How often should I change or clean my filters?
During normal operation your filters become dirty
and need to be replaced about once a month. Special situations such as
exceptionally dusty surroundings or lengthened runtimes may require you to
change them more often. Always remember to replace them with the same kind and
size, unless instructed otherwise by an HVAC professional.
If you’re tired of constantly buying new filters
to replace the ones you’re throwing away, ask us about our lifetime filters like
the Permatron® media filter or Trane’s® Perfect Fit™ electronic air cleaner. Not
only will you eliminate the need to buy replacement filters, but your home can
be healthier for you and your family as well since these filters remove far more
of the airborne pollutants we breathe in on a daily basis.
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What exactly is a “ton” of air conditioning, and how many of them do I need for my home?
Simply put, a “ton” is the term our industry uses
to describe the capacity of your air conditioner or heat pump. One ton of air
conditioning is equivalent to 12,000 Btu’s of cooling (and heating, if you have
a heat pump). The number of tons required to heat and cool your home depends on
a number of important factors. Among these factors are the square footage of
your home, the height of your ceilings, the size and type of all your windows,
the direction your home faces, how well your home is insulated, and even the
number of people who live with you. Of course a system that is too small just
won’t be able to do the job. On the other hand, one that is oversized will cost
you more than necessary to operate, create problems with excess humidity, and
shorten the lifespan of your equipment.
To have one of our Comfort Consultants evaluate
your particular needs and match you with the perfectly sized system, please
Contact Us.
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Should I
ever cover my outdoor unit?
Covering your outdoor unit is not necessary. Doing so will
actually prevent it from performing its job. To operate correctly, your heat
pump must be able to circulate air into and out of its cabinet. If you’re
concerned about damage to some of the internal components, a Trane® XLi heat
pump will set your mind at ease with its WeatherGuard II™ top. This unique
design shelters these units year round.
The inside of your heat pump stays free of any debris that
might blow off your roof or out of trees on those windy spring days. The same is
true during summertime thunderstorms. And hail? Hail just harmlessly ricochets
off and onto the ground where it belongs. Falling leaves in autumn won’t choke
your system either. And worrying about snow and ice in the winter becomes a
thing of the past.
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How can I control the humidity in my house?
Is humidity a problem in your home? Is it muggy in the
summer and too dry in the winter? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one who has
these concerns.
Removing unwanted moisture in your home is one of the primary functions of your
home’s air conditioning system, however to do this the equipment and ductwork
must be sized and installed correctly. Appropriately sized systems have
sufficient capacity, run times that are long enough, and ample airflow to pull
excess humidity out your home. Precisely designing a system for your home keeps
you more comfortable. It can also save you money in the process. If
dehumidifying your home a little more in the summer allows you to set the
temperature on your thermostat a few degrees higher, you should notice a
difference in your energy bills.
Winter may pose the opposite problem for you…your home’s humidity level may
become too low. This often causes skin irritations, dried out sinuses, damage to
hardwood floors and furniture, and general discomfort. Regardless of whether you
have a heat pump or a gas, oil, or electric furnace we can design a whole-house
humidification system to meet your needs.
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How will the
EPA’s new regulations regarding R-410a refrigerant affect me?
Due to mounting environmental concerns, in 2003 the
Environmental Protection Agency passed the Montreal Protocol Act. This piece of
legislation has already had a significant impact on the heating and air
conditioning industry and will continue to do so in the coming years. Among
other things, it laid the groundwork for the phase out of R-22, an
ozone-depleting HCFC refrigerant used in most HVAC systems around the world. The
refrigerant that has been designed to take its place is R-410a. A new R-410a
system is not only better for the environment, it also allows new equipment to
run quieter and be more efficient.
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Are there any advantages to using the fan’s “On” setting versus the “Auto” setting on my thermostat?
Switching your fan into the “on” position provides several
benefits that may not be immediately obvious to many homeowners. The first
benefit is continuous filtration. As the air circulates through your system, it
is constantly being passed through your filters. As a result, the quality of the
air in your home improves.
Another advantage to operating your system’s fan
continuously is even air distribution. Why should you care if the air is evenly
distributed throughout your home? This can eliminate many of the hot and cold
spots you may experience when your fan only runs while providing heating or
cooling.
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How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers?
Manufacturers generally agree that plants or other
obstructions should be no closer than eighteen inches to your heat pump. Any
closer and they may restrict the intake and exhaust of air necessary for your
system to operate properly.
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Why should I replace my entire system when my outdoor unit is the only thing not working?
Air conditioners and heat pumps are specifically designed
to function best with certain indoor pieces of equipment. If you replace only
one part of the system, you won’t benefit from the changes in technology that
increase efficiencies, prolong the life of the equipment, and make you more
comfortable. Another consideration to be made is the refrigerant in your current
system. The type used in most heat pumps and air conditioners today, R-22, is
being phased out and replaced by a new, more environmentally friendly
refrigerant, R-410a.
Replacing just your outdoor unit will require you go back
with one that operates with R-22. Should your indoor unit need replacing within
a few years, you’ll face the same problem. Even if R-22 equipment is still
available at that time you’ll be stuck with an outdated system that will cost
you significantly more to maintain than a new R-410a system. To learn more about
these important changes and how they will affect you, click here.
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How much will a new heating and air conditioning system cost?
Purchasing a new heating and air conditioning
system is one of the largest and most important investments that can be made for
your home. A number of things will determine the cost of your new system.
-
The first step in making this determination
is to perform an accurate load survey on your home so that the right size
(capacity) equipment is selected.
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Afterward your ductwork needs to be
inspected to see if any repairs or alterations should be made.
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Once you know how much heating and cooling
is required and if any duct repair is necessary, you’ll have to make just a
few decisions. These will include the manufacturer and efficiency rating of
your new system.
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You’ll pay a little more for well-built
equipment with high efficiencies, but you’ll save money in the long run with
lower energy bills and fewer repair costs.
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Lastly we’ll help you decide if any
accessories such as humidifiers, electronic air cleaners, programmable
thermostats, etc. can be installed with your new system to improve indoor air
quality, save you money, or maintain the highest level of comfort possible.
Sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? Well,
it sure is and it can be a very stressful ordeal. That’s why we’re here. Just
contact us and we’ll have one of our professional
Comfort Consultants come to your home to assess your specific needs and find out
exactly what you want in your new system.
We’ll take all the worry off your shoulders
by matching you with a system that will provide years or hassle-free operation
and exceed your expectations in every way.
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We would be happy to answer any other questions. Please contact us.
