FAQ

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Commercial HVAC Frequently Asked Questions

My energy bills are high, and my employees and customers are uncomfortable. What’s going on?

Whether your building is old or new, you may suffer from high energy bills and comfort problems. A combination of factors could lead to these HVAC performance issues:

  • Aging, neglected, or improperly sized HVAC equipment
  • Thermally inefficient building construction that allows a high amount of air infiltration
  • A ventilation system that doesn’t account for waste heat given off by computers, industrial equipment, and even lighting
  • System operational inefficiencies
How can I increase the efficiency of my HVAC system?

You don’t have to suffer from an inefficient building. contact East St. Paul Mechanical Services so you can learn what changes to make for improved HVAC performance, better indoor comfort, and lower energy bills. Some of the most common ways to improve HVAC efficiency include:

  • Replace failing HVAC equipment with a properly sized, high-efficiency system
  • Have your building’s ductwork redesigned to eliminate sharp turns and meandering runs that waste energy
  • Seal the ductwork and your building’s air leaks
  • Install a Hvac system for balanced ventilation in strategic areas of your building
  • Install direct digital controls (DDC) to automate and control many building functions from one central station
Why is commercial heating and cooling maintenance so important?

If efficient HVAC performance is important to you, maintenance should be a top priority. You simply can’t expect a neglected mechanical system to operate as efficiently as a well-maintained one. East St. Paul Mechanical services offers maintenance services to benefit you in several ways:

  • Lower your utility bills for a stronger bottom line
  • Reduce equipment breakdowns
  • Minimize the need for mid-season repairs
  • Prolong HVAC system lifespan
  • Promote safer equipment operation
What should I look for in a commercial HVAC service provider?
For the results you expect, it’s important to work with a commercial HVAC service provider that has experience and industry longevity. Look for a contractor that emphasizes customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional HVAC performance and efficiency every time. We at East St. Paul Mechanical Service can defiantly help with all your Hvac needs.

East St. Paul Mechanical Services is proud to lead the commercial HVAC services industry here in Manitoba. We provide everything from HVAC services, installation and maintenance to refrigeration installation and replacement. We’ve proven our ability to satisfy customers and we’re ready to be your next HVAC partner!

