How Does Your Residential HVAC Look?

1. What can I do before calling for service?
2. How often should I replace/clean my filters? Where are they located?
3. What is the life expectancy of my system?
4. How often should I have my system serviced?
5. Should I cover my outdoor unit (AC) in the wintertime?
6. Is there a better time of year to replace my system?
7. What brand of equipment is best?
8. I’ve heard a lot about new refrigerants (Freon). Do I need to think or worry about this when buying a new system?

1. What can I do before calling for service?

• Check your thermostat setting. Make sure that you have it set in the proper mode and the temperature is set properly.
• Check/change your air filter. A clogged filter can cause any number of problems.
• Check your electrical panel. Make sure you know which circuit breaker(s) or fuse(s) control your heat and air conditioning equipment. Sometimes just resetting a breaker or turning on a switch that someone has inadvertently turned off can get your system operating.
• Do you have a “load control” on your air conditioning unit? (Check your power bill.) If yes, call the power company to see if they might have activated this system.
• When calling for service, you need to be able to describe what your system is or is not doing. Is it making any noise outside? Is there air coming out of the registers? Does the fan operate when the thermostat is set to the fan “on” position?
• Ask a technician if a Preventative Maintenance Agreement could have prevented this problem.

2. How often should I replace/clean my filters? Where are they located?

• Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace with the same kind and size as the original filter.
• If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
• Ask our technician if you feel your filtration is not adequate. We have many filtration options that greatly enhance your indoor air quality.
• Your filter should be located in either the blower compartment, in an attached filter case, or in a return grill(s) in a wall of your home.
• If you cannot find your air filter, contact our office to schedule a technician to help you find the filter and evaluate the current state of your system.

3. What is the life expectancy of my system?

• The average expected life of an air conditioner is approximately 15 years.
• The average expected life of a heat pump is approximately 10-12 years, since it operates year round.
• The average expected life of a gas furnace or air handler is approximately 18 years.
• Units in harsh environments, neglected or are over/undersized tend to have shorter lives.

4. How often should I have my system serviced?

• Most manufactures suggest having your system checked prior to the winter heating season and again prior to the summer cooling season.
• Periodic maintenance is required to keep the manufactures warranty intact.
• The most logical choice is to invest in a Preventative Maintenance Agreement. This helps get rid of the guesswork and keeps the system tuned and ready for the harshest winter and hottest summer months.
• PMA’s may include cleaning indoor and outdoor coils, tightening electrical connections, checking supply voltage and operating differential at supply and return registers, cleaning blower wheel and motors, inspecting and adjusting burners, inspecting heat exchangers, cleaning drain lines and pans, checking ductwork for leaks and insulation, and checking the thermostat.
• Having your system checked and serviced can solve many problems before they become emergencies.
• Our Preventative Maintenance Agreements are designed to produce energy savings, improved equipment reliability, and best of all peace of mind.

5. Should I cover my outdoor unit (AC) in the wintertime?

• Covering the outdoor unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes.
• Rain actually helps keep your unit clean.
• Of course, heat pumps run all year long, and should never be covered.

6. Is there a better time of year to replace my system?

• Early spring and fall are typically good times to consider replacement of systems as temperatures are moderate and more time and consideration can be taken to select your new system.
• However, during peak summer and winter months we stay well staffed to address any replacement needs that may arise in an emergency situation.
• We advise taking a proactive approach to replacement of your system. If you wait until it breaks to consider replacement, you may find yourself without heating and cooling in the coldest or hottest part of the season.
• Do your research. Ask neighbors for recommendations, and have a qualified contractor analyze the heating and cooling needs in your home.
• Make sure that the contractor that you choose has the proper licenses, insurance, and a strong reputation to stand behind his/her work (ask for references).

7. What brand of equipment is best?

• We can sell almost any brand of equipment available; however we limit our sales to just a few trusted brands that through our experience have proven reliable.
• Stick with the well known brands as they tend to have the best warranties, proven technology, and adequate parts availability.
• Special applications may sometimes dictate the brand of equipment that we recommend as manufactures differ in specialty equipment and accessories.
• Reference consumer magazines and web sites to get a consensus to what the current consumer opinion poll may be (these are typically very accurate).

8. . I’ve heard a lot about new refrigerants (Freon). Do I need to think or worry about this when buying a new system?

• We do not advise homeowners to choose a home comfort system based on the refrigerant that they use. The Clean Air Act does not allow ANY refrigerant to be vented into the atmosphere. They must be reclaimed, recycled, and reused.
• Units using the current refrigerant, R-22, will always be serviced with R-22. They will not need to change to a different refrigerant. The scheduled phase out of R-22 allows for plenty of refrigerant to be available to service all cooling units and heat pumps that use R-22 for the life of the equipment.
• We do offer systems by several manufactures that use the newer R-410A refrigerant. As reliability and pricing improve, we expect to see an increase in their uses.
• As the HVAC industry gradually transitions to a new refrigerant, we encourage homeowners to maintain their focus on purchasing energy efficient home comfort products that best meet their comfort needs.
• Purchasing higher efficiency heating and cooling systems and better sealing and insulating our homes will not only improve comfort and reduce energy costs, but also improve our environment.