FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect from a service call?
Our technician will call you to let you know he is on the way. Our technicians are trained to park where you can see their vehicle and stand back away from the door after knocking. This is done to allow you to identify them and make sure it is our technician. He will then diagnose the problem and present you with prices and options for any needed repairs. You don’t need to worry; we will never perform any work above and beyond the diagnostics without your approval.
Does a Service Agreement customer receive faster service?
Yes, HH& A Service Agreement customers receive priority service above those without the agreement.
My house is damp in the summer. Do I need a dehumidifier or an air conditioner?
Part of the air conditioners job is to remove humidity in the cooling season. High humidity can be caused by several issues such as, water leaks in the home or the air conditioner is not working properly. Sometimes an additional dehumidifier is needed to help eliminate extra moisture. However, a properly installed air conditioning unit operating at peak efficiency is normally all that is needed to lower the humidity inside the home. We can help evaluate these issues, just give us a call.
Everything gets so dry in the house during winter. Do I need a humidifier?
Locally, our humidity is very high in the summer months and very low in the winter months. Just as high humidity makes you feel warmer in the summer, it can make you feel warmer in the winter. If you can get the humidity levels up in the winter, you'll notice your wood floors and furniture won't dry out, and you'll feel warmer with a lower temperature - which translates to savings on utility bills.
I can't afford a new system. Do you repair older systems?
We absolutely repair older systems. We are not here to sell equipment like a lot of our competitors. We encourage folks to maintain the system they already have and do all we can to keep your old system running smoothly. Howere, sometimes it doesn’t make sense to repair an older system, and we can help in the decision making process.
What brands of heating and cooling systems do you offer?
The answer in short is we will only install brands which have proven to be dependable and have parts readily available in the event of a breakdown. We are not tied to any one brand of equipment, so we can often shop around and find the best deal for your needs. Primarily, we sell Carrier because we feel they are better represented in this area.
How long should my heating/cooling system last?
The average life expectancy of a properly installed and maintained system is 16 years. That is from coast to coast and north to south, so there is a broad range. We have seen systems in this area last as long as 50 years and as short as six years.
What can I do to make my heating and cooling system last longer?
Your air conditioner is a machine much like an automobile. It requires routine maintenance to operate at peak efficiency. Coincidentally, this also will extend the life of your system. Did you know that a 5% blockage of air flow will translate to a 20% increase in energy consumption?
How often should I replace my air filters?
If you use the disposable filters, then we recommend you replace them when you get you utility bill in the mail. This will ensure they are changed monthly which will meet all manufacturers’ recommendations and warranty requirements. If you have an electronic air cleaner, then follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, but never go more than three months without inspecting them.
Is it okay to use an "allergen reduction filer" with my system?
We don’t recommend using this type of filter in your system because most of them will impede air flow. Anything that impedes air flow will put undue strain and wear and tear on your system and cause it to use more energy. There are solutions for allergy sufferers such as electronic air cleaners, which do not impede air flow. We can help with this also.
Which is better a digital or analog thermostat?
Digital thermostats will usually keep the temperature a lot closer to your desired set point and come in many configurations. We can install digital thermostats that have touch screens or buttons. Some can be programmed to turn on and off at different times of the day, so if you are gone, you won’t be heating or cooling the house unnecessarily. Some of the really advanced thermostats we have installed for our commercial customers can be accessed by internet and make and accept phone calls.
