HVAC FAQs

You have questions about your HVAC equipment, and we have answers. At Arctic Air Conditioning, it’s our goal to provide you with exceptional heating and cooling services whether we’re on the job or not—that’s why we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked HVAC questions.

Make sure to check back soon because the HVAC FAQs page will be updated regularly—and  contact us if you don’t see your question here!

General HVAC

When should I have my heating and cooling equipment serviced?

Your HVAC systems should be serviced before the start of each heating and cooling season. So, your air conditioner should have regular maintenance performed at the end of winter or beginning of spring, while your heat pump or furnace should have its regular maintenance performed at the end of summer or beginning of fall.

Learn more about annual HVAC maintenance »

How often should I replace my HVAC air filters?

Your air filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on usage. This is vitally important to the performance of your HVAC systems and your indoor air quality.

Learn more about replacing your HVAC air filters »

How important is my indoor air quality?

The short answer? So important! Your indoor air quality can be as much as 100 times worse than the outdoor air. That means pollutants, allergens, dust, and mildew can be circulating in your home affecting your family’s health and wellbeing. Improving and maintaining your indoor air quality is vitally important to your home and family.

Learn more indoor air quality facts »

What are the benefits of attic ventilation?

Did you know that when the summer heat beats down on your roof the attic can reach up to 150 degrees? Having attic ventilation can help control moisture, keep cooling costs down, and prevent the accumulation of mold and mildew.

Learn more about proper attic ventilation »

What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?

Installing a programmable thermostat in your home helps you take control of how much energy you use for heating and cooling. If used effectively, a programmable thermostat can help you improve energy efficiency and save money on your utility bills.

Learn more about the benefits of a programmable thermostat »

What is a ductless mini-split system?

A ductless mini-split system is an alternative to traditional heating and cooling like central air. Ductless HVAC works similarly to central heating and cooling, except that it doesn’t require ductwork. Your mini-split system will have an indoor and outdoor unit, but it will only require a small hole to be cut through the exterior wall—just big enough for a tube of refrigerant to pass through. Inside your home, the air will be conditioned and returned into the room by the same unit.

Learn more about ductless mini-splits »

How does a ductless heat pump work?

Many people use ductless mini-split systems for cooling, but we usually recommend installing heat pump systems, so they can be used for both heating and cooling. This can help improve your overall energy-efficiency! A ductless heat pump is an efficient zonal heating and cooling system that doesn’t require ducts. It comprises just an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units, linked by a refrigerant line.

What are the benefits of HVAC zoning?

Zoned HVAC allows for better comfort control, decreased energy bills, and higher energy efficiency (energy waste is reduced because your HVAC equipment won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature throughout the house).

Learn more about zoned HVAC »

Cooling

What should I do about my frozen AC?

When your AC freezes up, either inside or at the outdoor unit, you have a problem. When your AC is frozen, you could subject your system to serious damage if it isn’t addressed promptly.

Learn more about fixing your frozen AC »

How do I know when it’s time for an AC replacement?

Many homeowners have a difficult time deciding whether to keep pouring money into their aging air conditioning system for costly repairs or to upgrade to a new, more efficient AC.

Learn more about deciding when to replace your AC »

What’s wrong with my noisy air conditioner? Can I fix it myself?

First things first, you shouldn’t attempt to fix your noisy air conditioner on your own! Unless you have professional knowledge of HVAC electrical system layouts and the proper meters to test all the working components of your AC, you are putting yourself and your air conditioner at a significant risk for harm.

Learn more about fixing your noisy air conditioner »

What is dual zone air conditioning?

A dual zone air conditioning system is a network of thermostats and duct dampers that regulates the amount of cooled air each zone (one or more rooms) receives throughout the day. Zoning technology allows homeowners to cool only the occupied areas of living space at any given time or to set different temperatures in different areas of the home.

Learn more about dual zone air conditioning »

What is the best thermostat setting for summer?

Saving money on your monthly electric bills in the summer is important—so what is the best thermostat setting during the hottest season of the year? We recommend keeping your thermostat set to 72 degrees (at the lowest) with the fan set to AUTO rather than ON.

Learn more about the best thermostat setting for summer »

How can I lower my electric bill this summer?

Money is always a big concern for homeowners all over the country—but how can you lower your electric bill this summer without sacrificing comfort? There are a few things you can do to lower your energy usage, from raising the temperature to closing the curtains.

Learn more about how you can lower your electric bill this summer and check out our cooling tips infographic »

Why is R-22 being phased out?

HCFC-22, commonly called R-22, has been a common refrigerant used in residential heat pumps and air conditioners for more than 40 years. But releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute to ozone depletion, and the making of R-22 results in a byproduct that contributes to global warming. This refrigerant is now being phased out by the EPA. By January 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22.

Learn more about the R-22 phaseout »

Heating

When should I replace my furnace?

