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Indoor Comfort Heating & Cooling, LLC |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q. What affects the real price of a system?
A. Every homeowner's needs are different. And, for every need, there are many different products, product applications and installation practices available to meet those needs. In general, the installed price of a new system is influenced by the following:
Q. How a Packaged Heating & Cooling System Works?
A. Packaged systems have been carefully engineered to give you all of your heating and cooling equipment in a single cabinet. Depending on your weather situation and energy needs, you can choose from four types of packaged systems, each working differently: Heat pump packaged systems that both heat and cool your home Air conditioner packaged systems that offer cooling solutions for warmer climates Hybrid fuel packaged systems that work as a heat pump, but can also provide gas heating for greater flexibility Gas/electric packaged systems that can switch from electric air conditioning to gas heating to give you more fuel options.
Q. We are replacing our AC unit this season; what advice can you give me?
A. Replacing your system is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The reason for this is that the life expectancy of a system is around 12 years and once your system is installed you now have given the power company and/or gas company the right to send you a bill for the next 12 years. When choosing a contractor, pick a company to install the unit based on quality and customer service, not solely on price. The name brand of the equipment is not as important as the installing contractor. Another thing to keep in mind when replacing a system is that the duct system you are connecting to is sealed tight with the proper amount of return air. With the new higher efficiency units, you also have to be careful that you replace your system with the proper sized unit so you don’t end up with a house that is cool but has high humidity. Do your homework, pick quality contractors, and find someone you trust and you will have a successful installation that will bring you years of comfort and the least amount of overall cost.
Q. Should I set my thermostat at a constant temperature during the summer months or should I turn it off while we are away and then turn it on when we are home? Which will save me money in the long run?
A. During the summer months I would recommend you set your thermostat back during the day when you are not home. However, I would not recommend that you go over your desired temperature more than five to seven degrees. Another recommendation would be that you have a programmable thermostat installed that would automatically change the setting for you once it was programmed. Our company has had people save as much as 30 percent on their utility bills just by setting the temperature back when no one is home.
Q. WHAT IS A S.E.E.R. RATING?
A. S.E.E.R. (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the rating and performance standards that have been developed by the U.S. government and equipment manufacturer's to produce an energy consumption rating that is easy to understand by consumers. It has a universal formula and conditioning that can be applied to all units and compensates for varying weather conditions.
Q. How often do I really need to change my air filters?
A. The unit’s filters should be changed at least twice a year. Unless you have special circumstances like pets or an ongoing construction project in the home, this should be adequate, but if you use the traditional fiber glass or pleated filter it would be prudent to change filters a couple of more times. The industry standard is to visually check filters and filtering equipment monthly. If filters look dirty, they need to be cleaned or replaced.
Q. Why does my heat pump system freeze up?
A. There are several factors that can cause system freezing. Most need to be corrected by a HVAC technical specialist. As a consumer, check the filters first. Restrictions in air flow can lead to freezing. Then thaw the system out by turning off the cooling and running the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to the heat mode until the ice has melted. If the problem recurs after checking for air restrictions and getting the system thawed, calling for service is likely required. Service technicians will check the refrigerant level. They may also have to clean the evaporator coil. They will check the blower speed and check for any intermittency in blower operation. A service technician can also evaluate other conditions that may make your system prone to freezing. Q. What regular maintenance do HVAC systems need?
Q. Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide in my home?
Q. Do I need a service agreement?
A. A home resident can do many of the general maintenance tasks and a home resident that is very observant of their system can detect changes in performance that may be a sign of problems or safety concerns. Systems, however, are becoming more complex, including the filtering systems. A service agreement can relieve the home resident of the maintenance tasks and provides assurance of regular inspection by a trained technician. No amount of resident vigilance and periodic inspection and maintenance by trained technicians can prevent every unanticipated problem. The combination of a service agreement and resident awareness gives the best odds for safe, efficient, and trouble-free HVAC performance.
Q. How important is it to get the right size of heating and cooling equipment?
A. Sizing HVAC equipment is very important from both a comfort and energy use standpoint. Heating and cooling equipment that is over-capacity will not run as frequently or as long when it does run. In both cases, this may mean poor humidity control. It could also result in temperature variations or noticeable cycling. Over-capacity equipment will not be as energy efficient as properly matched capacity either. Equipment that is under-sized, will obviously result in loss of comfort during temperature extremes. |
