FAQS
QUESTION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REPLACE THE AIR FILTERS?
Answer:
If you have animals you should check the filters at least every 30 days. Otherwise, they should be replaced every 90 days as suggested by the manufacturer.
QUESTION: WILL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT SAVE ME MONEY?
Answer:
Yes, installing a programmable thermostat can save on fuel and energy costs during all seasons of the year. During the summer months you the thermostat can be programmed to automatically set a higher temperature during the hours you are not home or while you sleep as desired by the occupants to reduce the amount of energy the air conditioning system is using. During the winter months it can be programmed to automatically set the heating system at a lower temperature during the hours that you are at work and while you sleep. For heating systems, every 1 degree that the temperature is lowered (up to four degrees) can save up to 3% on fuel consumption.
Where your programmable thermostat is placed in your home is also critical for it to work efficiently. If the thermostat is placed in an area that is subject to direct sunlight, heat from a bathroom or kitchen, a drafty area, directly above a computer, etc. can cause it to call for too much or too little heat. Try to place your thermostat in a central location where the temperature is relatively consistent with the rest of the home.
Where your programmable thermostat is placed in your home is also critical for it to work efficiently. If the thermostat is placed in an area that is subject to direct sunlight, heat from a bathroom or kitchen, a drafty area, directly above a computer, etc. can cause it to call for too much or too little heat. Try to place your thermostat in a central location where the temperature is relatively consistent with the rest of the home.
QUESTION: IF I HAVE NO HEAT, WHAT SHOULD I DO OR CHECK BEFORE CALLING FOR SERVICE?
Answer:
First, check to be sure that the thermostat is set above room temperature. If the thermostat is turned up and there is still no heat check to make sure that there is power to the heating system by making sure that all switches are turned on. You should also check the fuse panel or breaker box to see if any breakers have been tripped or fuses have been blown.
If there appears to be electricity going to the unit check to make sure that you have oil in your oil tank. If you have a gas-fired system make sure that the gas is turned on to your home via your gas company.
You may also try pushing the reset button located on the heating equipment. The manufacturer states that you may push this button only once and this may temporarily relieve the issue. However, even if the heat comes back on you should still call us immediately to service the unit in order to ensure that this problem does not recur.
If there appears to be electricity going to the unit check to make sure that you have oil in your oil tank. If you have a gas-fired system make sure that the gas is turned on to your home via your gas company.
You may also try pushing the reset button located on the heating equipment. The manufacturer states that you may push this button only once and this may temporarily relieve the issue. However, even if the heat comes back on you should still call us immediately to service the unit in order to ensure that this problem does not recur.
QUESTION: IF I AM GOING OUT OF TOWN DURING THE WINTER WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY HEATING SYSTEM?
Answer:
You may turn down the temperature on the thermostat to save energy and fuel consumption while you are away but you should set the temperature no lower than 10 degrees above freezing. You should also have somebody (friend, neighbor, relative, etc.) watch your home or keep an eye on it while you are away. If you are going to have somebody watch your home while you are away you should provide them with our contact information in the case of problems or malfunctions of your heating equipment. You should also contact us and inform us that you will be away and with the information (name, contact, etc) of the person who is authorized to call for service on your behalf. You may also have a monitoring system installed that will alert you if the heat should go off while you are gone. If you are interested in installing a monitoring system or more information please contact us.
QUESTION: WHEN DO I NEED TO HAVE MY UNIT SERVICED?
Answer:
The annual tune-up of heating and air conditioning equipment should be done every year. Having the maintenance performed annually, as required by the manufacturer, will help to ensure that the system is operating at peak efficiency and will help to identify possible issues before an equipment failure occurs.
QUESTION: WHY DOES MY HEATING EQUIPMENT NEED TO BE CLEANED EVERY YEAR?
Answer:
Manufacturers require that heating systems are serviced every year (regardless of the fuel type). This is to ensure that the unit is running at peak efficiency and also serves as a preventative maintenance for any future mechanical or safety hazards that may arise.
For every 1/8 ” of soot that accumulates in the unit can reduce efficiency by up to 12%. It is important that the unit be cleaned annually to ensure that the unit it operating at peak efficiency. A poorly operating unit creates carbon monoxide which, in high enough levels, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.
Annual servicing is also important in order to make sure that the unit is running at factory specifications and that any necessary adjustments can be made.
For every 1/8 ” of soot that accumulates in the unit can reduce efficiency by up to 12%. It is important that the unit be cleaned annually to ensure that the unit it operating at peak efficiency. A poorly operating unit creates carbon monoxide which, in high enough levels, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.
Annual servicing is also important in order to make sure that the unit is running at factory specifications and that any necessary adjustments can be made.
QUESTION: HOW CAN I REDUCE MY ENERGY AND FUEL COSTS?
Answer:
Upgrade equipment.
Replacing an older inefficient heating system with high efficiency equipment can save up to 70% on fuel per year and can cut electricity bills by up to one third. Call us and schedule a free consultation with our highly trained staff to receive an estimate and find out how much you could save by upgrading to a high efficiency system.
Adjust the temperature. Adjusting the temperature at which your thermostat is set (lower during the winter months and higher during the summer) can save up to 3% on fuel costs per degree change during the hours that you are away from home.
Annual maintenance. Having the maintenance performed annually, as required by the manufacturer, will help to ensure that your heating system is operating at peak efficiency and will help to identify possible issues before an equipment failure occurs.
Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat can save on fuel and energy consumption by automatically adjusting the temperature during the house that you are not in your home and while you are sleeping. If you are interested in finding out more information about programmable thermostats please contact us.
Adjust the temperature. Adjusting the temperature at which your thermostat is set (lower during the winter months and higher during the summer) can save up to 3% on fuel costs per degree change during the hours that you are away from home.
Annual maintenance. Having the maintenance performed annually, as required by the manufacturer, will help to ensure that your heating system is operating at peak efficiency and will help to identify possible issues before an equipment failure occurs.
Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat can save on fuel and energy consumption by automatically adjusting the temperature during the house that you are not in your home and while you are sleeping. If you are interested in finding out more information about programmable thermostats please contact us.
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOILER AND A FURNACE?
Answer:
A boiler is a heating system that heats water to go to baseboards or radiators while a furnace heats air for a forced hot air system.
QUESTION: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SMELL FUMES (OIL, GAS, ETC.) IN MY HOME?
Answer:
If you have an oil-fired heating system you should turn the system off, check to be sure that there are no oil leaks and call us immediately to schedule a service call.
If you have a gas-fired system you should immediately call your gas company.
If you have a gas-fired system you should immediately call your gas company.
QUESTION: CAN YOU GIVE ME AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE MY HEATING EQUIPMENT WITHOUT AN IN-HOME CONSULTATION?
Answer:
No, we cannot provide a quote over the phone, as pricing varies based on your individual needs and the unique conditions in your home. In order to properly size a new heating or air conditioning system, a detailed survey must be performed by a qualified member of our staff. Installing an oversized or undersized unit may result in higher utility bills and your system may not heat or cool to the unit's optimum capacity or to your desired specifications.
