Common Heating and Cooling Questions & Answers
HVAC Replacement
Most systems have a lifetime of 10 to 20 years. As your equipment ages, its efficiency can decrease, becoming noisier and needing more repairs. When a unit shows age, you can overhaul the system or replace it. Newer systems are more energy-efficient, especially if your system is over 7 years old.
Suggestions include upgrading to a high-efficiency system, adjusting the temperature, installing ceiling fans, performing annual maintenance, not blocking vents in well-used rooms, closing vents in less-used rooms, and installing a programmable thermostat.
No, an oversized air conditioner or furnace can lead to inefficiencies, more energy use, and not removing humidity adequately.
Consider replacing your unit if it is 7 years old or older, requires frequent repairs, stops working, fails to heat or cool areas of your home, runs excessively or constantly turns on and off, or produces high utility bills.
A comfort specialist can provide a free consultation to determine the right system for your needs.
A detailed load calculation and evaluation of your home are needed to properly size an HVAC system.
Brands include American Standard, Bryant, Goodman, and Day & Night.
No, pricing varies based on needs and home conditions. A detailed load calculation is necessary for proper sizing.
Replacing only the outdoor unit can reduce efficiency and void warranties. It’s recommended to replace the indoor cooling coil as well.
Poorly installed ductwork can be inefficient. An HVAC expert should check your ducts before investing in a new system.
Permit requirements vary by location.
Variable speed fans can adjust speeds as needed, leading to energy savings and meeting comfort needs.
It provides peace of mind and covers unexpected repair costs, even if the system is under warranty.
HVAC Replacement
Most systems have a lifetime of 10 to 20 years. As your equipment ages, its efficiency can decrease, becoming noisier and needing more repairs. When a unit shows age, you can overhaul the system or replace it. Newer systems are more energy-efficient, especially if your system is over 7 years old.
Suggestions include upgrading to a high-efficiency system, adjusting the temperature, installing ceiling fans, performing annual maintenance, not blocking vents in well-used rooms, closing vents in less-used rooms, and installing a programmable thermostat.
No, an oversized air conditioner or furnace can lead to inefficiencies, more energy use, and not removing humidity adequately.
Consider replacing your unit if it is 7 years old or older, requires frequent repairs, stops working, fails to heat or cool areas of your home, runs excessively or constantly turns on and off, or produces high utility bills.
A comfort specialist can provide a free consultation to determine the right system for your needs.
A detailed load calculation and evaluation of your home are needed to properly size an HVAC system.
Brands include American Standard, Bryant, Goodman, and Day & Night.
No, pricing varies based on needs and home conditions. A detailed load calculation is necessary for proper sizing.
Replacing only the outdoor unit can reduce efficiency and void warranties. It’s recommended to replace the indoor cooling coil as well.
Poorly installed ductwork can be inefficient. An HVAC expert should check your ducts before investing in a new system.
Permit requirements vary by location.
Variable speed fans can adjust speeds as needed, leading to energy savings and meeting comfort needs.
It provides peace of mind and covers unexpected repair costs, even if the system is under warranty.
HVAC Repair
Yes. You should expect to pay a diagnostic fee to cover the cost of the technician’s visit to diagnose your problem and receive a quote for the repair options. You will be advised of the issue along with recommended options to correct it, which may include a system replacement if your unit is old or the repair would be significant. If you decide to replace the system, the diagnostic fee will be credited toward the replacement purchase.
How do you know how much is too much? Start with your utility company; they can help a great deal. Comparing previous bills isn’t always a good measure, as the weather is never exactly the same month to month. Instead, if you take your energy bill and divide it by the square footage of livable space in your home — don’t count areas like unfinished garages or basements — you can calculate how much you are spending to heat or cool each square foot of your home. Your energy provider can tell you what the average cost per square foot is in your region for that same period of time so you can compare apples to apples.
Even if your system is still working, depending on the type of system in your home today, you could recoup your investment in a new system in as little as 3 years. That doesn’t mean that your system absolutely has to be replaced. Heating and cooling systems have made tremendous gains in efficiency over the past 5 years, so if you have an older system, it is worth taking a look at whether it would make sense to go ahead and upgrade now.
