HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is the common term used to illustrate a complete heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

Look at the label on the outside of the equipment for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than five years old it may have a warranty, but also may not subject to the model. Warranty terms and conditions vary by manufacturer and the installing company. Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can determine the warranty status of your heating and cooling system via System Inspection. We also offer a Platinum PLUS^TM Protection Plan for home heating and air conditioning systems, regardless of the age of your equipment or manufacturer warranty status.

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution. Although no monetary savings are tied to a quieter home environment, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a serious effect on comfort and enjoyment of your La Porte 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 equipment, and the insulation of the compressor can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

Although many heating and cooling systems made today are quieter than ever before, 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.

In addition to the visual check provided with our System Inspection, a Precision Tune-up also includes a full maintenance cleaning and lubrication of the heating or air conditioning equipment components. Learn more here about Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc’s Precision Tune-up steps . The fee for a tune-up varies by season, and printable coupons with seasonal discounts on tune-ups can often be found on our Coupons page.

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

A popping sound is a typically sign of an under-sized duct design. It may be caused by greater air flow than the duct work is built for. Have a qualified company analyze your home's ventilation system for proper design and make necessary recommendations. Improper duct work layout can cause several ventilation and air quality problems, including: 

1. loud popping
2. higher energy usage
3. lowered lifespan of the system
4. uneven heating & cooling throughout your home
5. damaged compressor in hotter months
6. overheated unit in the cooler months

The answer is, typically, yes. Here's why.

Matched System Design: All air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are precisely intended to work with a matched indoor unit for peak efficiency and performance. The consequence of this matched equipment is a harmonized, 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 specifically intended; however, the consequence would be a definite compromise in system performance.

Design Advances: Through the years, 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 posted for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as matched systems. While changing only the outdoor unit may provide improved efficiency when looking at your old system, but efficiency will suffer from what it was designed to be, and your savings will be not as much as 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 constant operation over the years. Substituting both units means you won't have to change the indoor unit in just a short time… you'll have many years of efficient service out of both units.

New Warranty: A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Substituting the indoor unit simultaneously 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, substituting only the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump may appear to be a deal. 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 a local restaurant, charging a flat rate cost instead of an hourly cost delivers more value for our customers because all costs are included, the pricing is up-front, and it does not get modified. Regardless of the cost of parts or amount of time it takes to make the repairs, the price will not change. This reason is one of many why Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc is the most trusted name in La Porte.

You probably wouldn't buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to add air to the tires, change the oil and investigate any strange noises. Your home comfort system is like your car’s engine; it’s a mechanical device with a motor, electrical components... and even fuel. So it is important to have routine maintenance of your home comfort system by a qualified technician. If not properly and routinely maintained, even the best heating and air conditioning equipment could have difficulties and become less 'fuel' efficient over time.

There are several things that can cause your HVAC system to freeze up; many of them usually need to be corrected by a professional technician. Ensuring the air filter is clean or replaced and making sure the airflow is not restricted are about the only things a homeowner should safely check or handle themself.

Low refrigerant: Sometimes, 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 age of the system and the type and location of the leak govern the decision whether to have the system repaired or replaced.

Dirty evaporator coil: Over time, 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 running at an improper speed or not running at all can cause freezing. It can also be discontinuous, 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. In either scenario, you will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to correct the problem.

Should you learn that your system was freezing due to a dirty air filter, after replacing or cleaning the filter, you can hasten 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 Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc in La Porte to fix the problem.

If you are replacing your La Porte area home air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is an excellent time to also install a new zoning system to address hot and cold spots or special temperature requirements in the home. When your new comfort equipment is complimented by a zoning system, you will gain precise temperature control in each zone.

Zoning is also a great idea 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 soaring, there are a few steps you can take to help cut down the expenses of heating and cooling your home. HVAC equipment usually uses more energy than any other appliance in the home. This inevitably shows up every month on monthly bills, but it's important to remember that energy costs can be controlled in several ways.

Maintenance: One way to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance to help be sure that 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 equipment.

High Efficiency: If you are in the market for a new home comfort system, consider purchasing a high-efficiency system. They are designed to help reduce your energy costs as well as help conserve natural resources. When choosing 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 areas 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 in quality and size, and some have features that others don't. In most cases we recommend purchasing the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing up with your installed equipment, though you may be tempted to try another filter type for convenience or to remove extra contaminants from the air.

Filters have MERV ratings, which range from 1-20. MERV means "minimum efficiency reporting value". A higher MERV rating means fewer particles pass through, and it blocks finer particulates. This seems obviously good, and it can be, but a filter that stops finer dust and allergens will also stop up more often, and pressure on your unit will increase. If your system has not been designed to operate with this kind of filter, it can decrease your airflow within your home, affecting your comfort and energy bills. So what should you know before you buy? Unless you live in a hospital, you definitely don't need a MERV rating above 13. Truth be told, most residential systems are specifically designed to work with a filter with a MERV rating below 13, and usually you will discover that higher end systems have been made to function with a MERV rating of 8 or 11. All filters with a MERV rating of at least five should block most of the major nuisances everyone cares about such as pollen, pet dander, and lint. While some filters claim to be able to catch mold spores, we recommend having a professional remove any mold from your house you find, instead of trying to delay the issue with a finer filter.

Usually the packaging shows how often your filter should be replaced. There are one-month filters and there are 3-month filters. There are also 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 the extra pennies.

You could also consider washable filters, also sometimes called reusable filters. Some homeowners like the environmentally friendly aspect of it, as they don't want to add to a wasteyard, and others believe it's more convenient to simply yank out the filter and hose it off rather than making a run to the local hardware store for a filter of the proper size. These filters are often designed to last several years and will save you cash over the long run, though they are more expensive initially. However, washable filters should be dried out thoroughly before returning it back to eliminate mold growth in your ductwork. 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 essentially improve the MERV rating.

Finally, filters are composed from different materials. Fiberglass filters are what is bought most often, and are the disposable type. Polyester and pleated filters are known to catch more debris, but also reduce the airflow in your residence. And there are high efficiency particulate arrestance filters, which you may know as HEPA. While you could be tempted to put in a HEPA filter, keep in mind that's like putting a MERV 16 filter in your HVAC system and it's very unlikely that your equipment was built to handle that kind of resistance.

Yes, with a capital Y.E.S. 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) extremely important. 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 be a direct or indirect cause of 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. In addition, 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 in your home. A carbon monoxide detector is a device very similar to a smoke alarm. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and gives an alarm if a specific level is detected. Ideally, you should have a detector adjacent to every living area, centrally located, or on each floor in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are best when used in combination with preventive maintenance. Call for more information about purchasing a carbon monoxide detector.

You may have tried to get rid of 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 using 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 condensation on walls windows and stale air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is the situation in your home. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to properly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

The best way to choose the correct humidifier is by having a home health report performed by Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Every home is different, and every family is different. So, every humidification need is also different. There are a couple factors to understand when purchasing a humidifier for your home, Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can help you understand and consider these items.

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 suggestions for knowing which type of humidifier will best suit you and your family’s comfort needs.

Consider cost. Consider not only the purchase price of the humidifier, but also operating and maintenance costs. Some models 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, Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

According to studies conducted 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 captured 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 Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc will help inform you which indoor air improvement options are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc at .

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

How often to change your air filters can depend on several factors:

• 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 say to change them every 30-60 days. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you could upgrade the air filter or change them even more often. 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 adequate.

Here are common rules to 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 can be an invisible threat to health and safety in the home. Though more commonly associated with fireplaces and vehicle emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning may be found any home unless certain precautions are taken.

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unusually dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help create the ideal humidity level and comfort, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system. Whole-house humidifiers work like ordinary room humidifiers. They distribute moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air much easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers automatically humidify the entire home, no more lugging a humidifier from room to room, spilling water on the floor as you go.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide combines 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 gets carried to the vital organs through the bloodstream. Our organ tissues require oxygen; without it, we start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It takes the body more time to eliminate carbon monoxide, however it can be absorbed much faster.

Allergies and asthma are two health problems that could be helped with cleaner indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people 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 caused by carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily overlooked because they are often flu-like. With mild exposure, most people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure may result in a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure may result in unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

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

Never use ovens or grills to heat your home. These heat sources are designed to be safe and efficient and not produce substantial amounts of carbon monoxide. However, homeowners need to check all combustion appliances to be sure they are operating properly 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 can include cleaning agents, paint and personal care products.

Though they are often more efficient, newer 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 greater energy savings, but the limited exchange of outdoor and indoor air can mean a buildup of contaminants indoors. In these circumstances, a whole home ventilation system is recommended. Ventilation systems exchange polluted indoor air for more breathable outdoor air, without sacrificing energy savings.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced 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 appliances 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 proper working condition or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as incorrectly 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 define 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 contribute to improving air quality and eliminate indoor air pollution have become an important concern for many families, especially those suffering from allergies and respiratory issues.

Installing a humidifier is typically an easy job if you are also replacing 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. Finch Air Conditioning & Heating Inc 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 in your home can make your throat feel dry or aggravate respiratory ailments. During extremely cold weather, your home rapidly loses its humidity to the outdoors. Humidity levels could drop to as low as 10 percent. 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 contribute to 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 places moisture into your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes and would be our recommended solution to this issue.