HVAC, Water Heater, and Oil FAQs

Most HVAC systems can help reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs. The prices of new units vary depending on:

• The type and size of the system you want to install
• The square footage of your home
• Any additional features you include in the purchase, such as a new thermostat or temperature sensors

When you start looking for a new HVAC system, schedule a consultation with one of our trained technicians to determine the best unit for your home and budget. Request an estimate for a new unit by contacting us via our online form, phone, or email to schedule an appointment.

While homeowners can perform some AC maintenance on their own, we do not recommend repairing a unit without professional assistance. Repairing broken AC units safely and efficiently often requires extensive skill and experience. Our highly trained technicians can inspect, diagnose, and repair a wide range of air conditioners from major manufacturers.

Some manufacturer warranties may be voided if repairs are performed by anyone other than a technician. Before you begin any repairs, review the warranty information for your unit and contact our office if you have any questions.

Temperatures a few feet below the earth’s surface remain constant throughout the year. Geothermal heating and cooling uses those sub-surface temperatures to control the climate of a home or business. A geothermal HVAC system typically consists of a network of buried pipes, a pump, and an indoor control unit. Fluid, usually water, circulates through the pipes. In winter, the fluid absorbs heat from the ground to warm the building. In summer, the water absorbs heat from the building and cools as it circulates underground, lowering indoor temperatures.  Contact us today for a free installation estimate for a geothermal system.

The cost and efficiency of your heating and cooling system depend on your home’s location and air tightness, the type of system you have, and how well your HVAC units fit your unique space and needs. A small home may require only one or two ductless mini-splits, while a large home may require a complete HVAC system. While product efficiency varies widely, units with high Energy Star ratings are typically more efficient than other systems. Schedule an appointment with our professionals to determine the most energy- and cost-effective system for your needs.

Several factors can cause a leaky air conditioner. A small amount of water may be released from the unit due to normal condensation as the air conditioner operates. A large, obvious leak or pooling, however, can indicate a serious problem with your unit. Common problems that cause a leaking AC include:

• A broken condenser pump
• Improper installation of the AC unit
• A blocked drain hole or hose
• Air leakage through the unit’s seals

Whenever you notice a leak, contact one of our qualified AC repair technicians to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs. Our technicians can also provide proper AC maintenance services and tips to help you avoid such problems.

If you want to replace a home thermostat without an electrician or HVAC technician, you need a working understanding of electrical systems. To avoid harming yourself, those around you, and your thermostat, contact an AC repair technician to perform the job.

If you have the necessary knowledge and experience to replace a thermostat yourself, follow these steps to ensure a safe, smooth installation.

• Read all installation instructions provided with the thermostat.
• Shut off the power at the breaker box.
• Remove the old thermostat, ensuring you label the wires.
• Install the replacement wall plate.
• Wire the new thermostat.
• Slide the thermostat onto the wall plate.
• Use the breaker box to restore power.

While some individuals may have the knowledge to replace a water heater safely and effectively on their own, we recommend hiring a technician to ensure the job is done correctly. When our technicians replace a water heater, they follow specific steps to ensure that the job is done right

First, our technicians confirm that water heater repair isn’t a better option than replacement. If the unit needs to be replaced, they shut off the gas valve and look for leaks. They then turn off the pilot light, disconnect the exhaust duct, drain the old heater, and disconnect the gas line and water lines, making the unit easy to remove. To install the new unit, the technicians connect new gas and water lines. After refueling, they open the gas valve and ignite the pilot light, completing the installation.

No. In fact, we will no longer be importing or creating it come 2020. What Are Your Top Five Indoor Air Quality Facts?”]

• The EPA considers indoor air quality one of the most significant public health risks.
• Indoor air quality can be between two and five times worse than outdoor air quality.
• Common indoor pollutants include pollen, mold, carbon monoxide, dust mites, radon, carbon dioxide, and chemical fumes. Such pollutants can contribute to respiratory tract infections, lung disease, asthma, and lung cancer.
• Poor indoor air quality affects people and homes worldwide, from dense urban areas to rural towns.
• To prevent poor indoor air quality, remove sources of pollutants, clean the air, change air filters, and increase ventilation.

Keeping the air you breathe fresh and clean is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Try our tips to improve indoor air quality in your home:

• Use a mop and a vacuum with a specialized filter to help eliminate dust and allergens, chemicals, and other toxins that can accumulate in your home.
• Replace your HVAC’s air filter regularly.
• Place a floor mat at each home entrance to reduce pollutants from the outdoors.
• Keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent to reduce dust mite and mold levels in your home. Using a dehumidifier can regulate indoor air quality and help control allergens.

When deciding if you need to replace an air filter, you should consider a number of questions, including:

• What kind of filter do you have
• Are there any pets in your home
• How is your home’s indoor air quality
• How many people live in your home
• Is there any construction or other source of air pollution outside your home

If you and your family are in good health, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on a 1- to 3-inch filter, which typically advises replacement every 30 to 90 days. If you have allergies or pets, change your filters every 30-45 days or use a higher-rated product.