Video FAQs

Ever wonder what people mean when they say “forced-air system”? Chances are you already have one in your home. Hi, I’m Chase with Vredevoogd Heating and Cooling, and today we’re breaking down what a forced-air system is.

A forced-air system heats or cools your home by pushing air through ductwork into different rooms. The “forced” part means a blower fan moves the air through the ducts and vents.

When your furnace runs in the winter or your AC runs in the summer, air travels through the ducts and comes out of vents around your home. Many homes with central heating and air conditioning use a forced-air system.

One advantage is that the same ductwork can distribute both heated and cooled air. The system can also circulate and filter air throughout your home. If you have air blowing from vents in your floors, walls, or ceiling, you probably have a forced-air system.

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Does one room in your house feel like a sauna while the rest feels perfectly comfortable? You’re not the only one. Hi, I’m Chase with Vredevoogd, and today I’m explaining why one room in your home gets so hot.

One common reason is poor airflow. The hot room might be farther from your HVAC system, have blocked vents, or have ductwork that isn’t delivering enough air. Direct sunlight is another factor. Large windows or afternoon sun can heat a room faster than the rest of your home.

Other possible causes include a dirty air filter, leaky ducts, poor insulation, or an HVAC system that isn’t properly balanced or sized.

First, check that the supply vents are fully open and that furniture isn’t blocking the return vent. Replace your air filter regularly, too. Restricted airflow can make uneven temperatures worse.

If the room is still too hot after those checks, give Vredevoogd a call. We’re here to keep you cool and comfortable.

If your air conditioner looks like it belongs in a freezer instead of your house, that’s a problem you don’t want to ignore. Hi, I’m Chase with Vredevoogd Heating and Cooling, and today I’m breaking down why your AC freezes up and what it means when it happens.

Your AC should never ice over during normal operation. When it does, the cause is often restricted airflow or low refrigerant.

First, airflow problems: A clogged air filter, blocked vents, or a blower fan that isn’t moving enough air can cause the evaporator coil to get too cold and freeze.

Second, refrigerant issues: If the system is low on refrigerant, often because of a leak, the pressure drops and the coil can freeze. Dirty evaporator coils, a malfunctioning blower motor, or running the AC when outdoor temperatures are very low can also contribute.

If you see ice, turn off the cooling and set the fan to “On” to help the system thaw. Don’t keep running the AC, because that can cause more damage.

A freezing AC usually means something needs attention. The pros at Vredevoogd are just a call away to help keep you cool, not frozen.

Your air conditioner is leaking water. Should you panic? Not always, but sometimes it’s a warning sign you don’t want to ignore. Hi, I’m Chase with Vredevoogd Heating and Cooling. I’m here to explain when AC condensation is normal and when you should call a professional.

Your AC removes humidity from the air. That moisture turns into condensation and should flow through the drain line. A small amount of water near an outdoor drain pipe is usually normal.

Water pooling around your furnace, dripping from your vents, or collecting in the emergency drain pan is not normal. Possible causes include a clogged drain line, a dirty air filter that causes the coil to freeze, or low refrigerant.

Many AC leaks are fixable when caught early. If you’re unsure what’s causing the water, have a technician take a look before it leads to water damage.

Ever turn on your air conditioner and wake up with a dry or sore throat? Your AC may not be the direct cause, but it could be contributing. Hi, I’m Chase with Vredevoogd, and today I’m explaining why your throat might hurt when the AC is running.

One of the biggest reasons is dry air. Air conditioners naturally remove humidity from the air. If your home gets too dry, it can irritate your throat, sinuses, and even your skin.

Another common issue is a dirty air filter. If the filter is clogged, dust, allergens, and other particles can circulate through your home and irritate your throat. Other possible factors include dirty ductwork, mold near your system, or vents blowing cold air directly on you while you sleep.

A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter every one to three months and keep indoor humidity around 40% to 50%.

If a vent is pointed directly at your bed or couch, try adjusting it. Your AC shouldn’t normally give you a sore throat, but poor air quality or overly dry air can contribute to irritation. Thanks for watching, and stay comfortable out there.

