to how the radiant heating system stores energy. Before a radiant floor can emit energy (heat) into a space, it first has to raise the floor temperature. Depending on the floor construction and the initial floor temperature, this start up time may be anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Slab on grade floors will see the largest start up time, mainly because they will have the highest mass value.
Q: Does a radiant heating system have any impact on air circulation or cleanliness?
A: Yes. Since the air is not carrying the heating and is not being forced to move through the house, less dust and mold is being distributed. This helps to keep allergies and other ailments to a minimum.
Q: What type of floor construction should I use?
A: Any type of floor construction can be used with a radiant heat system. The most common will be a slab on grade, or a frame floor. Some variations of these may include a thin slab over a frame floor or a Sandwich application. It is better to design the building for what is required structurally and let the radiant system be designed around the construction details.
Q: What type of floor coverings can be used over a radiant heat system?
A: Most floor coverings can be used over a hydronic heating system, keeping in mind that the system is designed for that particular covering. Tile is the most efficient, since it is the most conductive. Hardwoods come next and then carpet and pad. Even vinyl or linoleum can be used. Typically the only design variance between these three common floor coverings is supply temperature.
Q: How many zones can I have with my radiant heat system?
A: A hydronic heating system can be designed with as many or as few zones as desired. Some systems will have one zone per floor, while others will have each individual room as a zone. Keep in mind, the more zones there are, generally the higher the radiant heat system cost.
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Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Q: Can one system provide both space heating and cooling for my home? And what about heating hot water?
A: Yes. A GSHP (ground source heat pump) can be a combination heating/cooling and hot water heating system. You can change from one mode to another with a simple flick on you indoor thermostat. Using a desuperheater, some GSHPs can save you up to 50% on your water heating bill by preheating tank water.
Q: How much space does a GSHP require?
A: Most of a GSHP installation is underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.
Q: How long will my GHSP system last?
A: GHSPs are durable and highly reliable. The GSHP contains fewer mechanical components, and all components are either buried in the ground or located inside the home, which protects them from outside conditions. The underground pipe carries up to a 50 year warranty.
Q: How noisy is the GSHP unit?
A: GSHPs are very quiet, providing a pleasant environment inside and outside of the home. GSHPs have no noisy fan units to disturb outdoor activities on or near the patio.
Q: How safe are GSHPs?
A: GSHP systems are safe and protected. With no exposed equipment outdoors, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. GSHPs have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of GSHP systems?
A: Currently installed systems are making a huge difference in our environment! The systems are eliminating more than three million tons of carbon dioxide and are the equivalent of taking 650,000 automobiles off the road. GSHP systems conserve energy and because they move heat that already exists rather than burning something to create heat, they reduce the amount of toxic emissions in the atmosphere. They use renewable energy from the sun and because the system doesn’t rely on outside air, it keeps the air inside of buildings cleaner and free from pollens, outdoor pollutants, mold spores and other allergens. And most units are using environmentally safe R-410A refrigerants.
Q: Will my existing ductwork function with this system?
A: Yes, in most cases. Vertex technicians will be able to determine ductwork requirements and if any minor modifications are needed.
Q: Can a GSHP system be added to my fossil fuel furnace?
A: Yes. Called dual systems, they can easily be added to existing furnaces for those wishing to have a dual-fuel heating system. Dual-fuel systems use the GSHP system as the main heating source and a fossil fuel furnace as a supplement in extremely cold weather should additional heat be needed.
Q: What do S.E.E.R., A.F.U.E., and H.S.P.F. mean?
A: S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rate. A.F.U.E. stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and H.S.P.F. stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies. The higher the number, the better.
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Indoor Air Quality
Q: What is “indoor air pollution”?
A: Scientific evidence indicates the air within homes and other buildings can be two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air, and in some cases 1,000 times more polluted. Today people are spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, a great increase as opposed to twenty years ago. Thus, the “dose” (i.e. the concentration of pollutants multiplied by the time in that environment) is typically greater than outdoors. This results in a greater health risk due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors.
Q: Are some individuals at greater risk to indoor air pollution than others?
A: Yes, individuals who spend the longest periods of time indoors are often those most susceptible to the adverse effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include babies, the elderly, the infirmed or bedridden and those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease.
Q: What causes indoor air quality problems?
A: Two main items:
1. Pollutant sources: building materials and furnishings; biologicals; products for household cleaning, personal care or hobbies; central heating and cooling systems and humidification devices; pesticides; oil, gas, kerosene, or wood combustion sources.
2. Poor ventilation: If too little outdoor air enters a building, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and discomfort problems. Indoor air quality began to decline in the 1970’s after the “energy crisis” prompted the building of “tight” houses and office buildings. Spaces around doors and windows where outside air might previously have leaked through are now often sealed by caulking and weather-stripping. The introduction of fresh “makeup” air through air handling systems many times is reduced or even eliminated to save the cost of the energy to heat or cool this fresh air. Indoor air pollutants can not easily escape these tightly constructed buildings.
Q: How does indoor air pollution affect your health?
A: Health effects can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue and allergy-type symptoms. Usually these symptoms are short term and disappear when the person is away from the source. More serious symptoms such as asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and humidifier fever can also affect some individuals after exposure to certain indoor air pollutants.
Q: What can help my allergy symptoms in my home?
A: Better filtration, humidification, ultra violet lights and duct cleaning.
Q: What is the advantage of applying a humidifier to my heating system?
A. The humidifier keeps the RH (relative humidity) at the proper levels in your home. You feel more comfortable and it keeps wood, furniture and other items from drying out in the winter heating season.
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Service
Q: How important is it to have my system serviced yearly?
A: Very important. Servicing prolongs the life, efficiency and safety of your equipment. All manufacturers require yearly service to maintain warranty status and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends yearly inspections. Plus, regular service can save you up to 15% on energy costs.
Vertex Mechanical has service programs available so that you can be sure your home heating and cooling systems are running safely and efficiently year round ensuring your family’s comfort. Click here for more information.
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