Vivid Comfort Academy
The Complete 50-Question Technical Resource for North Texas Homeowners.
Zone 1: Understanding Your System
What does HVAC stand for?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It represents the entire mechanical infrastructure used to move air between indoor and outdoor areas, along with heating and cooling it to maintain a stable environment.
How does an HVAC system work?
It utilizes the laws of thermodynamics. An AC doesn't "make cold"; it uses refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your home and dumps it outside. A furnace or heat pump reverses this logic to provide warmth.
[Image of the refrigeration cycle in an air conditioning system]Is HVAC gas or electric?
It can be both. A typical DFW setup uses a gas furnace for heat and an electric condenser for cooling. However, all-electric Heat Pumps are becoming the 2025 standard due to high efficiency.
What is the difference between HVAC and AC?
AC (Air Conditioning) is just one part of the HVAC whole. HVAC refers to the entire system, including your furnace, ductwork, and ventilation fans.
What is a heat pump and how does it work?
A heat pump is an AC that can run in reverse. It extracts heat from the outside air (even in winter) and moves it inside. They are incredibly efficient compared to electric heat strips.
What is "Emergency Heat" on HVAC?
This is a secondary electric heat source (heat strips) used only when a heat pump cannot keep up with extreme freezes. It is very expensive to run—only use it if your primary heat fails.
Zone 2: Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Why is my HVAC not cooling?
Common culprits include a tripped outdoor breaker, a clogged air filter, or a failed capacitor. If you hear a humming sound but the fan isn't spinning, call a Vivid pro.
Why is my HVAC blowing hot air?
In AC mode, this usually means your indoor blower is working but your outdoor unit has lost power or has a failed compressor/fan motor.
Why is my HVAC freezing up?
Ice on your lines means either restricted airflow (dirty filter) or low refrigerant. Running a frozen system can destroy your compressor—turn it off immediately.
Why is my HVAC leaking water?
The condensate drain line is likely clogged with algae or debris. Water then backs up into the overflow pan. We install "float switches" to prevent ceiling damage.
Why is my HVAC making a loud noise?
Banging means a loose part; Hissing means a refrigerant leak; Buzzing means an electrical contactor is failing. None of these should be ignored.
Why does my HVAC smell bad?
"Dirty Sock" smell is mold on the coils. A "burning" smell could be dust on heat strips or a failing motor. "Rotten eggs" means a gas leak—leave the home now.
Why does my HVAC keep turning on and off?
This is "Short Cycling." It’s often caused by an oversized unit, a faulty thermostat, or a system overheating due to a clogged filter.
How do I reset my HVAC system?
Turn the thermostat to OFF. Go to your breaker panel and flip the HVAC breakers to OFF for 60 seconds, then back to ON. Wait 5 minutes for the system to cycle.
How do I know if my HVAC is broken?
If you have no airflow, inconsistent temperatures, strange smells, or a 30%+ spike in your electric bill, your system requires professional diagnostics.
Why won’t my thermostat work?
Check the batteries first. If it has power but won't talk to the AC, you may have a blown low-voltage fuse or a "C-wire" issue.
Why is one room hotter than others?
This is usually due to poor duct design or "static pressure" issues. We solve this with duct balancing or by adding a dedicated ductless zone.
Why does my HVAC turn on but not blow air?
Your indoor blower motor or its capacitor has likely failed. The system is "running" outside, but the air has no way to reach your rooms.
Why does my HVAC trip the breaker?
The system is drawing too much amperage—usually due to a grounded compressor, a shorted motor, or a weak breaker. Do not keep flipping it back on.
Zone 3: Maintenance & Performance
How often should HVAC be serviced?
Twice per year. Once in the Spring (Cooling) and once in the Fall (Heating) to prevent seasonal breakdowns.
How long does an HVAC system last?
In the harsh North Texas climate, 12-15 years is the average. Systems that aren't maintained rarely make it past year 10.
How often should I change my HVAC filter?
Every 30-90 days. If you have pets or high-traffic in Aledo, stick to the 30-day rule to protect your coils.
What type of air filter is best?
Standard pleated MERV 8 filters are great for most homes. Avoid ultra-thick "HEPA" filters unless your ductwork was specifically designed for them.
Can I run my HVAC without a filter?
No. Never. This allows dust to coat your evaporator coil, which will eventually "choke" the system and require a $1,000+ deep-clean.
What does an HVAC tune-up include?
