Frequently Asked Questions

1. 410A Refrigerant, what is it?

2. Air coming from the registers feels cool when my new heat pump is set for heating. Is there a problem?

3. Do infra-red heaters heat the air?

4. How can I control my energy costs?

5. How do I know what size system I need for my home?

6. How do I program my Honeywell thermostat?

7. How much will my new system cost?

8. How often should I replace my filter?

9. I need to replace my air conditioner, but my furnace works just fine. Is it true they need to be replaced at the same time?

10. My children have allergies. Is there a way to improve the indoor air quality in my home?

11. Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?

12. What is a Hot Dawg?

13. What is the difference between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump?

14. What services need to be performed for preventative maintenance on my heating and air conditioning equipment? How often should this maintenance be performed?

15. What's the difference between a manufacturer's limited warranty and an extended warranty?

16. Where is my filter located?

17. Why are rating numbers important?

18. Will I get instant hot water with a tankless water heater?

19. Will you sell me the equipment so I can install it myself?

FREE Maintenance Tips

With the proper maintenance and care, your home comfort equipment will operate economically and dependably. There are a few simple, routine maintenance operations you can do to help ensure the best performance and comfort from your system.

Important!

Before you perform any kind of maintenance, consider these important safety precautions...

• Disconnect all electrical power to the unit before removing access panels to perform maintenance. Please note that there may be more than one power connection switch.
• Although manufactures take special care to prevent sharp edges in the construction of their equipment, it's best to be very careful when you handle parts or reach into units.

Routine Maintenance

1. Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil every 3 to 4 weeks. A dirty filter will cause excessive strain on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it's completely dry before you re-install it.) The prefilter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year.
2. Clean dust off of your indoor coil. With a vacuum cleaner and soft-brush attachment, you can remove any dust from the top and underside of the coil. Make sure you only do this when the coil is dry. If you can't get the coil clean this way, call us for service.
3. Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care to operate properly. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris, to help the unit drain correctly.
4. If the outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact your dealer.
5. Make sure your outdoor unit stays in a level position. If the support for your split-system outdoor unit shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it promptly to make sure moisture drains properly out of the unit. If you notice that water or ice collects beneath the unit, arrange for it to be drained away from the equipment.
6. Inspect your furnace's combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call us, and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.
7. Have oil-fired boilers inspected annually. Call us (303-975-8809) before each heating season to replace your oil filter cartridge and conduct a thorough inspection of the unit's operation.
8. Clean your humidifier at the beginning of every heating season. Review your owner's manual for the proper procedure to clean the external and internal components of your unit. The evaporator pad should also be replaced before each heating season. If the water in your area is hard or has high mineral content, you may need to clean or service your humidifier more frequently.

Glossary of Terms

Summer Season Tips

Summer can be tough on your system, which is why it's important to start the season off right.

One of the most important ways a homeowner can actively contribute to extending the life of his or her air conditioner is to have a yearly inspection prior to each cooling season. This will guarantee that the unit is prepared to work properly and at maximum efficiency.

• Before summer begins, have your home's air conditioning system cleaned and checked.
• Invest in a good quality, pleated air filter designed to capture more dust and debris and clean it frequently, at least every 30 days.
• Add insulation to your attic and weatherproof your house by covering all exposed windows and by weather-stripping all doors and windows.
• Keep programmable thermostats at 78° (F) or higher when not at home (for each degree you raise the thermostat above 78°, you save up to five percent on cooling costs). If you don't have a programmable thermostat, consider purchasing one. It's worth the investment.
• Dust or vacuum the vents in your home often to ensure the free flow of cool air.

Routinely replacing or cleaning the filters will help your air conditioner operate smoothly. Clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow and can reduce a system's efficiency over time. In addition, take a walk around your yard. If trees or other plants shade your home, make sure that leaves and sticks are regularly cleared away from your air conditioner.