Pinnacle Home Environment Solutions

How do I determine the size, or capacity, of my HVAC system?

Schedule a visit with Pinnacle Home Environment

Factors affecting the size of your new system include the climate in your region, humidity levels, the number of windows in your dwelling, total square footage of your home, the direction your home faces, the number of heat-producing appliances in your home, the type of insulation you have and the number of people that live in your residence.



What goes into installing a new system?

It’s all about ductwork

Putting a new system in a home that has not had central air and heat before will require the installation of ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil. Beyond equipment, the most important component installed with a new system, however, is the ductwork.

What happens when I replace my old system?

Start with a detailed inspection from Pinnacle Home ENvironment

To install the most efficient HVAC system in your household, a detailed inspection should first be performed by Pinnacle. The Pinnacle inspection will include the inspection of your home’s ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.


How long will my system last?

Proper maintenance is key

Maintenance and service play a key role in the lifecycle of a heating or air conditioning system. If all recommended maintenance and service actions are taken, an air conditioner can last 12 to 15 years and a gas furnace 20 years.


What can I do to control the humidity levels in my home?

It’s all about variability

Humidity levels can be reduced by using a variable-speed furnace or air handler as part of your HVAC system. Variable speed units run longer, at lower speeds, allowing air to constantly circulate against the cooling coil and remove more moisture. Variable-speed motors also use less electricity than regular motors, reducing your energy costs.



What can I do before calling Pinnacle to service my system?

Do the basics

HVAC systems are complicated networks of machinery that should be serviced by a certified professional. However, if your HVAC system seems to be malfunctioning, you can try a few basic steps, which may correct your problem, prior to calling Pinnacle. If you do not feel comfortable performing any of these tasks, however, do not hesitate to call Pinnacle

- Disconnect and reconnect your indoor and outdoor switches. 

- Make sure your circuit breakers are in the ON position. 

- Make sure your filters are clean. 

- Check the settings on your thermostat. 

- Make sure the system switch is on the appropriate COOL or HEAT setting.


What is AFUE?

AFUE is the abbreviation for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratio. AFUE is used to rate furnace efficiencies by dividing the ratio of heat output by heat input. This measurement describes how well fuel, gas or oil is consumed to produce heat by a furnace. As the AFUE rate increases, the efficiency of your furnace also increases, lowering your fuel costs. Furnaces manufactured in North America are required to have at least an 80% AFUE. Most homeowner opt for the ultimate in efficiency with a 96% Amana AMV furnace.