FAQ

If you have a forced-air comfort system in your Snoqualmie, WA, home, then you have seen vent covers, registers, and grills throughout your home. Understanding the differences between these can help you select the best option to fine-tune your comfort, prevent damage to your equipment, and improve communication with our HVAC experts at All Weather.

Vent is a general term used to describe the supply and return sources of air for your comfort system. Most of the vents in your home will have air vent covers, which include registers and grills.

Registers cover the vents that release warm or cold air into your home, and they have a damper that allows you to adjust the airflow. Grills cover the vents through which air returns to your comfort system, but unlike registers, grills do not have a damper.

In other words, grills are fixed air vent covers that provide a consistent flow of the return air.

Floor Registers

A standard metal floor register is two directional, with non-adjustable sets of air vanes to comprise the top portion of these registers. Underneath is a piece damper that decreases the amount of air going through the vent, which helps you balance the airflow for an individual space.

This design, when the damper is completely open, allows for maximum air to flow through the openings with the least amount of resistance. The measurement of space between each of the blades is maximized due to the stamped, cold-rolled steel that the registers are manufactured from.

There are two different styles of register closing dampers. Either style is acceptable because when fully open, there is no restriction causing a reduction in airflow.

Ceiling Mounted Registers

If you use your system for heating more than cooling, then installing this standard metal register on the ceiling is not recommended. When the heating system is activated, hot air comes out of the register.

Due to thermal dynamics, the heated air will stay at ceiling level and will not drop to the level of the room that you occupy. You will not likely be comfortable in that room, especially if it has vaulted ceilings.

In addition, if your home has another level above the room, the heated air will most likely rise to the second level. This will make the upper floor several degrees warmer than the lower floor of your home.

Meanwhile, your thermostat on the lower level won’t call for heat because heated air does not naturally drop down to the mid-level of the floor, at the elevation of the thermostat sensor.

Ceiling Registers and Floor Registers in Rooms With Vaulted Ceilings

A nondirectional register is best installed in a ceiling application when you use your comfort system for heating more than cooling. This style of register forces heated air from the ceiling level down to the floor level, so long as the ductwork is sized correctly and there is enough air velocity passing through the ductwork to push the conditioned air down to the floor.

When the conditioned air flows from the ceiling to the floor, it will cause a venturi effect in the room by blending the conditioned and unconditioned air. This tribulation of air will improve comfort in less time.

If you have vaulted ceilings on the lower level of your home and you have air conditioning, it is a good idea to mix a few of these registers on the floor. If the ductwork is sized correctly and enough velocity of air comes out of the ductwork, then cold air from the air conditioning system will be pushed up to the ceiling level, and then the cold air will fall.

In the process of falling, the cold air will commingle with the warmer air in the room. This will help push the warmer air in the direction of the return air grill.

Decorative Registers

Consider the way a decorative register can block airflow. You do not want to block more than 30 percent of the opening. Before you make your final decision, you should turn the register over and look at the underside.

Make sure that the underside does not have a damper that blocks the airflow by 30 percent or more when it is in the fully open position.

For example, a flush-mounted, wooden register, is not recommended for most existing, non-new construction homes. These registers cause more comfort issues and equipment damage than operator error. When the damper underneath is fully open, the material blocks nearly 50 percent of the air low before the air gets to the decorative grill on the opposing side.

Standard, non-modulating heating and cooling equipment will be negatively affected because a reduction in airflow results in the reduction of heat transfer that takes place in comfort equipment. This reduction in heat transfer will cause excessive fatigue on blower motors, blower wheels, inducer fan motors, compressors, and heat exchangers.

On a gas-fired heating system, we can lower the gas pressure to prevent the system from overheating. However, this adjustment will reduce the overall heating capacity. Unfortunately, there are no adjustments available to de-rate the air conditioning capacity.

Solutions include adding more duct runs and registers to increase airflow through the comfort equipment. Replacing your comfort equipment with two-stage, variable-speed technology will improve the air delivery situation in most cases. Finally, if you have to replace a heat pump or an air conditioning system, you may want to consider partially-modulating or fully-modulating equipment.

• Provide maximum efficiency, which lowers energy costs
• Prolong the life span of the equipment
• Drastically reduce the chance of a breakdown, which usually happens at night or on weekends when repair rates are higher.

• Do I want a standard basic system that will just satisfy my thermostat?
• How old is my house?
• Am I worried about equipment efficiencies?
• Is repairing my system an option?
• Are there rebates available to offset my cost?

It is very important to know a system that is too large will cool or heat your house quickly, but you may not feel comfortable. That's because it will satisfy the thermostat before it can adequately remove sufficient moisture from the air during the cooling mode. This can leave you feeling sticky and humid, causing your system to short cycle and increasing your heating and cooling bills.

