SNELL HVAC and plumbing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Knowing when to replace your air filters depends on how often you use your heating and air conditioning system. A good rule of thumb is to check your system's filters once a month. If dust and debris are clogging your filter, replace it immediately.

Age plays a major factor in the performance of your air conditioner or furnace. Over the years, even the best-maintained units lose efficiency. The result is less reliability and higher energy bills for you! The average life span of a well-maintained air conditioner or furnace is 10-15 years. If your unit falls into this age range, it may be time to consider a change.

A good rule of thumb is to check your filter every month. Replace disposable air filters instead of cleaning them. During times when your system is in frequent use, check your filters every few weeks.

Absolutely—this is even essential for newly-built homes! Drywall dust, carpet fibers, and other construction debris enter a new home's air duct system even before move-in day. Air duct maintenance also reduces allergic reactions caused by bacteria, dust, pollen, and animal dander that collects in air ducts.

Always opt for the right size. An air conditioner that's too large will cool your house to the desired temperature too quickly. That means the system won't have time to remove the excess moisture that makes indoor air feel sticky and humid. An AC unit that's too small won't have enough power to circulate cool air throughout your home. As a result, the system will need to run more frequently, adding wear, tear, and extra money to your energy bills.

The average lifespan of a typical air conditioning system is 10-15 years. This changes depending on how frequently you get professional maintenance and services done on your system.

It's a well-known fact that older units use energy less efficiently, and perform less effectively in comparison to updated technology. Newer systems are integrated with efficiency-boosting programmable thermostats and ENERGY STAR-qualified HVAC units. These solutions help your home run efficiently and save energy. Plus, a new AC unit is less likely to break down at an inconvenient time or require unexpected repairs or replacement.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) represents all aspects of indoor air not related to temperature, airflow, or humidity. IAQ can include particles, gases, mold, or pollen that exists in the atmosphere, and negatively affects your health.

Older homes often have rooms that are either too hot or too cold. Sometimes referred to as "zoning" or "air balance" issues, the problem begins in the home's ductwork. These ductwork issues may prevent the home's system from being able to heat and cool all rooms to a uniform temperature. Schedule a ductwork inspection with a licensed technician to determine the cause of the issue, and if a replacement furnace or air conditioner is needed.

When you are in the process of purchasing a new furnace for your home, it is important to choose the correct size. The total output that is produced by a furnace is referred to as a British Thermal Unit (BTU). Most furnaces feature a BTU rating between 80,000 and 100,000. We recommend comparing the BTU ratings and energy efficiency levels of various furnaces prior to performing an HVAC repair or installation project. Choosing a furnace with a 100,000 BTU rating doesn’t necessarily mean it will heat your home properly. If the furnace is inefficient, there may be areas of your home that will not receive enough heat. It’s also important to know the heat load of your home prior to choosing a furnace size. If you accidentally purchase a furnace size that is too small for your home, it will be difficult to provide heat to each of the rooms.  On the other hand, selecting a furnace size that is too big will increase your utility bills each month. We offer HVAC repair and installation services to homes in Virginia. Give us a call by phone at (703) 574-0739 to receive help with sizing a furnace.

The total lifespan of your furnace will be dependent on the brand, model, daily usage patterns, and the surrounding climate. In addition, the lifespan of your furnace will vary based on the type of fuel that is utilized to heat your home. An electric furnace features a lifespan between 20 - 30 years. On the other hand, gas furnaces are able to operate between 15 - 20 years. If you have access to the gas supply system in your area, a gas furnace is an excellent choice since it will cost less to operate when compared to electric models. In contrast, electric furnaces will feature a lower upfront and installation price. Our team provides emergency furnace repair, tune-up, and installation services in Virginia. Call us by phone at (703) 574-0739 to receive help choosing a new furnace.

Are you wondering how much a new furnace or HVAC system will cost? The cost will vary based on brand, model, and efficiency ratings. In addition, the type of fuel or energy the furnace relies on will affect the total price. The average price of a new electric furnace will be between $700 - $2,000 while the cost of a gas furnace will be from $1,200 - $2,400. High-efficiency furnace systems will cost more money. However, these types of systems will save you money over time. We provide reliable HVAC repair services to homes in Virginia. We will help you determine the cost of a new furnace and will also perform the installation. Give us a call by phone at (703) 574-0739 to receive help.

If your furnace is blowing cold air, this may be due to a malfunctioning pilot light. We recommend either checking the light or calling a professional to perform an HVAC repair project.  The pilot light is engineered to activate the burners and heating process. Without a functioning pilot light, the furnace will be unable to produce heat. To re-light the pilot light, you will need to find the pilot assembly and reset switch. The switch is usually located near the bottom of the furnace. Once you find the reset switch, move it to the off position to turn off the gas. Wait a couple of minutes prior to moving the reset switch to the on position to allow extra gas to exit from the chamber. Move the reset switch to Pilot mode to allow gas to be sent to the pilot light. Next, press the reset button on your furnace and hold a match in front of the pilot light to confirm it is receiving gas. If you are able to produce a flame, release the reset button. Your furnace will now be operating properly. If the furnace is still blowing cold air, this may be an indicator of issues with the flame detector, air filter, gas supply, condensate lines, or ductwork. We offer emergency furnace repair services near you in Virginia. Give us a call by phone at (703) 574-0739 to receive assistance.

There are a couple of different reasons your furnace may be leaking water during the Winter season. Water leaks that occur near the base of the furnace are likely caused by condensation. A furnace leak may also be caused by a malfunctioning secondary heat exchanger. Our team will often recommend purchasing a new furnace instead of repairing a secondary heat exchanger to save money. Additionally, a furnace leak may also be an indicator of issues with the humidifier. You will experience issues with the humidifier if you don’t perform annual HVAC repairs and maintenance. If the leak is caused by a furnace humidifier, we recommend scheduling an emergency furnace repair appointment with our team to avoid damage to your unit. Give us a call by phone at (703) 574-0739 to receive help with a furnace leak.