HVAC Cooling FAQ’s

What are the most important things I need to remember when cooling my new home in the summer?

Question: Will it affect the heat in my home if I have my window coverings open rather than closed?

Answer: Yes
Having the window treatments such as blinds and drapes closed will help keep the cool air from your AC stay in.

Question: Is it okay to have some of the registers closed in my home during the summer?

Answer: No
Do not fully close registers or have them obstructed (i.e. furniture on top of it) Keeping them open allows for air to flow properly as it is designed. When air balancing (if needed) make sure to leave a register slightly open. For information about air balancing please reference the resources in your HBLW (Home Builder Limited Warranty)

Question: Will it affect my air conditioning if I set my thermostat back more than 5° degrees?

Answer: Yes
Do not set your thermostat back more than 5° degrees (unless you are going out of town). When running your AC do not run the system if it is below 60° degrees outside. During the summer months the AC isn’t designed to cool lower than 15-20° degrees of what the outside temperature is.

Question: Do I need turn on my Humidifier separately from my AC unit?

Answer: No
Humidifiers only come on with the heat (designated to use with the furnace) but even if you are not using your humidifier make sure to continue maintenance on it.

Question: Is it normal for my basement to be colder than upstairs?

Answer: Yes
In Colorado the basement/underground living spaces tend to be cooler than upper levels in the home due to being underground and because heat rises. As well some details of the home such as style of the home, room orientation, size of windows, window coverings, and door usage can affect that temperature in the home.

Question: I turned my AC on for the first time this summer after being off all winter and it is giving off a smell. Is that normal?

Answer: Yes
When turning on your AC it may emit an odor because of dust that had settled in the ducts. It will pass quickly and can be prevented by cleaning your ducts before turning on your AC for the summer.

Question: Is it normal for my ducts to be making nose when I turn on my air conditioning?

Answer: Yes
Some sounds are normal and are a result of the ductwork cooling and heating in response to airflow as the system operates. Noises could also be caused by the relation of the cooling ducts to the plumbing lines.

Question: Can I make changes to my HVAC system?

Answer: Not without a professional HVAC technician
If you want to make changes or add anything to your HVAC system please contact the HVAC company that is listed on your Emergency Phone Numbers sheet you received at the closing of your new home. Having another company modify your cooling system during the warranty period will void that portion of your limited warranty.

Question: If I want to add to my air conditioning unit, can I add any size I want?

Answer: No
The size and tonnage of air conditioning units are regulated by the government. We recommend for you to check with a reputable HVAC contractor to determine what size of unit is allowable given your particular HVAC system.

NOTE: Make sure to never block exhaust, combustion, or fresh air vents. Regularly check to ensure the exterior vent is free of debris in order to draw combustion air in so that the HVAC system can function.