Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(see www.energystar.gov for additional HVAC information)

. . . About selecting and Installing a HVAC system:  go to the answers

1. How important is it to get the right size of heating and cooling equipment?
2. If I purchase a new heating and cooling system, will I  be eligible  for a  tax break?
3. It's been years since I had to make a decision on a new heating and cooling system.  Have there been major changes and what is important now?
4. Are there guidelines relating to making a choice between repair or replace associated with heating and cooling equipment?

. . .  About HVAC products and systems:  go to the answers

1. Is variable speed equipment superior and/or necessary?
2. What is two-stage heating?
3. Are heat pumps efficient in the Northern Virginia area?
4. If energy prices continue to escalate, what would be most effective in controlling home comfort costs?
5. I am hearing more and more about home air quality.  What are the factors associated with air quality and what can Oasis offer?

. . .  About HVAC standards and ratings:  go to the answers

1. There seem to be a lot of ratings and terms associated with HVAC systems.  What do they mean?

. . .  About HVAC maintenance:  go to the answers

1. How often do I really need to change my air filters?
2. Why does my heat pump system freeze up?
3. What regular maintenance do HVAC systems need?  Does a service agreement cover all of these needs?
4. Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide in my home?
5. Do I need a service agreement?

FAQ Answers Below

Oasis answers to questions about selecting and Installing a HVAC system:

1. How important is it to get the right size of heating and cooling equipment?
   
   Sizing HVAC equipment is very important from both a comfort and energy use standpoint.  Heating and cooling equipment that is over-capacity will not run as frequently or as long when it does run.  In both cases, this may mean poor humidity control.  It could also result in temperature variations or noticeable cycling.  Over-capacity equipment will not be as energy efficient as properly matched capacity either.  Equipment that is under-sized, will obviously result in loss of comfort during temperature extremes.
   
    
2. If I purchase a new heating and cooling system, will I  be eligible  for a  tax break?
   
   Yes.  Tax credits are available up to $1500 on qualifying units for the 2010 tax year.
    
3. It's been years since I had to make a decision on a new heating and cooling system. Have there been major changes and what is important now?
   
   If you are making decisions on a new system and have not had reason to keep up with advances in the industry, you will probably find the biggest change to be the extent of the choices that you have to make.  Check out the product pages on this Web site and you will see that HVAC has evolved from a furnace and air conditioner combination into comfort systems that offer a surprising number of options and combinations.  There are options relating to the level of energy efficiency that have to be balanced by pay-back periods, and there are now many options to improve air quality.   The ability of systems to monitor conditions, and themselves, has increased dramatically.  One aspect that is important is that the newest systems move more air to better integrate heating and cooling and the air quality add-ons.  These changes make the decision more complex and it increases the importance of engaging a HVAC company that will work with you to develop a system for your situation and budget.  At Oasis, our goal is to be a company that will partner with you to not only install a system that is appropriate for your situation, but then help you keep the system operating at peak performance.
    

4. Are there guidelines relating to making a repair or replace choice associated with heating and cooling equipment?
   
   There are no guidelines that easily lead to an obvious decision.  We can point out some important factors.  Number one, is the age of the current system.  Today, any system that is more than ten years old is probably behind in terms of efficiency.  Does the current system provide the level of comfort that you want?  There is a growing difference between "builder grade" and consumer choice in what a system can offer in terms of comfort and convenience.  There is the factor of the cost of what needs to be repaired.  At Oasis, we can give some general observations on the likely reliability and performance of the make and model of system in question.
   
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Oasis answers to questions about HVAC products and systems:

1. Is variable speed equipment superior and/or necessary?
   
   Variable speed refers to a furnace's or air handler's indoor blower motor.  Different speeds control the flow of air throughout the home.  Variable speed motors can save energy.  Variable speed motors are excellent for zoning which allows customizing comfort in different areas of the home.  A variable speed motor can also help clean the air and control the humidity.  A variable speed fan allows continuous movement of air capturing more contaminants in the filtering system and giving more precision to humidity control.
   
