Frequently Asked Question's
1. What is
SEER and what does it mean? 2. During the out summer months, will I save money on my utility bill if
I turn my air conditioner off while I'm at work? 3. I want my house to stay cool this summer. Can I have a larger air
conditioner installed? 4. Can I save money by running my swamp cooler in the morning and then
switching to the central air conditioner when it gets hot in the
afternoon? 5. Can a power outage affect my air conditioner when running?
6. When should I replace my existing heating and cooling unit(s)?
7.
What is the regular maintenance needed for my heating or cooling
unit(s)?
8.
Why is it important to have a Maintenance Contract? 9.
What is NATE?
10.
Why is it important to have NATE Certified Technician servicing your
home?
11.
Why is it important to choose a reliable company?
12.
Why do I need to change my filter regularly? 13. Does my disposable air filter keep my indoor air in my house clean?
14.
What should I look for when choosing a new Heater, Heat Pump or A/C
unit?
15.
What do I do if I can’t afford a new HVAC system? 16.
What is the difference between my old thermostat and a new one?
17.
I have been told that heat pumps don’t work very well for heating?
18.
My fire alarm inside my house went off when I turned my furnace on, is
there anything I need to do?
What is SEER and what
does it mean?
SEER, stands for "Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio". The higher the number the more efficient the air
conditioner is. For example: a 13 SEER air conditioner is now a
standard efficient unit, therefore a 16 SEER is higher efficient than
a 13 SEER.
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During the out summer months, will I save money on my utility bill if
I turn my air conditioner off while I'm at work?
No! If you let the inside of your
home get overheated, it will take many hours for your air conditioner
to recuperate to a comfortable temperature. Walls and furniture absorb
the temperature and once the temperature you desire is reached it is
easier on your air conditioner to maintain it. Using a digital
programmable thermostat is the most efficient way to help maintain the
temperature in your home.
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I want my house to stay cool this summer. Can I have a larger air
conditioner installed?
It is not that simple. Larger is not
always better! To have an energy efficient system with good indoor air
quality a home should have a load calculation done for a properly
sized high efficient air conditioner. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact our office anytime.
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Can I save money by running my swamp cooler in the morning and then
switching to the central air conditioner when it gets hot in the
afternoon?
No! An evaporative cooler will only
cool the outside air down 10 to 12 degrees below the ambient
temperature. So if it is 110 degrees outside the cooler will below in
100 degree air with at least 80% humidity. When you turn on your
central air conditioner it will have to work harder to remove the
humidity before it can even start cooling. An air conditioner and a
evaporative cooler are not designed to work together. An evaporative
cooler produces humidity and a central air conditioner removes
humidity.
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Can a power outage affect my air conditioner when running?
Yes! If a power outage occurs in a way that the
power quickly turns off then back on again your compressor will try and
start under an extreme load. Breakers and Overload components are supposed
to protect your air conditioner but sometimes it is not enough and your
compressor can be damaged internally beyond repair. To protect your air
conditioner from a power outage, River Valley Air Conditioning can install a
power outage surge protector to monitor incoming power to cycle your air
conditioner as needed so you don't have to worry about it.
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When should I replace my existing heating and cooling unit(s)?
The time frame to replace an existing unit would
be anywhere from 12-15 years old. A few units last longer than that but
regular maintenance and replacement of parts can be the result that the
lifespan of your existing equipment lasted a longer period of time. Also,
when replacing a unit (heater or air conditioner), replace both units and
select the same manufacturer as well. This can extend the lifespan of your
new units.
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What is the regular maintenance needed for my heating or cooling unit(s)?
We recommend that your heating and cooling
system be checked and serviced twice a year; a Spring & Fall Tune-Up.
Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on
the type of filter you have. This will eliminate the many problems
that can occur when proper maintenance isn’t followed.
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Why is it
important to have a Maintenance Contract?
This is one way of protecting you from sudden
breakdowns in equipment and a reminder regular maintenance as needed. By
having a contract, depending on the level you choose, you will be reminded
of your fall and spring tune-ups, changing of filters, and new information
regarding coupons and rewards. Also, if your existing equipment is in need
of repair or replacement, then your part will be covered or a discount on a
replacing the new equipment.
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What is NATE?
NATE stands for North American
Technician Excellence. To receive a NATE certification
an air conditioning technician must pass an extensive series of tests
regarding Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Customer Care. River
Valley Air Conditioning, Inc. employ's NATE certified technicians.
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Why is it important to have NATE Certified Technician servicing your home?
NATE, North American Technical Excellence, is
known for training the HVAC technicians to meet the highest learning
standards of the HVAC industry. We allow our technicians the hands on
training and trouble shooting classes to ensure that every angle is looked
at when your equipment is running properly and improperly. One of the
biggest flaws in the HVAC industry is the lack of trained professional
technicians, resulting in more problems than expected.
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Why is it
important to choose a reliable company?
Most companies in the HVAC industry don’t
express the need to be there for their customers after installation or
service of heating and cooling systems. Research a company’s background, ask
a friend or neighbor, or see recent work that they have done. A good
reliable company, like us, will back every part of our work, whether it is
through our maintenance contracts or excellent customer service. Remember,
you are spending a lot of money or repairs or replacement of equipment and
the last thing you have to worry about is if it was done right!
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Why do I need to
change my filter regularly?
Depending on the type of filter you have,
it might require weekly or monthly replacement. It is important to
change regularly to ensure the correct air flow is not being blocked,
that the dirty germs or contents are not recycling into your home, and
prevents the unit from sudden breakdowns and repairs. Call to ask how
often it is to replace your filter and what else you can do to
eliminate these contents better.
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Does my disposable air filter keep my indoor air in my house clean?
A disposable air filter basically just keeps
your air conditioner from plugging up with debris. According to the world
health organization the number one killer on earth is upper respiratory
infections. The average person spends 90% of the time indoors; and your
indoor air is, on the average seven times more polluted that the air
outdoors per the US environmental protection agency. A single cubic foot of
hot air can contain millions of bacteria, mold and virus micro
organisms-none of which we can see. Ultraviolet air purifiers and
electrostatic filters are the only way to eliminate threatening micro
organisms, common indoor pollutants and neutralize odors in your home.
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What should I look for when choosing a new Heater, Heat Pump or A/C unit?
When you are ready to replace your existing equipment, it is good to keep 3
things in mind. First, choose a manufacturer that has a good reputation of
repairs and maintenance. Also, choose a model that with high efficiency
equipment to bring you better comfort and lower your seasonal energy bill. A
High Efficient Variable Speed Heat Pump is one great way. Second, choose the
correct equipment size and system for your home. Don’t just buy one that is
on sale and seems like a great deal, do some research on it or ask the
installation representative for more product information. Finally, choose a
reliable company with excellent customer satisfactions. One way is to ask to
see previous comments of customer reports. Remember, this is a one time
investment for the next 15 years, choose wisely!
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What do I do if I
can’t afford a new HVAC system?
Ask
for the many different ways that you can finance this investment. Financing
can be available interest free up to 12 months OAC.
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What is the difference between my old thermostat and a new one?
Most older thermostats have mercury in them and now have been banned by the
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). A new digital thermostat is safer for
the environment and keeps a more accurate temperature so it can save on your
bill.
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I have been told that heat pumps don’t work very well for heating?
The
climate in our Tri-State area is perfect for high efficient heat pumps if
installed and operated properly. Heat pumps when in the heating cycle
basically operate like an air conditioner in reverse. Set your thermostat at
a comfortable temperature and let it operate. Heat pumps have a defrost
cycle that will de-ice your out door coil if ice builds up. This cycle is
automatic and will take no longer than just a couple of minutes. Just leave
it alone and let the system cycle and it will maintain an even temperature.
If you have any questions regarding a heat pump operation please feel free
to call anytime.
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My fire alarm inside my house went off when I turned my furnace on, is there
anything I need to do?
The smoke that set your fire alarm off is
caused from the lent and dust on your furnace heat exchanger. This
actually could become a fire hazard. A fall preseason service &
cleaning is recommended to help prevent this. In the fall preseason a
service points of interest would be regular filter changes and proper
fit, return air duct properly sealed and a clean blower.
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