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FAQ's
Important Questions...
Should I have my cooling or heating system inspected before I use it for the first time?
Yes. Your air conditioning and heating system should be serviced at least annually. It is important that you make sure your system is mechanically sound and that the safety controls are functioning properly. The air conditioning system should also have an Airflow and Refrigerant Diagnostic Performance Test to make sure it is achieving maximum performance levels. The heater should have a Carbon Monoxide Analysis and Temperature Rise Performance Test done. We recommend they be performed just prior to the heating of cooling season respectfully.
Should I have my duct system cleaned? How important is the type of filter I have?
The beginning of the cooling season is a good time to have your ducts cleaned. Most duct systems have only a minimum amount of filtering. About 80-85% of the debris that comes in contact with your filter will pass through it and settle on your fan, cooling and in your air duct system. It is in this dark, dirty and sometimes damp environment that mold and mildew could grow. Having a quality duct cleaning every seven to ten years can prevent the build-up of these potential problems. Installing a high efficiency filtering system can eliminate the need for duct cleaning, is important to the health of your family, and can extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC system.
Does freon need to be added to my system every year?
No. The freon in your cooling system is circulated through the copper refrigeration lines to remove heat from your home. If your system needs ever needs freon, you have a leak and it is costing you money in higher utility bills through poor system performance. It can also damage the compressor, the heart of the air conditioning system. We recommend repairing the system for reliable and efficient operation.
Are electrostatic air filters good for my system?
Electro-static filters actually restrict the airflow going through your system. (Poor airflow is one of the two major problems with air conditioning and heating systems.) This can create stress (high static pressure) on your system and reduce its efficiency level. A high efficiency media filter or electronic air cleaner is your best choice.
Why does the air from my heat pump feel "cool" during the winter?
The air that is produced by a heat pump during the winter is in the 90 to 100 degree Fahrenheit range. Because the temperature of the your skin is in this same range, the air coming out of the vents feels "cool". If your house were 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you would most likely be uncomfortably warm!
What determines the size of my heating and cooling system?
A heating and cooling system should be sized based on several factors and not just square footage! The size of your home, the amount and condition of the insulation in your home, configuration of the space within your home and direction and type of windows are just a few of the factors. A system that is oversized will cost more to buy, more to operate, and it will shut off before it removes sufficient humidity from your home. This will cause the system to cut on and off quickly, which is known as "short cycling". It is recommended to have a " load calculation" performed that considers all factors for best results.
Is "High Efficiency" really worth it?
By Federal law, the minimum efficiencies that can be sold in the California are 10 S.E.E.R. (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for residential cooling products and 80% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) for gas heating products. SEERS can range as high as 18 and AFUES can go as high as 96%. These translate into operating savings of about 43% on cooling and 17% on heating. Payback of the initial cost difference can be realized in 3 to 5 years depending on how often you use them. We have estimated operation cost chart in our Energy Section.
What About Energy Star Products?
Energy Star Equipment is the most efficient product you can purchase. They are the best overall value and are 15-20% more efficient than the minimum federal standards.
What about air duct leakage and energy wasted?
Most air duct systems leak 20% to 40%, according to tests performed here in California, One study estimates that one billion dollars in energy loss is directly related to air duct leakage here in California. Some factors contributing to poor system performance caused by an air duct system are: 1) poorly or improperly insulated ducts, 2) improperly sized ducts, 3) leaky return and supply duct connections, 4) loosely fitting equipment panels, 5) broken, crushed or disconnected ducts.
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