On the other hand, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done. This creates a reverse effect by not allowing your thermostat to cycle or reach comfortable levels, especially in extreme weather conditions. The air conditioner will run constantly in the summer, and the furnace will do the same in winter.

At All Weather, we use a Manual J computer-aided heat load calculation to properly determine the correct system size needed for your Snoqualmie, WA, area home. This heat loss/heat gain analysis is the best indicator of the correct system size and provides the optimum results for efficiency and comfort.

Gather all the necessary tools and materials:

• Pliers or adjustable wrench
• Bucket
• New temporary 3-foot vinal tube 3/8 ID

Locate the HVAC condensate pump: This pump is typically found near the air conditioning unit or the furnace.

1. Turn off the power supply to the pump.
   Locate the power switch or circuit breaker that controls the condensate pump, or simply unplug it and turn it off to ensure your safety.
2. Identify the 3/8" ID vinyl tube, also known as ½ OD.
   Inspect the condensate pump and locate the vinyl tube that needs to be removed. It is usually connected to the pump's outlet. If it is an option, place the vinal tube in one of the openings on your pump to siphon the water out. Siphoning is very temporary until the reservoir fills back up, and you have to siphon again.
3. Disconnect the vinyl tube.
   Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove any clamps or fittings securing the vinyl tube to the pump. Once disconnected, allow any excess water to drain from the tube. If possible, have a bucket close by to drain into.
   
4. Insert the temporary tube into a bucket.
   Place the other end of the temporary tube into a bucket or container that can hold the condensate water. Make sure the tube is securely inserted and positioned to prevent any leaks.
5. Test the system.
   With the temporary tube installed, you can now turn on the power supply or plug the pump back into the wall to the condensate pump and test its functionality. Monitor the flow of condensate water into the bucket to ensure it is working properly.
6. Monitor and maintain.
   Keep an eye on the temporary setup to ensure it functions properly. Empty the bucket regularly to prevent overflow or spillage.

Please note that this protocol is a general guideline and may vary based on your HVAC condensate pump's specific make and model.

Your high-efficiency furnace should have a heated drain line to prevent it from freezing.

How to prepare your home for the super cold snaps well below freezing.

To prepare your home for super cold freezing situations, you can take several steps to protect your plumbing and heating systems. Here are some measures you can consider:

1. Block crawl space vents: Prevent cold air from entering the crawl space by blocking the vents. This can help prevent freezing pipes.
2. Adding a space heater to the crawl space outdoor closet may be required.
3. Protect heating system drain line: Insulate the heating system drain line to prevent it from freezing. You can also consider adding a heated drain line to ensure it remains functional in extremely cold temperatures.
4. Maintain garage temperature: If your heating system is in the garage, keep the temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezing.
5. Insulate drainpipes: Insulating your drainpipes can help prevent them from freezing and causing potential damage.
6. Thaw exterior drainpipes: If you notice exterior drainpipes freezing, you can pour hot water on them to help defrost the ice and prevent blockages.
7. Ensure freeze protection: Consider having a backup plan in place to protect your home in case the furnace fails during extremely cold weather. This may involve having alternative heating sources or emergency measures to keep your home warm.

By taking these precautions, you can help safeguard your home against the potential hazards of super cold freezing conditions.

When ductwork is oversized, the airflow within the system can be negatively affected in several ways:

1. Reduced air velocity: Oversized ductwork increases the cross-sectional area of the ducts, which can lead to a decrease in air velocity. This reduction in velocity can result in insufficient air movement through the system, leading to poor distribution of heated or cooled air throughout space.
2. Pressure drops: The increased size of the ductwork can also decrease air pressure within the system. This pressure drop can cause air to move more slowly through the ducts, reducing the overall efficiency of the HVAC system.
3. Air stagnation: Oversized ductwork can create pockets of stagnant air within the system, where air is not effectively circulated or exchanged. This can lead to temperature differentials within the space and contribute to uneven heating or cooling.
4. Increased turbulence: The larger size of the ductwork can cause air to flow in a more turbulent manner, with eddies and swirls forming within the ducts. This turbulence can disrupt the smooth flow of air and lead to inefficiencies in the system.
5. Poor temperature control: Oversized ductwork can lead to uneven distribution of air throughout the conditioned space, resulting in poor temperature control. Some areas may be too hot while others are too cold, leading to discomfort for occupants.
6. Reduced efficiency: An oversized ductwork system can cause the furnace to cycle on and off more frequently, reducing its efficiency and increasing wear and tear. This can result in higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the furnace.
7. Short cycling: Oversized ductwork can cause the HVAC system to short cycle, where the system turns on and off more frequently than necessary. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the system, reduced lifespan of components, and higher energy bills.
8. Increased wear and tear: The decreased airflow and increased strain on the system caused by oversized ductwork can result in increased wear and tear on the heating and air conditioning equipment. This can lead to more frequent breakdowns, repairs, and a shorter lifespan for the equipment.

In summary, oversized ductwork in HVAC systems can lead to reduced air velocity, pressure drops, air stagnation, increased turbulence, poor temperature control, increased humidity, reduced efficiency, short cycling, and increased wear and tear.

This can result in inefficient heating and cooling, discomfort for occupants, higher energy bills, and a shorter lifespan for the equipment.

Understanding the difference between an oversized and an undersized heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial.

An oversized system may cool or heat your Snoqualmie, WA, home quickly, but it could struggle to provide the optimal comfort you desire. This is because the thermostat might reach the desired temperature before the system adequately removes enough moisture from the air during cooling, leaving you feeling sticky and uncomfortable.

This can leave you feeling sticky and humid, causing your system to short cycle and increasing your heating and cooling cost of operation while also putting more strain on the system.

Conversely, a system that is too small can be a source of frustration, as it may not be able to maintain comfortable temperatures in extreme weather conditions such as a scorching summer or a freezing winter.

This can lead to your air conditioner running constantly in the summer and the furnace doing the same in winter, increasing your energy bills and causing discomfort.

The air conditioner will run constantly in the summer, and the furnace will do the same in winter.

At All Weather, we use a Manual J computer-aided heat load calculation to properly determine the necessary system size for your Snoqualmie, WA, area home.

Rest assured, our Manual J computer-aided heat load calculation is the best indicator of the correct system size. It provides the optimum results for efficiency and comfort, ensuring that you get the most out of your HVAC system.

Call Today for a Free HVAC Quote

Improve the comfort in your Snoqualmie, WA, home. Call All Weather when you are ready to replace your HVAC system. We promise to install a system that fits like a glove. Call us at 425-463-9814 or request service online today.

In January 2006, new laws were implemented nationwide, mandating high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems to meet specific ENERGY STAR® ratings. These new guidelines significantly boosted energy savings, potentially by up to 50 percent, depending on the age of your present system.

In addition to the energy savings an updated system would bring you. There could be incentives from your PSE or Tanner Electric PUD.

Additionally, federal incentives could be available to further reduce the initial cost of installation.

Once your new high-efficiency comfort system is installed, you’ll start reaping the benefits of significant savings. Over the next 12 to 20 years, you could potentially save an amount equal to or greater than the initial investment.

By choosing a top-of-the-line comfort system now, you’re not just investing in your home’s comfort, but also in long-term financial savings.

Don’t Miss Out on the HVAC Savings

Start lowering your energy costs while improving the comfort in your Snoqualmie, WA, home. Call All Weather today for a free HVAC quote. Contact us at 425-463-9814 or request service online.

How can you tell if your Snoqualmie, WA air conditioner or furnace runs inefficiently? A good indication is if your energy bills are increasing and your utility company’s rates remain steady.

Another sign is when it takes longer for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to cool down your Washington home to your preferred comfort level.

Your HVAC system is running longer than necessary and using more energy than it should in this case—leading to increased energy costs while reducing comfort in your home.

If you notice any of these signs with your air conditioner or suspect another reason for needing maintenance or a replacement, don’t hesitate to talk to one of our highly skilled All Weather team members.

We have the knowledge and experience to maintain, repair, or design a heating and cooling system best matched for your comfort needs and budget. Our experts are always here to help you.

Call Today for a Free HVAC Quote and Financing Options!

Worried about the cost of replacing your Snoqualmie, WA, home? We understand. That’s why All Weather offers several financing options (subject to approved credit) to help you purchase the services and products best suited for your family.

Contact us to discuss at 425-463-9814 or request service online for a free consultation on how our team can help you find the best HVAC products and financing solutions for your needs.

There are several different factors that will shorten the life expectancy of your Snoqualmie, WA, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The primary reason a comfort system will fail is due to insufficient airflow across the furnace heat exchanger or the air conditioning/heat pump indoor evaporator coil.

Not performing preventative maintenance is the next major reason for shortening the life expectancy of your comfort system.

What would cause a reduction of airflow across the heat exchanger or indoor evaporator coil?

Buy the Right HVAC Filter

Air filters are a common culprit for a reduction in airflow. If you do not replace it regularly.

Your air filter will plug up with dirt.

The greater the volume of dirt in the air filter, the greater the restriction in airflow. A filter with the wrong MERV rating can also cause a reduction in airflow. Your brand-new filter will immediately reduce the airflow the moment you place the filter into the system.

A MERV-rated air filter incompatible with your system will collect dirt and dust faster than expected, further restricting the airflow. The higher the MERV rating the air filter is, the more frequently the filter will need to be replaced.

