FAQ Sheet

FAQ

Maybe you’ll never be an expert on heating and air conditioning. But you can come darn close. If you have a question about air conditioning, energy efficiency, heating repair, or just about anything else, we have the answers. Want to know how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured? Who doesn’t! Or maybe you’re curious if there are any air conditioning systems that are safe for the environment? Our FAQ section is your ticket to endless heating and air conditioning knowledge.

Are there any air conditioners  with the conditioning systems that are safe for the environment? 


Yes. Several manufacturers have developed new systems that contain the environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant.

Do electronic air cleaners really work?

Yes, they can actually play a big part in your complete home comfort. We have a variety of whole-house filtration devices. Some electronic air cleaners can even remove dust particles and pollen as small as .10 micron. Visit our products page for more information about the electronic air cleaners we offer.

During the heating season, my heat pump delivers warm air, but not hot air, and will operate for long periods of time. Is that normal?

Yes, this is normal. A heat pump generally produces air that is 80°, which is considered warm, and will heat the house evenly. However, 80° may feel cool to your hand, which is usually closer to 90°.

During the heating season, my heat pump makes a “whooshing” sound and I feel cool air coming from the supply registers. Is that normal?

Yes. During the cold weather months, frost will accumulate on the outdoor coil. This will cause the heat pump to go into a defrost cycle anywhere from 1-10 minutes, depending on the amount of ice on the coil. The system will return to the heating mode once the ice is gone.

How are the sizing capacities of heating and cooling systems measured?

The heating and cooling systems are sized according to their tonnage. One (1) ton equals 12,000 BTU/H. Residential systems can range from 1 to 5 tons.

How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home’s heating and cooling systems?

The most important thing you can do is clean and replace your filters frequently. Also, a system heats and cools more evenly when the blower is in the “on” position. The blower provides constant air movement throughout the home, and allows for better filtration. Finally, shades, drapes, shutters, or screen should be installed on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight.

How do I know if my A/C unit is big enough? 

Before purchasing a replacement system, you should always make sure your system is sized properly.  Remember, bigger is not always better.

How is the efficiency of heating and cooling equipment measured?

The S.E.E.R. (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity. Generally speaking, higher the number the more efficient the system is.

 

How long should my system run in a cycle?

There is no exact answer for how long your system should run during each cycle. The average air conditioner is sized to remove the heat from your home as fast as it comes in, on a 93° day. Therefore, ideally, on a 93° day the system should be able to keep up with the incoming heat, but not gain on it and be able to turn off. The cooler it is below 93°, the more the system will cycle on and off.

How much does a new replacement system cost?

Due to the many different makes, models and customer needs, price is an issue that can only be solved by doing a thorough evaluation of your home and existing equipment. There is no charge for an in-house replacement proposal.

 

How often should I have maintenance done on my air conditioner?

You should have maintenance done on your air conditioning system twice a year. This not only ensures maximum efficiency; it enables us to foresee many possible problems that may occur in the near future. Our Energy Savings Agreement (ESA) plan is specifically designed to keep your air conditioning system running at its peak efficiency year-round.

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