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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Hvac Installation

COVID and Your HVAC System: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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Here’s a quick general rundown of HVAC systems and how they fit into this pandemic.

HVAC systems are virtually everywhere, from small homes to big shopping malls, providing everyone with comfortable environments. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the spotlight is now placed on these systems, with this question attached:

Do they help, or do they make it worse?

Here’s a quick general rundown of HVAC systems and how they fit into this pandemic.

st louis man changing hvac filter

How HVAC Systems Work

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They provide a better quality of air indoors by removing smoke, odors, health, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, moisture, and other gases. They also help control the indoor temperature.

Not only that, but the system also takes air from inside and expels it out, which can help with any gasses or substances indoors, as they are filtered through the system. However, a lot of systems also recirculate indoor air, which can spread certain substances from one area to another. This has caused a lot of concerns now, during this global pandemic.

HVAC and COVID-19

At the moment, there is no strong evidence to suggest that HVAC systems increase the risk of a potential COVID-19 infection. Even considering the recirculated air, the process itself removes a lot of particles from the air as it passes through the filters before it’s returned back into your home.

There is one available study, albeit not reviewed yet, from Oregon researchers who collected samples from different areas of a hospital’s HVAC system and found genetic material from the virus that causes COVID-19. A potential conclusion is that the virus could be spread through HVAC systems. 

However, the researchers did not assess if that genetic material would be able to actually cause an infection (meaning they did not determine if the virus was potent or not), and there are no confirmed cases associated with the samples found in those systems.

What About Your HVAC System?

For home systems, there’s even less evidence you should be concerned. To date, there are no confirmed cases of people contracting the virus because of their HVAC system, and the US Environmental Protection Agency actually recommends running your HVAC system as a way of protecting yourself against the virus, together with other measures promoted by the CDC, such as social distancing and wearing a mask. 

The EPA recommends:

  • Running the fan system for longer, or even continuously
  • Checking to see if the filter is placed correctly, or changing the filter if needed
  • Opening the outside air intake if the system has one

Get Your System Checked Now

Your HVAC system can help protect you during this pandemic, which is even more reason to have it checked and make sure it is working properly and efficiently. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating for checks, repairs, or even installing a brand new HVAC system.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

Why Quality Installation Matters in the HVAC Industry

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The two best ways to control quality is by researching a respected brand and making sure your HVAC installer is experienced and responsible.

When it comes to the HVAC industry, smart consumers look at a few critical factors before making purchases. The two you are likely familiar with are brands and total cost, however the quality of installation is incredibly important too. Here’s why..

Efficiency

One of your top priorities when shopping for your new HVAC system might be efficiency. The reasoning behind this desire is simple. You want to cut your costs, lessen your footprint, and have a system that works less to do more. Unfortunately, a poor installation will significantly cut into your efficiency and make your system function like one that is much worse than it really is. Some experts even believe that improper installation can decrease output by 30%, which is a significant sum.

Comfort

There are two ways that a poorly installed system can decrease your comfort. First, heating and cooling will take longer. Like most people, you probably keep your system off for most of the day. Then, when you need it, you make a temperature change and let it get to work. A poorly installed system will make your wait much longer. The second way is through uneven heating and cooling. Having hot and cold spots throughout your home definitely isn’t optimal.

Service Life

As we explained above, decreased efficiency leads to your system working harder to produce less. The result is an overworked machine that is prone to breaking down. While you might expect 10 or 15 years of life out of a well-functioning system, you could get significantly less out of one that is continually strained. Not only will that give you a hefty replacement bill, but you’ll have to deal with the inconveniences of having a contractor continually working on your home.

Wasting a Big Brand Name

Many HVAC customers make the smart decision of choosing a reliable brand for their system. They believe that doing so will increase the power, efficiency, and life of the machine. In most cases, they are right, but not when poor installation is a factor. Instead, they pay extra for the best machinery possible and end up with the output of a lesser brand and model.

The Cost to Fix or Replace

There are two ways in which poor installation can affect your wallet. First, you might notice poor efficiency or spotty heating and call an HVAC company for a repair. Doing so will lead to a lump sum cost to correct the installation and get your system working well again. The second way presents itself when you don’t fix the issue. In this case, your system ends up accruing more costs over time and breaking down earlier than expected. The latter results in you have to buy a new one sooner than usual. Both of these results are unfavorable and frustrating.

