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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)

Q. What heating and cooling situations are mini-split systems good for?
A. Mini-split HVAC systems are ideal for older homes and rehabs. Anywhere that running ductwork would be a problem could benefit from a mini-split heating and cooling system. Other good candidates are room additions and areas that you have a problem keeping temperature controlled like you want.

Q. Can mini-split systems be used in commercial buildings?
A. Absolutely. The same advantages that apply to residential buildings for mini-split systems apply to commercial settings. Anywhere that installing a traditional HVAC system is a problem could benefit by installing a mini-split system.

Q. How do mini-split HVAC systems compare in price to standard air conditioning and heating systems?
A. Mini-split HVAC systems are generally more expensive to buy the equipment than equivalently sized traditional HVAC systems. Since mini-split systems are easier and faster to install, much of the difference in equipment cost can be offset by the reduced installation cost.

Q. What is the average life expectancy of a furnace or central air conditioner?
A. On average you should expect to get 15 to 20 years of life from a quality system.

Q. Is there any advantage to updating a system that is about 15 years old but still functional?
A. Any system that old is considerably less efficient than most systems available today. By replacing an old system you can save on your energy bills, plus newer systems are more environmentally friendly.

Q. Should I buy the cheapest air filters I can find?
A. That all depends on how clean you want the air you breathe. Higher density filters (pleated) trap more pollutants from the air before they have a chance to be recycled back into the room where you can inhale them. Air filters with a higher MERV rating are better. The highest MERV rating available is 16.

Q. What should I do if my heat won't come on?
A. Most of the time this problem is caused by something simple. Check your thermostat settings to make sure the system is set to Heat and the fan is set to Auto. Ensure the thermostat dial (or lever) is set to the desired temperature, usually between 70 and 75 degrees, depending on your preference. If the furnace has a pilot light and you know how to check it, ensure it is lit. Check your fuse box or circuit breakers to make sure the circuit is not off. If the fuse is blown or the breaker is switched off, this can be a sign of problems. If the condition persists, contact a professional to have it checked out. When all else fails, contact a qualified heating contractor to have your system diagnosed.

Q. What should I do if my air conditioning won't come on?
A. Most of the time this problem is caused by something simple. Check your thermostat settings to make sure the system is set to Cool and the fan is set to Auto. Ensure the thermostat dial (or lever) is set to the desired temperature, usually between 70 and 75 degrees, depending on your preference. Check your fuse box or circuit breakers to make sure the circuit is not off. On most central air conditioning systems there is also a fuse or circuit breaker box outside the house near the outside air conditioning unit. If the fuse is blown or the breaker is switched off, this can be a sign of problems. If the condition persists, contact a professional to have it checked out. When all else fails, contact a qualified air conditioning contractor to have your system diagnosed.

Q. Can thermostats make a difference on HVAC systems?
A. Yes they can. Older mercury thermostats tend to be harder to read and not as accurate as newer digital thermostats. A digital thermostat also provides several other advantages:

• Can be programmed to turn on the system before you wake up in the morning
• Can be programmed to turn the system off or set it to a different level at bedtime
• Can provide a higher level of efficiency and a lower energy bill if used correctly