Frequently asked questions.
Finding the right HVAC and plumbing information can be challenging. That's why we are committed to providing clear and honest answers to your most important home comfort questions. Whether you're dealing with a leaking faucet or an AC breakdown, you'll find the information you need to make the best decisions for your home and family.
Question for our services
Yes, at Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide a reminder the day before your appointment. Additionally, you'll receive a notification when the technician is on their way, so you can be prepared for their arrival.
While our technicians are happy to discuss your issue over the phone, providing an accurate estimate without assessing the situation in person can be challenging. Every home and system is different, so an in-person evaluation is the best way to ensure we provide you with an accurate estimate and the right solution. However, we can offer a general range based on the information you provide.
Ultraviolet (UV) lights are installed in HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality. They help eliminate harmful microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and viruses that can accumulate inside your furnace or air conditioning system. By neutralizing these contaminants, UV lights prevent them from circulating through your home, reducing allergens and improving overall air quality. If you or your family suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, a UV light can be an effective addition to your system. Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning offers UV light installation to keep your air cleaner and your system more efficient.
Humidity levels in your home are very important for both comfort and health. Proper humidity can prevent issues like dry skin, respiratory problems, and damage to furniture or wood flooring. Additionally, maintaining an ideal humidity level can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system, saving you energy and money. Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning can help you monitor and adjust your home’s humidity for optimal comfort.
Yes, carbon monoxide (CO) is a serious concern. It's a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if it accumulates in your home. Furnaces, water heaters, and other gas-powered appliances can produce CO if they aren’t functioning properly or if there’s poor ventilation. At Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors and scheduling regular maintenance for your heating systems to ensure everything is operating safely. If you ever suspect a CO leak, leave your home immediately and contact a professional.
Determining the right size for a furnace or air conditioning unit involves several factors, including:
Home Size: The square footage of your home is a key factor. Larger homes typically require larger units to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Insulation: The quality of your home’s insulation affects how much heating or cooling is needed. Well-insulated homes can often use smaller units.
Windows and Doors: The number, size, and type of windows and doors can impact heating and cooling needs due to heat gain or loss.
Climate: The local climate and typical weather conditions influence the size of the unit required.
Home Layout: The layout and design of your home, including ceiling height and the number of floors, can also affect the required unit size.
Occupancy and Usage: The number of people and the usage patterns in your home can impact the heating and cooling load.
A professional load calculation is the best way to determine the exact size you need. Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning can perform a detailed assessment of your home to recommend the right size furnace or air conditioning unit for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Even if your furnace and air conditioner are new, regular maintenance is still important. Here’s why:
Manufacturing Debris: New systems can have residual dust and debris from the manufacturing and installation processes. Cleaning helps ensure these don’t affect system performance.
Optimal Efficiency: Regular cleaning helps maintain the efficiency of your systems, ensuring they operate as designed and continue to perform well.
Preventative Maintenance: Early maintenance can help identify and address any minor issues before they become major problems, extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Warranty Requirements: Some warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid. Check your warranty terms to ensure compliance.
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning offers comprehensive maintenance services to keep your new systems running smoothly and efficiently.
If ice is forming on the outside of your air conditioner's coil and it stops cooling, it could be due to several issues. The most common causes include:
- Restricted airflow: This might be due to a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or a malfunctioning blower fan.
- Low refrigerant levels: A refrigerant leak can cause the system to freeze because it can’t absorb heat properly.
- Dirty evaporator coil: If the coil is dirty, it can’t transfer heat effectively, leading to freezing.
- Thermostat problems: A faulty thermostat might not regulate temperature properly, causing the system to overwork and freeze.
It's best to have a professional technician from Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning inspect the system to determine the exact issue and perform any necessary repairs.
The temperature difference between floors is a common issue, especially in multi-level homes. Here are some reasons why the top floor might be hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter:
- Heat rises: Warm air naturally rises, causing the upper floors to get hotter in the summer.
