Frequently Asked Questions
How do I select the right air conditioning & heating contractor for my home?
When searching for the right HVAC contractor for your house, three things are a must:
they must be licensed, bonded, and insured in your surrounding area.
Another thing to look for is experience and knowledge. Ask how long have they been in business, what certifications the company has and if their employees are properly certified.
They should be able to answer any question you may have about your system: what size it is, if the duct work is run properly, if anything is not working as well as it should be.
The most important things a homeowner should look for in an air conditioning & heating contractor are: Do feel comfortable with them, are they reliable and trustworthy, are they informative, are they going to do what they said they would do?
How do I decide the best air conditioning & heating equipment for my needs?
Your potential HVAC company should discuss what you want from your system:
How long are you planning on living there? Are you interested in saving money/energy?
Has the previous system been cooling/heating your house properly?
All these questions play an important role in what equipment is best for your needs.
Should I Repair or Replace my unit?
Repair if your system: |
Replace if your system: |
Consider Replacing if: |
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How can we improve the efficiency of our existing cooling and heating system without replacing it?
The best way to improve the efficiency and longevity of your system is to have a routine preventative maintenance program with your HVAC contractor. Not only will this get you the most out of your equipment, but it will also prevent any unwanted breakdowns. With a preventative maintenance agreement your system's lifespan will far exceed that of one that does not receive regular maintenance.
How often should I change my filter?
How often a person should change a filter depends on the household conditions. 1" filters should be changed every 3 to 4 weeks, 4" media filters every 4 to 6 months, or high efficiency filters every 6 to 12 months. Keeping your filters changed regularly is a must; not doing so will put a strain on your air conditioning unit and cause unnecessary repair work down the road.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
How often you need to have your air ducts cleaned depends on household conditions. Is there a lot of traffic in and out of the house, are there pets in the house, or does anyone have health/breathing issues? All these factors come in to play. Typically, a homeowner needs to have the air ducts cleaned every 3 to 7 years. The best way to determine this is to get a free video inspection of your ductwork.
My family suffers from allergies. Is there a way to improve our indoor air quality?
Yes. In most situations, a three step process is required. First, remove the contaminants in your ductwork by having your vents/ductwork professionally cleaned. Second, have your ductwork air sealed to prevent unwanted dust from getting into your ventilation. Third step: upgrade your filtration system. There are many indoor air quality products out there and the best way to find out what your needs are is to contact your local air conditioning and heating company.
Why is the dry air in my house during winter?
This problem is typically seen more often in gas furnaces. When your furnace is on, the flames that warm your heat exchanger are drying the moisture in the air, causing a dry air feeling. The best thing to do if you are suffering with this is to call your HVAC company and ask about Humidifiers. They should be able to help you with this problem.
How much will a new system cost me?
Depending on the size of your home and level of comfort you are wanting, we can help narrow the choice for you. We can calculate the heat/cooling load for your house to accurately find the size you need and can give you the correct price. An air conditioning and heating company will need to see how your current system is run to determine accessibility for replacement systems.
Call Choate's Air Conditioning & Heating for a Free Quote.