FAQ’s for General HVAC Service
Q: How does an HVAC circulatory system work?
Q: How does an HVAC hydration system work?
Q: How does an HVAC immune system work?
Q: How do I know what size HVAC system I need?
A heat loss (winter) and gain (summer) analysis, commonly known as a “Manual J”, is the mathematical method for determining the BTU’s needed for a specific home in a specific climate. It is what engineers and professional contractors do on a daily basis to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Square footage and cubic footage are important, but insulation values, window quality, and air leakage rates are also a big part of the equation. The act of finishing a basement and insulating the walls can reduce the heat loss by 20% but have no significant affect on the air conditioning BTU’s.
Following the loss/gain calculation, there is more math to be done, as the BTU’s required to heat and cool require a specific amount or airflow to disperse the energy effectively. The ductwork is just as important as the heating & cooling equipment and should always be evaluated by a professional contractor prior to making an investment.
Q: How much does it cost to replace a furnace and/or air conditioner?
The range can be anywhere from $6000 to $18,000 depending on a variety of factors. Fortunately, we all realize that we get what we pay for. A reputable contractor will have a relationship with a reputable financing company- most families pay for their 15 years systems over 24- 36 months without interest.
Factors like whether the property is owner occupied or leased, what kind of energy savings folks are looking for, whether or not they are staying there for more than 5 years, and even the need for higher air quality can all factor in to the total investment.
Keep in mind that the actual cost for the installation is going to be the same if you pick a $1500 unit or a $3000 unit, so consider your budget (including future energy savings) carefully and get the best unit you can afford. Installation of any unit requires several hundred dollars in related materials, highly skilled professionals, licenses/ taxes/ and insurances, vehicles, an office/shop facility, and the support of a trained staff. Companies that do not have these systems in place struggle to back their work when something fails under warranty.
Q: What should I check before I call an HVAC company?
When your heating or cooling fail there may be something simple wrong. If you are comfortable checking a few things yourself, put on some working clothes, get something to kneel on, and grab your flashlight. The first thing to check is your air filter. Be sure it’s been changed recently & is free from dirt & debris. You can also check the thermostat & ensure there is power coming from the unit. Lastly, check the outside intake, a pvc pipe coming out of the house for venting. Ensure this is free of snow, ice, debris & any obstructions so air can flow properly from your hvac unit. Beyond that, it’s best to call a professional contractor to make sure your hvac equipment is operating properly & safely.
Q: How often should I get my HVAC system serviced?
HVAC system service should be performed at the changing of the season from heating to cooling, and cooling to heating. Generally, two times per year will allow for faulty parts to be found prior to breaking. Air quality issues such as dust mites, dust, counter surface bacteria and fungus growth can be a great thing to discuss with your hvac technician. During regular maintenance it’s important to use this as an opportunity to discuss concerns and heating, cooling & air quality options & solutions. In the long run, preventive maintenance still provides the lowest cost of ownership over the life of a system.
Q: How are my furnace and AC connected?
Traditional HVAC systems are connected by ductwork, a coil, gas & refrigerant lines. The coil allows both cool & warm air to pass through your hvac system. Once the compressor starts to run it pushes refrigerant through the condenser fan & mixes with outdoor air which sends the air to the evaporator coil, then moves through the duct work at which point cold air is felt. It’s important that all 3 pieces of equipment are properly maintain & working to optimum capacity to ensure controlled temperature & maximum comfort as week as efficiency are achieved.
Q: How do I choose an HVAC contractor?
Doing your own research is the best thing you can do when trying to choose the right HVAC Contractor for you. Read customer Google Reviews, read about the company online. Check out the company’s website to see what services they perform & what equipment they service & install. Call the company directly & simply ask them why you should choose them. A reputable HVAC Company will be honest, upfront & transparent & should be able to answer all your questions & address your concerns over the phone. Be sure to confirm that they are certified, licensed, bonded & insured. Also make sure all the technicians wear uniforms, are drug screened, undergo background checks, & undergo continuous training. Researching all these things will ensure you are choosing the right HVAC contractor for you & your homes needs.
Q: Is there any warranty available for Blue Frost systems?
All of our systems come with a 10 Year parts warranty in residential applications. Additional warranties can be purchased through a third party.
Q: Can I replace my furnace without replacing my air conditioner?
You can replace your furnace without replacing your air conditioner. In most occasions when you replace your furnace you will also be replacing the coil (the unit that sits on top of the furnace). Same in regards to the ac, in most instances when replacing the air conditioner, you will also need to replace the coil at the same time.
Q: What should I do if I smell gas in my home?
If you smell gas in your home you should immediately plan to open windows & doors & remove yourself from the home while contacting Nicor or your primary Gas Provider. Nicor Gas has technicians that can arrive at your home within 30 minutes & can detect where the gas smell or leak is coming from. It can be extremely dangerous to remain in the home if you smell gas, so play it safe, even if it ends up not being a serious issue it’s best to take precaution in case it happens to be. Once the Nicor gas technician detects the leak, call us! We can perform all furnace repairs, including leak & gas piping replacements. Blue Frost Heating & Cooling is ready to provide you with the repair or replacement & restore your heating system operations in order to promote a safe & healthy environment in your home.
Q: How many types of HVAC systems are there?
There are so many different types of homes & so many different types of HVAC systems available that every system truly is unique. In terms heating & cooling equipment types there are a vast majority as well. In residential applications the most common types of HVAC equipment includes furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers, boilers, radiant heat, ductless mini split systems.
Q: I just moved. How do I know what HVAC system I have?
The best way to find out what type of HVAC system you have, especially if you are a new homeowner or looking to move into a new home, is to find out the Manufacturer, the make, model & serial number of your heating & cooling equipment. If your residential home has a traditional furnace, coil & air conditioner look at each piece of equipment to find the model & serial number. This is usually located on the exterior part of the equipment. Once you have that information & the Manufacturer name, go to the manufacture’s website & enter in the model & serial numbers. In most cases, you will be able to download a product manual & even find out when the HVAC system was installed & what contractor performed the installation. This is the best way to find out what type of heating & cooling equipment you have.
Q: Is a high efficiency HVAC system worth it?
If you plan to reside in your home for 5 years or longer, a High Efficiency HVAC System is definitely worth it! The savings you will see on your monthly utility bills will be much lower because the efficiency is much higher. If you are not looking to stay in your home, or have plans to move going with a high efficient HVAC system still has its benefits as it can be a great selling feature to future home buyers & can increase the overall value of your home.
Q: What do you need from me to determine my financing options with Blue Frost?
*Note: Pre-approval application can be found on our website. What you’ll need to apply for financing options is:
- Social Security Number
- Income information
- Email address
Q: Will you work with customers who previously lived within your service area but have since moved (still close by)?
Absolutely! We prefer to continue to provide you with the safety & comfort you’ve come to know & expect from us & strive to maintain lasting relationships with all our customers.
Q: What is the best thermostat to have for my system?
Any thermostat that is programmable is great for your heating & cooling system efficiency. Some of the newer units require a Trane XL1050 thermostat which also needs to be paired with an item called a Relay Panel. There are lots of options to choose from but the thermostats with a set program & wi-fi capabilities tend to be the most popular.