Choosing an HVAC system may seem trivial in the moment, but remember that you’re likely going to have it for a decade or more. The two best ways to control quality is by researching a respected brand and making sure your HVAC installer is experienced and responsible. Once you carry out those two tasks, you can enjoy a well functioning system that will pay dividends for many years.

CALL NOW 24/7: (314) 471-7625

The Differences Between a Residential and Commercial HVAC System

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If you are building a new structure, you might be wondering if you should install a residential HVAC system or a commercial system.

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If you are considering whether or not you need a residential or a commercial HVAC system, you might be wondering what the differences are between a residential and commercial system. Besides the size of the space that you need to heat or cool, are there other things that are different about the two?

Whether you are building a home office, an office building or simply looking for the appropriate HVAC system for your home, it is important to know what the differences are between system grades. Keep reading to find out a few ways commercial and residential systems differ.

Location of the Unit

Commercial systems tend to be out of the way and are, typically, located on the roof of a building. Residential systems are usually located on the outside of the building somewhere close by. Part of the reason for this is that commercial units tend to be bigger and louder, so having them on the ground is not ideal for a business or space.

A commercial building usually has more space on the roof, which provides a good place to house the louder and more cumbersome unit. That is usually not an option on an angular residential roof.

Split Versus Packaged Systems

Residential HVAC systems are usually split both internally and externally. They have the blower, the condenser and the evaporator scattered instead of in one place. Commercial units are usually in one place with a complete package housed in a cabinet. The only thing that is located on the interior of a commercial unit is the ductwork that supplies the air to the interior of the building.

Complexity

Commercial HVAC systems tend to be on the more complex side when compared to residential systems. Residential units have only one pan drain that goes to the outside, and the windows are used for exhaust. Commercial HVAC systems have many different drainage systems, so they often require more maintenance and attention. Although working in the same way, residential systems can surprisingly work better on their own.

St. Louis HVAC Installation

If you are building a structure that might be big enough for a commercial unit, but is still residential, or vice versa, then you might be wondering if you should install a residential HVAC system or a commercial system. The right choice depends on how much you want to spend, the complexity of the system that you want to deal with and the logistics of where the system can be housed.

Working with professionals is crucial in ensuring the best HVAC system for the home is selected, whether you are searching for an HVAC installation service or an existing system needs to be upgraded. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 for more information. We can help you choose the best heating and cooling system and will provide proper maintenance for the system to ensure it works properly throughout the year.

Tips for HVAC Installations

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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are rather complicated in nature.

hvac-installationThis is why it is often recommended that you hire specialists whenever HVAC installation, maintenance, or St. Louis ac repair is required. In this post, experts will discuss the important components of an HVAC system and offer some tips on their proper installation.

Duct Work

A duct is the part of an HVAC system responsible for circulating cooled and heated air all through the property. For ducts to be able to perform this function effectively, it is very important that they are well insulated. For the same reason, effort is always made to guard against air loss. Mastic, a stretchy type of cement, is one of the substances that are used to seal these ducts. Manufacturer-approved tapes such as pressure-sensitive tapes and aluminum-back duty 1-inch adhesive tapes can also be used for this purpose. Care should be taken to ensure bendable ducts are airtight. As specified by manufacturers, ducts should have proper supports.

Air Conditioning System

It is essential for an air conditioner to be appropriately joined to the ducts after installation for it to function properly. Depending on the type of system, different types of components may be required for the unit installation. Air conditioning units perform their function with the help of refrigerant, which helps cool the air. The air becomes cooler the longer it is compressed before being blown into indoor areas. This is the main process behind air conditioners. HVAC experts believe that it is critical for this process to proceed in an orderly manner for an air conditioning system to work effectively.

Furnace

Before installing a furnace, you need to be sure that you have the right size. This is essential, as your HVAC system may not be able to perform efficiently if you install a unit with a wrong size. A load calculation would be helpful in determining if you have the proper furnace size. The next thing you need to do after finding the right size is to determine where your furnace will be situated. A popular place for furnaces is the basement. You may use the attic, but there are certain important considerations when going for this option. The furnace must be in an area where maintenance work can be easily carried out, with an extra draining means provided.

Thermostat

The thermostat, just like the whole system, needs to be installed in the right place. It is not recommended to install it in the proximity of an air duct, as this may compromise the efficiency of the thermostat. When contracting a heating and cooling company, you should ensure that they have the required licenses to work on your heating and air conditioning system. A city inspector could be assigned to examine your project after completion to ensure it is executed in accordance with the regulations in your locality.

Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 to discuss your HVAC needs.

Photo credit: madgerly via Flickr