Amanda: Hi, I’m Amanda with Vredevoogd. I’m here with Spencer to talk about when an AC unit might need to be replaced. Spencer, how can I tell if my AC needs repair or replacement?

Spencer: High energy bills can be a warning sign, especially if your electric bill is unusually high in the summer. Another sign is that the AC isn’t cooling your home well.

Amanda: How long does an AC unit typically last?

Spencer: With good maintenance, about 15 years, give or take. Make sure you get it tuned up every year.

Amanda: What size AC system might I need for my home?

Spencer: We perform a load calculation to size it properly. Factors such as square footage and windows help us determine the right size for the house.

Amanda: Does a bigger condenser mean better cooling?

Spencer: No. People sometimes think a bigger condenser will cool their house faster, but an oversized system may not dehumidify the home properly. That can leave the air feeling cold and damp. A properly sized system cools and dehumidifies more effectively.

Amanda: Thanks, Spencer. If you think it might be time to replace your AC, give Vredevoogd a call. We offer free estimates.

Amanda: Hi, I’m Amanda with Vredevoogd. I’m here with one of our plumbers, Zach, to answer some common plumbing questions. Zach, how often should I have my water heater tuned up?

Zach: Once a year is ideal, especially if you have a tankless water heater. Regular service helps us make sure everything is working properly over the long term.

Amanda: We have hard water. Is there a way to avoid those rust lines?

Zach: A suitable water filtration system can help remove impurities. In an older home, steel water lines may also carry rust to your fixtures, so it’s worth checking the source of the staining.

Amanda: What causes low water pressure?

Zach: Several things can cause it. Sediment or calcium buildup in the lines can restrict flow at your faucets.

Amanda: My hot water runs out quickly. Does that mean something is wrong with my water heater?

Zach: Not necessarily. We often see water heaters last around 10 to 12 years, but a hot water problem may also be repairable.

Amanda: What are the risks of using a chemical drain cleaner like Drano?

Zach: It may clear some clogs, but the chemicals can be corrosive to pipes. We recommend avoiding chemical drain cleaners when possible.

Amanda: Thanks, Zach. Give Vredevoogd a call to schedule your $78 Plumbing Safety Inspection.

Amanda: Hi, I’m Amanda with Vredevoogd. I’m here with Spencer to talk about AC maintenance. Spencer, what are the benefits of regular AC maintenance?

Spencer: It can help your system last longer, lower your energy bills, and cool your house properly.

Amanda: What does an AC Super Tune-Up include?

Spencer: We check the refrigerant, blower speed, and filters, and clean the indoor coil and outdoor condenser.

Amanda: Why might my AC blow warm air or fail to cool properly?

Spencer: There are several possible reasons, including low refrigerant or a frozen coil. We can investigate to find the cause.

Amanda: Why do you need to see my furnace to service my air conditioner?

Spencer: Your AC has an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condenser. We check the blower beneath the indoor coil to make sure air is moving properly, and we check the outdoor condenser as well.

Amanda: Does setting my thermostat colder make the house cool faster?

Spencer: No. Set it to the temperature you’re comfortable with. If the system can’t reach that temperature in a reasonable amount of time, give us a call so we can check it.

Amanda: Thanks, Spencer. Give Vredevoogd a call to schedule your $98 AC Super Tune-Up, which includes a season-long guarantee.

Amanda: I’m Amanda.

Jeremy: And I’m Jeremy. We’re with Vredevoogd, and today we’re answering questions about AC maintenance.

Amanda: Jeremy, why is it important to maintain my AC?

Jeremy: Maintenance helps your system run efficiently. It can also help the equipment last longer.

Amanda: Do I need to change my air filter even when I’m not using my furnace?

Jeremy: Yes. Your air conditioner uses the same ductwork as your furnace, so the furnace filter needs attention during both cooling and heating seasons.

Amanda: Is there a certain temperature I should set my thermostat to in the summer?

Jeremy: Not necessarily. The cooler you set it, the longer your air conditioner will run. It comes down to your comfort preferences and how much you want the system to work.

