Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it OK to run my furnace fan in the "ON" position instead of "AUTO"?
Answer: Not only is it OK, we recommend it. Running your furnace with the fan set to on keeps the air constantly circulating to make you more comfortable and filter the air. Running your furnace fan this way uses very little electricity.

Question: How much is your service call and what does it get me?
Answer: A service call is $89. It gets a qualified technician out to your home who will diagnose your heating or cooling problem and tell you exactly how much it will cost to fix it.

Question: Why can't you give me a "ballpark" figure on the phone for a new air-conditioning and furnace system?
Answer: It is very difficult because there are so many variables involved. It would not be fair to you or us to try and "guesstimate".

Question: How inefficient is my 15-year-old heating and cooling system?
Answer: Your furnace is approximately 60-65% efficient, and your A/C is appproximately a 6 or 7 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

Question: At what temperature should I set my thermostat if I go away for a few days or even longer during the winter?
Answer: For a gas furnace we recommend about 55^o degrees. It is low enough to save you energy and money but warm enough to protect your pipes and other vital parts of your structure. Also, it is a good idea to turn off your main water supply, even if you are only going to be gone for a day. A water leak could cause very costly damage to your home.

For a Heat Pump, we recommend about 65 degrees if running in normal Heat Pump mode. Heat Pumps need a higher indoor temperature to work properly. You can also turn the Heat Pump over to Emergency Heat Mode and then you could set the thermostat down to about 55^o degrees.

Question: I have an arrow on my furnace filter but I do not know which way it should point?
Answer: The arrow should point in the same direction as the air flow. In most cases, it will point towards the Furnace or Air handler and should fit between the return air part of the system and the furnace.

Question: How often should I change the standard throw-away filter on my furnace?
Answer: You should change your standard furnace filter every 4 to 12 weeks. Believe it or not, a filter actually becomes more efficient as it gets dirtier, up to a point. After peak efficiency is reached, the efficiency drops again. Inspect the filter every 4 to 12 weeks and use your own judgement. Do not let the filter get "clogged" as this can cut down on the efficiency and/or cause damage to the unit.

Question: Can I troubleshoot before calling for service?
Answer: The answer is "Yes." Here are some simple procedures you can perform before going to the expense of a service call: