The 4 Most Important Things to Know About Your Home’s HVAC System (Valparaiso & Northwest Indiana)

Whether you currently own a home or you are looking to purchase your first home, you probably wish you knew more about your HVAC system. I’m going to touch on the four things that every homeowner should know about their HVAC system. I hope this provides some value to you. For clarity and simplicity, I will keep each subject brief. However, if you have further questions or want an expanded answer on any of these subjects, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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How do I even know what kind of equipment I have?

In Northwest Indiana, the most common HVAC system in a residential home is a furnace and air conditioner, commonly called a split-system. A typical furnace is going to be an 80% furnace (Mid Efficiency) or a 90%+ furnace (High Efficiency). Visually, the biggest difference between an 80% furnace and a 90%+ furnace is the piping coming off of the top or side. On an 80% furnace, you will see metal piping. On a 90%+ furnace, you will see PVC piping.

Here are some of the other types of equipment that are out there:

• Mini-split (or ductless heat pump system)
• Air handler with a heat pump
• Boiler
• Package Unit

As the technology continues to improve, ductless heat pumps, commonly called mini-splits, are becoming more common. They are also an excellent option for supplemental comfort control, or for additions where running ductwork off of the main system is not possible.

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What should I keep my thermostat set to?

This is a tricky one; depending on who you ask, you could get a wide range of answers. According to ACCA Manual J, the “indoor design temperatures” are 75°F for cooling and 70°F for heating. However, everyone is different. In my experience, most homes are comfortable within a couple of degrees of these recommendations. While temperature setpoint is most people’s main concern, humidity plays a huge role in the comfort of your home. If you find that your home is extremely uncomfortable at these temperatures, +/- 2°, you may have humidity issues.

In the summer, 75°F at 50% RH (relative humidity) is going to feel way more comfortable than 75°F at 70% RH. Extremely humid air contains more moisture, which can lead to that sticky, suffocating feeling. Also, high humidity levels in your home can promote mold and bacterial growth.

In the winter, 70°F at 45% RH is going to feel way more comfortable than 70°F at 15% RH. Extremely dry air will lead to a multitude of issues, such as dry skin, nosebleeds, headaches, and increased chances of getting sick from airborne illnesses.

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What kind of filter should I use?

There are so many filters to choose from, so how do you know which one is correct? First, make sure you know what size filter you should have. If the filter that is currently in your furnace fits just right (doesn’t stick out or in too much), and isn’t a nightmare to remove, then it’s probably the right size.

Next, filters have what is called a MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). A higher MERV rating means the filter is more effective at removing smaller particles, resulting in cleaner air throughout your home. A filter with a higher MERV rating will also reduce the amount of dust that gets built up on your blower motor, secondary heat exchanger, and evaporator coil. If these components are experiencing consistent dust build-up, you may experience more frequent breakdowns or have to get more frequent maintenance done. Most residential systems can use a filter in the range of MERV 8 – MERV 13, depending on your needs and what your HVAC system can handle. A critical note about filters with a higher MERV rating: the higher the MERV rating, the greater the restriction in airflow. An HVAC professional should be able to run a test on your system to determine the Total External Static Pressure and recommend what kind of filter you can use without causing future damage to your equipment.

Last note on filters: the most common filters are 1″, 2″, or 4″ thick. The thicker the filter, the greater the surface area. With an increased surface area, you can use a filter with a higher MERV rating that will cause less restriction in the airflow compared to a thinner one with the same MERV rating.

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How often should I have preventative maintenance done?

We recommend having preventative maintenance done twice a year. Once in the spring for your air conditioner, and once in the fall for your furnace.

No matter the HVAC company you use, or if you do it yourself, a preventative maintenance should include the following:

• Thorough cleaning and visual inspection of the equipment
• Electrical measurements
• Airflow measurements
• Temperature Rise measurement
• Filter Change
• Pressure/temperature measurements for your air conditioner refrigerant levels (or a non-invasive testing method)
• Gas pressure measurements for your furnace

Preventative maintenance has multiple benefits.

First, your system is getting cleaned regularly, increasing its longevity.

Second, most issues that would be a surprise down the road can be found with basic tests and visual inspections. Even if you don’t want to pay for a repair that day, you’ll at least be aware of any components that may potentially fail in the near future. Not all potential component failures can be found during preventative maintenance, but a good technician can point out the obvious issues. Most companies that offer a preventative maintenance program should also offer some added benefits for participating in their maintenance program. For example, you can see the benefits that Division HVAC offers here (see included services section): Maintenance Contract Form

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Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you have any questions or are interested in our services, please click one of the links below. Our goal is your comfort!