A Vivid tune-up is a 21-point audit: we check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test capacitors, inspect heat exchangers, and calibrate the thermostat.
What maintenance can homeowners do?
Change filters, keep the outdoor unit clear of weeds/debris, and listen for strange noises. Leave the electrical and refrigerant work to us.
Can HVAC affect indoor air quality?
Yes. Your system is the "lungs" of your home. We install UV lights and Reme Halo systems to kill bacteria and viruses in the air stream.
How often should HVAC ducts be cleaned?
Metal duct under a home should be cleaned every 7 to 10 years. Duct work in the attic or wall should be inspected every 5 to 7 years. With good air filtration attic ducting should not need clean. Per the EPA "Routine cleaning is not recommended" https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned. Both EPA and health experts agree — the only times cleaning makes sense are when you see mold, pests, or heavy debris.
Can HVAC systems run continuously?
On 100-degree days, yes. Inverter-driven systems are actually designed to run at low speeds all day to maintain a perfectly stable climate.
Zone 4: Costs, ROI & Replacement
How much does HVAC repair cost?
Simple electrical repairs range from $150-$500. Major components like compressors or coils can be $2,000-$4,000. We always provide flat-rate pricing upfront.
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
Every home is unique. For a precision quote based on your ductwork and square footage, visit our Free Estimate Page.
When should I replace my HVAC system?
If the system is over 10 years old and the repair cost exceeds 50% of its value, or if your energy bills have spiked by 30% month-over-month.
What size HVAC system do I need?
We don't guess. We perform a **Manual J Load Calculation** to analyze your windows, insulation, and square footage for a perfect fit.
What is SEER rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Higher numbers mean lower electric bills. 2025 standards require SEER2 ratings of 14.3 or higher.
What is the best HVAC brand?
We install the best for the DFW climate: American Standard, Trane, and Mitsubishi. The "best" brand is whichever one is installed with precision.
Is it better to repair or replace?
If your system uses R-22 (Freon), it’s time to replace. If it’s R-410A and the repair is under $1,000, repair is usually the better financial move.
Is HVAC covered by homeowners insurance?
Typically only for "sudden" damage like fire, theft, or falling trees. Normal wear-and-tear and age-related failure are rarely covered.
What certifications should technicians have?
At minimum, EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling. At Vivid, our techs are factory-trained by Mitsubishi and American Standard.
How long does HVAC installation take?
A standard full-system replacement is usually completed in **one day (6-10 hours)** by our expert crews.
Zone 5: Efficiency & Controls
What temperature should I set my thermostat?
The "perfect" temperature is a personal choice, not a universal rule. High-performance HVAC is a luxury lifestyle investment designed to serve your specific needs. Your ideal setting depends entirely on your comfort profile: The Comfort Enthusiast: If you prioritize a crisp, cool sanctuary and prefer your home between 68°F and 70°F, your system should be engineered to deliver that experience without compromise. The Energy Conscious: If you prefer to balance your luxury with conservation, you may find that 74°F to 76°F provides the ideal climate while managing energy consumption. The Night Sleeper: Deep, restorative sleep often requires a cooler environment, typically between 65°F and 69°F. The Vivid Perspective: Don’t let a generic recommendation dictate how you live. Whether you want an ice-cold master suite or an energy-efficient living space, our job is to engineer a system that supports your lifestyle. Your thermostat should be set to whatever makes you feel most at home.
Why is my HVAC using so much electricity?
Check for dirty coils or a failing capacitor. A system that is "struggling" will run longer and pull more amperage, spiking your bill. Low attic insullation, leaking windoes, drafts will also play a factor
How can I make my HVAC more efficient?
Seal your duct leaks, keep your filters clean, and ensure your attic insulation is at least R-38 (roughly 12-15 inches).
How do smart thermostats help?
They learn your schedule and reduce run-time when you aren't home, saving up to 10% on annual cooling costs.
What is zoning?
Zoning uses dampers in your ducts to direct air only to the rooms that need it, allowing different temperatures in different parts of the house.
What causes poor airflow?
Usually a combination of a dirty filter, crushed flexible ducting, or a blower motor that is losing speed.
How loud should an HVAC system be?
A modern unit should be a low hum. If you can hear it inside through the walls or it sounds like a jet engine, something is wrong.
The Vivid 3-Hour Guarantee
We know an HVAC failure is an emergency. That’s why we promise that if we aren't at your home within 3 hours of your scheduled service window, your diagnostic fee is 100% waived. No questions asked.
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