Amanda: What can I do to help my AC keep working when it’s been over 80 degrees for several days?

Jeremy: Have it tuned up periodically, change the furnace filter, and keep the outdoor AC unit clean. You can gently rinse dirt from the outdoor unit with a garden hose. We also clean it during a tune-up.

Amanda: Thanks, Jeremy. If you’re ready for an AC tune-up, call us or visit our website to schedule online.

Amanda: Hi, I’m Amanda.

Jeremiah: And I’m Jeremiah. We’re with Vredevoogd, and today we’re answering questions about furnace tune-ups.

Amanda: What is a furnace tune-up, and why is it important?

Jeremiah: A furnace tune-up is an evaluation of your heating system. It helps us check the equipment’s reliability, tell you about potential risks, and address problems that could cause trouble during the heating season.

Amanda: What tasks are typically performed during a furnace tune-up?

Jeremiah: Our tune-up includes a 30-plus-point inspection. We clean components, check that parts are operating to manufacturer specifications, and look at how efficiently the system is running.

Amanda: How can a tune-up help prevent breakdowns and emergency repairs?

Jeremiah: It lets us identify potential problems and tell the homeowner about them. If a component tests outside manufacturer specifications, we can discuss replacing it before it causes a breakdown.

Amanda: What advice would you give new homeowners or people new to furnace maintenance?

Jeremiah: Stay on top of your air filters. Depending on the filter, replace it about every three months. Check your thermostat batteries, too, so the thermostat keeps working throughout the year.

Amanda: Thanks for joining us, Jeremiah. Have a great day!

Amanda: We’re from Vredevoogd, and today we’re answering questions about heat pumps. Jeremiah, what is a heat pump, and how does it compare with traditional heating and cooling systems?

Jeremiah: Like a standard air conditioner, a heat pump cools your home during warmer months. It can also provide heat during milder cold weather.

Amanda: How energy efficient are heat pumps compared with traditional heating?

Jeremiah: Depending on the furnace you have, a heat pump can be two to four times more energy efficient.

Amanda: Are there government incentives or rebates for installing a heat pump?

Jeremiah: Yes. Heat pumps can qualify for energy rebates and tax credits.

Amanda: Are there environmental benefits compared with conventional HVAC systems?

Jeremiah: A heat pump uses electricity in place of some fossil fuel heating, so it can reduce fossil fuel use in the home.

Amanda: What is a dual-fuel or hybrid system that combines a heat pump with a furnace?

Jeremiah: In our part of the country, a heat pump can heat your home down to a certain outdoor temperature. When it gets colder, the furnace takes over. In the example we’re discussing, that changeover happens below 40 degrees.

Brian: Hey, everybody. Brian here with Vredevoogd Heating and Cooling. Jeremiah is with me again today, and we’re talking about furnaces. What’s the difference between a single-stage and a two-stage furnace?

Jeremiah: A single-stage furnace runs at its full heating output until the thermostat reaches the set temperature and turns it off. A two-stage furnace can run at a lower setting first, then move to a higher setting when more heat is needed. In the example I’m describing, it starts at about half the gas pressure and electricity for five to ten minutes before moving to the higher stage. That can help distribute heat more evenly throughout the home and may reduce gas and electricity use.

Brian: If you have questions about which furnace would be best for your home, call us at 844-HVAC-365 or visit the products section of our website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Brian: Welcome back, everybody. Brian here with Vredevoogd Heating and Cooling, and Jeremiah is with me again. We’re talking about air conditioning. One question we hear often is: What is an air conditioner’s SEER rating?

Jeremiah: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Generally, the higher the number, the more efficiently the air conditioner uses electricity. Think of it like miles per gallon for a car: a higher efficiency rating can mean lower operating costs.

Brian: Is there a minimum or maximum SEER rating?

Jeremiah: The minimum SEER rating is 13, and we have systems rated around 18 or 20 SEER as well.

Brian: If you have questions about your unit’s rating or are considering a more efficient replacement, call us at 844-HVAC-365. You can also explore the air conditioners on the products page of our website. Thanks for watching!