Frequently Asked Questions

Does the contractor I choose really make a difference?

According to leading consumer and trade magazines, the US Department of Energy, utility providers, the heating and cooling contractor you choose does make a difference. The same equipment can be installed in the same home by two different contractors, and there can be a difference in comfort, equipment efficiency, and overall life.

How should I choose a heating and cooling contractor?

Look for contractors that are factory trained and certified, that have a proven track record of their work and have a clean record with the state attorney general’s office. Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured, and ask for proof of this. Check their reviews with the Better Business Bureau and services like Google, Facebook etc. Ask who will be performing the actual installation. Many times you will talk to the sales team and everything sounds great, then the installers show up and things don’t go the way you discussed with your initial company contact.

What do equipment rating numbers mean?

The U.S. government requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning and heating equipment. The rating reflects the percentage of energy used efficiently, with higher ratings indicating higher efficiency.

What does AFUE stand for?

Gas heating appliances are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; the higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 90 AFUE. The highest efficiency furnaces will exceed 95 AFUE.

What is a SEER?

Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER; The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 14 SEER. The highest efficiency air conditioners can meet or exceed 20 SEER.

What does HSPF stand for?

Heat pump equipment in the heating mode is rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF; the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 8.2 HSPF. The highest efficiency heat pumps will meet or exceed 9 HSPF.

What is the operating cost comparison between a gas and propane furnace?

Depending on fuel prices, a gas furnace is about 40% less expensive.

Why is natural gas better than oil heat?

Gas is cleaner, more efficient, and less expensive (up to 50%).

What is the benefit of a multi-stage furnace?

It warms more gently, only using the higher stages when needed.

What is a “variable speed” blower fan?

Variable speed “smart fans” are very quiet, and can alter air flow based on the needs of your home, creating more even temperatures and increased comfort. They also allow for constant airflow, providing increased filtration of the air in your home with low overall energy consumption.

Are 80% furnaces more reliable than 90% furnaces?

No. There have been great strides made in increasing the reliability of 90% furnaces. If you purchase a quality furnace AND it is installed properly, you shouldn’t see any real difference between the life of an 80% and 90% furnace.

What is the difference between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump?

Air conditioners work by transferring heat from inside your home to outside, effectively lowering the indoor temperature. Heat pumps work exactly the same way in the summer, but in the winter they can reverse the temperature exchange, providing one of the most efficient forms of heat available.

Do Heat Pumps heat well?

Heat pumps heat more gently and evenly than furnaces, so if you’re used to a blast of hot air from your vents, you’ll have to get used to the new type of heat. They are, however, one of the most efficient forms of heat available, and work best when you set them to maintain a constant indoor temperature.

Will a tankless water heater give me instant hot water?

No; while tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, that water still takes time to travel through your home. When properly sized and installed, a tankless water heater will provide endless hot water, so cold showers will be a thing of the past. They can also save energy costs by eliminating the need to heat stored water.

How much will a new HVAC system cost?

That depends on the type of system you want, the size of the system required, and the condition of the work area, ductwork and other factors affecting the installation. We can give you an exact price after a consultation.

Can I use a mini split system as my primary heat source?

In the past, this was an impossibility, but with recent advancements in mini split outdoor unit technology, systems can now acheive their full capacity down to -5* and will operate down to temperatures as low as -22*. In some cases backup heat sources may be necessary, but in many homes these high performing systems can be the sole heating source.