HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is the common term employed to depict the whole heating and cooling system including of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

Look at the label on the outside of the element of your home comfort system for a manufacture date. Equipment less than five years old may have a warranty, but also may not based on the manufacturer. Warranty terms and conditions vary by manufacturer and the installing company. Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, A Service Experts Company can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system via System Inspection. We also offer a Platinum PLUS^TM Protection Plan for residential heating and air conditioning systems, regardless of how old your equipment is or manufacturer warranty status.

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution.Even though no cost savings are tied to less sound in your home, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your San Antonio home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the unit, and the degree to which the compressor is insulated can add to the amount of noise it makes.

Although most heating and cooling systems manufactured today are quieter now more than ever, it's a safe  idea to compare sound ratings when shopping for a new air conditioner or heat pump, particularly if the equipment location is near bedrooms or living rooms.

Not counting the visual check provided with our System Inspection, a Precision Tune-up also consists of a total maintenance cleaning and lubrication of the heating or air conditioning equipment components. Discover more here about Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, A Service Experts Company’s Precision Tune-up steps . The cost of a tune-up varies by season, and printable coupons with seasonal discounts on tune-ups are also usually available on our Coupons page.

A Service Call fee is a fee for the cost associated with the time and travel to diagnose, inspect and share expert recommendations for a home's heating or air conditioning system by a certified professional technician. Coupons for the Service Call fee may be found on our web site, in the Yellow Pages, or by email when joining our Email Club at the bottom of this page.

A popping sound is a typically sign of an under-sized duct design. It may be caused by greater air flow than the duct work is built for. Have a qualified company analyze your home's ventilation system for proper design and make necessary recommendations. Improper duct work layout can create a variety of ventilation and air quality problems, including: 

1. excessive noise
2. higher energy consumption
3. lowered lifespan of the system
4. uneven heating & cooling throughout your home
5. damaged compressor in summer
6. overheated unit in the winter

The answer is, probably so. Here's why.

Matched System Design: All air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are specially designed to work with a matched indoor unit for ideal efficiency and performance. The effect of this matched equipment is a coordinated, top-performance team that ensures dependability and efficiency. Air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units may ”run” with indoor units other than those for which they have been precisely intended; however, the consequence would be a definite compromise in system performance.

Design Advances: Over time, indoor blower coil units have undergone many design advances — especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.

Higher Cooling And Heating Efficiency: The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as matched systems. While changing only the outdoor unit may give you improved efficiency compared to the old system, but efficiency will be lacking from what it was designed to be, and your savings will be not as much as with a matched system.

Equipment Age: If an air conditioner or heat pump is 10 years old or more and needs to be replaced, the indoor unit is likely just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of degradation. Changing both units means you won't have to substitute the indoor unit in just a short time… you'll have many years of efficient service with both units.

New Warranty: A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Substituting the indoor unit simultaneously with the outdoor unit results in peace of mind, knowing that the new warranty covers the entire system for the same period of time.

A Bargain: At first glance, changing only the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump may appear to be a deal. But, when you consider the lower cooling and heating efficiencies, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership that results, it's not such a bargain. Replacing an entire system may cost more, but the result is efficiency, reliability and comfort for years into the future.

Similar to a value menu at a local restaurant, charging a flat rate cost instead of an hourly fee makes available more value for our customers because nothing is excluded, the pricing is up-front, and it does not adjust. Regardless of the cost of parts or amount of time it takes to finish the repairs, the price will not change. This is just one reason why Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, A Service Experts Company is the most trusted name in San Antonio.

You probably wouldn't buy a brand-new car and expect to not once have to inflate the tires, change the oil and examine any unusual noises. Your home comfort system is like your car’s engine; it’s a mechanical device with a motor, electrical components... and even fuel. So it is essential to have routine maintenance of your home comfort system by a qualified technician. If not maintained properly and routinely, even the best heating and air conditioning equipment could experience complications and become less 'fuel' efficient over time.