   To better regulate temperatures, today's furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces.  These furnaces are also designed to integrate better with high-efficiency air conditioners requiring that furnace blower be more powerful to accommodate the heavier cold air.  Hence, another advantage of variable speed blowers which automatically change speeds to meet the airflow needs of both heating and cooling cycles.
    
2. What is two-stage heating?
   
   Two-stage heating means a furnace has two levels of heat output - high for cold winter days and low for milder days.  The low setting is roughly adequate to meet household heating demands 80% of the time allowing a two-stage unit to run for longer periods and provide more even distribution of heated air.  Two stage units can regulate temperature to within as little as one degree of the thermostat setting.  Two-stage furnaces start in the first stage, instead of reaching full capacity all at once.  That means there is no sudden blast of air.  Because the furnace operates mostly in its lower-capacity first stage, it burns less fuel than a furnace that always runs at full capacity and then has to shut off when the heating demand has been met.
    
3. Are heat pumps efficient in the Northern Virginia area?
   
   A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round for comfort.  During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner.  In colder weather, a heat pump collects heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to inside the home.  Even when outside air feels really cold, there is still heat in that air.  In more extreme conditions when there's not enough heat in the outside air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm a home.  This process is quite efficient as it produces two to three times more heat than the energy it uses.
   
   A heat pump can also be an effective add-on option to use in conjunction with an existing gas furnace.  With this dual-fuel option, the two systems share the heating load, but never function at the same time.  Each system operates when it is most cost effective.
   
   Heat pumps are very effective in the Northern Virginia area and as explained are a good choice in all electric neighborhoods and can also be an single or dual option in neighborhoods with natural gas service.
    
4. If energy prices continue to escalate, what would be most effective in controlling home comfort costs?
   
   Each home resident will have to run through a check list of actions and options.  First, is to  make sure that a home's current HVAC system is properly maintained and adjusted.  This is another benefit of Oasis service agreements.  A change of attitude or habit that leads to lower temperature settings for the home in winter and higher temperature settings in summer can help control energy use.  There are add-ons available for current systems (product pages),  especially thermostats, humidifiers, and some zoning controls that have efficiency implications.
   
   If your current system is nearing the time for replacement, your efficiency options are expanded and the potential for savings in comparison with an existing system can actually be quite dramatic.  Again, the product pages in this Web site give a great deal of information about options and the system combinations that might be right for your situation.  Oasis can provide expert system design and consultation.
   
   Other steps you can take are to landscape for summer shade and winter sun.  Adding insulation and plugging air leaks can be effective.  Learn about energy use of appliances and lighting and select on the basis of use.
    
5. I am hearing more and more about home air quality.  What are the factors associated with air quality and what can Oasis offer?
   
   Today, HVAC systems have several additional options for home comfort and healthy, quality air in addition to the traditional indoor air temperature control
   
   The areas of air quality to consider are (1) purification, (2) filtration, (3) humidity control, and (4) ventilation.  The air quality systems section of our product line-up lists what is available and links you to several informative brochures.  Some of these products can easily be added to existing systems.  And, the line-up of choices is even greater if you are considering replacing a troublesome or outdated system.  Check with Oasis for air quality options.
   
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Oasis answers to questions about HVAC standards and ratings:

1. There seem to be a lot of ratings and terms associated with HVAC systems.  What do they mean?
   
   SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) - a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment.  The higher the SEER rating, the less a unit will cost to operate.  The DOE's established minimum SEER rating for cooling is 13.00.
   
   HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) - a measure similar to SEER, but it measures the efficiency of the heating portion of a heat pump.
   
   AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratio) - a furnace-related measure of the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.  The higher the AFUE rating, the lower the fuel costs.  All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 78% AFUE.  Furnaces now 10 - 15 years old may fall below this minimum.  Furnaces use electricity to run the blower and the amount of electricity used varies with the quality and design of the system, so this is another factor of which to be aware when selecting equipment.
   
   MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) - an ASHRAE filter rating system relates to the size of the holes in the filter that allow air to pass through.  The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the holes and the higher the efficiency in capturing contaminants.  For example, a throw-away fiberglass filter has a MERV rating of 1-4.  Some of the highest efficiency, in-line media filters, have a MERV rating of 16.
   
   ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) - recommends a household humidity level between 30 and 60 percent.
   
   R410A Refrigerant - A chlorine-free refrigerant that meets the EPA's newest, most stringent environmental guidelines.  Most residential air conditioning units contain the standard R-22 refrigerant, or Freon.
   
   ENERGY STAR - An EPA designation attached to HVAC products that meet or exceed EPA guidelines for high-efficiency performance above the standard government minimums.
   
   dB - a decibel is a unit used to measure the relative intensity of sound.  See the product pages for decibel ratings of different units.
        60-70 dB - normal conversation
        80 dB - telephone dial tone
        90-95 dB - sustained exposure may lead to hearing loss
        107 dB - power lawn mower
   
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-Oasis answers to questions about HVAC maintenance:

1. How often do I really need to change my air filters?
   
   Under an Oasis service contract, we clean and inspect your HVAC system twice each year.  Part of the service includes changing the filters or servicing your filtering system.  Unless you have special circumstances like pets or an ongoing construction project in the home, our service should be adequate, but if you use the traditional fiber glass or pleated filter it would be prudent to change filters a couple of more times.  The industry standard is to visually check filters and filtering equipment monthly.  If filters look dirty, they need to be cleaned or replaced.
    
2. Why does my heat pump system freeze up?
   
   There are several factors that can cause system freezing.  Most need to be corrected by a HVAC technical specialist.  As a consumer, check the filters first.  Restrictions in air flow can lead to freezing.  Then thaw the system out by turning off the cooling and running the fan.  If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to the heat mode until the ice has melted.  If the problem recurs after checking for air restrictions and getting the system thawed, calling for service is likely required.  Service technicians will check the refrigerant level.  They may also have to clean the evaporator coil.  They will check the blower speed and check for any intermittency in blower operation.  A service technician can also evaluate other conditions that may make your system prone to freezing.
    
3. What regular maintenance do HVAC systems need?  Does a service agreement (contract) cover all of these needs?
   
   Dust, dirt, and debris are enemies of HVAC systems.  The most important regular maintenance aspect is assuring unrestricted air flows associated with both the indoor and outdoor units.  This means keeping all types of filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions (inside units and around units).  An Oasis service contract covers all of these maintenance needs.  The service contract also means a qualified technician inspects the system and can advise the resident of any potential problems.
    
4. Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide in my home?
   
   We all know that carbon monoxide is an insidious killer.  First, we would advise the home resident to keep heating equipment in good repair which is a function of regular inspection and maintenance.  The home resident should also be aware of the furnace chimney or vent and visually make sure that it is free of obstruction.  Birds, squirrels, and other animal life sometimes enter or nest in venting systems so watching for signs of this possibility is important.  We advise installing a carbon monoxide detector as they are readily available at home supply stores.  Your vigilance in combination with regular system inspection, which we can offer through a service agreement, and using a carbon monoxide monitor should be sufficient to give you full peace of mind concerning carbon monoxide in your home.
    
5. Do I need a service agreement?
   
   A home resident can do many of the general maintenance tasks and a home resident that is very observant of their system can detect changes in performance that may be a sign of problems or safety concerns.  Systems, however, are becoming more complex, including the filtering systems.  A service agreement can relieve the home resident of the maintenance tasks and provides assurance of regular inspection by a trained technician.  No amount of resident vigilance and periodic inspection and maintenance by trained technicians can prevent every unanticipated problem. The combination of a service agreement and resident awareness gives the best odds for safe, efficient, and trouble-free HVAC performance.
   
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Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration, Inc
7220 Telegraph Square Dr. Suite V  |  Lorton, VA 22079-1556
Phone:  703-339-3877 * 703-912-3019  |  fax:  703-912-3819  |  E-mail:  oasis@oasiscooling.com
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