While all air filters work to perform the same task, not all air filters are the same! Filters come in many different types, shapes, and forms- 1-inch filter, a 5-inch filter, an electronic air cleaner, or HEPA filtration system. We recommend finding the appropriate size filter for you system. Should your filter fit in a 1 inch deep filter grill, which is the most common, we recommend the “cheap” filters as compared to the “pleated” style sold in many home improvement stores. These cheap filters do their job correctly without putting any unnecessary strain on the system and are recommended by the manufacture.
Today, most heating and air conditioning equipment manufactures provide a 5 year base parts warranty. Some will provide an additional 5 years if the system is registered with the manufacturer immediately after installation. Frequently we find that the homeowner was left unaware of this by the individual or company that installed the system, and the installer did not take the time to register the warranty for the homeowner. Simply put, warranty is on a case by case basis, and while you very well could have a manufactures warranty, it will require a contractor to contact the manufacture to discover if you have an existing warranty.
At Total Comfort, upon a new installation, we register our customer’s equipment warranties for them, to ensure our customers are receiving the best quality product and service we can offer.
Because a heating and air conditioning system is not an off the shelf product, it requires a skilled professional to access and install a system that is appropriate for your home. Think about a product you frequently purchase at the supermarket. The manufacture of that product recommends a list price or a manufacturer’s suggested retail price. While this is the case with many products, this is not the case with heating and air conditioning systems due to the sole fact that no job is the same. Multiple factors are at play when considering the purchase price of a new system. These include, but are not limited to: the type and age of your home, the amount of time required to retrofit the new, larger system, the condition of duct work inside your home, state and local code and zoning regulations.
This is one of our most common questions. We recommend filters be checked on a regular monthly basis. If the filter looks dirty, or is “sucked” or recessed into the filter grill housing, it is time to replace. While the expensive pleated filters are better at collecting fine particulate, we recommend using the “cheap” filters, as these don’t create unnecessary restrictions of airflow on your heating or air conditioning system which can lead to costly breakdowns.
While some manufactures warranties transfer directly to the new homeowner, this is not the case with every manufacture. Some companies require transfer in a 60 day period after the sale. We recommend checking with your system manufacture quickly to ensure you transfer the remaining warranty for your system.
Trane is currently requiring the homeowner to transfer the warranty. You will find the link to transfer warranty coverage here.
Would you consider driving your car 100,000 miles without an oil change? The same logic holds true when considering your heating and air conditioning system. Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure a trouble-free system and the highest performance level possible. Maintenance prior to peak season will help reduce system breakdowns on the hottest or coldest days of the year.
While some sounds are common with a heating and air conditioning system, should you hear something which you believe is out of place, we recommend you contact us directly. Sometimes unique noises can be the first sign of an issue, and when left unattended, can turn into costly repairs down the road. If any concerns should arise, feel free to contact us at Total Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventation, and Air Conditioning and refers to the process of indoor comfort.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Think of this as the Miles per Gallon (MPG) of your air conditioner. Essentially, it is a standardized measure for the overall operating efficiency of an air conditioning system. The higher the number the greater the energy efficiency.
In our area, many homes have heat pump which utilize electric heating strips to generate heat. During the period for which you last used your heat and the first time you turn it on again, dust can collect on the heating element. When the element heats up, the dust begins to burn off the heat strips causing that unique burning smell. While this is more than common, if any concerns should arise, feel free to contact us at Total Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc.
There are many reasons why your AC unit may be freezing up. Low refrigerant levels, improper blower operation, and low air flow are just to name a few. Low refrigerant levels make the coils too cold, forming ice and ultimately causing the unit to “freeze-up.” A fan that is working improperly prevents air from moving across the coil. Warm air from the home is needed for the coil to stay cold and keep the temperature above freezing. Without it, coils freeze before the condensed water, a result of humidity in the air, can be drained away from the unit. Low air flow can be caused by a dirty filter or closed supply air registers. Should this be an issue for you, feel free to contact us for a service call to diagnose the issue.
