Home > Resources > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Air Conditioning and Heating Questions

What does HVAC stand for?
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Sometimes seen as HVACR: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

Why do you recommend that I change my filters so often?
Making a habit of regular filter replacement will help your air conditioning and heating system operate at its most efficient level. Regular filter replacement will help ensure that your home or business is kept free from dust, allergens and germs. Your Modern Service or Anderson Service technician can recommend the best filters and replacement schedules for your system and your living environment. Some types of filters require weekly replacement and others require monthly replacement. Your service technician is knowledgeable as to the best practice.

Do You Have an HVAC Question You Would Like Answered by an Expert?

Please submit your question in the short form below and submit. We will answer as soon as possible.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

My HVAC system has a 10 year warranty. Why do I need a Maintenance Plan?
Most warranties require regular maintenance to remain in effect. Beyond keeping your warranty requirements satisfied you want your investment in a high-efficiency system to have a long life and produce unrestricted air flows. Regular maintenance, filter changes and cleaning will remove dust, dirt, and debris from your HVAC system and help to ensure that your system continues operating properly and runs cost effectively for years to come.

Modern Service and Anderson Service recommend that your air conditioning and heating system be serviced twice a year to make sure that any small problems are corrected as soon as possible. Spring and autumn are usually the best times for a maintenance checkup. Regular system checkups can help reduce the chance of a serious breakdown.

How can I be sure my system is working properly?
Does your system make odd noises? Are all areas in your home or business comfortably cooled or heated as needed? Does it take longer and longer to cool down or heat up? Do you see an increase in your utility bills for no noticeable reason? Any of these scenarios may be a sign that your system needs service. Call Modern or Anderson Service for a checkup to be sure that your system is operating properly.

Is it important to get the right size air conditioning and heating equipment?
Yes, it is extremely important that your HVAC equipment be the right size for the area to be cooled and heated. An under-sized unit will not be strong enough to sufficiently cool or heat your living area during temperature extremes. HVAC equipment that is over-capacity will not be energy efficient, may not properly dehumidify and will cost more to operate. Modern and Anderson recommend a “matched system” for the best overall performance. In fact current building codes in Florida require systems to be matched for proper efficiency.

What is a “Matched System”?
A matched system refers to components that are designed to work together. There are two types of matched systems: “split” (units inside and outside the home) or “packaged” (one single unit houses all components in a cabinet and is usually placed outside the home). Both split and packaged systems include a combination of components. By combining the best components for your home or business you will benefit from having a system that works seamlessly and delivers greater efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Matched systems can provide you with the optimum in comfort and savings. Our experienced and licensed service technicians can recommend the best components and the best size system for your HVAC needs.

What size HVAC system should I have installed?
There are a number of variables that need to be considered when determining the optimal system size for your home or business. The size and construction of your home or business are important considerations. An evaluation of your existing ductwork to determine if it will be adequate to work with a new high-efficiency system is essential and will be included in our Free in-home energy analysis.

The best way to determine the system size and the ductwork needed is by having a licensed professional HVAC contractor evaluate your cooling and heating needs. Modern and Anderson Service will perform a FREE detailed in-home energy analysis to determine the best system for your home or business needs and budget.

Will my new system need to be inspected by the city or county after installation is completed?
Yes, Florida’s mechanical code requires that your new system be inspected and at Modern and Anderson Service we handle the inspection details for you.

Can I plant shrubs and other plants around my outdoor unit?
Yes, but be careful to keep sufficient clearance for proper airflow and unit operation.

Will Modern or Anderson Service remove my old equipment and dispose of it for me?
Yes, we remove all your old equipment and recover any refrigerant according to EPA guidelines.

How do I measure the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment?
When purchasing an air conditioning system or heat pump always ask about its Efficiency Ratings. This information will tell you how efficiently the unit uses fuel – gas, oil or electric.

There are a number of commonly used Efficiency Ratings:

SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This ratio will tell you the amount of cooling your system can deliver per dollar spent on electricity. The SEER rating for any unit can range from 13 to 24. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system and the less it will cost to own and operate.

HSPF: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This rating is similar to SEER, however it is a measurement of efficiency of the heating portion of a heat pump. HSPF ratings range from 6.8 to 10. High-efficiency units will have efficiencies of 7.5 HSPF or greater.

EnergyStar: Is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designation assigned to products that meet or exceed government guidelines for high-efficiency performance above the standard minimums.