FAQ

You should generally change your air filter every 1 to 3 months, but the exact frequency can depend on several factors. Those factors can include the type of filter, where the filter is located, and if you have pets. Regularly checking the filter can help determine the best schedule for your specific situation. Filters grills that are located on the ground may be need to be changed more regular then return filters in the ceiling.

For most applications, we recommend a loose pleat type air filter with a MERV Rating of 8-11. If allergies or excessive indoor dust are of concern, we do offer solutions for high-efficiency indoor filtration and air purification. Care should be taken when considering the use of air filters with a MERV rating above 11 or electronic air cleaners. High efficiency air filtration products are often more restrictive than standard air filters, so care must be taken to ensure that your ductwork system can handle the increased static pressure without causing any damage to your comfort system.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system typically ranges from 10 to 18 years, depending on the type and how well it has been maintained. Factors like usage, maintenance, and the quality of installation can significantly influence longevity. Regular service can help extend its lifespan.

Absolutely! In most homes, the comfort systems are among the highest priced pieces of equipment installed, and you should protect your investment. Having proper annual maintenance performed will maximize energy efficiency (keep utility bills low), prevent system breakdowns, prolong the operation life, and maintain your system’s factory warranty coverage.

It's generally recommended to schedule HVAC maintenance at least once a year for both heating and cooling systems. We recommend scheduling cooling maintenance ` in the spring, before the cooling season begins (March to November). Schedule maintenance in the fall, before the heating season starts (November to March).

The choice between a furnace and a heat pump largely depends on your local climate, energy costs, and personal preferences regarding efficiency and environmental impact. If you’re in a milder region, a heat pump may be a great option. In colder areas, a furnace might be more reliable for consistent heating. Furnace work off of burning natural gas to produce heat while heat pumps use the compressor and refrigerant to produce heat.

The best product for your application is based upon a number of factors. Different product lines from different manufacturers feature various strengths and weaknesses compared to others. For that reason, we always perform an in-depth home evaluation to determine the best comfort solution for your needs. The brands and product lines we carry are all subjected to extensive lab and field testing, and we only install the same equipment and products for our clients that we use in our own homes. More important than the label on your equipment is the contractor that installs it. Newer comfort systems are becoming increasingly technical and complex, and many of the details overlooked by other contractors can have a huge impact on energy efficiency and system life. The brand name on your equipment is only as good as the installing contactor that stands behind the installation!

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the efficiency of air conditioning systems by calculating the ratio of cooling output (in BTUs) to the energy consumed (in watt-hours) over a typical cooling season. A higher SEER rating indicates a more energy-efficient system, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Think of SEER and EER like miles per gallon for the cooling system. The higher the SEER / EER, the more energy efficient the cooling system and the less it will cost to cool the home or building annually.

Tonnage ratings refer to the nominal capacity (size) of a comfort system. One ton of capacity equates to 12,000 BTU. Tonnage is somewhat of a loose rating when it comes to true system capacity, because the actual delivered capacity varies among different climate zone, manufacturers, product types, and system efficiency levels. In short, systems with the same tonnage from two different manufacturers can have notably different sensible capacity delivery

Fixed-speed PSC fans operate on single speeds for cooling/heating modes and have been commonly installed in comfort systems for the past few decades. This type of motor is being phased out in most newer comfort systems due to new energy efficiency regulations. Constant-torque motors are ECM (Electronically Commutated Motors) with multiple speed taps that are designed to maintain constant torque levels while in operation. These motors offer improved energy efficiency compared to older style fixed-speed PSC fans. Variable-speed indoor fans are also ECM type motors but are designed to maintain a constant CFM (cubic feet per minute). Variable-speed fans are the most energy-efficient and allow a great deal of versatility with airflow adjustments. As opposed to other types of fans that basically operate with On/Off functionality, variable-speed fans slowly ramp up-to and down-from maximum speed which results in quieter operation and less noticeable airflow noise inside your home.

The system runs at full capacity when it’s turned on. It either provides maximum heating or cooling without adjusting to different levels of demand. Single speed equipment are the simplest and most affordable equipment on the market.

Two-stage cooling/heating comfort systems provide additional levels of system capacity. The first stage (often around 70% of total capacity) is used during mild weather conditions and consumes less electricity or gas than single stage systems ` running at 100% continuously. During extremely warm or cold periods (or when the thermostat set-point is adjusted more than 3 degrees at once), the second stage of cooling/heating is engaged to provide 100% capacity delivery as needed. The main benefit of two-stage comfort is notable annual energy savings compared to singlestage equipment.

Variable-capacity compressor systems feature hundreds of stages (capacity levels) that allow the systems to modulate compressor speed up and down to deliver only the amount of cooling or heating capacity actually needed in the home. The main benefit of these systems is a notable reduction in utility costs compared to systems that constantly operate at 100% capacity