24/7 Emergency Service
HEATING & AIR FAQ'S
WHAT EQUIPMENT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN PURCHASING A NEW HEATING AND AIR SYSTEM?
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Does it include “after the sale” service?
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Will the company that installed my air conditioner or furnace be able to service it?
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Are you buying a brand that only an “authorized dealer” can get parts for?
Manufacturers’ popularity varies 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.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING A SERVICE CALL?
It’s important to choose an HVAC contractor long before your equipment breaks down. A referral from someone you know is one of the the best ways to choose a contractor. Flipping through the phone book when you are desperate can be an expensive proposition. Most companies with flat-rate schedules utilize parts of a lesser quality than those carrying the brand name of major suppliers.
WHAT KIND OF THERMOSTAT IS THE BEST?
Programmable thermostats are the most accurate, even if you’re not using the program. They have built-in time delays that 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 overall.
HOW DO AIR FILTERS WORK? HOW OFTEN DO AIR FILTERS NEED CHANGED?
A standard air filter does more to keep the equipment clean than the environment. Pleated, electrostatic, and electronic filters help keep your home environment clean; however, they need changed or cleaned monthly to work at peak efficiency. Filters 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 could help your allergies the most.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OUR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE SERVICE?
When purchasing an air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, it’s wise to add our Preventive Maintenance Service to your contract. Notice the words “Preventive Maintenance.” When done properly, maintaining your system will save you money on energy bills and 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 can be taken before a complete breakdown occurs in the middle of winter or on a hot, humid day.
DO MY AIR DUCTS NEED CLEANED?
Having your air ducts cleaned is beneficial in many instances; however, you should research the contractor to make sure the job is performed correctly. Controlled Comfort offers free consultations to help you decide if air duct cleaning is needed at this time.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide, also known as the silent killer, can pose a serious threat and is just one of the many reasons to have your heater inspected by an HVAC specialist. In addition to annual furnace maintenance, a carbon monoxide detector can offer peace of mind.
HOW BIG SHOULD MY AIR CONDITIONER BE?
The exact size of an AC unit depends on the size of a specific area and requires a heat load calculation, which is usually done by a licensed, experienced HVAC contractor who is qualified to make the analysis.
HOW DO I CHOOSE AN HVAC CONTRACTOR?
One of the best ways to choose a contractor is to ask someone you know. After you’ve been given a recommendation, it’s important to check that the suggested technicians are licensed. It’s smart to choose a contractor before you need one, as this will help eliminate the frustration and streamline repair services when your furnace or air conditioner needs repaired. It may also save you money!
WHY AM I GETTING SUCH LITTLE AIR FLOW FROM MY AC REGISTERS?
There are several reasons why you could be experiencing poor air flow. Faulty duct design and layout, plugged filters, collapsed ducts, and dirty evaporator coils could all be culprits. If the problem has been like this since you moved in, have it checked out during a routine service call or in the spring or fall when the contractor has more time to do a thorough inspection.
Placing an emergency call is pricier than making a regularly scheduled appointment. But, if the loss of air flow is sudden, you should have it checked out as soon as possible before more damage occurs.
THERE’S WATER SPILLING OUT OF MY INSIDE UNIT. WHAT CAN I DO?
Leaking water often indicates a clogged drain line. This could be caused by mud or dirt buildup and can usually be flushed out. If the spillage isn’t excessive, the issue could be cleared during a routine maintenance appointment. HVAC contractors usually use high pressure gas to blow out the drain line.
To first try and resolve the issue on you own, you can disconnect the drain line at the unit and force 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. If these measures do not resolve the issue, contact a professional.
MY AC SYSTEM OR FURNACE WON’T RUN AT ALL. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
The most common reason a system won’t run is because of a loss of power. The first step is to always check for a tripped breaker! Make sure you turn it until you feel it latch into the off position, then turn it back on. If it trips again instantly, call a contractor and have it checked out. Do not try and reset it again.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONER CHECKED?
Annual maintenance is crucial to obtaining optimum performance from your heating and cooling system. It is recommended to have your furnace serviced in the fall before winter hits and to have your air conditioning unit checked and cleaned in the spring before summer is in full swing. Typically, any contractor can honor the manufacturer’s warranty on equipment even if they didn’t install it.
If you still have questions, send it to one of our expert HVAC Contractors at service@controlledcomfort.com or call our service team at 402-333-2775. Most questions will be answered within 24 hours.