HVAC represents Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is commonly utilized to describe the whole heating and cooling system comprising of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

Find the label on the exterior of the system component for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than five years old it may have a warranty, but also may not based on the make. Warranty terms and conditions change by manufacturer and the installing company. Abbey Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system via System Inspection. We also offer a Platinum PLUS^TM Protection Plan for your heating and air conditioning systems, regardless of the age of your equipment or manufacturer warranty status.

Yes. Noisy heating and cooling equipmentadd to sound pollution.While no financial savings are tied to less sound in your home, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a significant effect on comfort and enjoyment of your Oakville home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a number of things, such as the , and the insulation of the compressor can increase the amount of noise it makes.

Although many heating and cooling systems made today are quieter now more than ever, it's a safe  thought to compare sound ratings when evaluating a new air conditioner or heat pump, particularly if the equipment location is near bedrooms or living rooms.

As well as the comprehensive visual inspection that comes with our System Inspection, a Precision Tune-up also comes with a complete maintenance cleaning and lubrication of the heating or air conditioning equipment components. Discover more here about Abbey Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning’s Precision Tune-up steps . The expense of a tune-up is seasonal, and printable coupons with seasonal discounts on tune-ups may be found on our Coupons page.

A Service Call fee is a charge for the effort associated with the time and travel to diagnose, inspect and deliver expert recommendations for a home's heating or air conditioning system by a certified professional technician. Coupons for the Service Call fee are often available on our web site, in the Yellow Pages, or by email when joining our Email Club at the bottom of this page.

A popping noise is a typically sign of an under-sized duct design. It may be attributed to greater air flow than the duct work can handle. Have a qualified company analyze your home's ventilation system for proper design and provide a written recommendation. Improper duct work layout can be attributed to a number of ventilation and air quality problems, including: 

1. loud banging noises
2. higher energy bills
3. lowered life expectancy of the system
4. uneven heating & cooling throughout your home
5. damaged compressor in cooling season
6. overheated unit in the winter

The answer is, most likely yes. Here's why.

Matched System Design: All air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are specially designed to work with a matched indoor unit for optimal efficiency and performance. The effect of this matched equipment is a synchronized, top-performance team that ensures dependability and efficiency. Air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units may ”operate” with indoor units other than those for which they have been specially constructed; however, the outcome would be a definite compromise in system performance.

Design Advances: Over time, indoor blower coil units have undergone many design advances — especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. An up-to-date outdoor unit will also incorporate the latest design advances.

Higher Cooling And Heating Efficiency: The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as matched systems. While changing only the outdoor unit may result in improved efficiency when compared with your old system, but it will not be as efficient as it was designed to be, and your savings will be lower than with a matched system.

Equipment Age: If an air conditioner or heat pump is 10 years old or more and needs to be replaced, the indoor unit is likely just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear. Changing both units means you won't have to replace the indoor unit in just a short time… you'll have many years of efficient service from both units.

New Warranty: A new system also delivers you a new product warranty. Changing the indoor unit together with the outdoor unit results in peace of mind, knowing that the new warranty covers the entire system for the same period of time.

A Bargain: At first glance, replacing only the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump may appear to be a savings. But, when you consider the lower cooling and heating efficiencies, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership that results, it's not such a bargain. Replacing an entire system may cost more, but the result is efficiency, reliability and comfort for years into the future.

Similar to a value menu at many restaurants, charging a flat rate cost as opposed to an hourly charge provides more value for our customers because nothing is excluded, the pricing is up-front, and it does not change. Regardless of the cost of parts or how much time it takes to finish the repairs, the price will not change. This is one of the reasons why Abbey Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is the most trusted name in Oakville.

You probably wouldn't purchase a brand-new car and plan to not ever have to put air in the tires, change the oil and examine any unusual noises. Your home comfort system is similar to your car’s engine; it’s a mechanical device with a motor, electrical components... and even fuel. So it is essential to have routine maintenance of your home comfort system by a qualified technician. If not maintained properly on a routine basis, even the best heating and air conditioning equipment could have difficulties and become less 'fuel' efficient over time.

