FAQ

Absolutely. It’s a heavy duty piece of equipment that works a lot, but you’re fine with a once-a-year maintenance schedule. If you have hard water or sediment, you’ll want maintenance every six months to ensure optimal performance. Don’t look at it like a burden - maintenance actually can save money in the long run by increasing efficiency and the life of the water heater as a whole.

Yes, and actually the same schedule as the water heater maintenance would apply (once-a-year). Six-month maintenance is recommended for heat pump systems that see frequent use. This maintenance schedule will ensure your house doesn’t incur damage, while at the same enjoying efficient heating and cooling that will lighten your energy bills.

30% - 50%. Anything less or more, and you could be looking at some of the problems in the very next question.

Comfort is just the tip of the iceberg for why ideal humidity percentages should be consistent. Skin and sinuses can be adversely affected, and even the home itself can suffer damage (we’ve seen everything from floor boards developing gaps between them, to pianos that become out of tune).

You bet! Endless hot water is a hallmark of tankless water heaters, which are highly energy efficient and save you money over time. After you turn on your hot water faucet, cold water flows through a heat exchanger, becoming heated by a natural gas burner. No tank needed, and you can enjoy a steady supply of hot water. The only downside is a slightly limited flow rate (think two showers and someone doing the dishes all at once).

This can vary widely depending on the system, setup, usage, and age but typically some form of:

HEATING:

• Checking your furnace filter, replacing if needed.

• Inspecting the ventilation & exterior of your furnace

• Repairing any signs of wear or minor damage

• Cleaning and inspecting the many parts of your furnace’s interior

• Measure power usage to ensure none is being unnecessarily used

• Thermostat inspection & cleaning.

• Ensuring there are no carbon monoxide leaks.

COOLING:

• Inspecting all parts of your air conditioning system

• Measuring coolant levels, replacing any that has been lost

• Inspecting safety controls, drain line, condensate pump, and all circuits caps & valves

• Inspecting filter for dust and debris, replacing if needed

• Inspecting electrical parts for damage, repairing to prevent failure or sparking

• Clean and calibrate thermostat to ensure prolonged efficiency

Well, “need” is the operative word here. Duct cleaning isn’t as essential as HVAC or water heater maintenance, but it still is a good practice. Over time, things like dust or even mold can restrict air flow even if not harming you directly, making your HVAC system work less efficiently. Also, dust, debris and pollen can affect those with allergies and asthma if there’s enough built up.

Anywhere from $250 on up, depending on system size and duct condition.

We understand that quoting you over the phone might be more convenient in the short term. But there are tiny, subtle things in each individual home or building that can make huge differences in how we make it most comfortable for you. We’ve had a wildly successful 32 years in business because of an attention to detail that simply isn’t possible over the phone. We truly appreciate your understanding; your comfort is our only mission, and our eyes are the best way to ensure it.

Geo = earth, right? Geography? Well the earth itself is an incredible heat source. Geothermal heat relies on GHPs, geothermal heat pumps, to harness the heat beneath the earth’s surface. These pumps only require a small amount of electricity to function, making geothermal heat the most efficient means of heating.

One of a closet, basement or attic is usually the location of your AC unit and furnace.

Every 3 months is a great target. If you live in a particularly windy or dusty environment, or you have allergies or respiratory issues, 2 months would be a good bet. Also, the age of your system can be a factor in your filter replacement schedule.

Great question, because there are a ton of answers that really depend entirely on your system. The Consumer Reports organization provided an excellent article on the best filters for both AC units and furnaces.

Usually the return air duct, which can be anywhere: a wall, ceiling, even a closet door or the floor. It’s a big metal grate that sucks in the air from your home or building, and becomes heated or cooled for you to enjoy.

No science or fancy terms here! Just give us a ring. Hopefully the cause is something minor like a fuse or filter issue, but if it happens to be significant, we’ll take care of it quickly, fairly, and perfectly.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) makes an enormous difference in your home. It also makes a difference in your health, and even your productivity and mood. Everything from allergies and common colds, to early death from prolonged exposure to pollutants, often can be traced to indoor air quality as a factor. As for the home or office, poor IAQ can affect the physical interior if not addressed over the years, making maintenance a fraction of the cost you could be looking at down the road.

Definitely. Given how advanced technology has become, it can sometimes feel intimidating. But programming your thermostat will simultaneously improve your lifestyle since it will work around your schedule and preferences - and save you money by improving efficiency to reduce energy bills..

Once a year, sometimes sooner. Most times, your thermostat panel will show a blinking light or emit a beeping noise to alert you that your batteries are low.

While both systems can efficiently cool air, the key difference is what a heat pump also does - HEAT! By simply reversing the direction of the air flow, heat pumps can increase indoor temperatures. The A/C unit must utilize a furnace, or heat strips located inside the air handler.