FAQs - Heating and Cooling in Dayton OH

1-800-228-5191 or (937) 836-5191

How do I select a Dayton heating contractor or air conditioning contractor?

Make sure they are licensed and insured and that the technicians are well trained and certified. It’s also important that they have an excellent reputation and can provide recent references.

Can I just replace the outside unit on an older heating or cooling system to save money?

No. Replacing only the outdoor unit will sacrifice your comfort and lower the efficiency of the unit by up to 15%! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most manufacturers' warranties will be voided. Buying a complete heating or cooling system will save you money, time and stress in the long run.

What is the average life expectancy of heating equipment and cooling equipment?

Most systems have a lifetime of 12 years or less. As your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. If your system is over five years old, you should have a heating contractor or air conditioning contractor check it for maintenance. Preventative maintenance can prolong the life of the equipment.

Should I have my ducts cleaned?

Yes. Mold, mildew, pet hair, skin flakes, smoke film, dander, dust mites, dirt, pollen, and even bacteria take up residence in your air ducts and can quickly cause poor air quality. With each breath you take you inhale these contaminants. Dirty air ducts also reduce your air flow and can cause premature failure of your expensive heating and cooling system. Air duct cleaning in Dayton OH and the surrounding areas is extremely important in keeping these contaminants out of the air you breathe.

Why should I purchase a service agreement?

Proper care of your equipment can transfer to savings on your utility bills. Some air conditioning and heating problems can actually double operating costs! Did you know that just 100th of an inch of dirt or film on an evaporator coil can reduce cooling and heating efficiency by 5%. All leading manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. A service agreement will give you the peace of mind that your system is operating at optimum efficiency and performance.

Should I replace or repair my heating and cooling equipment?

There are five main questions that need to be considered when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system:

• How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old it may be wise to invest in new equipment with higher efficiency, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%.

• What is the efficiency level of your current indoor weather system? Unfortunately, only replacing parts of your old system will not improve the efficiency. You need to think long term and consider that if you only replace certain parts of your heating or cooling system you may actually end up paying more in the long run due to higher electrical bills.

• What is the overall condition of your system? If your system is in solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. However, if your system breaks down often or constantly needs repairs, buying a new system would be a better option.

• How often is your system operating? If your system has been used extensively, it may be time to replace it. Systems exposed to extreme weather normally do not last as long as those in mild conditions.

• Are you planning to move soon? If you are moving in the next year or two and believe investing in a new indoor weather system will increase the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many more years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your future comfort.

How can I reduce allergens and manage the humidity in my home?

With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home! There is also a great reduction in household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house.

If you struggle with low humidity, a whole house humidifier can help relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. On the other hand, if your home has too much humidity, a central dehumidifier removes excess moisture and helps control the humidity inside your home.

What does SEER and HSPF mean to me?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number is, the greater the efficiency, which translates into greater energy savings for you. Today, U.S. regulatory agencies require all new models to have a 13.0 SEER rating or better. Most major manufacturers offer a line of air conditioners and heat pumps that range from 13.0 SEER to 16.0 SEER.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the efficiency measurement used to gauge the efficiency of heat pumps. Again, the higher the number is, the greater the efficiency. Today's models are required to have a minimum 6.8 HSPF. Most major manufactures offer heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 6.8 to 9.4.

How will the new environmentally-friendly refrigerant affect me?

The 1990 Clean Air Act and the internationally binding Montreal Protocol calls to stop production of the refrigerant R-22, which is currently used in most air conditioning services and heat pumps.

Historically, when a refrigerant has been phased out, the cost of that refrigerant has risen dramatically. Also, the costs for servicing products using a phased-out refrigerant have risen as well. According to current government regulations, the production of R-22 will be by nearly one-half of the current production in 2012. That means all R-22 products will eventually need to be replaced by products utilizing the new chlorine-free refrigerant.

How can I reduce my energy costs during the winter?

• Limit the loss of expensive, heated air to the outside. Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans sparingly.

• Keep fireplace dampers tightly closed until you prepare to light a fire.

• When using your fireplace, limit the amount of heated air drawn from the rest of the house. Open dampers in the bottom of the firebox if provided, or open the closest window about 1 inch and close any doors leading into the room.

• Draft-proof windows, doors, and other air leaks. Caulking and weather stripping are reasonably easy, so you may be able to save money by doing the job yourself.

• Avoid heating unused areas by closing off unoccupied rooms and shutting off heating vents. Note: this does not apply if you have a heat pump system. Leave it alone, as shutting vents could harm a heat pump.

• Keep your heating equipment operating efficiently. Clean or replace the filter in your forced air heating system each month, and check the duct work that is readily accessible for air leaks about once a year. Be sure that heating ducts in unheated areas are insulated. Keep the heating system well-tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service.

• Insulate your attic floor or top floor ceiling to reduce winter heat loss.

• Consider installing storm windows and doors.

• If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. This will prevent cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door and other areas between the house and garage.

What does Energy Star mean?

Energy Star signifies high-efficiency and energy savings according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Energy Star heating and cooling products are a good investment. Owners of such equipment see returns in the form of lower utility bills.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some simple procedures you can perform before going to the expense of a service call:

• Check disconnected switches (indoor and outdoor if you have a split system). Make sure that circuit breakers are ON or that fuses have not blown.

• Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open and unobstructed.

• Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. If you want heat, make sure the temperature control selector is set above room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is at HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should be set at ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating.

If you have any other Dayton heating and cooling questions, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information.