FAQ

FAQs

Gober Heat & Air

These are just a few of the questions air conditioning and heating specialists answer every day. When you have questions about your heating and cooling system, it pays to get help from experienced professionals.


Gober Heat & Air is a family-owned HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance service helping customers in the greater OKC area. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Gober Heat & Air services all makes and models of HVAC equipment. For answers to your heating and cooling problems, contact Gober Heat & Air today at

405-630-0601.


Air conditioners are often perceived as magical by most people who have no idea how HVAC systems manage to make their homes and offices comfortable. However, what they do know is that they are incredibly grateful for them. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 75% of homes in the country have air conditioning units, which account for about 6% of America's energy production. As a result, U.S. homeowners spend an estimated $29 billion annually on energy costs to regulate the temperature in their homes.


Air conditioners function by employing the principles of refrigeration. They remove the hot air from the room and release it outside, while the cold air produced during the process is circulated by a fan through ducts in the house. These heating and cooling units are built to last, running for multiple hours every day and having a lifespan of 10-12 years, despite being exposed to the elements outside.


When air conditioners break down, homeowners sometimes become curious about how these devices, which they frequently take for granted, work. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about heating and cooling units:


  • What are some general home maintenance tips?

    Here are some general HVAC home maintenance tips from Gober Heat & Air.


    1. Change or clean your air filters regularly. This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your HVAC system healthy. Air filters trap dust, dirt, and other allergens, and when they become clogged, your system has to work harder to circulate air. This can lead to increased energy bills and reduced system performance. 


    2. Change your air filter every 1-3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies.

    Keep your vents and registers clean. Dust and dirt can build up on vents and registers, blocking airflow and reducing the efficiency of your HVAC system. Use a vacuum cleaner and a brush to clean your vents and registers regularly.


    3. Clean debris and dust from your outdoor units. The outdoor unit of your HVAC system is more likely to catch debris and dust that could hamper its performance. Use a garden hose to spray down the outdoor unit and remove any debris. Be careful not to damage the unit with the hose.


    4. Have your HVAC system inspected and tuned up by a professional once a year. This will help to identify and fix any potential problems before they cause a breakdown. The technician will also clean and lubricate the system, which will help to extend its lifespan.

  • How are your appointments set up?

    We provide a 4-hour window when our tech will arrive at your house.

  • Do you offer emergency services?

    We are happy to help you out when you need it most. Call today for 24/7 emergency services.

  • How often do I need to change my air filters?

    For most individuals, having their filter changed once a month is a suitable guideline to follow. However, this may vary depending on your location and the amount of dirt, pet dander, and other pollutants present. It is recommended that you regularly examine your filter to determine whether it has accumulated dirt or debris. If this is the case, it is crucial to replace it as soon as possible.

  • What size unit do I need?

    There is no one-size-fits-all solution to determining the appropriate heating and cooling unit for your home. Several factors, such as the type of house you own, the quality of its walls and insulation, and the amount of attic space available, must be taken into account. Installing an oversized system may lead to excessive humidity levels, resulting in moisture problems and mold growth. Conversely, an undersized unit may run continuously, leading to a spike in your energy bill. To avoid such issues, it's best to entrust the task of selecting an appropriate heating and cooling unit to a qualified technician with experience in the field.

  • If I replace my outdoor unit, do I need to also replace my indoor unit?

    In most scenarios, it is advisable to replace both the indoor and outdoor units at the same time. There are several factors to consider when making this decision. Firstly, air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are specifically designed to work with a compatible indoor unit. Using mismatched units may result in reduced efficiency and performance.


    Moreover, if you purchased your indoor and outdoor units simultaneously, it is likely that the indoor unit is nearing the end of its useful life at around the same time as the outdoor unit. If you only replace the outdoor unit, you will be postponing the inevitable and may end up paying higher energy bills.


    By purchasing both indoor and outdoor units together, you will receive a warranty that covers the entire system. This means that during the warranty period, you won't have to bear the full cost of any necessary repairs to your unit. It is, therefore, a wise investment to replace both units simultaneously to ensure maximum efficiency, prolong their useful life, and save on energy costs.

  • Why should I replace my R-22 outdoor unit with an R410A?

    The use of R-22 refrigerant and equipment is being phased out due to the Montreal Protocol regulations aimed at reducing the impact on the ozone layer. As a result, finding replacement parts and refrigerants for old R-22 units will become increasingly difficult and costly over time. Therefore, replacing your unit now can help you avoid future headaches.

  • What causes AC units to freeze up?

    If your air conditioning system freezes up, it is crucial to seek help from a professional technician. There are various reasons why your unit may freeze up, and only a trained technician has the expertise and necessary tools to resolve the issue.


    Interestingly, low refrigerant levels can cause your system to freeze up. As your system ages, wear and tear can result in leaks, causing it to lose refrigerant. When your unit loses refrigerant, low pressure inside the system can lead to freezing.


    Low freon levels cause refrigerant to expand to the same amount as before. As the expansion happens, the system produces colder temperatures. The colder temperature can cause the moisture in the air around the evaporator coil to freeze, leading to the coil's icing and hindering its function.


    Dirty evaporator coils can decrease airflow, leading to a freeze-up of the system eventually. Additionally, defective blower motors can also cause freezing. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional assistance to diagnose and fix the problem.

  • How often should I have my unit serviced?

    It is crucial to ensure that your heating and cooling units are functioning correctly. To achieve this, HVAC professionals recommend scheduling an annual inspection and service call with your heating and cooling company. During this check-up, technicians will thoroughly examine your system, as well as lubricate components and repair or replace any parts that are not functioning correctly. This regular maintenance will help to ensure that your heating and cooling units continue to work efficiently and effectively.

  • Why are my ducts making a popping sound when the furnace starts or stops?

    When you hear popping noises coming from your air conditioning system, it may be a sign that your ducts are too small to handle the amount of airflow being produced. To get to the root of the problem, it's best to consult with a qualified air conditioner repair specialist who can assess your ductwork and make any necessary adjustments to improve your system's performance. By taking proactive measures to address this issue, you can ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning properly and efficiently.

  • What is a zoning system?

    A zoning system is a mechanism that partitions your air conditioning system's ductwork into distinct zones, enabling you to regulate the temperature in each zone. This results in more precise and effective air conditioning.


    Consider a room with numerous windows that becomes excessively hot during the summer and requires more cooling, as well as a guest room located at the opposite end of the house that is seldom used. With a zoned air conditioning system, you can channel more cold air into the room with numerous windows while decreasing the amount of air flowing into the unoccupied guest room. This results in a more efficient use of your AC system and a more comfortable home.

  • What can I do about indoor air quality?

    It's no secret that indoor air quality is a pressing issue. Research has indicated that the air inside our homes can be up to five times as polluted as the air outside. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to enhance your home's air quality. Regular dusting and vacuuming are a good start. Still, you can also enlist the services of a qualified technician to install devices like UV light units, specialized air filters, and electronic air cleaners to improve indoor air quality further. It's important to note that poor indoor air quality has been linked to a wide range of illnesses, so investing in your home's air quality is a smart choice for your health and well being.

  • How do I find out if my unit is under warranty?

    To determine the date of manufacture of your equipment, take a look at the label on its outer surface. If the equipment is less than five years old, there is a high probability that it is covered by a warranty. To learn more about the warranty, contact the manufacturer for additional information.

  • What’s the best way to extend the life of my unit?

    Investing in heating and cooling units can be a significant expense, which is why it's natural to want them to last as long as possible. To extend their lifespan, reducing usage is always recommended. For instance, you can adjust the thermostat up or down as needed to reduce usage when you're not at home. Changing air filters regularly is also a crucial step to avoid clogs. Lastly, scheduling regular check-ups can help you detect and address any potential issues before they turn into major problems. These simple steps can go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your heating and cooling units.

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