Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY HOME’S ENERGY COSTS?
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency system – Swapping out your old, inefficient air conditioning system for a high-efficiency one can cut electricity bills by up to one-third!
- Adjust the temperature – Adjusting temperatures 5–8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer) can help save energy if you’re going to be away from home for several hours.
- Install ceiling fans
- Have annual maintenance performed – Tuning up your cooling system each spring and your heating system each fall will help ensure each operates at peak efficiency and can help you identify and resolve any potential issues before a breakdown occurs.
- Don’t block vents in well-used rooms and close vents in less-used rooms
- Install a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat enables you to control your home’s temperature when you’re away or asleep. For every 1° you lower your thermostat for seven hours per day, you can save approximately one percent on your heating bill.
WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE MY UNIT SERVICED?
You should have a regular tune-up twice a year, usually at the beginning of each heating and cooling season, to ensure that your system is working efficiently before the weather gets too hot or cold.
WHAT IS A TUNE-UP?
A tune-up is when an HVAC system professional checks the key components of your heating or cooling system and makes adjustments to the system to keep it operating efficiently.
WHAT TYPE OF FILTER SHOULD I USE? AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE IT?
Your air filter needs to be checked and replaced every three to six months (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations). We often recommend that homes in developing subdivisions or busy businesses change out their filter monthly.
Most residential homes use a 1″ poly filter and businesses can vary depending on the equipment. You can find your filter size by pulling out an old filter to see what is printed on it (make sure it fits correctly before you install another of the same size).
A dirty air filter restricts your air flow, which reduces efficiency, costing you money, and over time can put stress on your unit and could cause a costly repair.
CAN I BUY FILTERS FROM EXCEL HEATING & AIR?
YES! We sell filters from our shop at 1112 East 1060 North in Spanish Fork. Don’t buy your filters from the grocery store or big box store, you’ll be overpaying! You can even buy a whole box at a time so that you have them to keep on hand. Just text us ahead of time so that we can be sure we have size you need 801-423-1384. We get filter deliveries up to twice a week so you will never have to wait long if we need to order filters for you.
WHERE CAN I GET PARTS FOR MY EQUIPMENT?
We are happy to install the part you need for your HVAC system. We think that you will be pleasantly surprised at how little most heating and air conditioning issues cost. Most HVAC companies do not sell parts only as it voids the warranty from the manufacturing company.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE MAKE AND MODEL ON MY SYSTEMS?
- Furnace – You will normally find the make, model, and serial number inside the door of the system. You will need to remove the door to find it, often on a sticker or metal plate on an inside wall.
- Condensing Unit – This is generally found slightly above the refrigerant valves on the back side of the unit.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT?
The biggest benefit of a programmable thermostat is the cost savings. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature in your space to the exact degree that you want at different times of the day (ie: you can sleep in an arctic cave at night and then warm the room up right before you get up for the day).
WHAT DETERMINES IF I NEED TO REPLACE RATHER THAN REPAIR MY UNIT?
If your unit is 7 years old or older, requires frequent repairs or stops working randomly, fails to heat or cool some or all areas of your home, runs excessively or constantly turns on and off, or produces high utility bills, it can be more economical to replace your existing system.
WHY SHOULD I HAVE REGULAR (OR PREVENTATIVE) MAINTENANCE? AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE IT PERFORMED?
Your air conditioner and furnace need regular checkups to keep them running at optimal capacity. Having regular annual preventative maintenance will provide a longer life for your system and will cut down on emergency calls.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A HEATING OR COOLING SYSTEM?
Most systems have a lifetime of approximately 10 to 20 years. As your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. When a unit begins to show its age, you have two choices – You can overhaul the system or replace it. Because heating and cooling technologies improve over time, a new system designed with newer, more energy-efficient equipment makes sense, especially if your system is 7 or more years old.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A NEW HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM?
Many homeowners assume that a new HVAC system will solve their problems, and sometimes that is the case, but frequently there are underlying issues that need to be addressed first. Give us a call so that we can give you upfront and honest insight into what you might really need.
WHAT IS THE SEER RATING?
The SEER rating of a unit (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the cooling output during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. In other words, the SEER measures your cooling efficiency. The higher the unit’s SEER rating the more energy efficient it is. It is not necessary to always buy the highest SEER rating unit as you must weigh the pros and cons of buying a higher SEER unit vs a lower SEER unit.
WHAT DOES MY WARRANTY COVER?
Excel has a warranty for craftsmanship for one year. All other warranty is according to individual material manufacturers.
Air Conditioning Specific Questions
AIR CONDITIONING BASICS
The four main components to your air conditioner are:
- Condenser – The condenser is the outside metal unit and where the gas from the compressor is condensed into a liquid. The gas entering the condenser is very hot. The temperature is then lowered, so the gas can convert back to a liquid.
- Compressor – The compressor is inside the condenser. It circulates the pressurized refrigerant, to concentrate the heat, and changes the low pressure gas to high pressure.
- Evaporator – The evaporator is the part of the system inside the home. In simple language, it absorbs the heat from your home.
- Expansion Valve – The expansion valve controls the amount of refrigerant in your system.
All of these pieces are connected by a copper tube that handles refrigerant, creating a closed loop. Heat is collected in the evaporator, sent outside to the condenser. The heat is removed, and the cool air is recirculated back into your home.
CAN I CLEAN MY OUTDOOR CONDENSING UNIT MYSELF?
This is something you can absolutely do yourself; however, keep in mind that there are times and conditions that would be better to just call an expert like Excel. Just give Google a search on how to do this and you should be set to go!
AC FACTS
- An air conditioner doesn’t create cool air. What happens in the AC process is actually the removal of heat from the air. Your AC uses a chemical called refrigerant to remove heat and transfer it outside. The warm air runs through the lines and coils in your unit and goes from liquid to gas and back again. During this process, the refrigerant removes the heat and transfers it elsewhere so that when the air comes out the other side, it is cool.
- Your AC will remove humidity. Lower humidity helps the overall comfort level in your home by making you feel cooler, even if the temperature is the same.
Your air filter needs to be checked and replaced every three (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations). We often recommend that homes in developing subdivisions or busy businesses change out their filter monthly. A dirty air filter restricts your air flow, which reduces efficiency, costing you money, and over time can put stress on your unit and could cause a costly repair. - Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Your air conditioner needs regular checkups to keep it running in tip-top shape. Having regular annual preventative maintenance will bring your system longer life and fewer breakdowns over all.
Furnace Specific Questions
FURNACE REPAIR
Don’t get left in the cold! Is your furnace acting up, blowing cold air, or making too much noise? Our experienced team of professionals is here to keep your home warm and cozy. We repair all makes and models, and we will never try to sell you a service that you don’t need. Our technicians are honest and hard working, and we’re always transparent and fair about the work we do.
FURNACE REPLACEMENT
Sometimes a repair is not sufficient to fix your furnace. Sometimes a new furnace is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient way to go. We will always be honest with you about a possible furnace replacement. We value our time and your money––we don’t want to perform repairs or service on an appliance that is in need of replacement.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FURNACE?
- Single Stage – A single-stage furnace has only one stage of operation. It can either be turned on or turned off.
- Two Stage – A two-stage furnace has two settings––full and half speed. This is a more efficient way to heat and provides for better comfort, because it can move the air at a slower pace.
- Variable Stage or Modulating – A variable-stage or modulating furnace modulates the speed and heat output based on the temperature outside and the desired comfort level. This furnace only works as much as you need it, making this type the most energy-efficient type of furnace.
WHAT SIZE FURNACE DO I NEED?
We can calculate the correct size furnace for your home. The number of BTUs, or British Thermal Units, needed to heat your home is dependent on a number of variables. Contrary to what you might think, a bigger furnace may not necessarily mean more heating power for your home. Call us and we can set up an appointment to calculate the furnace size you might need.
Ready To Connect With Our Team?
At Excel Heating and Air Conditioning, we are dedicated to providing exceptional HVAC services tailored to your needs. Our experienced team is committed to ensuring your comfort all year round. Ready to experience the Excel HVAC difference? Contact us today to schedule your service!