FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
We've assembled some of the more frequently asked questions we encounter from our clients. Please browse though the list that appears below.
Should you not find the help needed, please call or email us. We're here to help! Again, thanks for stopping by!
Equipment?
Placing a service call?
Thermostats?
Filters?
Why bother with a yearly Preventive Maintenance Service?
Should I get my ducts cleaned?
Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide?
Is my air conditioner big enough for my house?
How do I choose a contractor?
Why am I getting such little air flow from my registers?
There's water spilling out of my inside unit. What can I do?
The system will not run at all. What do you think?
My equipment is two years old. When should it be serviced?
I have a Special Question for Controlled Comfort. What should I do?
Equipment:
When, and if, you decide on
purchasing a new system, don't overlook "after the sale" service.
Will the company that installed it be able to service it? Are you buying a brand
that only an "authorized dealer" can get parts for? Manufacturer's
popularity vary from city to city - take this into consideration. Buying from
someone you trust who has the ability to provide fast, courteous future service
is as important as the equipment purchase itself. Call us today, your consultation
is free... 402-333-2775
Return to Top
Placing a service call:
Choose a contractor
long before your equipment breaks down. Referrals from someone you know is about
the best way to choose a contractor. Flipping through the phone book when you
are desperate can be an expensive proposition. Premium prices for generic parts?
Most companies with flat rate schedules utilize parts of a lesser quality than
those carrying the brand name of major suppliers.
Return to Top
Thermostats:
Programmable thermostats
are the most accurate, even if you're not using the program. They have built
in time delays which prevent short cycling of the equipment and help lessen
the likelihood of people constantly playing with the thermostat. Turning your
unit off manually and waiting for your house to get uncomfortably hot or cold
before turning it on is harder on your system and will consume more energy trying
to recover.
Return to Top
Filters:
A standard air filter does more
to keep the equipment clean than the environment. CHANGE FILTERS OFTEN. Pleated,
electrostatic and electronic filters do help with your home environment; however,
they need monthly changing and/or cleaning to work at peak efficiency and are
only working when your indoor fan is running. If you have an allergy problem,
you should look at these filters as well as room air purifiers to decide which
is best for you.
Return to Top
Why bother with a yearly Preventive Maintenance Service?
A yearly Preventive Maintenance Service on your system is a wise thing to do.
Note the words, Preventive Maintenance. When done properly, maintaining your
system will save you money on energy bills; but just as importantly, yearly
preventive maintenance service will help your system last longer! Dirt is the
biggest enemy of mechanical systems. During a Preventive Maintenance Service,
certain parts that can cause trouble when dirty, are cleaned to keep the system
running smoothly and efficiently. Another benefit is that problems can be discovered
before serious damage is done and appropriate measures taken before a complete
breakdown in the middle of winter or on a hot, humid day.
Return to Top
Should I get my ducts cleaned?
Cleaning your ducts may be beneficial in some instances; however, you should
research the contractor to make sure the job is performed correctly. Please
call us today, your consultation is free... 402-333-2775
Return to Top
Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat
in some instances and is yet another reason to have your heater inspected by
someone you trust. A carbon monoxide detector is a wise investment. They have
been improved over the last couple of years. Follow the links in the sidebar
of our home page for more information.
Return to Top
Is my air conditioner big enough for my house?
To exactly size an A/C unit for a specific area requires a heat load calculation
which is usually done by a licensed, experienced HVAC contractor qualified to
make the analysis.
A quick and easy rule of thumb to use for sizing an air
conditioner for a room or house is the square foot method. This formula is used
only for a quick approximation and is based on certain guidelines regarding
insulation R values, shading, ceiling height, construction materials, windows,
doors, purpose of use and occupancy. In layman's terms, 1-ton of cooling capacity
is equal to 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity; and, 400-600 square feet (depending
on where you live, insulation and overall home efficiency) of residential living
space requires 1-ton of cooling capacity. Call us for your free analysis today
at 402-333-2775.
Return to Top
How do I choose a contractor?
Most importantly, make sure the contractor is licensed. Probably the best way
to choose a contractor is to ask someone you know. Word of mouth is the best
advertisement, not flashy ads! You should also chose a contractor before you
need one, as this will help eliminate the frustration when your system is broken
and you don't know what to do. It may also save you money! Selecting a contractor
advertising "Same Day - 24 hour service guaranteed" sometimes comes with
a hefty penalty.
Return to Top
Why am I getting such little air flow from my registers?
There are several reasons ... from poor duct design and layout to plugged filters,
collapsed ducts and dirty evaporative coils. If the problem has been like this
since we moved in, have it checked out during a routine service in the spring
or fall when the contractor has more time to do a thorough inspection. Placing
an emergency call when its 100° out that requires someone to get in your
attic is costly. But, if the loss of air flow is sudden, something has gone
wrong with your system and should be checked out soon before more damage occurs.
Return to Top
There's water spilling out of my inside unit. What can I do?
A clogged drain line may be caused by mud build-up and can usually be flushed
out. This should be cleaned during a routine service. Contractors usually use
high pressure gas to blow out the drain line; but, you can clean the drain yourself
by disconnecting the drain line at the unit and forcing water, from your garden
hose, through it. Or, if you have a shop-vac, you can connect it to the drain
line where it terminates outside the house.
Return to Top
The system will not run at all. What do
you think?
The most common reason a system will not run is because of a loss of power.
Always check for a tripped breaker! Make sure you turn it all the way off by
pushing it into the off position so you feel it latch and then turn it back
on. If it trips again instantly, call a contractor and have it checked out. DO
NOT reset it again.
Return to Top
My equipment is two years old. When should it be serviced?
Typically any contractor can honor the manufacturer's warranty on equipment
even if they didn't install it. We suggest 2 times per year.
Return to Top
I have a Special Question for Controlled Comfort. What should I do?
If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail us at service@controlledcomfort.com
Most questions will be answered within 24-hours. You can also call our service
team at 402-333-2775
Return to Top