There are many items that can trigger your HVAC system to freeze up; most of them usually need to be corrected by a professional technician. Determining the air filter is clean or replaced and determining the airflow is not restricted are about the only tasks a homeowner should safely identify or handle themself.

Low refrigerant: On occasion, freezing up originates with a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak solder joints, friction from piping rubbing or vibrating against an object, leaking valves or loose fittings can cause leaks. The length of time your system has been installed and the type and location of the leak govern the decision whether to have the system repaired or replaced.

Dirty evaporator coil: As time passes, the evaporator coil will become dirty. On these occasions, the results are similar to those of having a dirty filter. Progressively you will lose airflow, slowly enough that you probably would not realize it until it freezes up or is not cooling adequately. You will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to fix the problem.

Defective blower motor or relay: A blower motor not running at the proper speed or not running at all can cause freezing. It can also be intermittent, starting at full speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or a relay could cause it to start one time and not the next. Either way, you will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to correct the problem.

Should you find that your system was freezing due to a dirty air filter, after replacing or cleaning the filter, you can speed up the thawing process by turning the system off and then turning on only the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to heating mode until the ice has melted. After the ice has melted, switch the system settings back to normal. If the system refreezes, contact Abbey Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in Oakville to correct the problem.

If you are changing your Oakville area home air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is a good time to also install a new zoning system to fix hot and cold spots or special temperature needs in the home. When your new comfort equipment is coordinated by a zoning system, your family benefits from customized temperature control in each zone.

Zoning is also something to consider for new homes since the system can be installed during construction. If you are purchasing a new home, check with your builder about a zoning system. It could make the difference between just enjoying your new house and being truly comfortable in it.

With energy costs going up, there are a few steps you can take to drive down the expenses of heating and cooling your home. HVAC equipment usually consumes more energy than any other appliance in the home. This inevitably shows up every month on the energy bill, but it's important to remember that energy costs can be controlled in several ways.

Maintenance: One method to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance to ensure your furnace and air conditioner is running properly and efficiently. Operating dirty heating or cooling equipment can result in unnecessary loss of efficiency and may even damage the unit.

High Efficiency: If you are in the market for a new home comfort system, consider investing in a high-efficiency system. They are designed to help reduce your energy costs as well as help conserve natural resources. When picking out a new home comfort system, pay close attention to the SEER rating of the air conditioner and the AFUE of the furnace. The higher the SEER or AFUE, the higher the efficiency and savings.

Zoning: Zoning can significantly lower your heating costs. Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas, which are heated or cooled based on the occupancy of the rooms. That means a zoning system allows each room in your home to potentially have its own temperature setting. With a zoning system, you no longer pay to heat or cool the space of your home that are rarely used, and your family gets the exact temperature you want in highly occupied rooms.

Programmable Thermostats: Programmable thermostats can make a significant difference in energy consumption. Since you can proactively set a schedule for the days and times that the home is occupied, these thermostats are able to deliver exact comfort, efficiency and energy savings. For example, if you're going to be away, you can set the whole house at an energy-saving temperature to avoid heating or cooling an empty house and conserving energy in the process.

No, HVAC air filters vary by quality and size, and some have technology that others don't. Usually we recommend using the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing up with your installed system, however you might be tempted to try some other filter type for convenience or to remove more contaminants from your residence.

Filters have MERV ratings, which range from 1-20. MERV means "minimum efficiency reporting value". A higher MERV rating equates to fewer particles pass through, and it blocks finer particulates. This seems obviously good, and it can be, but a filter that catches finer dust and debris particles will also build up faster, and pressure on your system will increase. If your system has not been engineered to function with this kind of filter, it can actually reduce your airflow within your house, impacting your comfort and energy costs. So what should you do? Unless you're buying for a hospital, you probably don't need a MERV rating above 13. Fun fact, most residential systems are specifically designed to work with a filter with a MERV rating below 13, and frequently you will learn that more expensive systems have been made to work with a MERV rating of 8 or 11. All filters with a MERV rating of five should block most of the everyday nuisances everyone cares about such as pollen, pet dander, and dust. While some filters claim to be able to capture mold spores, we recommend hiring a pro to clean out any mold from your home you find, instead of trying to hide the issue with a finer filter.

