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HVAC - Frequently Asked Questions
General HVAC FAQ
1 - What brand equipment do we install?
2 - What is the warranty on Trane equipment?
3 - Can I buy an extended warranty?
4 - Do we give free estimates?
5 - How much will it cost to replace my air conditioning system?
6 - How much will it cost to replace my furnace?
7 - What brand equipment can we service or maintain?
8 - How much does it cost to do a "clean & check" on my furnace or A/C?
9 - What is included with a Furnace "clean & check"?
10 - What is included with an A/C "clean & check"?
11 - Do we install whole house humidifiers?
12 - Can we service whole house Humidifiers?
13 - Do we install whole house air cleaners?
14 - How much is a service call?
15 - Who does the installation? (Home Depot Question)
16 - Can I save money by installing both a furnace and air conditioning system at the same time?
17 - How soon can the installation be performed?
18 - Can Home Depot service or repair my existing system?
19 - Do we do commercial work?
20 - Do we do maintenance contracts?
21 - Do we install & service "Hot Water" (hydronic) boilers?
22 - Do we install & service "Steam" Boilers?
23 - Do we do duct cleaning?
1 - What brand equipment do we install?
TRANE.2 - What is the warranty on Trane equipment?
5 year parts on builders line furnaces & A/C's - 10 year parts on standard premium furnaces & A/C's when registered with Trane - limited lifetime on qualified furnace heat exchangers - one year labor on all.3 - Can I buy an extended warranty?
Yes. Trane offers extended warranties up to 15 years parts & labor on qualified equipment. Prices start at $150.00 and go up to $900.00.4 - Do we give free estimates?
Yes.5 - How much will it cost to replace my air conditioning system?
Starting at $3,000.00 and up to $10,000.00 depending on the size, model, efficiency and application of the air conditioning system. Prices are subject to an onsite consultation.6 - How much will it cost to replace my furnace?
Starting at $2,000.00 and up to $7,500.00 depending on the size, model, efficiency and application of the new furnace. Prices are subject to an onsite consultation.7 - What brand equipment can we service or maintain?
Any and All8 - How much does it cost to do a "clean & check" on my furnace or A/C?
it costs $90.00 per unit, plus parts if needed.9 - What is included with a Furnace "clean & check"?
Check/Amp/grease all motors, pull & clean burner assembly, pull & clean pilot assembly if applicable, clean burner compartment, check/clean out heat exchanger, cycle heat & check for proper operation, replace filter supplied by homeowner.10 - What is included with an A/C "clean & check"?
Hose down coils, check Freon levels, check/amp/grease motors, cycle cooling & check for proper operation, Replace filter supplied by homeowner.11 - Do we install whole house humidifiers?
Yes. We install "Trane" "Aprilaire" & "Honeywell" humidifiers. Installations start at $385.00 and go up to $900.00 depending on the size & application.12 - Can we service whole house Humidifiers?
Yes.13 - Do we install whole house air cleaners?
Yes. We install the "Trane Clean Effects" whole house electronic air cleaner. Standard installation costs are $1,200.00. This air cleaner is the best on the market14 - How much is a service call?
It costs $120.00 for the 1st hour plus parts and $45.00 every additional half hour the technician is there.15 - Who does the installation? (Home Depot Question)
The Home Depot At Home Service Provider Contractor. (DRF)16 - Can I save money by installing both a furnace and air conditioning system at the same time?
Yes. Usually a little labor cost can be taken out by installing both at the same time.17 - How soon can the installation be performed?
Usually within a week from signing a contract. Emergency installations will be first come first serve and possible overtime charges if after normal operating hours.18 - Can Home Depot service or repair my existing system?
No. However, the Home Depot At Home Service Provider Contractor (DRF) can service or repair your system. You will have to deal directly with the contractor. No Home Depot credit card or financing will be available.19 - Do we do commercial work?
Yes.20 - Do we do maintenance contracts?
Yes.21 - Do we install & service "Hot Water" (hydronic) boilers?
Yes.22 - Do we install & service "Steam" Boilers?
No.23 - Do we do duct cleaning?
No.Furnace FAQ
1 - What does the efficiency percentage of a furnace mean?
2 - How much money will I save on my heating bill by changing my furnace?
3 - What is a chimney liner and how do I know if I need one?
4 - Why does a 90% to 95% efficient furnace have to be side wall vented?
5 - How long will it take to replace my furnace?
6 - Do I have to change my air conditioner at the same time?
7 - How often should I change my furnace filter?
8 - What temperature should I keep my thermostat on?
9 - Should I have my old thermostat replaced with a new digital thermostat?
10 - How often should I have my furnace inspected?
