We know trouble shooting a problem can be frustrating. So we have provided some frequently asked questions to help. If all else fails, please call anytime.
Why does my indoor fan run continuously and never cycle off?
Check your thermostat setting and make sure that the fan is set in the "Auto" position and not in the "On" position. This will cause your indoor fan to come on only when called by the thermostat for cooling or heating. Sometimes the setting gets bumped accidentally into the "On" position. If this is not the case, then you should call for service.
Why doesn't the fan on my outside unit come on?
You should first make sure that there is power to the outside unit. When your thermostat is set and the unit should be coming on, go outside and listen for a humming noise. If you hear no noise, then you probably have no power to the unit.
Check the power disconnect outside at the unit (if breaker type, flip off then on again; if fuse type, pull out then push back in), then check the breaker inside at the breaker panel. Once you have checked these and still have no power, make sure the thermostat wire (small brown wire entering with copper tubing) has not been cut while trimming grass.
If you find none of the above, then you should call for service.
At what temperature should my thermostat be set?
During the cooling season, most homeowners keep their thermostat set between 76-78 degrees.
During the heating season, most homeowners keep their thermostat set between 68-72 degrees.
Any setting will work, but please keep in mind that varying from these settings will affect your utility bills.
Due to environmental concerns, our federal government has issued regulations that restrict the future production of HCFC refrigerants such as R22. Because of this, many companies are trying to respond to the challenge of developing new systems and new coolants.
The HCFC’s have been used for decades in a safe and efficient manner in all air conditioner and heat pump products. But, many reports have indicated that these coolants are having an impact on the earth's ozone layer.
The United States Congress, in response to an international treaty, has provided the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with tools through the Clean Air Act to regulate the use of refrigerants in air conditioning systems. The current refrigerant, R22, must stop being produced by the year 2020. All products that use this refrigerant must stop being produced by the year 2010.
Many companies are developing new refrigerants and new systems.
What do all those heat pump and air conditioner ratings mean?
SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity of a continuously operating air conditioner by the electric power input.
The higher the SEER rating, the less the unit will cost to operate.
Other ratings include:
-HSPF - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This is similar to the SEER rating, except it measures the efficiency of the heating portion of the heat pump.
db - Decibel. A term to describe the relative loudness of a sound. Typically, heat pumps and air conditioners are between the sound of a human voice (70 db) and a blender (88db).
What are my choices when it comes to filters?
-Disposable filters are generally made of coarse fiberglass mats in a frame mounted on a filter rack. They are often referred to as "throwaway" filters. Very large particles are collected by straining, as they are too large to go through the openings in the filter.
Particles are also deposited on strands of the filter when they come in direct contact with one another. The filter efficiency increases as it fills with particles, until it reaches the point of saturation and begins to lose as many particles as it gains. The disposable filter's capacity is limited to larger particles.
-Reusable foam or metal filters have slightly higher performance capabilities than disposable filters due to the use of oils and adhesives applied to the filter to cause the particles to adhere to them. They are washable and must be recoated after washing to obtain their efficiency for reuse. They are most effective on large particles.
-Electrostatic filters have a means for electrically charging the filter or the entering particles, much like a magnet, to attract particles to the strands of the filter as well as collecting particles by straining.
-Pleated filters are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. The filter is arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle holding capability.
-High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters generally have an efficiency rating of 90% and above and are considered to be very effective at small particle removal. There are many models of portable HEPA filters intended for use in a room that are self-contained with their own air mover and electrical system.
-Electronic Air Cleaners are highly efficient filters that use an electrical charge to remove and collect particulate matter such as dust, smoke, pollen, etc. The charged particles are then attracted to each other and forced to a series of alternately charged metal plates where they are collected.
These cells must be periodically cleaned with detergent and hot water to maintain the efficiency of the collection. Generally they are used with a pre-filter to remove the large particles before entering the cells.
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When should I replace my filters?
The need to replace or clean filters is a function of many variables such as run time, efficiency, size and type. Typically, low-efficiency disposable and permanent filters need to be replaced or cleaned every one or two months in peak heating and cooling seasons. Electronic air cleaner cells should be serviced at this frequency also.
Why do I need regular maintenance on my air control systems?
-PREVENT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY START-
One of the best ways to avoid problems with your home comfort equipment is to prevent them from occurring. The best way to do that is scheduling regular maintenance. We are qualified to maintain all of your heating and cooling equipment year-round.
Even the best equipment, if not properly maintained, can cause problems.
-BENEFITS OF PLANNED SERVICE-
Having your equipment serviced on a regular basis has many benefits for you:
• Regular service lengthens the life of the equipment by keeping it in good working condition.
• It maintains efficient operation, which saves you energy dollars.
• It will save you money by eliminating costs of repairs and reducing any major repair expenses.
• It will establish you as a priority customer, which you'll appreciate if you ever needed cooling during the hot days of summer or heating during the coldest blizzard of the year.
• It assures you of service be experienced and qualified technicians from an established company who will be there when you need them.
• Regular service protects your warranty.
PLANNED SERVICE WILL HELP KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE
Carbon monoxide in your home is an invisible threat to your safety, but it is a threat that is preventable. Cars and trucks, lawn equipment, water heaters, stoves, clothes dryers, furnaces, space heaters and other combustion appliances are some of the potential sources of carbon monoxide. Though designed to be safe and not produce carbon monoxide, home heating systems are only one of the many sources.
In addition, negative pressure in your home coupled with improper combustion can lead to carbon monoxide entering your living space. Negative pressure can be caused by central vacuum systems, high volume kitchen range hoods, countertop range exhaust systems, bathroom exhaust fans and particularly fireplaces which can remove an enormous amount of air from your home when burning.
Prevention is the most important step to take to reduce carbon monoxide problems.
Scheduled maintenance by a qualified technician to check combustion appliances to make sure they are properly operating, and to be sure that all chimneys and vents are connected properly and not blocked, will ensure safety and efficiency.
Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and After Hours by Appointment
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