- Poor insulation: Insufficient attic or wall insulation can allow heat to escape in the winter and penetrate during the summer.
- Airflow imbalance: The HVAC system might not be distributing air evenly throughout your home, leaving upper floors under-served.
- Sun exposure: If the top floor gets more direct sunlight, it can heat up quickly, especially in the summer months.
To address this, you can:
- Improve insulation: Upgrading insulation, especially in the attic, can help regulate the temperature.
- Install zoning: A zoning system allows you to control the temperature separately on different floors, ensuring even cooling and heating.
- Check ductwork: Leaky or inefficient ductwork can lead to uneven air distribution. A professional duct inspection can help identify and fix these issues.
- Use ceiling fans: They can help circulate air more effectively, especially on higher floors.
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning can assess your home and provide solutions tailored to improving temperature balance throughout your house.
A programmable thermostat offers several benefits that can enhance comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency in your home:
Energy Savings: By allowing you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, a programmable thermostat helps reduce energy use when you're not home or during sleeping hours. This can lower your energy bills.
Consistent Comfort: You can program your thermostat to ensure your home is at the ideal temperature when you wake up, return home, or go to bed, providing consistent comfort.
Convenience: Programming your thermostat eliminates the need to manually adjust the temperature, saving you time and effort.
Reduced Wear and Tear: Consistent and optimal operation of your heating and cooling system can reduce wear and tear, potentially extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Environmental Impact: By optimizing energy use, you reduce your carbon footprint, contributing to a more eco-friendly home.
Remote Control: Many modern programmable thermostats offer remote access through smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust settings from anywhere.
Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose and install a programmable thermostat that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
The type of filter you should use and how often you should change it depends on your specific HVAC system and your needs. Here’s a general guide:
Types of Filters
Fiberglass Filters: Basic filters that capture larger particles like dust and debris. They are usually less expensive but require more frequent changing.
Pleated Filters: These are more efficient than fiberglass filters and capture smaller particles, including pollen and pet dander. They have a larger surface area and can last longer.
HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters capture very small particles, including allergens and some bacteria. They are ideal for those with allergies or respiratory issues but can be more costly and may require a compatible system.
Electrostatic Filters: These use an electrostatic charge to attract and capture particles. They can be washable and reusable, providing a cost-effective option in the long term.
Carbon Filters: These filters include activated carbon to help remove odors and chemicals from the air. They are often used in combination with other filters.
How Often to Change the Filter
- Fiberglass Filters: Every 1-2 months.
- Pleated Filters: Every 3-6 months.
- HEPA Filters: Every 6-12 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Electrostatic Filters: Every 1-3 months, or as needed based on cleaning.
Factors that can affect how often you should change your filter include:
- Allergy Concerns: If you or your family members have allergies, you may want to change the filter more frequently.
- Pets: If you have pets, you might need to change the filter more often due to pet hair and dander.
- Dust Levels: High dust levels in your home may require more frequent changes.
Regularly changing your filter helps maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency, improves indoor air quality, and can extend the lifespan of your equipment. Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning can help you select the best filter for your system and needs.
If the fan on your heat pump’s outdoor unit is shutting off and then restarting with a puff of smoke during the winter, it could indicate a few potential issues:
Burning Dust or Debris: If the unit has been off for a while, dust or debris may have accumulated on the fan or other components. When the fan starts up, this debris can burn off, causing a puff of smoke. This is often harmless but should be checked to prevent further issues.
Electrical Problems: There could be an issue with the electrical components, such as a faulty capacitor or wiring problems, which might cause the fan to stop and start erratically. This could also lead to overheating and smoke.
Motor Issues: The fan motor might be experiencing problems, such as overheating or mechanical failure. This can cause the motor to stop and restart with smoke as it struggles to operate.
Compressor Issues: If the compressor is having trouble starting or is overheating, it might cause the fan to behave irregularly and produce smoke.
It's important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage. We recommend scheduling a professional inspection with Galaxy Heating & Air Conditioning to diagnose and repair the problem safely.