Often the packaging shows how often your filter ought to be replaced. There are one-month filters and there are 3-month filters. You also have filters that are one flat piece, and you have some that are pleated with supporting wire. In our experience, the accordian style filters hold up better, and are worth it for the extra durability.

You might also consider washable filters, also sometimes called reusable filters. Some homeowners like the environmentally friendly aspect of it, because they don't want to add to a dump, and others think it more convenient to simply yank out the filter and hose it off rather than making a special trip to the local hardware store for a filter of the proper size. These filters are often made to work several years and will save you cold cash over the long run, though they cost more initially. However, washable filters should be dried out all the way before placing it back to prevent mold growth in your vents. In addition, most washable filters usually have a MERV rating between 1 and 4, and they lose their efficiency over the years. Some washable filters have been built with new technology, such as electrostatic air filters, that are meant to effectively improve the MERV rating.

Finally, filters are made of different materials. Fiberglass filters are what is bought most often, and are the disposable type. Polyester and pleated filters can catch more debris, but also decrease the airflow in your home. And there are high efficiency particulate arrestance filters, or HEPA for short. While you may be tempted to use a HEPA filter, just understand that's like putting a MERV 16 filter in your HVAC system and it's highly unlikely that your unit was built to handle that kind of resistance.

No doubt about it. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) a critical component of home comfort. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints and personal care products. The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a buildup of contaminants within the home.

Poor IAQ can contribute to several health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation. Additionally, two existing health problems that can be helped by improving indoor air quality are allergies and asthma. By removing airborne dust particles, the amount of exposure the respiratory system has to them is reduced. Proper ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality, helping to reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home.

The best method of detection is to use a carbon monoxide detector indoors. A carbon monoxide detector is like a smoke alarm. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm if a specific level is detected. Ideally, you should have at least one detector adjacent to every living area, centrally located, or on each floor in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are very effective when used in combination with a maintenance plan. Call for a complimentary consultation about purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.

You may have tried to eliminate 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 installing 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 is also a cause of unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stuffy air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Abbey Air Service Experts 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 improve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

A great way to choose the correct humidifier is by having a home health report performed by Abbey Air Service Experts. Every dwelling is different, and every family is different. So, every humidification need is also different. There are a few factors you should take into consideration when purchasing a humidifier for your home, Abbey Air Service Experts can help you understand and consider these issues.

Consider size. A humidifier's capacity, or the amount of moisture it can dispense in a given time, should match your particular household's needs. The capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to determine the correct-sized humidifier for your home is by multiplying the total floor area in by the ceiling height. We can provide you with this information and additional information to help you figure out which type of humidifier will best suit you and your family’s comfort needs.

Consider cost. Consider not only the basic cost of the humidifier, but also operating and maintenance costs. Some brands consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

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, Abbey Air Service Experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

According to studies commissioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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 picked up by vacuuming. 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 Abbey Air Service Experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement devices are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation Abbey Air Service Experts at .

Depending on the type you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier may use from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day when the furnace is operating. The amount of liquid used is enough to raise the humidity to your desired level, but not enough to notice a difference on your water bill.

How often to change your air filters can depend on a few things:

• the type of air filter you are using
• the overall indoor air quality
• how many pets are in the home
• the number of people occupying the home, and
• the level of air pollution and construction around the home

For basic 1"-3" air filters, manufacturers usually recommend to change them every 30-60 days. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you could upgrade the air filter or change them more frequently. Or, if you're in a more remote area or less occupied home (like a vacation home) and there are fewer cars around, annually may be quite sufficient.

