FAQ

Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps look exactly the same on the outside. Unless you have been told by a technician in the past what you have you may not know. Inside, a heat pump is different from an air conditioner in that it has a reversing valve, metering device and a defrost board. A heat pump will in a sense, run backwards in the winter to collect heat from the outside air and discharge it into your home to help heat it.

An air conditioner on the other hand will only run one way removing heat from your home and can only cool it. Typically, a heat pump system will have an emergency heat setting on the thermostat. If you are unsure what you have please give us a call today at (870) 856-2006 for a comfort technician to inspect your system.

The most important part of HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.

We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced every year; ideally a spring service for all electric systems like Heat Pumps and an autumn service for Gas Heat systems with a Furnace. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than five years old (10 in some registered cases), it may have a warranty, but also may not based on the model. Warranty terms and conditions change by manufacturer and the installing company. Spring River Air can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system on your next service call or by phone for existing customers.

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, your system may require weekly, monthly or even annual filter replacements. Your Spring River Air service technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s).

Short answer? No. It does not have to be. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of an Air Conditioning system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

Serious mechanical problems with the system will also increase the noise level much higher than normal. Newer, variable speed units will also significantly lower sound volume in your home inside and out. Our new variable speed outdoor units are so quiet that you can hold a conversation over them without interference!

Is it making strange noises? Is it cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? Any of these are signs that you may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any underlying problems will get. So be sure to contact Spring River Air to check out your system whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.

It is a matter of opinion really. A Gas Furnace is a hotter heat with felt temps at the supply register upwards of 110*F, but if Propane is your fuel source it can be more expensive to run. A Heat Pump on the other hand will heat at a lower temp, around 75*-95*F but will use less energy so I can be a lower cost to run long term.

Heat Pumps are often referred to as a “cool heat” due to the heating supply temp’s being lower than body temp thus feeling “cool”. Heat Pump’s do heat well but it is not a “hot heat” as with a Gas Furnace. A Heat Pump can be combined with a Gas Furnace to make a Hybrid “Dual Fuel” system that is both highly efficient and produces a “hot heat” on the coldest days.

Call Spring River Air today at (870) 856-2006 to have a comfort technician look at your home to see what system is right for you!

A few quick tips:

• Clean and replace your filters frequently.
• Be sure to have your air conditioning and heating system inspected / serviced every year. Your Spring River Air comfort technician can and will advise you on the best options for keeping your system optimized and running for many years..
• Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.

You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don’t get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensing on walls, windows and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Spring River Air technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants.

With a Home Health Report Card, Spring River Air can help you decide which indoor air quality products are right for you.

According to studies created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home.

However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners.

A Home Health Report Card from Spring River Air will provide the information about which indoor air quality products are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation call Spring River Air at (870) 856-2006.

Temperature settings depend on the time of year and your personal preferences. In the summer, the average temperature setting is 75°-78°. In the winter 68°-74° is the norm. Remember, when leaving your house; try to avoid temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back, as this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired temperature setting upon your return and increase your heating and cooling bills considerably.