Frequently Asked Questions
At Kaminer Heating And Cooling, our Columbia HVAC professionals always put your comfort first. We understand how stressful it can be to have things go wrong with your heater or air conditioner, which is why we have composed responses to our most frequently asked questions.
No matter what the question, we can confidently provide you with helpful answers and advice. Call (803) 888-4115 today! Free estimates are available!
FAQs
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Why is it always hotter on the second floor of my home?
If you only have one system, it may not be sized properly. There is also a possibility that your home may need two systems because of its size. Many contractors only build homes with one system in order to save money. If you want to gain more control of the temperature inside your home, our Columbia HVAC specialists can install a zoning system for you. This would involve adding dampers to the ductwork so that the airflow can be redirected to specific parts of your home. This will make your living space much more comfortable.
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Why is humidity so important in my home?
Humidifiers are very important to have during our cold winters because the air is much drier during the winter time. Not only does dry air bad make your skin dry, but it can also damage your woodwork and furniture. It can even make you feel colder because your body recognizes heat as a combination of humidity and temperature. With the addition of a humidifier in your home, you can save money and energy because you’ll want to lower your thermostat.
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What temperature should I set my thermostat to if I want to go away for a few days?
Our Columbia HVAC experts recommend that you set it to 65° F if you plan on leaving during the winter. This is low enough to save you money and energy, but warm enough to keep your pipes from freezing. We also recommend that you turn your main water supply off when you go on trips. Water leaks can cause excessive damage if you’re not there to address the problem.
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What do SEER and AFUE stand for?
SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This rating essentially tells you how efficient your system is. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. Every unit must be rated as a 13 SEER or higher according to federal law. AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, symbolizes how many heating dollars are being converted to the heat energy that enters your home and how many heating dollars are lost. A majority of older heaters are 60% efficient, meaning that for every dollar you spend to heat your home, 40 cents of it goes up the chimney. According to federal law, all furnaces must now be at least 80% efficient. Our team of professionals can help you find a furnace that’s even more efficient! Our customers often receive excellent returns on their new furnace investments because the reduced costs of the bills cover the costs of their new heaters!
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How often should I change a standard throwaway filter?A standard 1” filter should be changed every 6-8 weeks. Surprisingly, filters actually become more efficient once they’re a little dirty. However, after peak efficiency is reached, the efficiency drops again. Not only are clogged filters less efficient, but they can also cause damage to your unit.
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How often should I replace my carbon monoxide detector?Most of these devices last less than five years. It’s important to keep in mind that all carbon monoxide detectors eventually wear out. If yours is at least three years old, it’s probably time to replace it. You can also test your detector using a CO test kit, which is available at many retail stores.
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Ice keeps forming on my AC unit after I run my air conditioner for a while. What should I do?
Your AC unit is most likely either low on refrigerant or it doesn’t supply enough air flow. We recommend replacing the air filter and allowing the unit to thaw out. If the same problem keeps occurring, get in touch with us and we can quickly diagnose the problem for you.
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