There are a number of factors that contribute to needing a furnace replacement. How old is your furnace? If it’s over 10 – 15 years old, it’s likely time for a furnace replacement—simply because this will improve your energy efficiency. Other factors include: how well it’s heating your home, how often it requires repairs, how much it costs to heat your home, etc.

Learn more about when to replace your furnace »

Do I really need a furnace cleaning every year?

Yes! Not only does a furnace cleaning improve the performance and efficiency of your system, most manufacturer warranties require annual service to maintain the warranty.

Learn more about annual furnace cleaning »

How can I have lower home heating fuel prices?

With home heating fuel prices on the rise, many homeowners are concerned about their growing utility bills! Find out what you can do to lower your costs!

Learn more about lowering your home heating fuel prices »

Do I need to replace my boiler?

Since boilers have very few moving parts, they tend to be incredibly durable and reliable throughout the course of their life. However, even the most dependable appliances will reach the end of their life eventually.

Learn more about when it’s time to replace a boiler »

What is the difference between a gas and oil boiler?

Gas boilers can be more affordable to operate, but there are also differences in utility line requirements and fuel storage (natural gas has no onsite storage needs).

Learn more about gas and oil boilers »

What do I do when the heat goes out?

We have a few tips on what you should do when the heat goes out, including layering your clothes, calling the power company, and more.

Learn more about what to do when the heat goes out »

What is hydronic heating?

Also called radiant heating, a hydronic system circulates hot water or another heated liquid through plastic piping installed beneath the floors, in baseboards, or through radiators. Hydronic heating allows you to precisely control the temperature in specific zones throughout your home.

Learn more about radiant heating »

Heat Pumps

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump works by transferring heat energy from one source to another. In the winter when your heat pump is acting as a heating system, it extracts heat energy from the outside air (even in near-freezing temperatures), and transfers it into the air in your home. When summertime rolls around, it’s as easy as flipping a switch to change your heat pump to cool mode.

Learn more about how heat pumps work »

Why are heat pumps more efficient?

Heat pumps are one of the most energy efficient HVAC systems available on the market because they don’t burn fuel to provide heat. In addition to their high efficiency, they can operate as both a heating and cooling system, thus reducing the number of systems that require maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Don’t see your question answered here? Contact Arctic Air Conditioning today!

Benefits of Choosing Us

Services & Quality You Can Trust For a Lifetime

Friendly & Clean

We pride ourselves on respecting your property by using dropcloths, booties, and gloves on every job.

No Job Too Big or Small

Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete HVAC replacement, we’re here for you.

Professional Care

We are a team of experienced and professional technicians ready to address all your repair, installation, and maintenance needs.

Certified Employees

Our team is made up of NATE-certified technicians, ENERGY STAR® contractors, and Home Depot HVAC service providers.

Family Focused

Let our family ensure the comfort and safety of yours.

Guaranteed Service

We get it right the first time and we guarantee our work for your peace of mind.

Family Owned since 1977

We are proud to continue our family’s mission of providing the top-of-the-line equipment and the best installation and service.

Emergency Service

We are ready to serve you seven days a week, 365 days a year, for serious breakdowns that can’t wait.

Trusted for 45+ Years

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Super Service award from Angi, you can trust our service, products, and business practices.

Fast, Reliable Service

Our team of knowledgeable technicians is ready to address your needs immediately.

Safe, Licensed & Insured

You can rest assured that our technicians are properly skilled and their work is covered.

Award-Winning Service

We are a Dave Lennox Award recipient, Home Depot NJ Metro’s HVAC Service Provider of the Year, and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Century Club Award winner.

Friendly & Clean

We pride ourselves on respecting your property by using dropcloths, booties, and gloves on every job.

No Job Too Big or Small

Whether you need routine maintenance or a complete HVAC replacement, we’re here for you.

Professional Care

We are a team of experienced and professional technicians ready to address all your repair, installation, and maintenance needs.

Certified Employees

Our team is made up of NATE-certified technicians, ENERGY STAR® contractors, and Home Depot HVAC service providers.

Family Focused

Let our family ensure the comfort and safety of yours.

Guaranteed Service

We get it right the first time and we guarantee our work for your peace of mind.

Family Owned since 1977

We are proud to continue our family’s mission of providing the top-of-the-line equipment and the best installation and service.

Emergency Service

We are ready to serve you seven days a week, 365 days a year, for serious breakdowns that can’t wait.

Trusted For 45+ Years

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Super Service award from Angi, you can trust our service, products, and business practices.

Fast, Reliable Service

Our team of knowledgeable technicians is ready to address your needs immediately.

Safe, Licensed & Insured

You can rest assured that our technicians are properly skilled and their work is covered.

Award-Winning Service

We are a Dave Lennox Award recipient, Home Depot NJ Metro’s HVAC Service Provider of the Year, and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Century Club Award winner.