Heating and Cooling Equipment Q&A

Q: How much does a furnace cost?

A: The cost of a furnace depends on many variables, such as the brand, size, and model of the system you select. The best way to get accurate pricing on a new furnace is to contact Blind & Sons.

Q: How much does an air conditioner cost?

A: Just like heating systems, air conditioners have costs that vary widely, depending on the brand, type, size, and model of the unit. For example, pricing for a ductless mini-split system will be different than pricing for a central air conditioner system.

Q: How long should my equipment last?

A: A typical system in our climate should last between 15-20 years. Some of the factors that affect this are how well was the equipment installed, whether the equipment was sized properly, and whether the system been properly serviced and maintained. If your system is older than 15 years, you can expect more repairs.

Q: Do I need to let my fan run all the time?

A: Continuous operation of your systems fan is a personal preference, if you have a variable speed motor it is cost-effective to run the fan continuous, which increases comfort in the home as well as efficiency. Non-variable fans are expensive to run continuous and can increase your monthly energy bill.

Q: Should I cover my air conditioner in the winter?

A: Air conditioners are built to withstand the harsh elements outdoors. Covering the A/C can actually keep moisture inside the unit causing it to freeze in the winter and potentially damage the unit. They are not however designed to keep out leaves in the fall so we recommend covering the top of the unit only for the fall season.

Q: Why does my A/C freeze up?

A: There could be many reasons why this happens. Airflow, low refrigerant charge, failed motor, failed metering device, dirt etc. A qualified technician can  properly diagnose the problem.

Q: What is a SEER rating?

A: The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures air conditioning and heat pump cooling efficiency, which is calculated by the cooling output for a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency.

Q: How do I know what size equipment I need?

A: Several factors need to be taken into consideration such as insulation levels in your home, the number of windows and size, the direction they face, the age of home, the ductwork for air flow capacity, and the heat gain/loss needed to keep the home at proper temps year round for our climate. A qualified professional can help you determine the best size equipment for your home.

Q: What is the difference between variable speed vs. PSC?

A: A PSC motor is a standard motor, that uses a good amount of electricity to run, and only has 3 to 5 speeds. It does not maintain torque under a heavy load. A variable speed motor is much more energy efficient, has many different speeds, and ramps up and down to provide more or less airflow as needed. A variable speed motor maintains torque to always deliver the correct airflow.

Q: What is the difference between single stage vs. 2 stage?

A: For a furnace, single stage means the gas valve is two settings: off or on. A 2 stage has multiple settings: off, low, high. The latter is much more energy efficient.

Q: Do I need a matched system?

A: We typically recommended a matched system because they can be more efficient, plus the system just looks better. But it is not always necessary.

Q: Why is the indoor temperature not matching the thermostat setting?

A: This could be for many reasons. The system may need a precision tune up, air flow balancing, filter replaced, or the refrigerant charge may need to be adjusted. The structure itself could need attention. The system may not be sized correctly.

No question is too big or too small for the experts at Blind & Sons. If you can’t find the answer to your question, simply fill in our Ask An Expert form and we’ll get back to you with fast, reliable information or Call Us Today (330) 753-7711 !

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