11 - How long is a furnace supposed to last?
12 - What can I do to make sure I get the most out of my furnace?
13 - What is a "variable speed" blower motor?
14 - What is the "heat exchanger"?
15 - Why is it bad when the heat exchanger cracks?
16 - When is the best time to replace my furnace?
17 - How do I know if my furnace is leaking carbon monoxide?
1 - What does the efficiency percentage of a furnace mean?
The amount of fuel burned that is used to heat your space, the remainder is lost.EXAMPLE: An 80% efficient furnace puts 80% of the fuel burned for heating into the space. The remaining 20% is lost out the chimney. A 95% furnace only loses 5% out the chimney, thus saving you more cost on energy. The more efficient the furnace percentage the less it costs to operate.
2 - How much money will I save on my heating bill by changing my furnace?
Anywhere from 10% to 60% depending on which furnace you choose and how efficient your existing furnace was. Other factors come into play when we talk about how to save money on your bill. Poor ductwork, insulation and cheap windows can attribute to large heat losses as well. These things will cause the furnace to run longer and more often thus costing more money to operate.3 - What is a chimney liner and how do I know if I need one?
A chimney liner is a flexible pipe that is dropped down the existing chimney opening. Its purpose is to shrink the existing size of the opening to keep the chimney from condensating. All newer 80% efficient furnaces have a draft inducer motor built into them as opposed to a gravity draft on the older models. The induced drafting of the exhaust actually cools it down enough that it causes condensation. By shrinking the size of the chimney it allows the exhaust to stay hotter. Condensation will wreck the chimney and cause water leakage problems. You need a liner if an 80% furnace is installed with a masonry chimney.4 - Why does a 90% to 95% efficient furnace have to be side wall vented?
There is a secondary coil inside the furnace that the flu gasses run through before they are exhausted. The air blows over this coil stealing the heat from the exhaust and putting it into the space being heated. By the time the exhaust is ready to go out, it is not hot enough to draft a chimney. This is one way to gain efficiency for the furnace.5 - How long will it take to replace my furnace?
On a typical furnace installation change out it will be completed in within 8 hours.6 - Do I have to change my air conditioner at the same time?
No. However you can usually save a little money by replacing both at the same time.7 - How often should I change my furnace filter?
It depends on what type of filter you have. A 1 inch disposable filter should be replaced every 1 to 3 months. A 4 inch media/hepa type filter should be changed every 6 months. An electronic air cleaning filter should be washed at the beginning of heating season and the beginning of cooling season8 - What temperature should I keep my thermostat on?
There is no correct temperature. Put your thermostat on whatever temperature you are comfortable.9 - Should I have my old thermostat replaced with a new digital thermostat?
Yes. It will only benefit your comfort. Old mechanical thermostats are accurate +/- 5 degrees. The new digital thermostats are accurate +/- 1 degree. This will keep large temperature swings away and keep your space at a more even temperature10 - How often should I have my furnace inspected?
You should have your furnace inspected annually. This will prevent the furnace from operating in an unsafe condition. Also it will keep your furnace running at its best efficiency, saving you money and problems down the road.11 - How long is a furnace supposed to last?
The average healthy life of a furnace is 15 to 20 years provided you do regular maintenance.12 - What can I do to make sure I get the most out of my furnace?
Have the furnace inspected annually by a professional and change you filter regularly.13 - What is a "variable speed" blower motor?
A motor with the capability to speed up or slow down to deliver the proper amount of air flow at all times throughout the ductwork.14 - What is the "heat exchanger"?
The metal structured housing that the flames and exhaust run through inside the furnace. The heat exchanger is what gets hot and as the air passes over it the air becomes heated.15 - Why is it bad when the heat exchanger cracks?
Two reasons. The carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes can now enter the air stream throughout the ductwork. Also the air can get into the heat exchanger and roll the flames out causing mini gas explosions and a possible fire. Do not operate your furnace with a cracked heat exchanger16 - When is the best time to replace my furnace?
The best time to replace your furnace is anytime during regular business hours. The installation is completed within 8 hours so the down time is minimal. On an emergency basis after hours you can incur large overtime costs. It is best to schedule a convenient time instead of waiting until the last minute.17 - How do I know if my furnace is leaking carbon monoxide?
Install a carbon monoxide detector or have a professional come out and take readings in the space to make sure there aren't dangerous levels of carbon monoxideAir Conditioning FAQ
1 - What is S.E.E.R.?
2 - Do I have to add Freon to my air conditioning system?
3 - Should I cover my A/C in the winter?
4 - How much will I save on my electric bill by installing a new air conditioner?
5 - Should I have my A/C checked out? How often?
6 - What type of Freon is used in my system?
