New System FAQs | Service & Repair FAQs | Maintenance FAQs | Health & Safety FAQs | Other FAQs
You may want to consider investing in a new high efficiency system if your current heating and air conditioning system is older than 12 years or is rated less than 12 SEER. With today’s high efficiency models and environmentally safe refrigerants, it is worth the investment to replace older systems. In some cases, the savings from the operating costs on older systems can pay for the payments on a new system. Some of the most common questions asked are regarding a new system are:
Q - How long will it take to replace my old system?
A - Most systems can be installed in a full day.Q - What will it cost?
A - Your investment will vary and depends on your own personal needs. Our Comfort Specialist will come to your house and assess your unique situation and design a system that best fits your needs and budget.Q - Do I need to replace my duct work or have it cleaned?
A - Unless you have all metal ducts, it is not recommended because duct board (fiberglass duct) contains fibrous materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to clean properly. Flexible duct (black, gray or foil) are easily damaged during the cleaning process which can lead to air leakage. If you do have all metal ducts and there is not a filter in place, it is a good idea to have your ductwork inspected and cleaned, if necessary. Most reputable duct cleaning companies have cameras with which to inspect your ductwork before and after cleaning.Q - Are electronic air cleaners worth the money they cost?
A - The various typs of electronic air cleaners we offer have been found to be worth their investment. They are also quiet and doesn’t sound like a “backyard bug zapper” when it cleans the air. We also offer a portable air cleaner that has a UV light system built in too.Q - Do you offer financing?
A - Yes, we work with American General Finance. Click here to fill out an application online. We also accept MasterCard and Visa.Q - Do I need new duct work with my new system?
A - In some cases it is necessary to replace all or part of the duct work when found to be poorly designed or in irreparable condition. The most common issues we encounter are leaking ducts, which can be sealed.
Sometimes there is a simple fix for concerns about your home comfort system's performance; however, if these questions do not pertain to your situation or you do not feel comfortable performing any of these tasks, please call us at (757) 421-9790 to schedule a time for a technician to assess your system. Some common questions asked about service and repair are:
Q - My furnace does not come on and it is cold in my house, what can be wrong?
A - Check these simple things before calling for a service call:
• Check and see if your emergency wall switch is turned to the "ON" position as this switch controls the electrical power to your furnace,
• Make sure the thermostat setting is on "heat" (not "cool" or "off"),
• Check the breaker in the your main control panel box to ensure it is not tripped.Q - My furnace cycles on and off every 5 minutes or so, what can be wrong?
A - Most likely a dirty filter or the wrong type of return air filter is the to blame. Try changing the filter(s).Q - My A/C outdoor unit won't come on. What can be wrong?
A - Many things actually. Check to see if the breaker labeled A/C is tripped, and try to reset it to the "ON" position. If this does not take care of the problem, please call the office to schedule a technician to come out to assess the situation.Q - I noticed the pipe to my outdoor unit is frozen and it is 90° outside, what can be wrong?
A - Several things can could that to happen:
• Your return air filter is dirty, cutting the airflow off to the coil,
• Your system may have a low refrigerant charge (due to a leak),
• The indoor fan motor may not be operating (no airflow).
Action needed: Turn off the system and call for a service appointment. Your system will most likely have to remain off until the next day to allow for the ice to defrost.
Just like your car needs regular oil changes, tune ups, and safety inspections. Unlike your car however, there are many different aspects to maintenance when it comes to your HVAC system. Some maintenance questions asked are:
Q - Does my system really need maintenance and if it does, how often?
A - Yes. Your system needs maintenance as do most mechanical things, such as your car, lawn mower, etc. to keep it running at its peak efficiency.
• If you have a furnace, maintenance should be performed by a certified technician every year for safety.
• Your air-conditioning system should have maintenance every year.
• If you have a heat pump, it should have maintenance performed every six months because it does twice the work.Q - How do I benefit from having routine maintenance done?
A - You may benefit by having fewer, if any, costly breakdowns and experience lower utility bills due to your system operating at its peak efficiency. You will also gain greater comfort.Q - What is actually done during these maintenance checks?
A - We perform Precision Tune-Ups that improve your system's performance by cleaning various components, testing the operation of the system, inspecting all parts for wear and safety, lubricating any motors that require it, and wax the outside cabinets. For more information on this, please refer to our Energy Saving Agreement under the Maintenance heading.
Your family's health and saftey are just as important (if not more!) as their comfort level. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding health and safety when it comes to your heating and cooling systems. Here are some frequently asked health and safety questions:
Q - What does health and safety have to do with air-conditioning and heating equipment?
A - Much more than most people realize! Your air conditioning and heating systems are designed to keep your home at a comfortable level. An indoor environment that is too hot or too cold can cause you or your family to become ill. The duct systems that are in your attics or crawl spaces need to be properly sealed or nasty odors, dust, and other things can be drawn in and blown throughout your house. These contaminates can and have caused all sorts of health related issues. An improperly vented gas appliance such as your furnace, water heater, stove, or gas logs can emit deadly carbon monoxide into your house. Mildew and unknown substances can form and cause you to become ill due to a system that has not had maintenance.The bottom line, a properly sized, installed, and maintained system can improve your health and safety. We have products and services that can dramatically improve the air quality in you home.
Q - Do I really need to be concerned about Carbon Monoxide?
A - If you have a gas heating system or any fuel burning appliances in your home, absolutely! It can make you ill or even kill you. Check out our section on Carbon Monoxide for additional information.Q - Do I need to replace my duct work or have it cleaned?
A - Unless you have all metal ducts, it is not recommended because duct board (fiberglass duct) contains fibrous materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to clean properly. Flexible duct (black, gray or foil) are easily damaged during the cleaning process which can lead to air leakage. If you do have all metal ducts and there is not a filter in place, it is a good idea to have your ductwork inspected and cleaned, if necessary. Most reputable duct cleaning companies have cameras with which to inspect your ductwork before and after cleaning.Q - Are electronic air cleaners worth the money they cost?
A - The various types of electronic air cleaners we offer have been found to be worth their investment. They are also quiet and doesn’t sound like a “backyard bug zapper” when it cleans the air. We also offer a portable air cleaner that has a UV light system built in too.
Some other common questions asked are:
Q - What manufacturers does your company represent?
A - Any manufacturer that you want to use! We are an independent company and can represent whichever brand we choose that will offer us great technical support and customer service. Currently, York, Carrier, Westinghouse, Trane and Goodman offer this support. We do business primarily with York as a Diamond Dealer. We have a great working relationship with the other listed manufacturers' local distributors as well.Q - Do you test houses for air leakage? (What a great question!)
A - We are involved in the training of building science as it is called at this time. We will soon be able to offer blower door testing and infrared scanning as an additional service. This is a very expensive investment in time and money. There are certifications that need to be earned before we offer it to our customers. All Seasons is committed in offering our customers the very best service available.This testing will allow us to pinpoint air leakage (good and bad) in your house. We will also be able to show you where you may be lacking in insulation and if there is any water damage behind your walls. We will be able to show you if and where your duct may be leaking air. We will make recommendations to you that will help make your house more comfortable and save you money on your utility bills .
Q - Do you offer any discounts or coupons?
A - Yes, please refer to our Special Offers section for all current promotions. They change often, so be sure to check back regularly! We also offer our ESA, Active Military and Senior Citizen discounts.
If you have other questions, please call All Seasons® at (757) 421-9790 or visit Ask Our Experts.