Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change or clean my filters?
What do all those rating number mean to me?
Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?
Should I place my thermostat fan setting on "ON"?
How close to the air conditioner can I place landscaping?
Is there anything I can do so the air isn't so dry when I use my furnace in the winter?
How much will a new heating and/or air conditioner system cost?
My air conditioner seems to run okay, but its muggy in my house - can you do anything for this?
What size system do I need for my home?
I hear about these "allergy" type filters on the radio, do they really work?
When should I consider replacing my old heating and air conditioning system instead of repairing it?
What is this "Geo-Thermal" stuff I keep hearing about?
How often should I change or clean my filters?
Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system has been in use. Replace filters with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning.
What do all those rating number mean to me?
The federal government requires all air conditioning and heating equipment to be rated as to efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model is. For cooling the rating is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and gas furnaces are rated with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Ask our Comfort Consultant what the different options are.
Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?
Covering the unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes.
Should I place my thermostat fan setting to "ON"?
There are several advantages to running your indoor fan in "continuous" mode. One is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. Another is that because the air is moving, you have a much more even temperature throughout your home - this can help to prevent the hot & cold spots encountered in 2-story homes.
How close to the air conditioner can I place landscaping?
Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need to take in and exhaust air to operate at peak efficiency. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and cause service problems.
Is there anything I can do so the air isn't so dry when I use my furnace in the winter?
The best way to provide humidity to your entire home is to install a "whole house" humidification system. These systems are designed to operate manually or electronically as the outdoor & indoor temperature and humidity levels change. Call or email us for more information!
How much will a new heating and/or air conditioner system cost?
The answer is "That depends." There are many factors which must be considered: the efficiency of the equipment, the size of your home, what is the condition of your duct work, do you need a new thermostat, humidifier, electronic air cleaner, etc… In most cases, replacing your whole system (indoor and outdoor components) will result in a more efficient and longer lasting system, but will cost a little more. Please contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation with one of our Comfort Consultants.
My outdoor air conditioner needs replaced. Is there any advantage to replace my whole system at the same time?
Air conditioners are designed as matched systems, with an efficiency rating given for the whole system. If you replace only one part, you do not get the advantage of many technology changes that make the system work efficiently to ensure comfort. Also, the indoor system contains a cooling coil which may be partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency. Furthermore, if your whole system is replaced, you will be less likely to need service in the near future.
My air conditioner seems to run okay, but its muggy in my house - can you do anything for this?
That "muggy", humid feeling is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity in the summer time is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable speed air handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. Also at these low speeds, the variable speed motor uses much less electricity than conventional motors.
What size system do I need for my home?
There are many things which will determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are: square feet to be cooled, climate, humidity, number of windows, insulation factors, which direction your home faces, heat producing appliances, and even the number of people who will be in the home. Our Comfort Consultants can do an energy analysis on your home and help you decide what your particular needs are for your lifestyle.
What is the difference in a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and an Extended parts and labor Warranty?
A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore, it is limited by the language in the warranty. Extended Warranties are generally purchased in addition to the equipment. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for the duration of the warranty.
I hear about these "allergy" type filters on the radio, do they really work?
The answer is, "For a short time." The problem with these types of filters (called electrostatic) is that they because they are so dense, after a few days of use they start to become ineffective and cause undo stress on your furnace blower motor. The best way to help eliminate allergens and dust is an Electronic Air Cleaner. Call or email us for more information.
When should I consider replacing my old heating and air conditioning system instead of repairing it?
When you're frustrated with an equipment breakdown, it can be tempting to find the least expensive "quick fix" to get on with your life in relative ease. That quick fix may be the least expensive now, but it may not give you the most value or cost you the least in the long run. Typically with equipment (10) years or older, paying for repairs often simply prolongs the inevitable. It's similar to putting a "band aid" on a serious injury. An older system that breaks down once is likely to break down again; meaning more emergency service calls or worse yet, the risk of damage to your home or to other components of your heating and cooling equipment.
What is this "Geo-Thermal" stuff I keep hearing about?
For years, smart homeowners all over the world have been discovering the advantages of heating and cooling with geothermal energy. No matter where you live, the underground temperature remains relatively constant all year, even though outdoor temperatures vary widely. Geothermal systems harness this relatively constant, renewable energy source, and use it for heating, air conditioning and hot water. Geothermal systems circulate a water based solution through a "loop" of small diameter, underground pipes. When heating, the solution absorbs heat from the earth, carries it to the geothermal unit, which (through a process much the same as your refrigerator) compresses the heat to a high temperature and delivers it to your home. When cooling, the process is simply reversed, and the resulting cool, dehumidified air is delivered to your home. Geothermal systems are extremely efficient since they only need a comparably small amount of electricity to power the pump, compressor and fan. Geothermal systems typically deliver up to (4) times as much energy as they consume so you save on monthly energy bills when compared to other types of heating and cooling systems!
