FAQ
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HVAC
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Why is annual air conditioning maintenance important?
Having annual air conditioning maintenance performed on your system is extremely important for several reasons. First of all, it can help to ensure that your air conditioning system doesn’t lose efficiency as time goes by. A system that isn’t properly maintained can lose as much as 5% of its efficiency annually. But with a proper tune-up, your air conditioning system may not even lose that much over 10 years, saving you a good chunk of money along the way.
Also, during their annual visits, professional air conditioning technicians will be able to spot any problem areas or parts that seem to be wearing out too quickly. Attending to these types of issues before they manifest themselves in the form of performance problems can save you both time and money.
These minor repairs are much less costly than the larger ones that might be needed if the problem is allowed to persist. Also, because your annual maintenance is scheduled to fit nicely into your schedule, you won’t have to take off extra time from work or interrupt your busy schedule like you might if your air conditioning system needed emergency repairs unexpectedly.
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Is an electric furnace safer than a gas furnace?Modern furnaces, no matter what they’re powered by, are generally quite safe and energy efficient. There are advantages and disadvantages to both gas and electric furnaces, but safety is almost exactly the same between the two types of systems.
Technically the presence of gas fuel may pose a very small safety risk, but because of the way modern gas furnaces are designed, that risk is almost nonexistent. Particularly if you keep your furnace well maintained, your gas or electric furnace will continue to work efficiently and safely for many years. -
Why doesn't my heat pump have an AFUE rating?Heat pumps operate by pulling heat out of the outdoor air in the winter to bring into your home and removing heat from indoor air in the summer. Some of them do also heat air like furnaces, but because they operate on different principles, their energy efficiency is measured differently. The heating energy efficiency of a heat pump will be reflected by its HSPF number, and just as with an AFUE rating, the higher the number, the more efficient the model.
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What is an AFUE rating?The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating that comes attached to just about every furnace on the market measures how energy efficient that particular model is. Modern furnaces typically have at least an 80% AFUE rating, with some even reaching into the high 90s.
Knowing how energy efficient a furnace is certainly is important when you’re trying to decide which one to buy, but you should also take into account the relative price of each model and how much you project that you will use the furnace.
The more energy efficient models tend to come with a higher price tag, and although you’ll pay slightly less on your monthly heating bills because of the added efficiency, it’s not always enough to make up the difference. Discussing your heating needs with a home heating professional is the best way to get an idea of what type of AFUE rating you’re looking for in a furnace. -
How do I know which air conditioner is the right size for my house?Sizing an air conditioning system for your home can become a pretty complicated process. You need to know what type of space the air conditioner can cool as well as how many vents there will likely be and how the dimensions of the house will affect the overall cooling power of the system. Expert technicians use industry-recognized formulas to calculate exactly what type and size of air conditioning system you need.
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Will a ductless split or mini-split air conditioning system work for me?Ductless split and mini-split air conditioning systems have many qualities that make them attractive to all types of consumers. Particularly if you don’t already have ductwork in place, these are the cheapest and easiest systems to install.
The indoor components of ductless splits can also be installed in multiple locations throughout your home so that you can control the temperatures in those areas individually. Split AC units are a good option for many people in many different types of houses, but you will benefit particularly from this type of installation if you have a smaller home or one that does not lend itself easily to the installation of ducts.
To determine if a ductless split system is the right choice for you, it’s best to discuss your needs and concerns with an expert. They can walk you through the selection process and explain to you exactly what the benefits would be of splits or mini-splits relative to other types of systems in terms of your specific situation. -
How do I know if I should replace my air conditioning system?There are several instances in which you may want to consider replacing your air conditioning system. For instance, if you’ve been calling for a lot of repairs recently, then there’s a good chance your system is on its last legs.
And even if it isn’t and the repairs are relatively minor, you could still probably save money by investing in a new system now rather than paying for repeated repairs. Plus, your new system will likely be so much more energy efficient than your old one, so you’ll save money there too.
However, you may also want to look into replacing your air conditioning system even if you haven’t been having problems with it. Particularly if your system is 10 years old or more, you can replace it with a newer air conditioning system that is so much more efficient and it will quickly pay for itself in terms of monthly energy savings. -
How long will my new air conditioning system last?In general, you can expect your new air conditioning system to last between 10 and 15 years. With proper maintenance, they can sometimes last even longer.
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