7 - Can I replace my R22 Freon with R410A Freon?
8 - What is the Evaporator or "A" Coil?
9 - What is the condenser?
10 - What is the compressor?
11 - How can I use my air conditioner more efficiently? What can I do?
12 - Why is it always hotter on the second floor?
13 - Is it better to have a larger size A/C than needed?
14 - How do I clean my A/C condenser coils?
15 - What does it mean when there is ice forming on the Freon lines and compressor?
16 - Why is there water all over the floor?
17 - When is the best time to replace my A/C?
18 - How long does it take to install a new A/C system?
1 - What is S.E.E.R.?
It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the calculated energy consumption of an air conditioner. The S.E.E.R. rating starts at 13 and goes up in increments of 1 up to 20. 13 being the standard and 20 being the most efficient you can buy.2 - Do I have to add Freon to my air conditioning system?
No. You should never have to add Freon to your air conditioner. If the Freon levels are low, you have a leak in the system.3 - Should I cover my A/C in the winter?
It is not necessary. If you choose to cover it make sure that it can breathe or you will oxidize all of the controls and wire connections in the unit. The A/C is designed to be outside. If the concern is keeping leaves & debris from falling into the unit, just cover the top so it can still breathe.4 - How much will I save on my electric bill by installing a new air conditioner?
Anywhere from 10% t0 60% depending on which model you purchase, how efficient your old A/C was and how much you use the A/C throughout the summer.5 - Should I have my A/C checked out? How often?
Yes. You should have you're A/C system checked out annually. The coils need to be washed out and Freon levels checked to insure proper operation. Outdoor temps need to be above 65 degrees to be checked properly.6 - What type of Freon is used in my system?
There are two types of Freon used today in residential systems. R22 is what has been used up until they came out with R410A to replace R22. R22 Freon will no longer be produced as of 2010. The type of Freon used will be labeled on the name plate of the unit.7 - Can I replace my R22 Freon with R410A Freon?
No. R22 Freon works only in an R22 system and R410A Freon works only in an R410A system. They are not compatible. They operate at completely different pressures. There are no retrofit kits. You have to replace the Evaporator coil and the Condensing unit to R410A compatible equipment.8 - What is the Evaporator or "A" Coil?
It is the coil that is installed on the supply air side of the furnace. Its function is to change the Freon from a liquid to a gas causing a cooling effect. This coil becomes very cold and as the warmer air blows over it, the air becomes cooled.9 - What is the condenser?
It is the part of the A/C system that sits outside. After the Evaporator coil turns the Freon liquid into a gas, the Condenser condenses the Freon back to a liquid. It is also where the compressor is located that pumps the Freon back and forth to the coils.10 - What is the compressor?
It is what pumps the Freon back and forth from the condenser to the evaporator coil. It is located in the condensing unit.11 - How can I use my air conditioner more efficiently? What can I do?
1. Make sure your furnace filter is clean to insure good air flow.2. On hot sunny days keep the blinds or shades closed to keep the heat load in the house down. 3. Don't allow humidity to get into the house. Remember, an air conditioner is a Dehumidifier. Even when it cools down a little at night, don't open the windows. Opening the windows will let all of the humidity in that the A/C just spent all day getting rid of.
12 - Why is it always hotter on the second floor?
Remember that heat rises and also that there is a large heat load on the roof of your home. Unless you have a separate system for the second floor, the thermostat will be located on the 1st floor. When the temperature on the 1st floor satisfies the thermostat setting the A/C shuts off. The thermostat doesn't know that it is warmer on the 2nd floor. A very well insulated home and a correctly sized ductwork system would eliminate this problem, but most homes aren't built this way.13 - Is it better to have a larger size A/C than needed?
No. If the A/C is too large for the home it can "short cycle" causing the compressor to fail. Also, it will cool the house too quickly before it can get rid of the humidity. This would make it feel cold and damp in your home like being in a cave.14 - How do I clean my A/C condenser coils?
Use your garden hose with a spray nozzle. Simply spray down the coils from the outside of the unit. The unit is designed to get wet, you won't hurt anything. Do NOT use a pressure washer.15 - What does it mean when there is ice forming on the Freon lines and compressor?
Either you have a lack of air flow (plugged filter or bad blower motor) or the Freon pressures are incorrect. Take care of problem immediately.16 - Why is there water all over the floor?
Either the condensate drain line is plugged or the coil has been icing up and thawing out. Remember on a hot, humid summer day an A/C system can pull 25 gallons of moisture out of the air.17 - When is the best time to replace my A/C?
In the spring and summer months18 - How long does it take to install a new A/C system?
A standard installation takes 4 to 6 hours.