There are several things that can prompt your HVAC system to freeze up; almost all of them usually need to be corrected by a professional technician. Determining the air filter is clean or replaced and confirming the airflow is not restricted are about the only things a homeowner should safely identify or handle themself.

Low refrigerant: In some cases, freezing up is initiated by a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak solder joints, friction from piping rubbing or vibrating against an object, leaking valves or loose fittings can cause leaks. How long your system has been operating and the nature and location of the leak are the determining factors on whether to have the system repaired or replaced.

Dirty evaporator coil: As time passes, the evaporator coil will become dirty. On these occasions, the results are similar to those of having a dirty filter. Gradually you will lose airflow, slowly enough that you probably would not realize it until it freezes up or is not cooling adequately. You will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to correct the problem.

Defective blower motor or relay: A blower motor not running at the proper speed or not running at all can cause freezing. It can also be sporadic, starting at full speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or a relay could cause it to start one time and not the next. In either case, you will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to correct the problem.

Should you discover that your system was freezing due to a dirty air filter, after replacing or cleaning the filter, you can hasten the thawing process by turning the system off and then turning on only the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to heating mode until the ice has melted. After the ice has melted, switch the system settings back to normal. If the system refreezes, contact Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, A Service Experts Company in San Antonio to solve the problem.

If you are replacing your San Antonio area home air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is an excellent time to also install a new zoning system to solve hot and cold spots or special temperature preferences in the home. When your new comfort equipment is coordinated by a zoning system, you will gain customized temperature control in each zone.

Zoning is also excellent for new homes since the system can be installed during construction. If you are investing in a new home, check with your builder about a zoning system. It could make the difference between just enjoying your new house and being truly comfortable in it.

With energy costs soaring, there are a few steps you can take to help cut down the expenses of heating and cooling your home. HVAC equipment usually utlizies more energy than any other appliance in the home. This inevitably shows up every month on utility costs each month, but it's important to remember that energy costs can be controlled in several ways.

Maintenance: One method to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance to make sure your furnace and air conditioner is running properly and efficiently. Operating dirty heating or cooling equipment can result in unnecessary loss of efficiency and may even damage the equipment.

High Efficiency: If you are in the market for a new home comfort system, consider investing in a high-efficiency system. They are designed to help reduce your energy costs as well as help conserve natural resources. When selecting a new home comfort system, pay close attention to the SEER rating of the air conditioner and the AFUE of the furnace. The higher the SEER or AFUE, the higher the efficiency and savings.

Zoning: Zoning can dramatically lower your heating costs. Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas, which are heated or cooled based on the occupancy of the rooms. That means a zoning system allows each room in your home to potentially have its own temperature setting. With a zoning system, you no longer pay to heat or cool rooms of your home that are rarely used, and you can have the exact temperature you want in highly occupied rooms.

Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats can make a big difference in energy consumption. Since you can proactively set a schedule for the days and times that the home is occupied, these thermostats are able to deliver exact comfort, efficiency and energy savings. For example, if you're going to be away, you can set the whole house at an energy-saving temperature to avoid heating or cooling an empty house and conserving energy in the process.

No, HVAC air filters vary in quality and size, and some have features that others don't. Mostly we recommend installing the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing up with your installed system, but you may be tempted to try some other filter type for convenience or to remove additional debris from your home.

All filters have MERV ratings, which range from 1-20. MERV stands for "minimum efficiency reporting value". A higher MERV rating equates to fewer particles pass through, and it catches finer particulates. This sounds like a good thing, and it can be, but a filter that catches finer dust and dirt will also clog up quicker, and pressure on your unit will increase. If your system has not been crafted to function with this kind of filter, it can reduce your airflow within your residence, affecting your comfort and energy bills. So what should you know before you buy? Unless you live in a hospital, you simply don't need a MERV rating above 13. Truth be told, most residential systems are specifically designed to work with a filter with a MERV rating below 13, and frequently you will discover that more expensive systems have been made to operate with a MERV rating of 8 or 11. All filters with a MERV rating of five should block most of the everyday nuisances people care about such as pollen, pet dander, and dust. While some filters claim to be able to capture mold spores, we recommend hiring a pro to clean out any mold from your residence you find, instead of trying to hide the issue with a finer filter.

