FAQ

Every home is different.   Air filters should be checked at least once a month, and more often if they are easily accessible.  If you see any dust on them, it is best to replace them.  When in doubt, replace your filters.  They are inexpensive and could help avoid a more-expensive breakdown.  Having clean air filters also helps maximize your home comfort systems performance and efficiency. 

First, check your air filter.  Sometimes the return duct work is fabricated from metal, and when the air is restricted by a stopped up filter, it could cause the return duct to flex, making a banging noise.  If your filter is clean then you may need a service call.

The units are designed to live outdoors and hold up well to normal weather or leaves.  It does not need to be covered.

Always first, check your air filters.  Having poor air flow due to a stopped up filter can cause the system to freeze.  Second, turn your system off, so it can thaw (which could take up to 24 hours).  You could try it again after it thaws but you still may need to call for service.  Any other reason for it freezing requires a skilled and trained service technician to diagnose and address the problem.

Depending on where the indoor unit is located, it could be stopped up drain lines.  We install an emergency drain cut-off switch on some condensation drain lines to prevent water back-up and water damage, which interrupts the power to the thermostat (and stops the system from creating more condensation).  Some thermostats also have batteries that need to be replaced.

Manufacturer suggests twice a year (Spring and Fall).  We all try to live within our financial means, though, and if budgets are tight, having your unit serviced at least once a year is still good idea.  Your servicing dealer can tell you honestly if you need more or less maintenance, as each property has it’s own service conditions.

Get regular maintenance, at least once a year.  Having a skill technician checking your system could catch minor repair before it becomes a major repair.  Change you filters often.  Do not cover your supply or return vents/grills with furniture.  Always use a trained and licensed repair company for repairs.    

When trying to use one system to condition two different areas of the house (with different conditioning needs) zoning can be installed so that each of those areas can be individually controlled.

 In most cases, yes.  You want to be sure your system is a “rated match”, which assures you that it will run efficiently and achieve the desired performance.

The most efficient system is often the most expensive, but because the DOE (Department of Energy) has increase the minimum efficiencies that can be sold, chances are you may see efficiency savings with whatever system you decides to purchase.  Getting several estimates is a good way to be able to judge install cost versus potential operating-cost savings.  Some systems may even be eligible for tax credits or rebates.

Duct design and installation definitely matters.  The best equipment in the world will not work if the duct system is not designed and installed properly.  Poorly designed duct system could cost you in efficiency and life-expectancy of your equipment.  If you are considering a completely new duct system, having a reputable duct installer is really important.  We custom-fabricated most of our duct work out of galvanized sheet metal and make sure it is sealed and insulated properly.  We take pride in our duct system design, fabrication, and installation.

“Emergency Heat” is an electric strip heater installed with heat pumps to provide heat when the system is either in defrost mode or running behind due to extreme cold weather.  When the outdoor unit malfunctions, emergency heat can provide heat until the issue can be resolved.  

We have been in the HVAC business for over 40 years.  We have serviced most brands and sold many different brands over those years.  We strongly believe that the American Standard and Trane products are among the best built and engineered systems out there.  Having sold American Standard’s equipment over the past 20+ years, we have seen them grow, improve their products, and provide great customer support.  American Standard has been among the top rated manufacturers of HVAC equipment for decades.  We also sell Mitsubishi, Bosch, and have access to most other brands, too.

Yes, we install several makes and models of gas-fired and oil-fired boilers.

A “Mini-Split Heat Pump” or “Ductless Heat Pump” is a small heat pump system, usually designed and used in small-room applications, such as a Sun-Room, Den, Office, Man-Cave, She-Shed, Bonus Room, Work Shop, or Garage.  Some systems are comprised of one outdoor unit and one wall-mounted indoor unit, but they have many models for many different applications.  Larger units are available, some with many indoor units on the same outdoor unit, can be used in houses without duct work or old homes built before duct work was invented.