FAQ

FAQ

Trying to service or understand your HVAC system on your own can be hard, which is why the experts at Better Home Heating receive a lot of questions. We’ve compiled a few frequently asked questions and their answers for you to learn more:

Q: What’s the warranty like on a new HVAC system?

A: At Better Home Heating, most of our HVAC systems come with a 10-year warranty, so you can enjoy your system for years to come. We also have great maintenance plans to help you lower your utility bills and extend the life of your equipment.

Q: When to Repair your furnace / heat pump?

A: The bullets below may help with your decision:
  • Old air conditioning equipment becomes expensive to repair and offers no guarantee that additional problems are not close behind.
  • If you plan on moving soon, you may not get your investment price from a replacement air conditioning unit when you sell.
  • A replacement that involves other trades may be cost prohibitive. In rare situations, a new air conditioning system can require significant remodeling.
  • The system has been trouble free thus far and looks to be mechanically sound still.

Q: When to replace your furnace/heat pump?

A: The bullets below may help with your decision:
  • If the equipment has reached 6 years old be careful not to throw good money after bad with repairs. The average life span of an air conditioning unit is 6 to 12 years.
  • If the system is older than 12 years, major improvements in efficiency could be saving you BIG money. Super efficient, modern equipment can save $1,000 or more per year.
  • If you are not comfortable. Today's modern air conditioning comfort systems can virtually eliminate hot and cold areas, high and low humidity, bad air quality, high utility bills, noisy indoor and outdoor equipment, and much more.
  • If your system does not have variable air flow. Variable air flow is the key to comfort. New systems keep the air moving, adding to comfort and helping save money.
  • If you are concerned about break downs . When an old system fails under the intense summer heat, a replacement air conditioner can easily be a week to 10 days away
  • If family members have allergies, asthma or other air quality health concerns. Indoor air quality can be improved throughout the whole house by 100 times with today's high tech IAQ technology and air conditioning products.

Q: Why is it important to me to continue my service agreement?

A: Continuing your service agreement, will ensure:
  • Lower Utility Bills
  • Extended Equipment Life
  • Fewer Repairs
  • Improved Capacity
  • Priority Customer Status

Q: What size system should I have installed?

A: The right size system is paramount in your home.  Too large and your system will short cycle and not control humidity correctly.  Too small and it will run continuously.  We always execute a computerized load calculation.  Please contact us for your free analysis today.  We will be happy to configure just the right system for your needs.    

Q: Is a bigger furnace or heat pump better?

A: No it is not. Bigger is not always better in the HVAC industry. A larger air conditioner uses more electricity and costs more to purchase, install and upkeep. A properly sized unit will provide the most efficient energy use and most comfort in your home. When buying a home comfort system, selecting the right size is crucial. For instance, an air conditioner that is too large will cool your home quickly but you still may not feel comfortable. It will satisfy the thermostat before it can remove sufficient moisture from the air. However, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done. We can help determine what size is right for you.

Q: How often should I change my filters?

A: Check filters every two months and replace as needed.     
   

Q: I would like to upgrade to a new high efficency furnace or heat pump. Do you offer financing?

A: Yes we offer financing for all types of situations call us so we can customize the financing for your specific needs.

Q: I like to keep my house very cool in the summer would a new unit help with costs?

 A: If you have a 15 year old unit it could be as little as 6 SEER. Most people set their thermostat around 78 degrees in the summer to save costs and with a new high efficiency air conditioner you could save as much as 80% of your cooling dollars with the same temperature setting. 

Q: Why are furnaces and heat pumps so noisy?

 A: They are not noisy if you install new components in your system. Old units were not built with the quality materials that are used today. Some manufacturers install sound insulators on the compressor as well as a weather guard top that not only reduces noise but increases the life of the unit by not letting debris get into the system.     
   

Q: What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?

A: A Programmable thermostat is programmed for when you leave your house and then return home. The thermostat turns of the furnace during the hours you are not home so that energy is not used to keep the house warm while you are at work. The thermostat will then turn back on 30 minutes before you come home so your house is at the perfect temperature when you are home. These thermostats save up to 15% on your energy bills during the winter and 10% in the summer. 