Please contact East St. Paul Mechanical Services

Call today (204) 981-2625
Do I need to buy a bigger system for the best performance?
No, you don’t need to buy a large air conditioning system for optimal performance. Buying a large HVAC system for a small home results in short running cycles that are usually characterized by mildew problems. Talking to people like East St. Paul Mechanical Services can help you determine the size of the unit that you need.
Why are my heating costs going up?
The efficiency of your system determines how fast it will be able to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. If your heating costs are steadily going up quicker then the utilities cost rises, then your furnace needs to be serviced. It could be running on blocked ducts and air filters. There are countless other factors that lead to reduced efficiency, and a professional can help you diagnose the problem.
What is the recommended humidity level?
The optimum humidity level is between 35-50%. When this value goes up, condensation will take place on windows leading to mold and even respiratory problems for the family.
How can I tell that I need a new HVAC system?
Many homeowners assume that when they start experiencing problems with their current HVAC system, then it is time to get a new one. There are always underlying issues that reveal themselves as problems in your HVAC system. Instead of getting a new one, bring in a professional for evaluation and the results can be very pleasing a lot of the time, as most of us don’t like throwing good money away when not necessary.
How are the sizing capacities of heating and cooling systems measured?
The heating and cooling systems are sized according to their tonnage. One (1) ton equals 12,000 BTU/H. Residential systems can range from 1 to 5 tons.
How is the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment measured?
The S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a S.E.E.R. efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the S.E.E.R. the more efficient the system will be. The S.E.E.R. rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 18.
Is a system with more capacity better?
A larger system with more capacity delivers less comfort and costs more to operate. An air conditioner is at its least efficient when first turning on. A system with too much capacity will run in numerous short cycles, turning on and off repeatedly, therefore causing it to be less efficient. Also keep in mind that an air conditioner only removes humidity when it’s running, so a system with shorter run cycles doesn’t remove humidity from the air very well.
Should I try to keep my system from running too much?
Every time your system starts up, it will use a lot of electricity and not produce much cooling. Usually a system that is too small to cool the home is more economical to run but delivers less comfort. Even though it runs nonstop, it will usually consume less power than a larger system that cycles on and off. As a rule of thumb, a unit that is either on or off is less expensive than one cycling on and off.
What temperature should I set my thermostat?
Obviously the time of year becomes a big factor for desired temperature settings. In the summer months the average temperature setting is 22°-26°, in the winter 21°-22° seems to be the most common setting. Remember, when leaving your house; try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more than 4°; this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired temperature setting.
How often should I replace my filters?
For optimum efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.
How often should I have maintenance done on my air conditioner?
You should have maintenance done on your air conditioning system twice a year. This not only ensures maximum efficiency, it enables us to foresee any possible problems that may occur in the near future. Our Comfort Assurance Program (CAP) plan is specifically designed to keep your air conditioning system running at its peak efficiency year-round.
How much does a new replacement system cost?
Due to the many different makes, models and customer needs, price is an issue that can only be solved by doing a thorough evaluation of your home and existing equipment. There is no charge for an in-house replacement proposal.
Should I close the registers and doors to areas of the home that I do not use on a regular basis?
No. Closing the registers will decrease the systems’ airflow and efficiency. Every system is designed to cool a certain number of square feet. By closing registers and doors in certain rooms, you disrupt the airflow and cause your air conditioning system to work harder to distribute air to other areas of your home. Your system will work harder, to cool less space, making it cycle more and become less efficient.
During the heating season, my heat pump delivers warm air, but not hot air, and will operate for long periods of time. Is that normal?
Yes, this is normal. A heat pump generally produces air that is 26°, which is considered warm, and will heat the house evenly. However, 26° may feel cool to your hand, which is usually closer to 32°.
What size HVAC system should I have?
Contrary to popular belief there, is no rule of thumb for sizing a system to a home. Depending upon the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of home. The only way to insure the size of the system you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need, is to have your home’s individual heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
For how long can my HVAC system serve me?
Many heating systems have a life expectancy of between 10 to 20 years although some even get to serve you for longer than that. The secret to maintaining the unit’s efficiency and thus lifespan is ensuring that you bring in professionals to service it regularly.
Should I choose an HVAC unit with fixed or variable speed fans?
An air conditioning unit with fixed speed fans can be as effective as one with variable speed ones. However, it is advisable to buy an HVAC with variable speed fans because it makes it easier to get the desired temperature and continuos fan circulation provides better overall temperature throughout the home.
Can a programmable thermostat help me save energy?
Absolutely. A programmable thermostat can save you up to 33% of your heating costs. This thermostat regulates the temperature based on your preset settings, and you can use that you minimize energy consumption especially when there is no one at home or when you are sleeping.
How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home's heating and cooling systems?
The most important thing you can do is clean and replace your filters frequently. Also, a system heats and cools more evenly when the blower is in the “on” position. The blower provides constant air movement throughout the home, and allows for better filtration. Finally, shades, drapes, shutters, or screens should be installed on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight.
How long should my system run in a cycle?
There is no exact answer for how long your system should run during each cycle. The average air conditioner is sized to remove the heat from your home as fast as it comes in, on a 30°C day. Therefore, ideally, on a 30°C day the system should be able to keep up with the incoming heat, but not gain on it and be able to turn off. The cooler it is below 30°C, the more the system will cycle on and off.
What air temperature should my air conditioner produce?
The air temperature your system produces depends on the temperature of the air going into the system. Generally, the air produced should be 18°-20° below what enters the system. So if the air entering the system is 26°C, the air exiting should be about 15°C-16°C. However, that only works on a system that has been running at least 15 minutes on a warm, dry day with a home that is about 26° inside. On a mild day, with an indoor temperature in the low 20’s, or during humid conditions, the air coming out may only be 9°-11° cooler than what enters.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Different programmable thermostats offer many different features. However, because they are electronic, they are all more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own
What maintenance should I do on my air conditioner?
The most important maintenance you can do is to change your filters regularly. Ground mounted outdoor units need to be kept clear of debris, clutter; weeds or landscaping that can grow too close and reduce the airflow to the unit. Also, keep pets away from the unit because pet urine can cause expensive damage. Use caution with a weed trimmer around the unit to prevent damaging control wiring. Any additional maintenance should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Is there anything I should check prior to calling for service?
Yes. Check to be sure that the air handler or furnace is plugged in. Check that the breakers and the disconnects are turned on and be sure the thermostat is set correctly.
Do electronic air cleaners really work?
Yes, they can actually play a big part in your complete home comfort. We have a variety of whole-house filtration devices. Some electronic air cleaners can even remove dust particles and pollen as small as .10 micron. Visit our products page for more information about the electronic air cleaners we offer.
Why are humidifiers used more in heating than cooling?
When cool outdoor air enters a home it tends to dry out as it warms up, which increases the static electricity in the home and causes sinus problems. Adding a humidifier with help to add moisture back into the air and limit sinus problems. In the summer, even with outdoor relative humidity hovering around the single digits, the humidity in your home tends to be around 40%. The average comfort range for relative humidity in a home is from 35 to 45%.
How do I know if my A/C unit is big enough?
Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly. Our representative will provide a heat load calculation to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation. Remember, bigger is not always better.