Here are averages that might help you know how often you should change the air filter at home:

• Vacation home or single occupant and no pets or allergies: every 6-12 months
• "Average" suburban home without pets: every 90 days
• Add a dog or cat: every 60 days
• Add more than one pet or anyone has allergies: 20-45 days

Yes. Carbon monoxide is an invisible threat to health and safety in the home. Though more commonly connected to fireplaces and vehicle emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning could be identified any home unless certain precautions are taken.

During heating season, people are confined indoors with unusually dry air for extended periods each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system. Whole-house humidifiers work like your more typical room humidifiers. They add moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air much easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers add humidity throughout the house, no more moving a humidifier from room to room, spilling water on the floor as you go.

When we breathe it, carbon monoxide mixes with with the red blood cells in the blood and displaces the oxygen our bodies need to survive. Carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells over 200 times more easily than oxygen and creates a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin saturation. Carbon monoxide, instead of oxygen, then moves into the vital organs through the bloodstream. Our organ tissues require oxygen; without it, our bodies start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It takes the body a long time to eliminate carbon monoxide, however CO is absorbed very quickly.

Allergies and asthma are two health issues that could be helped with cleaner indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even people who consider themselves healthy who may have never suffered from allergies could benefit from clean air. Dust, smoke and other particles float around in the air, causing your drapes and furniture to gather dust. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily overlooked because they they tend to be flu-like. With mild exposure, people report that they experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure can cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure could even cause unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

Prevention is the most important step. Taking proper safety steps will reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because cars and trucks are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, always take your car out of the garage to let it warm up. Never leave it turned on in the confined space of a garage. The same holds true for lawn mowers or snowmobiles.

Never use ovens or grills as heating devices. These items are designed to be safe and efficient and not produce substantial amounts of carbon monoxide. However, it’s vital to check all combustion appliances to be sure they are operating as designed and to be sure that all chimneys and vents are connected properly and not blocked. Schedule annual maintenance by a qualified technician to check the condition of these appliances.

Many everyday household items may contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit gases or fumes. Other sources of pollutants are cleaning agents, paint and personal care products.

Though they are typically more efficient, today’s homes do not breathe (ventilate) the way older homes have. Tight-sealing weather stripping and storm doors keep indoor air in and outdoor air out. This provides higher energy savings, but the limited exchange of outdoor and indoor air can mean a buildup of contaminants on the inside of the house. In these circumstances, a whole home ventilation system is recommended. Ventilation systems exchange stale indoor air for cleaner outdoor air, without sacrificing energy savings.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is generated by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process. Household items such as a furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill and gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not in good working order or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces may also be a source of carbon monoxide. CO is poisonous to the body and is fatal at high levels or with long exposure.

Indoor Air Quality is a term used to explain the level or amount of air pollution that exists inside a house or building, particularly occupied areas or rooms. Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors, and the American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors. So the IAQ level and IAQ products that help to improve air quality and eliminate indoor air pollution have become an important issue for many families, especially those suffering from allergies and respiratory issues.

Installing a humidifier is usually an easy job when you upgrade your furnace. But you can also have a humidifier fitted to your existing heating and cooling system. Periodic cleaning and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended to maintain the system. Abbey Air Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can provide maintenance on the humidifier as needed, or proactively as part of our PLUS Maintenance Agreement. Call for more information about humidifier maintenance or for a free estimate on a new humidification system.

Dry air contributes to making your throat feel dry or aggravate respiratory ailments. During cold winter months, your home rapidly loses its humidity to the outdoors. Humidity levels could even go down as low as 10%. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that homeowners maintain a humidity level between 30 and 60 percent.

Dry air may also cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct result of very dry air and houseplants may suffer from "winter drought" caused by low humidity levels. A whole-home humidifier integrates moister with your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes and would be our recommended solution to this issue.