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Our Families # 1 Priority Is Your
Families Comfort and Satisfaction
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Some Heating
and Cooling System Facts
Question?
How can we improve the
efficiency of an existing heating and cooling system without
replacing the furnace or the air conditioner without adding more
insulation?
Answer:
First and foremost is MAINTENANCE. The equipment needs to be cleaned and
serviced by a licensed professional at least twice per year. Studies
have shown that lack of proper maintenance can reduce equipment
efficiency by 5-10%. In addition, most of today’s filters need to be
changed a minimum of every 90 days, and don’t skimp on the filter. You
should use a filter that has a high efficiency rating to help keep your
air and equipment clean. After thorough cleaning, the service technician
will adjust the Freon levels in your air conditioner to the
manufacturer’s specifications. Keep in mind that an over charged unit is
just as bad as an under charged unit when it comes to energy
consumption. On the heating side, the burners should be cleaned for
maximum performance, as well as adjusting the gas pressure, and cleaning
the blower wheel. We also recommend that you leave your indoor blower
running continuously. This will ensure that the air in your home is
being constantly circulated to reduce hot and cold spots, while wringing
our every dollar of heating or air conditioning your system can produce.
You may also want to consider a programmable thermostat to set back the
temperature while you are away or sleeping. However, you must use your
programmable thermostat sensibly. Short (less than 8 hours) or severe
(more than 7 Deg. F.) set back periods won’t save much energy, but may
shorten the life of the equipment while being stressful on your home and
furnishings.
Question?
We are remodeling our attic and were wondering if you had any
suggestions for heating insulation?
Answer:
Fiberglass batts are very good in attic walls with a minimum of R-13. If
the ceiling is to be installed on rafters, there should be air space
above the insulation. If there is only room for 3" insulation in a
rafter space, a foam board can be installed on the rafters before the
ceiling is installed. A minimum of R-19 should be installed in the
ceiling.
Question?
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned and inspected for
repairs?
Answer:
In the majority of homes, cleaning and inspection once every three
years is adequate. The type of air filter you are using and the
frequency of maintenance on your heating and air conditioning equipment
can have a significant affect on the duration between cleanings. The
purchase of a good quality air cleaner will protect your heating and air
conditioning equipment, duct system and your home, while scheduled
maintenance will extend the life of the equipment and increase its
efficiency.
Question?
We are replacing our AC unit this season; what advice can you give
me?
Answer:
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.
Question?
As a first time homeowner, what
information should I get
beforehand about any professional coming into
my home?
Answer:
First, get to know the company itself. If you get a good feeling
when they answer the phone and when talking with them, you will be
comfortable dealing with them. Ask them if the employees are uniformed
and have photo IDs. If they are a local, family-owned franchisee you
know they have passed rigorous national training and testing. You should
be able to get a written price up front for the work to be done. When
the service professional comes to your home, look for a clearly
identified truck, uniform, and photo ID. Good companies use floor
protectors to keep dirt and dust out of your home. Expect to pay a few
dollars more for a really qualified contractor than you would for
someone less desirable. The added confidence and peace of mind is well
worth the small difference.
Question?
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?
Answer:
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.
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