Viking Heating and Cooling - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions from Homeowners

1. What does HVAC stand for?

HVAC is an acronym for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning. The three functions of HVAC are closely related, as they all seek to provide thermal comfort, suitable indoor air quality and low costs.

2. How does my heating and air system move air throughout my home?

A fan draws indoor air in through vents located in your home. Air travels through ducts running to your systems handler where it is run through vents in your walls, ceilings and floors.

3. I feel the air conditioner air moving but it's not cool.

There are several potential reasons for the air not being cool. Your freon or puron may be low or there may be no power to the condenser. Your breakers or fuses may be off or the unit could be iced up and the air can't flow through it. Call us and we will check it out for you!

4. My air conditioning unit appears to be frozen.

Your system may be low on coolant or you may have dirty filters. Remember filters need to be replaced about every 3 months or so.

5. My air conditioning unit is leaking.

This is often due to a clogged condensation drain or the unit could have been iced over and is now thawing out. Your best bet is to call us to let us have a look at it. We do it for FREE!

6. How do I know what size air conditioner unit I need for my home?

For the best results you should call for a free in home estimate and evaluation. Heating and cooling needs will vary from home to home and age or the home and size matter. Insulation and duct work are also factors. It's best to give us a ring!

7. How often should I replace my filter?

In short, there isn't really one correct answer. If you have disposable filters, they should be changed every 3 months or so. The duration also depends on how often you run your heating and air system. Filters are made with different efficiencies and thickness so if you hold the filter up to the light to see how much light is shining through and see nothing...time to get a new filter. When light is obscured by dust and dirt, the filter should be changed.

8. The heat is not working.

Your circuit breaker or the fuse controlling the furnace may be blown. Your natural gas or propane control valve may be closed as well. Your pilot light may also be out. These should all be easy fixes for homeowners. Give us a call if you are confused!

9. The pilot light is out.

Modern furnaces will not have a visible pilot light because they use an electric ignition system to light the furnace. You can turn the pilot light back on by following these steps:

  • Turn off the gas at the main valve on your utility box
  • Wait 5-10 minutes for the remaining gas fumes to dissipate
  • Get a long match and set the gas valve on your furnace to "pilot"
  • Press the red button as you hold the match over the pilot valve
  • Keep pressing the red button for 30-60 seconds so the pilot can heat.
  • Release the button and see if the pilot stays lit
  • Once the pilot is lit, turn the main gas valve back on

You can also call us to come out and take a look. It's our job!

10. The air coming from the vents is not warm.

This may be due to a dirty air furnace filter or the gas burners may be dirty. This is typically a simple solution as well.

11. Is regular maintenance on my furnace important?

Simply put...Yes! Your heating and air conditioning system will not work properly or to its maximum efficiency wihtout regular maintenance. Seasonal inspections are critical because they can identify issues before they turn into problems.

12. What size is the correct furnace for my home?

Again, you should call us for a free in home estimate. As a guide, every 550-600 square feet of living space requires about 1 ton of cooling. Not to get too technical on you but to break it down, a 3,000 square foot home @ 600 square feet per ton would need a 5 ton system.

13. Should I lower my thermostat during the day to save on my electric bill?

A common misconception but it is not necessary becuase the energy it takes to restart and reheat your home will outweigh any savings.

14. How long should my furnace and air conditioner last?

Older units made prior to 1980 typically last 10-15 years. Newer units can last anywhere from 15-20 years.

15. My furnace and air conditioner are working fine. Why should I replace them?

Your furnace and air conditioning could be working but if the unit is more than 10 years old you should consider replacing it with a new high efficiency system. This will help you save on energy costs and heating and repair bills.

16. What is radon?

Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas resulting from the radioactive decay of radium found in rock formations beneath buildings. It is the most pervasive and serious hazard for indoor air quality in the home.