A restriction in airflow reduces the air volume over the heat exchanger or indoor coil. Once the airflow has been reduced, heat exchangers overheat, and proper heat transfer will not happen on an indoor evaporator coil.

When the airflow is reduced, fatigue will set in fast, and damage will follow.

Clear Debris and Furniture Around Your Registers

Another way you, the homeowner, could reduce the airflow in your comfort system is by closing too many floor or ceiling registers.

Just because the register has a damper to close, it does not mean your comfort system size is designed to allow you to close it. Nor should you clutter furniture around your Snoqualmie, WA, home’s registers

If you replace your floor or ceiling registers without professional assistance, you may have purchased registers that are restricted unknowingly.

Don’t Risk Poor HVAC Maintenance

What happens if your comfort system is not continuously maintained? Dirt and dust could begin to plug up and fill the gaps on an evaporator coil or a secondary heat exchanger.

Ultimately, this will reduce airflow.

Protect Your Washington HVAC System

The return air grille becomes covered in dirt, closing the airflow. You, the homeowner, may have modified the registers or covered them with furniture, clothing, or household items. These situations could reduce airflow. Condensate lines can plug up with excessive dirt and slime, blocking the water’s ability to drain out.

If you, the Washington homeowner, modify the airflow causing overheating during maintenance, our All Weather technicians will detect something has changed. A trained technician will inspect the registers, grilles, and coils to determine what has changed. The technician will be able to adjust the gas pressure to compensate for the reduction in airflow.

Call Today for an HVAC Inspection

Schedule your HVAC inspection and tune-up with All Weather. Our Snoqualmie, WA, licensed HVAC technicians will restore your system and quickly troubleshoot any problems before they become costly repairs! Call us at 425-463-9814 or request service online for a free quote.

Whether you need to replace, maintain, or repair your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, choosing the right contractor is essential.

The following tips from All Weather Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration will help you select a trusted HVAC contractor to ensure year-round comfort, air quality, safety, and energy efficiency in your Snoqualmie, WA, home.

Verify Licensing and Credentials

Washington state law requires HVAC contractors to have two licenses: a specialty HVAC contractor license and a specialty electrical contractor license. These licenses demonstrate that the contractor has the training and expertise to safely work with heating and cooling systems as well as electrical components.

In addition to these specialty licenses, the contractor must have a jurisdictional city business license, liability insurance, and two different bonds.

You can verify a contractor’s credentials and check for any disputes or violations on record by visiting the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries site and then clicking Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson, or Business.

Do Your Research

Before hiring an HVAC contractor, thoroughly research local companies. Read testimonials and reviews on platforms such as Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Chamber of Commerce, and social media. A reputable company will offer transparency in its operations and possess a track record of delivering exceptional customer service in its community.

Request an In-Home Estimate

A quality HVAC contractor will not provide an estimate without conducting an in-home consultation. This step is indispensable as one size does not fit all when it comes to HVAC systems.

An experienced home comfort adviser from All Weather Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration will assess variables, including your home’s layout and the efficacy of your existing system. Our Snoqualmie, WA, HVAC technicians will also inquire about your comfort level on each floor of your home, as advanced HVAC equipment can often address issues stemming from poor ductwork design.

This personalized assessment ensures an accurate cost estimate for an HVAC system that is perfectly tailored to your needs, promoting energy efficiency, addressing ductwork and air quality concerns, and maximizing comfort.

Ensure Permit Processes

Replacing or installing HVAC equipment in Washington typically requires up to three different permits. Before starting any work, a reputable contractor should obtain the necessary permits, as they are designed to protect your safety and your property.

If a contractor tries to discourage you from acquiring the necessary permits, it may signal dishonesty or indicate that they are not legally qualified to perform the work. In addition, by completing the permitting and inspection process, you can avoid unnecessary issues due to installation that do not follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or meet code requirements.

Ask About Maintenance Plans

Whether you have a newer or older HVAC system, ongoing maintenance is imperative for its safety, energy efficiency, reliable operation, and longevity. Regular servicing from factory-trained professionals will help prevent costly repairs and ensure that your system operates at peak performance.

Selecting the right HVAC contractor involves careful consideration of their licensing, permit processes, reputation, and commitment to comprehensive service. By doing your homework, you can ensure a comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient environment in your home.

Call King County’s Top HVAC Contractor

At All Weather Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, we provide no-pressure sales and personalized customer service with a strong foundation in technical expertise, ethical business practices, and community involvement. Our company is dedicated to providing exceptional service while giving back and fostering meaningful connections with the community we serve.

Our coverage area includes Snoqualmie, WA, and all the surrounding areas. Be sure to call us at 425-463-9814 or request service online for a free consultation about your next home project!