You Asked?

HVAC Frequently Asked Questions

We thought back over the years and spoke with a number of our great customers, like you.  Here are the most common questions you’ve asked us with our best effort to answer them for you.  If you need more information or our answer isn’t clear, give us a call at 615.790.1362 and we’ll be happy to answer you personally.

1. What is HVAC?

HVAC is the acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is the technology that keeps you comfortable in your home. The keyword being comfortable, going much further than just making sure you are warm or cool enough, but also making sure the quality and humidity of the air are where it needs to be to make sure your family stays comfortable. Your HVAC system is also in most cases the most energy-demanding part of your home, so it is very important to keep your system running at peak efficiency.

2. How do I know when it is time to replace my existing HVAC system?

If you find yourself with a system that is becoming increasingly less efficient (energy bill spikes during peak seasons), costing you too much in repairs, or if your system is failing to keep you comfortable, it might be a good time to replace the old system. A technician from C&M will work with you to decide what is the best option for your situation.

It can be a very tough decision to decided whether or not it is time to replace your existing HVAC system. C&M has been working to keep the people of Middle Tennessee comfortable for the last 40+ years, and we know that replacing your entire system might not always be an option. The first thing that C&M does when diagnosing a problem, is finding the actual source of the problem. We will not come to a service call only to try to sell you a new system or equipment. We always do what we can to make sure that there are no other issues that could be resolved first before taking the bigger step of replacing the entire system or equipment. There are many variables that could be causing the problems with your system that could be related to the equipment, ductwork, or even environmental issue. Some of our Service technicians have been around almost as long as the industry has, and if there is a way to fix your existing system and keep you comfortable, we will find it.

3. What does “SEER” mean in relation to my unit?

SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and was created as a way to measure the efficiency of a specific piece of equipment over the entire season.  Since the efficiency of your unit should be one of the biggest factors to consider, this rating is used when deciding what is the proper size for your home. This rating is mandated by the government and can range from the numbers 14-20+, with the efficiency going up with the numbers, 14 being the least efficient and 20+ being the most.

4. What size HVAC unit do I need? How do I know what size air conditioner to buy?

To determine the correct size for your home or business, it is best to get an “Energy Audit” from a qualified technician to evaluate the size of the home or business to makes sure you get the correct equipment and properly sized ductwork.

If you are concerned that your system could possibly be sized wrongly, the first thing to do is to make sure there are no factors that could be causing the issue. There could be other issues with your system that might be causing the system to struggle or run improperly. An improperly sized system that is too big can cause issues just as much as one that is too small. With an “Energy Audit” from one of our qualified employees we can evaluate your home to make sure your equipment and ductwork are properly sized and installed correctly.

5. Do I need to replace the duct lines when I replace my HVAC unit?

Replacing your duct lines would depend on the condition and sizing of the existing ductwork. All duct lines would need to be inspected by a technician to ensure proper sizing for the new equipment, and that everything is in proper working order and sealed with no air leaks.

6. What is the life expectancy of a new HVAC system?

We have seen some early systems last as long as 30+ years, but today HVAC units last 12-18 years. This is something that will have many different variables such as proper HVAC unit installation, maintenance, and service.

7. What Affects the Life Span of my HVAC Unit?

The climate and the location of the heating and cooling unit is a factor in the life of your system. Make sure your unit is clear of debris and grass. Foliage should be no closer than two feet from the unit. A professional installation, along with proper air conditioning and heating repair is also key to getting the most longevity out of your system. Your heat and air equipment are also dependent upon the HVAC maintenance and service of your system.

8. Is there anything I can do to help prolong the life of my HVAC system?

YES! The very first thing you can do to make sure your HVAC system lives a long and trouble-free life is to begin with a professional-quality installation. Many problems can be avoided by making sure things are done correctly the first time. The life of your HVAC system GREATLY depends on how well it is cared for and how your HVAC is maintained. We recommend changing the filter in your return at least once a month and having each system cleaned twice a year by a Nashville HVAC company, with a certified technician. With a certified technician looking over your system and checking to make sure all components of the system are working at 100% efficiency to keep operating costs down and preventing any possible problems.

9. What type of air conditioning and heating equipment do we sell?

At C&M we offer all the major manufacturers such as Rheem, Ruud, Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Daiken, Goodman, Mitsubishi, and many others.  However if there is something specific you are looking for, give us a call and we would be glad to get it for you. We are a Rheem Pro Partner in Nashville, TN and the “Top Rheem Contractor” in the area. We feel that Rheem not only has one of the best warranties offered, but their customer support and part availability are the best we have worked with in over 40+ years.

10. What did we consider when choosing Rheem as our primary manufacturer?

It does not matter if you purchase a Rheem, Trane, Carrier, Lennox, or any other major manufacturer’s equipment, chances are that at some point you are going to need the equipment checked or repaired. Competition being at an all-time high in the market has caused most manufacturers to produce many different models that are very similar to one from another brand. No matter how well the system is installed and maintained, there are going to be some things that are out of everyone’s control. This is why the main thing we considered when looking at a manufacturer was how well they stand behind their product. Rheem consistently stands behind their products. This is why we became Rheem Pro Partners in Nashville, TN.  If we do not have the part to fix your system in stock, in most cases we can get the part the same day.

11. How do I make an appointment for Air Conditioning and Heating Repair?

Click here!

12. Where Do I Get Information on HVAC Energy Expenses, Safety, & Value?

Simple and inexpensive actions can help you save energy and money during the warm spring and summer months. Check out this article we constructed for you: Click here!

13. Where do you drain water from AC?

Most AC drain lines are located outside, near the condenser unit. Yard drainage solutions for AC condensation can create a problem for someone else. It might be easier to have a Drainage Contractor analyze the situation and design a solution that keeps everybody in the neighborhood happy.