Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before calling for service?
Here are some simple things you can do before calling for service if your 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 of 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. The outdoor fan will cut off during this 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.