Frequently Asked Questions

In an effort to reduce energy costs and our dependence on fossil fuels, the manufacturers have developed equipment that uses propane, natural gas or electricity depending on the weather. This uses heat pump technology which does not create heat but moves it. This type of heating system is very common in areas where no gas is available because it heats for a far lower cost than basic resistance heat (ie: electric oven elements). This is combined with a gas fired burner for the very cold weather where a heat pump has a hard time absorbing heat from outside and cost a lot to run. This switch to gas happens at anywhere from 38 to 46 degrees. This type of system is especially beneficial to anyone with propane due to its high cost when compared to natural gas.

 There are many industry specific terms we use day to day. You can read more here in our Glossary.

Not really. The problem with heat rising is countered by the air currents created by the furnace. As long as the system is designed properly it will work well. When the furnace shuts off the hottest air in the house will rise regardless of where the registers are. Usually the deciding factor is where is it easiest to place the ducting and registers.

Absolutely. The nice thing about radiant is there are many different methods of installation so there is always a way to retrofit. It even works well when installed in the ceiling. The heat it radiates is not affected by hot air rising because it does not directly heat the air it radiates heat just like the sun. Having radiant heat is like standing in the sunlight.

This is a simple problem that plagues most two story homes. To be comfortable down stairs the upstairs is too hot. This wastes energy and just makes the home uncomfortable in general. There is a simple solution called a Zone System. A set of powered dampers, thermostats and a control create independently controlled zones in the house. This allows multiple thermostats in the home and saves a lot of energy.

A Furnace does not really need much in the way of maintenance. They burn really clean so cleaning the burner compartment and burners is not really necessary. All of the motors have sealed bearings so there is nothing to oil. As long as the air filters are checked at least twice a year and replaced as necessary it should be worry free. A check up every few years is a good idea just so you can get an overview of the condition of the furnace.

There are two exceptions. Older furnaces (more than 15 years) or an oil fired furnace. Oil fired furnaces are not very common in our area, but we are one of the only companies in the area that work on them so we can give them the annual cleaning that they should receive.

Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps need a bit more attention. The coils around the outside of them need to be cleaned periodically. We will use a cleaner that dissolves solids when necessary but if it is just dusty a hose is fine. They are completely water proof so rinse away. Just don’t be too aggressive as the aluminum fins are fragile. The refrigerant charge requires very specific tools and experience to check. If the system has no leaks the refrigerant never deteriorates. If it does need refrigerant occasionally, there is a leak and it should be fixed. Finally, the compressor motor has a large magnetic contact that can pit due to electric arcing. There is also a capacitor that can fail and ruin the compressor. With this in mind, a residential air conditioner or heat pump should be checked at least once every two years.

Modern boilers are low maintenance unless they are using propane gas. Propane gas often causes deposits in the heat exchanger that can foul combustion. An older boiler or a commercial boiler will require yearly maintenance.

Commercial Equipment needs maintenance anywhere from yearly to four times a year. It just depends on the application. This is handled on a case by case basis. 

Overview

If you have doubts about your equipment, call us. Maintenance is inexpensive and if no one has looked at the system in a while it is a good idea. A lot of companies sell service contracts and offer reduced pricing for service customers. We don’t do this because we don’t want to sell you something you really don’t need. Reduced pricing for some means others are getting overcharged. We charge everyone the same fair rates.