Frequently the packaging shows how often your filter should be replaced. There are one-month filters and there are 3-month filters. Additionally we have filters that are made flat like screen windows, and you have some that are ridged with supporting wire. In our experience, the accordian style filters fare better, and are worth a little extra.

You may also consider washable filters, also called reusable filters. Some homeowners like the environmentally friendly aspect of it, because they don't add to a dump, and others consider it more convenient to just pull out the filter and wash it off rather than making a special run to the local hardware store for a filter of the right size. These filters are often designed to endure several years and will save you cold cash over those years, though they are pricier initially. However, washable filters should be dried out all the way before inserting it back to eliminate mold growth in your vents. In addition, most washable filters typically have a MERV rating between 1 and 4, and they lose their efficiency over time. Some washable filters have been built with new technology, such as electrostatic air filters, that are meant to effectively improve the MERV rating.

Last, filters are made of different materials. Fiberglass filters are what is commonly used, and are the disposable type. Polyester and pleated filters are known to catch more debris, but also lessen the airflow in your residence. And there are high efficiency particulate arrestance filters, or HEPA for short. While you may be tempted to put in a HEPA filter, just consider that's like putting a MERV 16 filter in your HVAC system and it's highly unlikely that your system was constructed to handle that kind of resistance.

Yes, with a capital Y.E.S. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a buildup of contaminants within the home.

Poor IAQ can be attributed to aggravating several health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. As well, two existing health problems that can be helped by improving indoor air quality are allergies and asthma. By removing airborne dust particles, the amount of exposure the respiratory system has to them is reduced. Proper ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality, helping to reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home.

The best method of detection is to use a carbon monoxide detector in your home. A carbon monoxide detector looks a bit like a smoke alarm. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and emits an alarm if a specific level is detected. Ideally, you should have at least one detector adjacent to every living area, centrally located, or on each floor in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are most effective when used in combination with preventive maintenance. Call for a complimentary consultation about purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.

You may have tried to get rid of indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don't get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home's odor problem. One method to purify the air is using germicidal (UV) lights in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Sometimes poor ventilation can be attributed to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Aramendia technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how you could increase the ventilation system’s ability to properly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

The best way to choose the correct humidifier is by having a home health report performed by Aramendia. Every home is different, and every family is different. So, every humidification need is also different. There are some important factors to evaluate when purchasing a humidifier for your home, Aramendia can help you understand and consider these issues.

Consider size. A humidifier's capacity, or the amount of moisture it can dispense in a given time, should match your particular household's needs. The capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to determine the correct-sized humidifier for your home is by multiplying the total floor area in by the ceiling height. We can provide you with this information and additional ways you can determine which type of humidifier will best suit you and your family’s comfort needs.

Consider cost. Consider not only the purchase price of the humidifier, but also operating and maintenance costs. Some brands consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants. With a Home Health Report Card, Aramendia can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

According to studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small to be captured by vacuum cleaning. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. A Home Health Report Card from Aramendia will provide the information about which indoor air improvement devices are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation Aramendia at .

Depending on the model you choose and the size of your indoor area, a humidifier may use from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day when the furnace is operating. The amount that will be used is enough to raise the humidity to the proper level, but not enough to notice a difference on your water bill.

How often to change your air filters can depend on several factors:

• the type of air filter you are using
• the overall indoor air quality
• how many pets are in the home
• the number of people occupying the home, and
• the level of air pollution and construction around the home

For basic 1"-3" air filters, manufacturers usually say to change them every 30-60 days. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you could upgrade the air filter or change them every few weeks. Or, if you're in a more remote area or less occupied home (like a vacation home) and there are fewer cars around, annually may be often enough.

