• Life Expectancy

What are the average life expectancies for heating and air conditioning equipment?

The average expected life of an air conditioner is approximately 15 years. The average expected life of a heat pump is approximately 10 to 12 years, since it operates year round. The average expected life of a gas furnace or air handler is approximately 18 years. Units in corrosive environments, such as, but not limited to coastal installations, will tend to have shorter lives.

• Thermostat Fan Settings

Is there any advantage to setting my thermostat fan to "ON" so the fan runs constantly?

Yes, there are a couple. The first is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. The second is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout

• Refrigerant

I've heard a lot about new refrigerants. Do I need to think about them when buying a system?

We do not advise homeowners to choose home comfort systems based on the refrigerant they use. The Clean Air Act does not allow ANY refrigerants to be vented into the atmosphere. They must be reclaimed, recycled and reused. Units using the current refrigerant, R-22, will always be serviced with R-22. They will not need to be changed to a different refrigerant. The scheduled phased-out of R-22 allows for plenty of refrigerant to be available to service all cooling units and heat pumps that use R-22 for the life of the equipment. We do offer limited lines of high efficiency comfort systems using R-410A refrigerant. Our gradual introduction of these products will allow servicers in the field the opportunity to purchase new recover equipment and service tools, as well as adapt to stricter installation and service techniques, to insure homeowners continue to receive the comfort and value they have chosen.

As the HVAC industry gradually and confidently transitions to a new refrigerant, we encourage homeowners to maintain their focus on purchasing energy efficient home comfort products that best meet their comfort needs. Purchasing higher efficiency cooling and heating systems and better sealing our homes will not only improve comfort and reduce energy costs, but will also improve our environment.  

• Changing Filters

How often should I change or clean my filters?

Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning.