Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the ductwork, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year — ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. We also recommend changing your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems and significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for a manufacturing date. If the equipment is less than five years old it may have a warranty — but it also may not. Warranty terms and conditions change by the manufacturer and the installation company. Alfa Energy heating & air conditioning experts can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system.

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It's important to change filters regularly to ensure proper airflow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements. Your Alfa Energy technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedule for your unit(s).

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contributes to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on the comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level depends on a variety of factors — such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated — all of which can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

Is it making strange noises? Is it cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? Any of these are signs you may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any underlying problems will get — so be sure to contact Alfa Energy whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Bigger isn't always better — it's performance and efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Alfa Energy will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.

A few quick tips:

• Replace your filters frequently.
• Your system will heat and cool more evenly when the blower is in the "on" position — it provides constant air movement throughout the home and allows for better filtration.
• Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.

You may have tried to cover up indoor odours with air fresheners or candles. Unfortunately, these only mask odours — they don't get rid of them, and may negatively affect indoor air quality. Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mould may also be at the root of the problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights, which help kill odours, inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, and sterilize surfaces in the HVAC system. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odours. Moisture condensation on walls and windows and stagnant air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed, and can advise on how to improve the ventilation system's ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

Every person and every home has 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 to reduce triggers and irritants. Our experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

According to studies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be up to 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce dust and dust mites, but not all airborne particles can be eliminated this way. Filtration devices help capture particles too small for a vacuum — including UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. Our team can help you choose the right indoor air improvement devices for your home.

Temperature settings depend on the time of year and your personal preferences. In the summer, the average setting is 75°–80°F. In winter, 68°–72°F is the norm. Remember, when leaving your house, try to avoid drastic temperature changes — don't set your temperature back more than 5°, as this will cause your unit to work harder to reach the desired setting.