Emergency Gas Furnace, Heater and AC Repair Service in Milford, PA

FAQs

Q: What does HVAC imply?
A: HVAC is an acronym that represents heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Q: What kind of upkeep do I need to do on my heating and air conditioning unit?
A: As a property owner , maintaining your system is truly not brain surgery. There are a couple of factors that you will need to keep in mind. The main aspect to always remember is adequate airflow. This signifies that you need to examine your air filters regularly and change them out when they are dirty. It also implies that you need to make sure that your air vents aren’t blocked by things such as furniture pieces. In fact, don’t even shut air vents to spaces that are less frequently used. You are making your system run harder than need be, using more power to do so, and wasting money. Finally, don’t forget to plan an annual tune-up on your cooling system. This must be carried out in the springtime. Arrange for an annual tune-up on your heating unit in the fall season.
Q: Why do I have to replace my air filter?
A: You can’t possibly use an HVAC system without changing the air filter out when it gets dirty. The main reason for this is since your system necessitates adequate air flow just to operate. A dirty air filter will hinder your system from operating properly. The filter acts sort of like a lung and it removes pollutants from your air. It tries to keep your home free from dust, allergens, and even germs. Furthermore, a filthy air filter puts stress on your system which causes it to work harder. This translates into higher home heating and cooling costs. There are different types of filters readily available. Make sure to figure out the consistency at which your filter needs to be replaced. It should be printed on the packaging label of your filter. We suggest that you check your filters on a once per month basis. Regardless of what the label says, you will have to change your filter as frequently as needed. If you see that it is dirty, then be sure to switch it out for a new one. Variables such as animals or dirty climates can make a big difference on how frequently it needs to be changed. A knowledgeable Milford HVAC company will be able to inform you on what kind of filter works best for your kind of system.
Q: How do I recognize when to change out my air filter?
A: There is no precise solution to this question. This is because one residence will certainly need a different amount of filter changes than another. A residence that has family pets or is located in a dusty climate will require more filter changes. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check them once a month. Mark the calendar as a reminder. Life can get busy and remembering something like checking your HVAC filter can slip through the cracks. When you take a look at it, thoroughly examine it. Be sure that it does not appear dirty. Never let more than 90 days in between air filter changes. Additionally, when it does seem dirty, make sure to swap it out even if you just changed it a couple of weeks ago. The trick to a properly working HVAC system is proper filtration.
Q: How do I identify when my AC system, furnace, or HVAC system is still under warranty?
A: Knowing whether your manufacturer’s warranty is still active or not will help you know if a needed repair job will be covered. The age of your unit generally determines if it is covered by your warranty. If it is under 5 years old, then your manufacturer’s warranty is usually still active. If it is more than 5 years old, then it, more than likely, is not. This, of course, depends upon the manufacturer and the company that installed your system. You can always call SOS XTREME Comfort®, a trained Milford HVAC company, to let you know the standing of your warranty.
Q: I have knowledge of the hazards of carbon monoxide. Is this something I have to be worried about?
A: When you have a carbon monoxide gas leak in your home, it is a risky circumstance. It can result in serious health risks, including casualties. CO is not something that you can observe or smell. Be sure to get a CO sensor at home. On top of that, you can avoid a risky circumstance similar to this by having an HVAC service provider conduct proper maintenance and care on your system.
Q: What does IAQ stand for?
A: IAQ is a word that most property owners should be aware of. It is a term that stands for Indoor Air Quality. In the news reports and media, outdoor air pollution is a common theme. That being said, indoor air pollution poses more of a threat to property owners than outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution is described as the quantity of pollution that exists within a structure specifically your home. Exposure to these pollutants is more prevalent than you might realize. Newly constructed homes are built so that there is not enough ventilation or exchange between outdoor and indoor air. This is wonderful for energy efficiency but it does pose a challenge for air quality. A person can avoid this challenge by having a system that is made to greatly improve air quality.
Q: What should I set my thermostat to: on or auto?
A: You can set your thermostat to the auto setting. This enables the fan to run only when it is required. Most homeowners like this setting because it is more energy efficient. The on setting is used when you want to have air continually filtered all throughout your property. The air is spread and it can give a more even temperature all throughout your home. Having said that, it does take more energy to do this. Modern central heaters have fan motors that have this capability.
Q: I have installed a brand new furnace and air conditioning unit. How long should I expect it to last?
A: This completely depends on a a handful of factors. When you purchase a brand new furnace or air conditioner, they are produced to last roughly 15-20 years. It should really be noted that units eventually are less energy efficient as they grow older. Therefore, a 12 year old machine will not be as energy efficient as an updated one. You can really help your current system last and work more efficiently by correctly maintaining it. Good installation also contributes to the life expectancy of an HVAC system. Make sure that it is installed correctly by choosing a reputable Milford HVAC company, like SOS XTREME Comfort®.
Q: How can I make my heating and cooling system work even more efficiently without having to exchange it?
A: Even if you do not intend to change out your model, there are a couple of things that you can do to your current system that will help it operate more economically. A couple of them are listed below:

• Make sure to plan a tune-up in the springtime and in the autumn. Research studies indicate that property owners who carry this out save approximately 5%-10% on their electrical bill.
• Replace out your dirty air filters. A dirty air filter significantly affects the amount of energy that your system requires to work. A filthy air filter will make your system work harder which costs you much more. You need to purchase top quality energy efficient filters. They keep your system cleaner while enhancing energy efficiency and improving indoor air quality.
• Do not shut or close your air vents. The key to a more energy efficient system is sufficient air flow. Your equipment needs to breathe in order for it to perform its job.
• Keep your outdoor unit unobstructed and clutter-free. Clear away anything that might hinder air circulation surrounding your machine.

Q: I should invest in a new heating/cooling system. How do I select the right one for me?
A: The number one feature that you will need to consider is size. The unit will need to be the appropriate size for your home. Many property owners make the blunder of getting units that are too large, thinking that the system will warm up or cool their house more rapidly. Other property owners purchase units that are too small, assuming that their units will use less power and because of this, save money. This is a big no-no. Your unit needs to complement the size of your house so that it can properly heat or cool it. A Milford, Pennsylvania heating and cooling pro, like SOS XTREME Comfort®, has the proficiency to match your unit. Also, be sure to review operating charges of your system with your contractor. You want a system that, basically, pays you back. Be sure to invest in a system that, on a monthly basis, balances out the charges of the unit with the help of your energy bill.
Q: I just bought a new heating and air conditioning system. Should I have a programmable thermostat installed too?
A: A programmable thermostat can work wonders on your home heating and cooling expenses. Unless you have the memory of an elephant, it turns your temperature up or down based on your set schedule. This means that you don’t have the responsibility of leaving for the whole day and remembering to adjust the temperature. Let’s be real. In the craziness of life, many people are rushing out the door and just don’t have time to consider things like that. Your programmable thermostat remembers for you. This saves money on heating and cooling charges by changing the temp up or down when you are away. You will not pay to heat or cool an empty house. It also keeps your home at a more comfortable temperature given that you can get out of bed to a warmer house in the winter and in the summer, you can come home from work to a sufficiently cooled house.
Q: Will an updated Milford HVAC system decrease my energy bills?
A: A brand new Milford HVAC system will undoubtedly save you money. It will drop your home heat and air conditioning charges. A system’s efficiency is established by its SEER rating. SEER is a term in the HVAC field that denotes Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. New models are mandated by regulation to have a minimum 13 SEER rating. With a SEER 13, operating expenses may be decreased by as much as 50%. This means that, yes, your updated system will most definitely lower your power bills.
Q: My furnace/air conditioner does the job even though it is old. Why should I change it?
A: There are a few reasons to upgrade your system. In your situation, when your system is over 12 years old, then it does not run as efficiently. This is because systems lose their efficiency as they age. This translates into higher electrical statements because it has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. A brand-new unit can really make a huge difference on your energy bills and your home’s comfort levels. By keeping your old unit, you are paying more every month than you need to be. You can save as high as 50% of your operating expenses. This means that you will get your return on your investment quickly. You might not really want to pay for a new unit but you will be glad that you did when you see that it pays itself off quickly and after that, you will have the capacity to spend your money on other things outside of home heating and air conditioning costs.
Q: I want to landscape my home in the spring. Can I plant near my outdoor unit?
A: When you landscape your property, you will need to pay very close attention to the area around your outside air unit. Make sure your plants are at a minimum of 18 inches to 2 feet away from your unit. This includes the area around your unit and the area above your unit. Your outdoor unit needs correct air circulation surrounding it in order for it to function the way that you really want it to. House owners often make the error of planting too close to their unit or failing to remember to trim back the vegetation around their unit. This has caused expensive and unnecessary repairs.
Q: The temperature inside of my house is fine but my unit’s fan seems to be working all of the time. What should I do?
A: If your fan seems to be operating all of the time, then it is quite likely that your thermostat is on the ‘on’ setting. Even though this setting creates more of an even temperature within your house, it certainly will make your electrical power bills rise.