Frequently Asked Questions
Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY EQUIPMENT SERVICED?
A. Heating and air conditioning equipment should be serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the fall and the air conditioning checked in the spring. Oil-fired equipment needs to be cleaned and serviced annually.
Q. WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY EQUIPMENT SERVICED?
A. Annual servicing includes cleaning the system, checking for any problems or potential problems and adjusting for Peak efficiency. The benefits include:
- Increased dependability
- Find potential problems and fix them quickly
- Provide maximum efficiency which lowers energy costs
- Prolongs the life-span of the equipment
- Maintains safe and healthy operation
- Can help to protect the environment
- Drastically reduces the chance of a break-down which usually happens at night or on weekends when repair rates are higher.
Q. WHAT SIZE SYSTEM DO I NEED FOR MY HOME?
A. There are many things which will determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are: square feet to be cooled, climate, humidity, number of windows, insulation factors, which direction your home faces, heat producing appliances, and even the number of people who will be in the home. Your dealer can do an energy analysis on your home and help you decide what your particular needs are for your lifestyle.
Q. IS THERE ANY ADVANTAGE TO SETTING MY THERMOSTAT FAN TO “ON” SO THE FAN RUNS CONSTANTLY?
A. There is a couple: 1) you get constant filtering of the air in your home; and 2) you have a more even temperature throughout because the air is moving.
Q. HOW CLOSE TO THE OUTDOOR UNIT SHOULD I PLANT SHRUBS OR FLOWERS?
A. Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need to take in and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service.
Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE IN A MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY AND AN EXTENDED PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY?
A. A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e.—compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore, it is limited by the language in the warranty. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the equipment. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for the duration of the warranty.
Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE OR CLEAN MY FILTERS?
A. Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size as original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning.