How much does a service call cost?

We perform a system diagnostic for $69. Our repairs are quoted at a “flat rate”, up front so there are no surprises in the end. We’ll even show you our service pricing and you are encouraged to observe our technicians while at work. If you choose to repair the system at the time the repairs are quoted, the diagnostic fee is waived and you pay for only the repairs. In the event that a specialty repair is not listed in our book, you will still be quoted a complete price, including labor before the work is approved.

What qualifications do you require for your technicians?

All of our technicians and mechanics are screened and carefully selected. They undergo extensive and frequent training both here at our facility and at factory locations. Without question, our reputation is built on the performance of our people in the field and our reputation is excellent.

What qualifications do you require for your technicians?

All of our technicians and mechanics are screened and carefully selected. They undergo extensive and frequent training both here at our facility and at factory locations. Most of our senior technicians are NATE (North American Technical Excellence) certified which is the most highly regarded technical competency certification in our industry. Without question, our reputation is built on the performance of our people in the field and our reputation is excellent.

What is a heat pump? Is it better than an air conditioner?

Actually, a heat pump is an air conditioner with the capability of reversing in the winter to save energy. Perhaps you have noticed that during the summer, the outdoor section of your air conditioner blows hot air. That is heat that is being removed from inside your home. A heat pump actually removes heat from the outdoor air in the winter and moves it inside. When outdoor temperatures approach the freezing mark, and there is not enough heat to provide adequate capacity, the heat pump automatically engages supplemental heaters as a booster until the heat pump can catch up. If overall energy efficiency savings is your concern, a heat pump can really cut your winter time heating costs. In the summer you should never know the difference.

Why shouldn’t I get the biggest unit I can buy?

Over-sizing an air conditioner can be a dangerous thing. Proper sizing of an air conditioning system is essential to ensuring optimum comfort and efficiency. Oversized systems can short-cycle leading to humidity/condensation problems, excessive energy consumption and tremendous additional wear and tear on the equipment. One must also consider the duct sizing to prevent performance issues such as coil freezing, duct noise and air quality issues due to sweating. It is not our recommendation to over-size a comfort system unless duct design and supplemental dehumidification are considered.

When shopping for a new system what should I look for?

First, take a time out and think through what is important to you. Consider how your old system operated and if there are any improvements you would like to make with your new system. Most of the equipment on the market is similar in design and construction so more often than not, the installing contractor and his practices make the difference in satisfactory performance. Look for contractors with a good track record of excellent service. The contractor should have references available. Choose a contractor that is willing to listen to what you want and is willing to work with you to reach your goals. After all, you would not go to a car lot and buy the car the salesman tells you to. If you prefer to get more than one proposal, try interviewing the contractors before even obtaining prices to determine exactly what they offer. Always obtain a detailed written proposal with a predetermined price as well as their license number before you have any work done.

What does SEER mean and what is the best SEER to buy?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the most commonly used energy efficiency rating for residential heat pumps and air conditioners. SEER is actually a measure of the BTUs (British Thermal Units) a system can produce while consuming 1 watt of electricity. An easier way to relate the ratings is to compare it to miles per gallon on a car. The higher the MPG, the less gas the car will use. With SEER, the higher the number, the less electricity the system will consume. Don’t get confused though, purchasing a higher SEER rated unit does not mean it will blow colder, it means it will deliver the same cooling for less money.

Currently, a 13-SEER system is the minimum efficiency allowed. Most customers in our region and climate realize their best return on investment between a 14-SEER and a 16-SEER but SEER ratings for split system air conditioners and heat pumps range well into the 20+ range.

There is not a “best” SEER rating for everybody, your individual operating habits, size of your home, condition of you duct work and your savings goals will determine your best investment.

If I change my air conditioning equipment, do I need to change my duct work?

Not necessarily but leaking or improperly designed duct work can greatly affect energy efficiency and comfort. Today’s ultra-high efficiency systems can be more sensitive to duct issues. The department of energy estimates that the average home looses as much as 35% of its heating and cooling through leaking ducts. In fact, it has been our experience that a significant number of consumers with high energy bills find that their problems are due to duct leakage and not with their equipment.

