FAQs

The frequency of servicing your HVAC system can depend on various factors, but a general recommendation is to have professional maintenance performed at least once a year.

The average lifespan of an HVAC unit varies depending on the type of system. Gas furnaces typically last between 15 to 20 years, central air conditioners have an average lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, heat pumps last about 15 years, and ductless mini-split systems can endure for 12 to 20 years.

Determining the appropriate size for an HVAC system for your home involves factors such as the square footage, insulation, climate, and windows. It’s crucial to conduct a load calculation, often performed by HVAC professionals, to accurately size the system. Oversized or undersized units can lead to inefficiency, discomfort, and increased energy costs.

If your HVAC system is leaking water, take immediate action to prevent potential damage. Turn off the system to halt further leakage, and check the condensate drain line for any blockages, clearing them if present. Inspect the condensate pan for damage or overflowing. Examine the air filter for dirt or clogs, cleaning or replacing it as needed. Check the evaporator coil for ice buildup, allowing it to thaw before restarting the system.

While it’s possible to continue using your HVAC system if it’s making strange noises, it’s generally advisable to exercise caution and investigate the cause of the noise. Unusual sounds can be indicative of underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, may lead to more significant problems and potential system damage. If your HVAC system is producing unusual noises such as banging, clanking, grinding, or squealing, it’s recommended to turn off the system and contact a professional HVAC technician for inspection and necessary repairs.

Yes, in many cases, you can install a smart thermostat with your existing HVAC system. Smart thermostats are designed to be compatible with a variety of heating and cooling systems, including traditional furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioning systems. Before installation, check the compatibility of the smart thermostat with your specific HVAC system and ensure that your existing wiring is suitable; some smart thermostats may require a common wire (C-wire) for optimal performance.

Deciding whether to repair or keep your old HVAC system depends on factors like its age, the frequency of breakdowns, and repair costs. If your system is nearing the end of its typical lifespan and experiences frequent or expensive issues, replacement might be a consideration. Newer systems often offer enhanced technology and energy efficiency, potentially leading to long-term cost savings. On the other hand, if your system is relatively young and the repairs needed are minor, opting for repairs may be a sensible choice. Consulting with an HVAC professional can provide insights tailored to your system’s condition and help you make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.

If you’re noticing loud noises from your heating system, it could be attributed to various factors, and determining the cause is crucial. Common culprits include issues with airflow, expanding and contracting ducts, dirty or malfunctioning burners, boiler kettling, or problems with the circulating pump. While some sounds may be within the normal range, persistent or unusually loud noises may signal underlying problems that need attention. Seeking the expertise of a professional HVAC technician is recommended to diagnose and resolve the specific issue.

The most suitable heating system for your home depends on factors such as your location, budget, energy efficiency goals, and personal preferences. Furnaces, running on electricity, natural gas, or oil, are effective in quickly warming homes with ducted distribution. Heat pumps offer both heating and cooling capabilities, operating on electricity and being energy-efficient, especially in moderate climates. Boilers distribute heated water through radiators or radiant floor systems, providing consistent warmth. Radiant heating systems, utilizing panels or tubes beneath surfaces, offer even warmth and can be powered by various sources. Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for homes without ductwork, providing zoned heating and cooling.

Several signs may indicate that your heating system requires professional maintenance or repair. If you notice insufficient heating, uneven temperature distribution, or certain rooms consistently colder than others, your system may need attention. Unusual noises, such as banging or squealing, and an increase in energy bills without a clear explanation could be indicative of mechanical issues. Additionally, frequent cycling on and off, visible signs of damage or wear, strange odors, and pilot light problems (for gas furnaces) are all signals that your heating system needs prompt professional assessment and potential repairs.

Regular professional maintenance is a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential problems before they escalate.

Zone heating offers several advantages, including enhanced energy efficiency, personalized comfort, and potential cost savings. By dividing your home into different heating zones, you can target specific areas for heating, avoiding the unnecessary warming of unoccupied rooms and reducing overall energy consumption. This approach allows for personalized temperature control in different zones, accommodating varying comfort preferences.

Certainly! Space heaters can serve as a supplemental heating source in specific scenarios, and their cost-effectiveness depends on various factors. Opt for energy-efficient models with features like programmable timers and adjustable thermostats to maximize efficiency, and consider the cost of electricity in your area to assess overall expenses. They are most effective when used for short periods in well-insulated rooms that are frequently occupied, allowing you to lower the thermostat setting for your central heating system. However, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines, including maintaining clearances and using units with safety features. While space heaters can contribute to cost savings, especially in regions with lower electricity rates, investing in overall home energy efficiency, such as insulation improvements, can have a more significant and long-term impact on reducing heating costs.

To prepare your heating system for the winter season, start by scheduling professional maintenance with an HVAC technician to inspect and clean components. Regularly replace or clean air filters to ensure proper airflow, and check and clean vents and registers to avoid obstructions. Inspect thermostat settings for accuracy and consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for optimized heating schedules. Seal air leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping or caulking to prevent heat loss. Examine ductwork for leaks and damage, and seal any found with duct tape or mastic sealant.

