When should I replace my furnace?
There are a number of factors that contribute to needing a furnace replacement. How old is your furnace? If it’s over 10 – 15 years old, it’s likely time for a furnace replacement—simply because this will improve your energy efficiency. Other factors include: how well it’s heating your home, how often it requires repairs, how much it costs to heat your home, etc.
Do I really need a furnace cleaning every year?
Yes! Not only does a furnace cleaning improve the performance and efficiency of your system, most manufacturer warranties require annual service to maintain the warranty.
How can I have lower home heating fuel prices?
With home heating fuel prices on the rise, many homeowners are concerned about their growing utility bills! Find out what you can do to lower your costs!
Do I need to replace my boiler?
Since boilers have very few moving parts, they tend to be incredibly durable and reliable throughout the course of their life. However, even the most dependable appliances will reach the end of their life eventually.
What is the difference between a gas and oil boiler?
Gas boilers can be more affordable to operate, but there are also differences in utility line requirements and fuel storage (natural gas has no onsite storage needs).
How often do air filters need to be changed?
It varies depending on the type of filter you have. If you have cheaper, disposable filters, we recommend changing them every 30 days. If you have pleated, or poly, filters, we recommend changing them every 90 days. Media filters or CleanEffects filters can last a little longer and should be replaced about once a year.
Do bigger air conditioning units perform better?
Not necessarily. It is important to purchase an air conditioner that is the right size for your home. If you buy an AC unit that’s too big, it will cool your home faster, but it will also be less efficient and will not eliminate humidity well enough. It will have short-run cycles. While it will cool the air quickly, it will shut off before it blows enough air across the indoor coil to drain water from your system. This will leave too much moisture in the air, which can lead to mold and mildew in your home.
Your system starting and stopping more often , may cause it to use more energy and wear down faster. Longer run cycles are more efficient.
How long does HVAC equipment last?
HVAC systems generally last 10 to 15 years. However, your system becomes less efficient and performs worse as it gets older. Therefore, after about 10 years, you may want to start looking for a replacement. Even if you are not having any major problems, modern HVAC systems will save you money on your energy bills because they are more efficient. Plus, they generally come with 10-year warranties, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them for quite a while.
If I have an older system, can I save money by just replacing the outdoor unit?
Probably not. Older systems use Freon R-22, which has been phased out and replaced with Freon R-410A, also known as Puron. Puron is more environmentally friendly and more efficient. In addition, the minimum SEER rating or efficiency that we can use today is 13 SEER (older systems are 10 SEER and below). The refrigerant and efficiency rating of your indoor coil and outdoor unit must be the same, so you have to replace the whole system at once.
How often should I have my air conditioning unit serviced?
We recommend having your air conditioner serviced once a year. This will save you on energy and repair costs, keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, and make it last longer. The longer you put off AC maintenance, the worse your unit will perform, and the more likely it is that it will break down. Trying to save money by delaying maintenance may backfire by forcing you to pay more on energy bills, and potentially, on repairs if a serious issue arises with your system.