General FAQs
What should I do if I smell gas in my house?
If you smell gas in your home, get outside as quickly as possible. Once you’re safely outside, call these people, in this order:
- The fire department (911)
- Your gas company
- Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning
If you react quickly and get to safety, gas leaks don’t have to be a big worry.
Note: if you have had your furnace for a couple of years and you’re suddenly starting to get headaches after being inside for a short time, follow the same procedure above – you likely have a carbon monoxide leak .Make sure you install a low-level carbon monoxide detector to help you react to dangerous gas leaks after you go to sleep.
How can I save money with a programmable thermostat?
Programmable thermostats let you set your home’s temperature at different levels for different times of the day. What this means is if there are set times when you and your family are not at home, you can set the temperature higher or lower based on whatever is more efficient for the season. For example, in the summer you can set the temperature for 80 F or more during the times when your family is not home, and have it come back down to 72 F in time to keep you cool when you come home!
Furnace and AC Replacement FAQs
How long will my HVAC system last?
With proper annual maintenance, you can expect your air conditioner to last anywhere from 12 – 15 years and your furnace to last about 15 – 20 years. These are just estimates, however – if your HVAC system has been around longer than this but is still working fine, there’s no reason to replace it!
Do I need to replace my indoor coil with my air conditioner?
Replacing the indoor coil along with your air conditioner is generally a good idea. There is a direct correlation between the efficiency of your AC and the performance of the indoor coil, so changing out the coil may be critical to optimizing the performance, efficiency and savings potential of your new system.
How can I figure out which type of furnace or AC is best?
There are many factors that influence the type of furnace or air conditioner that’s best for your home. These include the size and age of your home and the number of rooms as well as current utility costs and local rebate programs. At Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning, we utilize the latest technology to help you determine which type of AC or heater will keep you the most comfortable while saving you the most money.
What size air conditioner or furnace do I need?
Again, there’s no simple answer for this – it all depends on conditions in your home. Factors that determine the size of your HVAC system include humidity levels in your area, the number of windows in your home, total square footage, the direction your home faces, the number of heat producing appliances in your home, the type of insulation in your home and the number of people that live there. Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning takes all of these factors into account so we can install an air conditioner or furnace that will keep you comfortable for less.
Furnace and AC Maintenance FAQs
How often should I have a furnace or air conditioner tune up?
You should have your HVAC system tuned up annually prior to the start of its season. This will help spot little issues that may have developed while your system was shut off and prevent them from becoming costly repair jobs later on.
Is there anything I can do before I call for a furnace or AC service?
If you’re having problems with your furnace or AC, there are a few things you can try before calling the HVAC service professionals at Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning:
- Disconnect and reconnect your indoor and outdoor switches
- Make sure your circuit breakers are in the ON position
- Make sure your filters are clean
- Keep your vents clear and unobstructed
- Make sure your system is in the proper mode – HEAT or COOL
Heat Pump FAQs
I’ve heard people say heat pumps don’t keep you as comfortable as furnaces. Is this true?
While heat pumps do take some getting used to, they will still keep your home every bit as comfortable as a furnace. Heat pumps are better at keeping the temperature in your home consistent, meaning you won’t have those blasts of warm air that are common with gas furnaces – instead, the air coming out of your registers will feel cool, even though it’s at the temperature you set.
Humidifier FAQs
How can I control humidity levels in my home?
Along with installing a humidifier and dehumidifier, you can also install a variable speed HVAC system. In addition to running more efficiently than single speed motors, variable speed fans will circulate air constantly, removing excess moisture from the air all day.
How much humidity should I have in my home?
The short answer is 35%; however, the ideal range by most research is between 40% and 60%, if the home is properly constructed to handle humidity that high.
What size humidifier do I need?
Sizing a humidifier is based on several things – home size, construction type, climate, lifestyle and HVAC equipment to name a few. Magnolia Heating & Air Conditioning can assess your home and help you figure out the ideal size humidifier.
Air Conditioner Refrigerant FAQs
What is Freon R-22?
R-22 is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon used as a refrigerant by air conditioner manufacturers for over 40 years before it was determined that the chlorine causes ozone depletion. As of January 1, 2010, Freon is being phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly options.
What is R-410a?
R-410a is a new chemical called a hydro fluorocarbon that is used as a replacement for Freon.