PURVIS HEATING & COOLING

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change or clean my filters?
Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size as original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufactures instructions for cleaning.

What occurs if the heating and or cooling equipment is not regularly maintained?
As the system gets dirty it losses efficiency. Proper maintenance gives you peace of mind, longer lasting equipment with lower operating cost.

What causes your furnace to product carbon monoxide?
When a gas and oil furnace is not maintained, the flame doesn't burn properly, it can cause Carbon Monoxide gas to be released. a crack or hole in the heat exchanger and a leaking or plugged flue pipe can also release the gas. Carbon Monoxide is odorless and colorless, so it can be present and you will not know it. The symptoms are only mild, producing headache, nausea, or fatigue, followed by unconsciousness.

Does a newly built home need its heating & cooling system professionally cleaned?
In some cases it does need to be cleaned. If any construction is done after the systems' installation, the dust and debris settles inside your furnace and on the A-coil, causing a loss in peak efficiency. The accumulated dirt will make your blower motor run at a higher temperature and shorten its life.

How do I chose the best dealer to install the new system for my family?
Consider dealers that have longevity. Find out if the dealer is a member of a local association.  This indicates reliability. The dealer should be affiliated with a nationally known manufacturer . Also check if they have liability, workman's compensation insurance, and are bonded. Ask for references and call past customers. Get no more than two or three bids; more can tend to confused you.  Compare apples with apples. Be wary of a dealer offering a very low price, it could result in poor quality equipment and installation. Talk to the sales person that represents the company. Is there concern for you and your needs? Check to see if the company provides extended warranties and preventive maintenance service contracts.

Does an humidifier really make that much difference?
Yes.
Investing in a humidifier helps conserve energy in the wintertime. It will eliminate the static shock that is picked up when feet are dragged on the floor. Also the air in your home won't be as dry, so you stay comfortable at a lower temperature. Its good for your health and furnishings as well.

What do all those rating numbers mean?
The federal government requires all air conditioning and heating equipment to be rated for efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model. For cooling, the rating is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating); heat pump is HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) and furnaces are rated with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers?
Manufactures generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners and heat pumps need to take in and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service.

Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?
It is not necessary to cover the unit. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes. In fact, rain helps keep your unit clean. Since heat pumps run all year long, they should never be covered.

I need a new outdoor unit, but my indoor unit works fine. Why should I replace the whole system?
Air conditioners and Heat Pumps are designed as matched system, with efficiency rating given for the whole system. If you replace only one part, you don't get the advantage of many technology changes that make the system work efficiently to ensure comfort. Also, the indoor system contains a cooling coil which may be partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency.

How does an electronic air cleaner work?
Furnace blower pulls airborne pollen and pollutant particles into the air cleaner. The prefilter screen traps large particles. Smaller particles pass through to the charging section and receive a positive electrical charge from a series of tungsten wire s. Charged particles are then drawn into the collecting plates, which attract them like a magnet. This section holds the particles until they are washed away during periodic cell cleaning. Finally, the optional charcoal filter helps to reduce odors.

Does an electronic air cleaner really remove air pollen?
Yes.
They consistently deliver fresh, cleaned air free of up to 98% of all pollen and larger pollutant particles and up to 75% free of particles as small as 0.01 microns. Particles such as cigarette smoke, most bacteria and viruses, lint, dust and animal dander are removed.

Will anything help control the humidity in my home?
Humidity is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable speed air handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds, the variable speed motor uses MUCH LESS ELECTRICITY than conventional motors.

I've heard a lot about new refrigerants. Do I need to think about them when buying a system?
Residential air conditioning systems contain a refrigerant which is an HCFC. The specific one is R-22. This is an environmentally safe and efficient refrigerant that will be available as long as your new system will last. There are some rulings being made by the US Environmental Protection Agency which requires changes be made to refrigerants, but not until the year 2010.

What is a ton of air conditioning, and what size system do I need for my home?
A ton is 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units), a measure of how much energy the system outputs. There are many things which will determine the size system your home requires. Some of these are: square feet, number of windows, insulation factors, the direction your home faces, heat producing appliances and even the number of people who will be in the home. An energy analysis should be done on your home to insure the correct system.

What is the difference in a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and an Extended parts and labor Warranty?

Limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor ,coil, electronics, etc.); therefore, it is limited by the language in the warranty.

Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the equipment.. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for ten years. They cover both parts and labor.