Here are averages that might help you know how often you should change the air filter at home:

• Vacation home or single occupant and no pets or allergies: every 6-12 months
• "Average" suburban home without pets: every 90 days
• Add a dog or cat: every 60 days
• Add more than one pet or anyone has allergies: 20-45 days

Yes. Carbon monoxide can be an invisible threat to health and safety in the home. Though more commonly associated with fireplaces and vehicle emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning could be a danger in any home unless certain precautions are taken.

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unusually dry air during a long period each year. Humidifiers help the right comfort level of humidity, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system. Whole-house humidifiers work like your more typical room humidifiers. They put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air much easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers automatically humidify the entire home, no more moving a humidifier from room to room, spilling water on the floor as you go.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide combines with with the red blood cells in the blood and displaces the oxygen our bodies need to survive. Carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells over 200 times more easily than oxygen and creates a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin saturation. Carbon monoxide, instead of oxygen, then enters the vital organs through the bloodstream. Our organ tissues require oxygen; without it, our organs start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It takes the body a long time to eliminate carbon monoxide, however its absorption is very fast.

Allergies and asthma are two health problems that could be helped with cleaner indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people who may have never suffered from allergies could benefit from clean air. Dust, smoke and other particles float around in the air, causing your drapes and furniture to gather dust. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.

Unfortunately, the symptoms caused by carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily overlooked because they are often flu-like. With mild exposure, most commonly you may experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure could cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure could even cause unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

Prevention is the most important step. Taking proper safety measures will reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because vehicles are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, always take your car out of the garage to let it warm up. Never leave it going in the confined space of a garage. The same holds true for lawn mowers or snowmobiles.

Never use ovens or grills as a heater. These items are designed to be safe and efficient and not produce substantial amounts of carbon monoxide. However, it is important to check all combustion appliances to be sure they are operating properly and to be sure that all chimneys and vents are connected properly and not blocked. Schedule annual maintenance by a qualified technician to check the condition of these appliances.

Many everyday household items may contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit gases or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paint and personal care products.

Though they are often more efficient, modern homes do not breathe (ventilate) the way older homes have. Tight-sealing weather stripping and storm doors keep indoor air in and outdoor air out. This provides more energy savings, but the limited exchange of outdoor and indoor air can mean a buildup of contaminants on the inside of the house. In these circumstances, a whole home ventilation system is recommended. Ventilation systems exchange poor indoor air for fresh outdoor air, without sacrificing energy savings.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process. Household appliances such as a furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill and gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not maintained properly or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as poorly operating fireplaces may also be a source of carbon monoxide. CO is poisonous to the body and is fatal at high levels or with long exposure.

Indoor Air Quality is a term used to define the level or amount of air pollution that exists inside a house or building, particularly occupied areas or rooms. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors, and the American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors. So the IAQ level and IAQ products that contribute to improving air quality and eliminate indoor air pollution have become an important factor for many families, especially those suffering from allergies and respiratory issues.

Installing a humidifier is typically an easy job if you are also replacing your furnace. But you can also have a humidifier fitted to your existing heating and cooling system. Periodic cleaning and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended to maintain the system. Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air, A Service Experts Company can provide maintenance on the humidifier as needed, or proactively as part of our PLUS Maintenance Agreement. Call for more information about humidifier maintenance or for a free estimate on a new humidification system.

Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry or aggravate respiratory ailments. During extremely cold weather, your home rapidly loses its humidity to the outdoors. Humidity levels could be reduced down to 10 percent. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that homeowners maintain a humidity level between 30 and 60 percent.

Dry air may also begin to cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct result of very dry air and houseplants may suffer from "winter drought" caused by low humidity levels. A whole-home humidifier integrates moister with your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes and would be our recommended solution to this issue.