Frequently Asked Questions
Common Terms
& Definitions
What should I check before calling for
service?
Here are some simple things you can do before calling for service
if you system is not working:
- Check disconnect switches. Make sure that the
circuit breakers are ON.
- Check for sufficient air flow. Make sure air
filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are
open and unobstructed.
- Check settings on your thermostat.
If you want cooling, make sure the temperature is set below the
actual room temperature and mode is set to COOL. If you want heat,
make sure the temperature is set above the actual room temperature
and the mode is set to HEAT. The fan should be set at AUTO if
you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating
or ON for continuous blower operation.
What maintenance should I perform on my
system?
You should check the air filter in your system every 3 to 4 weeks.
A dirty filter will decrease the efficiency of your system and cause
excessive strain. A dirty filter should be replaced or cleaned if
it is the reusable type. (If you use a reusable filter be sure it
is dry before you install it.)
You should keep your outdoor condensing
unit free from debris and obstructions. Keep grass clippings,
leaves, shrubbery and debris away from the outdoor unit to facilitate
proper insulation.
All further maintenance should be left to a professional
service technician.
Why is outdoor unit frozen, or covered
in ice?
During the heating season, it is normal for a heat pump system to
form a layer of ice on the outdoor unit. There is a cycle, called
the defrost cycle, that is built
into the system to remove the ice at regular intervals.
Why is my outdoor unit smoking or steaming?
During the heating cycle, the outdoor unit may form a layer or ice
on it. When this happens, the system will go into a defrost
cycle to melt the ice. What you are seeing is steam that results
from this defrost cycle.
Should I repair my existing system or
replace it?
If your system is 10 years old or older and you answer yes to any
of the following questions, you probably would benefit from replacing
your system and taking advantage of the lower long term costs of
a new higher efficiency system.
- Does your system undergo frequent repairs?
- Has your system experienced a major component
failure?
- Are you continually receiving high electric
bills?
- Is your A/C unit not cooling like it use to?
How does a heat pump work?
A heat pump system provides cooling
in the summer and heat during the winter. In the summer, it circulates
cool air throughout the home while absorbing hot air and releasing
it outside. In the winter, the heat pump reverses the process. The
heat pump system absorbs heat from the outdoor air, raises it to
a higher temperature then circulates it throughout your home.
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