Frequently Asked Questions

There are several reasons why preventive maintenance is important.  First a dirty evaporator, condenser and blower assembly can increase heating cooling cost up 50%.  Second, a 20% undercharge in Freon may decrease efficiency by up to 20%, and a 20% overcharge can cause a 10% decrease in efficiency.  Third, a yearly inspection can identify possible dangerous safety issue especially dealing with gas furnaces. Finally, a clogged condensate drain can cause water damage and effect indoor humidity levels. Preventive maintenance will recognize the big problems and identify the small problems that may lead to expensive repairs.

It is important that you schedule a maintenance appointment with your HVAC professional at least once a year.

Set your thermostat at as high as comfortably possible during the hot days of summer.  The   smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature the lower the cooling cost.  During the winter, don’t turn the temperature up manually on the heat pump because this can cause your electric heat to turn on which is more expensive to operate. Electric heat is a back up for heat pumps.

It is best to change your filter at least once a month or in accordance with you system’s manufacturing specification.

You can save up to 10% per year by adjusting your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter by 10 – 15% for 8 hours every day.

According to the Department of Energy, a “typical duct system loses 25 to 40 percent of the   heating or cooling energy put out by a central furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.  Homes with ducts in a protected area such as a basement may lose somewhat less than this, while some other types of systems (such as attic ducts in hot, humid climates) often lose more. Duct repairs could be the most important energy improvement measure you can do”