When it’s time to purchase a new heating or air conditioning system, we want you to be as confident and comfortable as possible. The following is a list of frequently asked questions. If you need information on a question that is not listed, please contact us.
What do good central air units have in common?
The best ones are efficient, operating on minimal electricity to hold utility bills down. They provide steady, dependable performance year after year when properly maintained. Good systems are quiet, long-lasting and low in service needs.
Why should I replace my existing heating or air conditioning system?
You may wish to consider replacing your air conditioning or heating system if it is old, inefficient or in need of repair. Today’s systems are as much as 60% more efficient than those systems manufactured as little as ten years ago. In addition, if not properly maintained, wear and tear on a system can reduce the actual or realized efficiency of the system. If you are concerned about utility bills or are faced with an expensive repair, you may want to consider replacing your system rather than enduring another costly season or paying to replace an expensive component. The utility cost savings of a new unit may provide an attractive return on your investment. If you plan on financing the purchase, the monthly savings on your utility bill should be considered when determining the actual monthly cost of replacing a system. The offsetting savings may permit you to purchase a more efficient system.
How long can I expect a new system to last?
If you have a qualified technician perform regular preventative maintenance and service suggested for your unit, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years and a gas furnace should last as many as 20-25 years.
Why can’t I find the correct size filter at my local home improvement store?
Sometimes, the filter required by your unit is made from higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. For that reason, replacement filters can only be purchased from the manufacturer, but keep in mind, some filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.
Why are rating numbers important?
Rating numbers indicate the efficiency of heating and air conditioning equipment and are directly related to the amount of energy a specific model uses. The higher the rating, the more efficient the product, and the lower your energy bills can be. The federal government establishes rating guidelines and sets minimum efficiency levels. For cooling, the rating is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The minimum rating the Federal Government allows us to manufacturer and install today is 13. For heat pumps, the rating is HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). Gas furnaces are rated with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). The minimum rating the Federal Government allows us to manufacturer and install today is 80% efficient, however with the increased natural gas prices most homeowners find it much more cost effective to consider the 90+% efficient line.
What’s the difference between a manufacturer’s limited warranty and an extended warranty?
A manufacturer’s limited warranty is the warranty that a product leaves the factory with. Typically, it covers specific parts for a limited period of time. Extended warranties are optional and are generally purchased at the same time as the equipment. Optional extended warranties cover all parts and labor. There are a variety of optional extended warranties to choose from, but all are designed to offer long-term peace of mind.
My children have allergies. Is there a way to improve the indoor air quality in my home?
An AccuClean filtration system is “100 times” more effective than a standard throwaway filter in removing unwanted particles from your home. Particles such as pollen, dust, bacteria, tobacco smoke, cooking smoke, animal hair and dander prevent your indoor air from being as healthy as it could be. The AccuClean air cleaner is up to 99.98% effective at removing these airborne particles. It also protects the operating efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system and keeps your furniture, drapes, carpet and walls cleaner, as well.
How can I control my energy costs?
If you’re shopping for a new heating and air conditioning system, the best way to control your energy costs is to purchase a high efficiency variable speed system. Variable speed means your system varies its speed depending on your home’s heating and cooling requirements. Because of this, variable speed systems are more efficient than single-stage systems. Efficiency ratings also matter. When you match a 14, 16 or 18 SEER air conditioner or heat pump with a variable speed furnace or air handler, you can rest assured that you’ve selected a home comfort system that is one of the quietest and most energy efficient available today.
How do I know what size system I need for my home?
One of the first things we will do is conduct a complete energy analysis of your home. By considering window size, insulation values, age of home, ductwork, other building materials, as well as a variety of other factors, we can determine the right size system and equipment for your home. We’ll even ask you questions about your existing comfort challenges, for example: Are there rooms in your home that are always too hot or too cold? If this is the case, you could need ductwork modifications in addition to a new system.