Without question, your ducts should be inspected and perhaps even leak tested to make sure you are getting optimum performance from your system.

Should I run my blower continuously?

Years ago, it was common for contractors to recommend this practice. Over time, we have found that operation your blower can re-evaporate moisture from evaporator coils and drain pans. This can cause humidity problems in the house. There are still some advantages to operating you blower continuously such as evening out temperature imbalances (which may need to be addressed another way) and improved filtration. Generally, we no longer recommend this practice except for in rare circumstances.

Where should I set my thermostat?

The easiest and most obvious answer to this is, “Wherever you are comfortable.” Most energy providers, government agencies and manufacturers recommend summertime settings between 76° and 78° and winter settings between 68° and 70° for optimum energy savings. Most people will be comfortable if their humidity is kept in check and their home is well insulated and sealed to prevent outdoor air infiltration.

What is the best filter to purchase?

There are hundreds of filtration and air cleaning products on the market. Generally speaking, for household dust, a 1” fiberglass or pleated media filter will do just fine. If you have severe allergies, you might consider an extended like pleated media filter (MERV 11 or higher), a bypass air cleaner with a HEPA or TFP cell or an electronic air cleaner. If you are having problems with odors, a filter with carbon or zeolite might be what you need. Also, there are products that use different ionization or oxidation process that can help too.

The most important thing to remember is that air conditioning and heating systems do not make dust. Before investing big money on air cleaning products, take time to find and eliminate the source of the problem by having your home and ducts tested for leakage and infiltration. You might just find out you don’t need expensive air cleaners and save energy as well.

My ducts have never been cleaned, should I get it done now?

These days, you will see a lot of companies other than air conditioning and heating professionals advertising duct cleaning services. Before having your duct system cleaned, make sure that a qualified professional performs an inspection of the system to see if it needs it or could stand up to it. In the many years we have been doing duct cleaning, we have found that less than 2 out of 10 residential systems need it, could withstand the process due to age and condition or could be effectively cleaned without creating worse problems (such as the release of micotoxins from mold colonies). Don’t become a victim of a “low price” duct cleaning scam. Always hire experienced, certified professionals who perform inspections before quoting the job.

How long should my air conditioning and heating system last?

Generally speaking the national average is 10-12 years of reliable service. In our region, long hot summers and salt air will wear on the equipment faster. Regular maintenance is essential to increasing the service life of your equipment as well as keeping it operating efficiently.

How much does it cost to replace heating and cooling equipment?

Like anything else, there are economy and premium equipment options available. What may affect the price even more is the contractor who is installing it. Basically, is almost impossible to answer this question without first knowing your personal preferences and goals as well as the design and installation conditions. Some helpful hints when considering and investment in a home comfort system is to obtain detailed written proposals and ask plenty of questions. Listen to the contractor’s representative to determine if he/she is trying to sell you what he wants to or if he/she is responding to your needs. Above all else, make sure you obtain proposals and quotes from licensed and insured contractors.

I found that I can purchase air conditioning and heating equipment on-line for a much lower price. Are there disadvantages to doing this?

Be very careful of purchasing equipment on the internet. Often times, the equipment that is offered on-line is obsolete or mis-matched. Without a trained professional to advise you on the proper system for your needs, you could end up with equipment that is incompatible with your home or your goals. Most of these internet retailers have no return policies or make it difficult and expensive to return items. Also, you will probably find that once you pay for the installation, you don’t realize any savings at all. Furthermore, almost all manufacturers require warranty registration will not honor the warranties on equipment purchased on-line.

How can I pay for my new system?

Reputable contractors will offer options for payment on completion of their work. It is ill advised to pay in advance for home improvements unless special circumstances exist.

We are eager to earn your business and want to make your purchase affordable and worry free. We accept cash, check, money order and most major credit cards. We also have convenient payment plans with fast approvals and competitive rates and low as 0% interest for qualified buyers.