FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions about Heating, Air Conditioners and About Heat Wave NC

Are you really open 24/7?

Answer: Yes! We know that heating and cooling systems don’t have set hours and can break down at any time. We responds to calls any time of the day or night. We never close and are always available to serve you.

Does air conditioning dehumidify?

In a humid climate, such as that of Raleigh NC, many people have problems with humidity inside their homes. Residents often ask us if air conditioners are supposed remove humidity from the air. The answer is “Yes, but only to a certain point.”

Fact: Air conditioning was first invented by Willis H. Carrier as a dehumidification system in 1902.

How does an air conditioner work to remove moisture?

The way an air conditioner works to remove moisture from the air is when the air passes over the evaporator coils, the air condenses and the moisture separates from the air.

This condensate is collected by a pan and drainage system, and transported to the plumbing system or outside of the home. The condensate is evidence that the air conditioner is working to remove the moisture from the air. However, in excessively humid conditions, the air conditioner’s dehumidification function may not be effective enough to keep the home at safe and at comfortable levels of humidity. we’ll check for this upon inspection of your home air conditioning system.

What size AC unit does my home need?

The size of the air conditioning unit is important for ensuring the unit works properly to cool and dehumidify the home. A unit that is too small for the space will not adequately remove the moisture from the air. In addition, a unit that is too small for a large space will consume more energy to cool the structure than a unit that is properly sized.

I was told that my small AC window unit is enough to cool my home, is this correct?

Let’s put this into perspective; grab a garden hose and try to fill the PNC Arena with water. Eventually it will get full, but not before you run up a huge water bill and probably break the hose, nozzle or other working part.

If your AC unit is too small, it basically has to work harder to cool the space. If you have a large area to cool, you’ll be best served by employing a large AC unit to minimize the utility expense and wear on the unit.

Changing filters, is it really that important?

A blocked filter can cause your unit to under-perform. If your home is more humid than usual, even with the air conditioner running, check your filters.

An extremely dirty filter can severely limit the flow of air to your cooling & heating system. Over time, blockage of air flow can cause your AC system and/or furnace to break down. Be sure to check and change your filter at least once every four weeks to avoid costly repairs and to keep your system operating efficiently.

Why is my home so damp?

If your AC system is cooling your home, but not adequately removing the moisture from the air, you may need to implement a dehumidification system to adjust the relative humidity to a more comfortable level. Many Raleigh NC residents supplement their air conditioning with a dehumidifier in the summer time. A whole-house dehumidifier can even conserve energy and help you save money on your air conditioning costs. The dehumidifier boosts the effectiveness of your AC unit and lessens the cooling load on your system. Whole-home dehumidification systems require very little maintenance and put you in total control of your home’s humidity levels.

Smaller, room dehumidifiers are also available. Portable dehumidifiers require maintenance and regular care. For example, you will need to remove the water that is collected by the unit on a regular basis.

HEAT WAVE can answer questions you may have about the humidity levels in your home. Schedule a home inspection with your us to evaluate the size and performance of your existing AC unit. Discuss your options to control the humidity levels in your home with your technician. Each home is unique and your HVAC technician will provide you with the advice that best fits your needs.