Q: Do I run any risk by accepting the lowest bid?

A: YES! If a bid comes in 5-10% lower than other companies it is because they may well be using inferior products, do not do a quality installation or are leaving something out of their bid. Many companies will not pay for permits or schedule the inspector to come to your house. We do all the work for you, you just need to relax and enjoy the comfort and energy efficiency of your new system.     
   

Q: My furnace and air conditioner serve both the upstairs and downstairs levels of my home. My upstairs is much warmer than downstairs; how can I achieve even temperatures for both floors?

A: First, you may try adjusting registers. In the summer closing down a number of registers on the lower level will help an upper level. In the winter closing down a number of registers upstairs may help the lower level. If these simple steps are not adequate then an automatic zoning system may solve your problems. This will allow you to have a thermostat upstairs and downstairs to control the temperature in each area using a single system.     
   

Q: I have allergies and would like to ensure that the indoor air is clean. What can I do?

A: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has become a very serious problem because we are making homes more efficient by sealing them up against the outdoor elements. Fresh air stays out, and indoor air pollutants remain trapped inside. An air cleaner, media filter, fresh air ventilator or HEPA system can help alleviate an air quality problem.     
   

Q: Is it normal to have to add Freon every year?

A: No, this indicates that you have a freon leak. The leak affects the efficiency of your air conditioning system as well as adversely effects the environment. Also, a leak will cause your air conditioner to prematurely wear out. This condition can also cause your system to “ice up”, which can cause water damage to property and compressor damage. You should have a service technician check this problem and find the leak with electronic leak detection equipment.     
   

Q: Is it normal to have to add Freon every year?

 A: No, this indicates that you have a freon leak. The leak affects the efficiency of your air conditioning system as well as adversely effects the environment. Also, a leak will cause your air conditioner to prematurely wear out. This condition can also cause your system to “ice up”, which can cause water damage to property and compressor damage. You should have a service technician check this problem and find the leak with electronic leak detection equipment.     
   

Q: What if I smell gas?

A: A. Natural gas. You have this type if you have a gas meter and pay a natural gas supplier or utility. Natural gas has a smell agent added to it as a warning of a leak. If you smell gas faintly, check all areas of your house for strong odor. Include the basement or crawl space and the attic in your search. If the odor is strong anywhere, exit your home immediately. You have an emergency. Call your heating contractor, the gas company, or 911. You need immediate help. You should know how to turn the gas off to your home at the meter. If the smell is only faint throughout all areas of your home, call your heating contractor to get it fixed. Keep the house ventilated by opening windows.

B. Propane (LP) gas. You have this type if your gas comes from a tank located outside close to your house. Propane gas is heavier than air, so it will sink to the floor and spread. Consequently, it is much more dangerous than natural gas, which is lighter than air and dissipates much easier. If you smell propane (LP) gas exit your home immediately. You have an emergency. Seek immediate help either from your Propane supplier or 911. If you are able, shut the propane gas supply off at the tank.

Q: Should I leave my blower fan set to "on" or "Auto"?

A: There is usually no single answer. That is why you have a choice. If you have special air filtering, your filter will only work when the blower is running. So if the furnace or air conditioner is not running much, you may want the blower selection set to “On” to allow for more filtering. If you have a multilevel home on one system, you may find the air temperature more constant with the blower fan on. However, it is recommended to keep the fan in “Auto” mode during the cooling season. New high efficiency cooling coils remove a lot of moisture from air blowing across them. During the air conditioner off cycle, water condensed on the coil surfaces will return to the indoor air if the fan is set to “On”. In some homes, this creates elevated humidity levels. Feel free to experiment to determine how you like it best. A blower motor is normally less than 1 HP so it does not use much electricity.

Q: Which HVAC System is right for my Home?

A: To answer that, you’ll need an appointment with one of our HVAC service experts. We’ll come to your home and evaluate its size, heating and cooling needs, environment, and the work we’ll need to do. Then, we can recommend the best system for you and install it quickly.    
    

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