Heating and Air Conditioning in Houston, TX
At J & K, we want to make sure our clients get detailed answers to all of their inquiries. Find out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions regarding heating and air conditioning in Houston, TX.
Q: How often should filters be cleaned or replaced?
A: Typically, filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month. Some units are equipped with permanent filters. They can be cleaned according to the instructions supplied by RUUD. Disposable filters should be replaced with filters of the same type and size as the original.
Q: What do rating numbers mean?
A: The U.S. government requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning and heating equipment. The rating reflects the percentage of energy used efficiently with a high rating indicating high-efficiency. The next two topics address this issue in greater detail.
Q: What is a SEER?
A: There are special names for the efficiency ratings of various types of equipment. Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
Q: What does HSPF mean?
A: There are special names for the efficiency ratings of varying types of equipment. Heat pump equipment in the heating mode is rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit.
Q: What does AFUE stand for?
A: There are special names for the efficiency ratings of various types of equipment. Gas furnaces are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit.
Q: Should outdoor units be covered in winter?
A: No. RUUD heat pumps operate year-round and should never be covered. Similarly, air conditioners that operate seasonally are built to withstand an outdoor environment and should not be covered.
Q: Should a thermostat be set to "auto" or "on?"
A: Preferably, it should be set to "auto." That way, the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. (This is the most used and the most efficient setting.) There are advantages to using the "on" setting. Air is constantly filtered through the unit's air filter, and the constantly circulating air results in an even temperature throughout the house.
Q: Can shrubs or flowers be planted around an outdoor unit?
A: Yes. However, we recommend that plants be no closer than 18 inches to the unit. This allows for plenty of room for air circulation in and out of the unit. Without this room for air circulation, the unit could overheat, resulting in a premature need for service.
Q: If an outdoor unit needs replacing, should the indoor unit be replaced too?
A: Yes. RUUD air conditioning and heating units are designed to operate as a complete, matched system. The efficiency rating is based on the entire system. Replacing the entire system ensures the system will be reliable and efficient.
Q: How do I know what size unit our house needs?
A: J & K will consider many factors before making a recommendation. Factors like the size of the house, climate, the number and type of windows installed, insulation, and even the number of people living in the home help us determine which unit to install in houses.
Q: What is the difference between a split system and a package unit?
A: A split system uses indoor and outdoor components to provide a complete home comfort system. A package unit or self-contained unit requires no external coils, air handlers, or heating units.
