HVAC FAQs | Chase Heating and Cooling
If you have questions about your heating and cooling system, you are not alone. These are some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from homeowners in the Portland area. If you do not see your question here, give us a call at 503-254-1274 or contact us here. We will be glad to help.
General HVAC Questions
What does HVAC stand for?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the systems that control the temperature, airflow, and air quality in your home. A well-functioning HVAC system keeps your home comfortable year-round and plays a direct role in your indoor air quality.
What is the difference between an AC and a heat pump?
Both an air conditioner and a heat pump use refrigerant to move heat, but a heat pump can do something an air conditioner cannot: it can reverse the process. In cooling mode, it removes heat from your home just like an AC unit. In heating mode, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. This makes heat pumps a highly energy efficient option for both heating and cooling in a single system. Air-source heat pumps are the most common choice for residential homes.
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What is the difference between a standard efficiency furnace and a variable speed furnace?
A standard efficiency furnace runs at one speed, typically reaching around 80% efficiency. A variable speed furnace adjusts its output as your home approaches the desired temperature, which can make it significantly more efficient than a single-speed system. If you are replacing an old furnace, a variable speed model can reduce your energy bills over time and provide more consistent comfort.
What is a ductless mini split system?
A ductless mini split system provides heating and cooling without requiring any ductwork. It uses refrigerant lines to connect an outdoor unit to one or more indoor units, delivering conditioned air directly into each room or zone. Ductless systems are a popular choice for home additions, older homes without existing ductwork, and homeowners who want more targeted temperature control. They are also highly energy efficient compared to traditional central air systems.
How do heat pumps work?
Heat pumps transfer heat between the indoors and outdoors rather than generating it directly. In warm weather, the system removes heat from inside your home and releases it outside, much like a standard air conditioner. When it gets cold, the process reverses and the system extracts heat from the outdoor air to warm your home. Because they move heat rather than create it, heat pumps use less electricity than furnaces or boilers for the same amount of heating.
HVAC Maintenance Questions
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
For a furnace or central air conditioner, annual maintenance is the standard recommendation. For heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, twice a year is ideal because these systems handle both heating and cooling and see more year-round use. Most HVAC experts suggest scheduling heating system maintenance in the fall and cooling system maintenance in the spring, before each season begins.
How often should I replace my air filters?
Most air filters need to be replaced every 30 to 60 days, though it depends on the type of filter and your home. Standard one-inch filters clog quickly and should be checked monthly. High-efficiency four-inch filters can typically go three months between changes. If you have pets, allergies, or a dusty home, plan on replacing filters more frequently. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder, which wastes energy and puts extra strain on the equipment.
Why is regular maintenance so important?
Regular HVAC maintenance helps your system run more efficiently, last longer, and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Annual professional maintenance can reduce energy consumption noticeably and helps technicians catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs. Changing filters regularly, keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear, and scheduling tune ups twice a year are the most effective things you can do to protect your investment.
What is the 2-foot rule for HVAC?
The 2-foot rule refers to the clearance you should maintain around your outdoor condenser unit. Shrubs, debris, fencing, and other obstructions should be kept at least two feet away to allow proper airflow. Restricted airflow around the outdoor unit reduces efficiency and can cause the system to overheat or fail prematurely. If your unit is surrounded by landscaping, it is worth trimming things back before cooling season starts.
What can I do to extend the life of my system?
Replace your air filters on schedule, keep your outdoor unit clear of debris, schedule annual or semi-annual professional maintenance, and address any unusual noises or performance issues promptly. An HVAC system that receives regular attention and timely repairs will last significantly longer than one that is ignored until something goes wrong. The average HVAC system lasts between 10 and 20 years depending on how well it is maintained.
Common HVAC Performance Questions
Why is my air conditioner not blowing cold air?
When your AC unit stops blowing cold air, the cause can range from minor to serious. Start with the simplest fix: check your air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow enough to prevent proper cooling. If the filter is clean, the issue could be low refrigerant, a frozen coil, or a problem with the outdoor compressor. Low refrigerant typically means there is a leak somewhere in the system, which requires a professional to diagnose and repair.
Why is my AC leaking water?
Water leaking from your air conditioning system is usually caused by a clogged condensate drain line, a frozen coil, or a cracked drain pan. When the drain line gets blocked, water backs up and overflows. A frozen coil can happen if airflow is restricted, often due to a dirty air filter or low refrigerant. If you notice water around your indoor unit, turn the system off and contact us to schedule a service call.
