Frequently

Asked Questions

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PURCHASING QUESTIONS...

• Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
  - This is possibly the most common question we are asked, and there are several factors that can persuade the decision either way. Some of the things to consider are the age of the equipment, the repair history of the system and how long you plan to stay in your current home or business. Call us today and we’ll be glad to have a comfort consultant assist you with your decision.
  
  
• What benefits will I get from a programmable thermostat?
  - It all depends on your lifestyle and comfort level.
  
  
• What should I look for in a home comfort system?
  - It is best to evaluate what makes your home comfortable to determine what heating and air conditioning system is best for your home. Heating and cooling are the foundation for your system but you have a lot of flexibility to maintain comfortable temperature, air cleanliness and humidity levels.  A zone system also allows you better control for the comfort of your home.
  
  
• How important is an EnergyGuide Label?
  - The EnergyGuide label is important when shopping for an energy-efficient product.  The U.S. government requires manufacturer’s to affix the label to a variety of products to provide a way for consumers to compare the energy use of similar appliances. 
  
  
• Will you remove my old equipment and dispose of it?
  - Yes we remove of your old equipment and dispose of it properly.
  
  
• Will my new system have to be ispected by the city or county officials after the installation?
  Yes it will have to be inspected.
  
  
• What Size Heating and Air Conditioning System Do I Need?
  - 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, leaving you feeling sticky and humid. This could even lead to moisture and mold problems. And, the stress of short-cycling (too many starts and stops) will shorten the life of your equipment and increase your heating and cooling bills.
  
  On the other hand, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done, especially in extreme weather conditions. The air conditioner will run constantly in the summer and the furnace will do the same in winter.
  
  But a correctly sized system isn't just based on the size of the structure. Many factors go into determining the size of the system. Including type of house and walls, type and size of windows, insulation, basement and attic conditions, house orientation, and so on. A comfort consultant must visit the house and take detailed measurements.  With these measurements the comfort consultant can perform a performance load calculation in order to assure proper system size.
  
  
• What type of filter should I use in my home?
  - A whole house air cleaner offers more air filtration than standard air filters. We can install an electronic whole house air cleaner to help eliminate airborne pollutants. Non-pleated filters should be changed every 30 days.
  

TERMINOLOGY QUESTIONS...

• What does HVAC stand for?
  - Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning
  
  
• What is SEER, and what does it mean for the consumer?
  - SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is how air conditioners and heat pumps are rated for their efficiency. The minimum standard now is 13 SEER, but some manufacturers have achieved over 19 SEER with several of their flagship products. Remember the higher the SEER the less energy the unit will use, saving you the consumer money!
  
  
• What is IAQ?
  - Indoor Air Quality
  

PRICING QUESTIONS...

• Should I purchase an extended warranty for my new HVAC system?
  - Components can fail on newer equipment, so for peace of mind and overall satisfaction we always recommend this option.
  
  
• How can I save money on a heating or air conditioning system?
  - Look for the most efficient unit that meets your comfort expectations.  Also, let us service your unit semi-annually.
  
  
• How expensive are air conditioning and heat pump systems?
  - Many factors affect the cost of a heating or air conditioning system, including the size of your home, the type and condition of the ductwork installed and accessories you might need such as a thermostat or an electronic air cleaner.
  
  
• What system is best for my home and my budget?
  - To determine which home heating and air conditioning system is best for you, take into consideration factors such as: your budget, your comfort expectations, physical factors (such as your current system) and other unique features of your home. Because your geographical region is also an integral factor in choosing a home heating system or home central air conditioning unit, that should be taken into consideration as well.
  

MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS...

• Besides changing my filters, what maintenance should I do on my HVAC?
  - Most maintenance should be performed only by a qualified service technician, however, there are a few things you can do to ensure optimal performance.  Keep ground mounted outdoor units clear of debris, clutter and weeds; this can reduce the airflow of the unit.  Use caution with weed trimmers around the unit to prevent damaging control wiring.  And lastly, keep pets away from the unit; pet urine can cause expensive damage.
  
  
• What are some signs that might indicate I have a problem with my HVAC system?
  - While not always, you may notice an abnormal noise coming from the system, your heating or cooling system running non-stop, or warm air/cool air coming from the vents during the opposite season.   Abnormally high utility bills are also a common indicator. 
  
  
• Can I benefit from having a humidifier installed on my HVAC system to raise the humidity level in my house during the winter?
  - Yes you can with a bypass humidifier.  You will have a limited run-time based on the operation of the furnace. With a steam humidifier a more consistent humidity level can be reached without constant running of furnace.
  
  
• How often should I have maintenance on my HVAC system?
  - You should have your heating system serviced twice a year for a seasonal check-up in the fall and in the spring.