HVAC zoning is an innovative system designed to optimize comfort and energy efficiency, especially in regions like Yuba Sutter County and Placer County, by dividing spaces into individual zones with independent temperature control. This smart technology utilizes dampers within the ductwork, controlled by a central system or smart thermostat, allowing precise regulation of airflow to different zones.

HVAC zoning stands out from traditional HVAC systems, especially in regions like Yuba Sutter County and Placer County, by revolutionizing how conditioned air is distributed and temperatures are controlled within a building. Unlike traditional systems with a single thermostat for the entire space, HVAC zoning divides the area into distinct zones, each equipped with its thermostat and individualized temperature control. While a traditional HVAC system treats the entire space as a single zone with uniform temperature control.

Absolutely! If you reside in Yuba Sutter County or Placer County and have an existing heating and cooling system, you can enhance your comfort and energy efficiency by adding HVAC zoning. This innovative solution is adaptable and can be seamlessly integrated into your current setup. HVAC zoning involves the installation of dampers within the ductwork and the addition of individual thermostats for specific zones, allowing for precise temperature control in different areas of your home or building. This means you can optimize your existing system, address comfort variations, and achieve significant energy savings by directing conditioned air only where it’s needed.

Whether you’re in Yuba Sutter County or Placer County, HVAC zoning is a versatile solution that can be integrated into existing heating and cooling systems or incorporated into new installations. While there are specific HVAC systems designed with zoning capabilities, the beauty of HVAC zoning lies in its adaptability to various setups. This innovative approach involves the installation of dampers within the ductwork and the addition of individual thermostats for different zones, allowing for customized temperature control.

Absolutely, HVAC zoning is a versatile solution suitable for both residential and commercial properties in Yuba Sutter County and Placer County. Whether you’re looking to enhance the comfort and energy efficiency of your home or optimize the climate control in your commercial space, HVAC zoning provides a tailored approach. This innovative system allows you to divide your property into distinct zones with independent temperature control, utilizing dampers within the ductwork and individual thermostats for each zone. Whether it’s a large residence with varied heating and cooling needs or a commercial building with specific zones requiring different climates.

While HVAC zoning offers significant benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges. One limitation is the initial cost of installation, as retrofitting an existing system or incorporating zoning into a new setup may involve upfront expenses. Additionally, improper zoning design or installation could lead to issues such as uneven temperature distribution or increased energy consumption. It’s crucial to work with experienced professionals in Yuba Sutter County and Placer County to address these challenges effectively. Careful planning, precise system design, and professional installation can mitigate potential drawbacks, ensuring that HVAC zoning optimally enhances comfort and energy efficiency in your home or commercial space.

1. AFUE = Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, the ratio of the process to the total energy used. 
2. BTU = British Thermal Units, a measurement of heat being produced for a measured area.

If you look at fire as 100% heat and your furnace is rated at 80%, that means 80% of that 100% heat is  going into your home and 20% of heat is being lost through the flue pipe. Now apply that same math to a 95% furnace and you only lose 5%, a 96% furnace you only lose 4% and a 98% furnace you only lose 2%. Because of the High Efficiency, these furnaces use a 2″ PVC vent pipe, they also come with 2stg gas valves and variable speed blower motors, so with this technology these systems have quieter operations and are more reliable. The bottom line is the higher the furnace AFUE rating the cheaper it costs you to heat your home. 

The AVERAGE  air temperature leaving a gas furnace can be anywhere between 140 F – 170 F depending on the size of the system with a supply air temperature of 120 F – 125F  at the floor or ceiling registers. 

If you are in the market to replace your old Heating & Cooling system don’t purchase a new system with the same 80% Efficient Furnace that you already have. A lot of HVAC contractors will offer you a system with a Higher Efficient Air Conditioning system but match it up with a 80% Efficient furnace. It may be a NEWER furnace but its still only 80% Efficient, that’s like buying a new car with a 10yr old engine, the contractor was only concerned about how much money they could make, not your comfort. Your new High Efficiency air conditioner should be matched with a High Efficient 95%+ furnace. You’re paying for the whole efficient system then you should get the whole efficient system. At Alpine we offer you a complete High Efficient Heating & Cooling system. The average lifespan of an HVAC unit varies depending on the type of system. Gas furnaces typically last between 15 to 20 years, central air conditioners have an average lifespan of around 15 to 20 years, heat pumps last about 15 years, and ductless mini-split systems can endure for 12 to 20 years.

That’s why it’s CHEAPER to maintain a temperature then ATTAIN a temperature. Depending on the season, if you keep the thermostat ON when you’re not home and a few degrees higher or lower than your comfort set point, your system will run in short increments throughout the day Maintaining that temperature. Now your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard or as long to reach your comfort temperature set point, saving you Money. But, by leaving our thermostat OFF and then coming home and turning your HVAC system on, trying to Attain a higher or lower temperature, your system will then work harder and longer in the Hot or Cold weather, costing you more Money to operate.