What are common signs that my HVAC system is failing?
Unusual noises, strange smells, weak airflow, short cycling, and rooms that are difficult to heat or cool are all warning signs worth taking seriously. If your system is running constantly or switching on and off more frequently than normal, something is not right. These are the kinds of issues that tend to get worse over time, so it is better to have a technician take a look sooner rather than later.
What temperature should I set my thermostat?
A good starting point is 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter when you are home. For every degree cooler you set your thermostat in summer, you may spend six to eight percent more on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat can help you manage this automatically, adjusting the temperature for the times of day when you are away or asleep and bringing it back to a comfortable level before you return.
What size HVAC system does my home need?
Sizing an HVAC system is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Generally, one ton of air conditioning covers 300 to 800 square feet depending on insulation, ceiling height, window placement, and other factors. A system that is too large will short cycle and leave your home feeling humid. A system that is too small will run constantly and drive up your energy bills. Only a qualified heating and cooling technician can properly determine the right size for your home.
HVAC Efficiency Questions
What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling output of an air conditioning system over a typical cooling season divided by the total energy it consumes. A higher SEER rating means a more efficient unit. Replacing an older air conditioner with a higher-SEER model can reduce your cooling energy costs by 20 to 40 percent. Chase Heating and Cooling is a proud Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally, offering cash and financial incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to our qualified customers.
Should I cover my AC unit in winter?
It is not necessary to cover your outdoor AC unit during winter in most climates, including Oregon. If you do choose to cover it, only cover the top of the unit to protect against debris and moisture, and never wrap the entire unit. Covering it completely can trap moisture, encourage rust, and create a welcoming home for pests. The outdoor unit is built to withstand the elements.
How can I lower my energy bills without replacing my system?
Start with the basics: replace your air filters regularly, keep your outdoor unit clear, and seal any obvious gaps around windows and doors. A programmable thermostat is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make, allowing you to automatically adjust temperatures when you are away or asleep. If your ductwork has leaks, sealing them can improve efficiency significantly. Annual maintenance also helps your system run closer to its rated efficiency rather than degrading over time.
Indoor Air Quality Questions
How does indoor air quality affect my health?
Indoor air quality refers to the freshness, purity, temperature, and humidity of the air inside your home. Studies consistently show that indoor air pollution can be worse than outdoor air pollution, and poor air quality has been linked to allergies, asthma, respiratory issues, and other health concerns. If anyone in your household deals with allergies or sensitivities, your home's air quality is worth paying attention to.
How can I improve my home's indoor air quality?
Frequent dusting and vacuuming help reduce airborne particles like pet dander and dust. Beyond that, a qualified technician can install UV light units, electronic air cleaners, or upgraded air filters that capture pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and other contaminants before they circulate through your HVAC system. Having your indoor air quality assessed during a routine service visit is a practical first step if you have concerns.
More HVAC Questions
What is the $5,000 rule for HVAC?
The $5,000 rule is a helpful guideline for deciding whether to repair or replace an aging system. Multiply the age of the system by the estimated repair cost. If the result is more than $5,000, replacement is typically the more cost-effective choice. For example, a 12-year-old AC unit needing a $500 repair equals $6,000 by this formula, which suggests a new system may be a better investment. Our technicians can walk you through this evaluation during a service call.
What are the 3 Rs of HVAC?
The three Rs in HVAC generally refer to Repair, Replace, and Retrofit. Repair covers fixing a specific issue with an existing system. Replace means installing new equipment when repair is no longer cost-effective. Retrofit refers to upgrading or modifying components of an existing system, such as adding a programmable thermostat, improving ductwork, or integrating zoning controls, to improve performance and efficiency without a full replacement.
What are good questions to ask an HVAC company?
Ask whether the company is licensed and insured, and request their CCB number if you are in Oregon. Here is an example using Chase Heating and Cooling, CCB# 153390. Ask about the brands of equipment they install, whether they pull permits for installation work, and what warranty coverage comes with a new system. It is also reasonable to ask how long the technician has been in the trade and whether the company offers any service guarantee on labor. Getting two or three estimates for larger jobs gives you a useful comparison on both price and scope.
Have a question that is not covered here?
Call us at 503-254-1274 or use our contact form to reach the Chase Heating and Cooling team.
We are happy to answer your HVAC questions before you schedule a service call.