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How often should I change my air conditioning/furnace filters?
Filters should be changed at least every three months for standard 1" thick filter types and once a year for high efficiency 4" thick pleated media types. |
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What is the best thermostat setting to achieve both comfort and efficiency of my air conditioning and heating system?
There is no one setting that will please everyone, but a programmable thermostat can give you the versatility to achieve the temperature levels you desire when you want them by varying the temperature at certain times of day. A programmable thermostat with smart recovery will also help keep your energy bills lower. |
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How do I compare energy efficiency of different brands or models of equipment?
All air conditioning and heating equipment sold in the U.S.A. has a government rating to provide the consumer with a means of comparison. For air-conditioning systems the rating is SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, put simply the higher the rating number the less it will cost you to operate. Fuel burning appliances will have an AFUE rating, i.e. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, also the higher the number the more efficient the furnace. Finally on the heat pump side you will see COP ratings, i.e. Coefficient of Performance, also the higher the number the better. COP for your heat pump is in most cases tied directly to the SEER rating of the cooling side of your heat pump, so the higher the SEER usually the higher the COP. |
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What are the advantages of a continuously variable air conditioning system?
On Carrier systems when combined with a THERMIDISTAT or INFINITY control interface you can achieve much greater control over humidity, uneven temperatures in the living space and overall greater comfort in your home. These systems are also very quiet and energy efficient. Some even have the ability to be monitored and adjusted remotely (ideal for vacation homes). |
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What size system do I need in my home?
Each home is different and therefore no one system is best all homes. The only way to make sure you are getting a properly sized system is to have a heat loss/gain calculation performed on your home. If your contractor does not perform this essential calculation then he is simply guessing and you could be paying excessive utility bills and have poor comfort and humidity control. Bass performs a heat loss/gain calculation on all installations. |
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How do air leaks in my home affect my comfort and utility bills?
Air leaks in the home and in the duct system do cause a significant amount of conditioned air to be lost to the outside in some cases 20% or more. This results in an uncomfortable and hard to condition space that will cost you far more in utility costs than it should. Air leaks can also be the source of dust and other pollutants in your home. This can be remedied by performing a whole house leakage test to determine the location and severity of the leaks and then taking the steps to seal them. The test takes about 90 minutes and the leak sealing usually is very simply accomplished. |
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How often should I service my heating/cooling system?
Most manufacturers recommend a clean and check at least once a year. Your system is a machine after all and machines all work better and more efficiently when cleaned and serviced.
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How do I find a good contractor?
Look for length of time in business, ask if they have all licenses and insurance, do they have a good reputation in the community, see if they are members of the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, are they active in their community and provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee. |
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When should I consider replacing my system?
Unfortunately heating and air conditioning systems don't last forever and eventually will fail. If a system is old say over 8 years and you are experiencing frequent repairs or if a major component fails such as the compressor you may want to start looking at a new system. The cost of replacement verses the cost of repair is often returned to you by the money saved in operating a new high efficiency system. Although there is no pat answer for when, we will be glad to consult you on the available options. |
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Should I consider a heat pump?
Don't they blow cold air? Heat pumps of the past did provide a cooler air temperature heat than gas or oil which some people had difficulty getting used to, but with the recent changes in efficiency, variable speed and capacity and the use of new refrigerants, heat pumps provide more comfort and energy savings than ever before. |
