Heating FAQ
Advanced Heating and Cooling from First Class HVAC
At First Class HVAC, we believe an educated customer is more likely to be satisfied with their choice over the long haul. Modern-day furnaces and air conditioners last a long time, provided they’re cared for, and we want that happiness to stay. We have years of experience providing superior heating and cooling services to Millsboro, DE residents. We’ve spent our years growing our knowledge and practicing our expertise. We’re confident we’ll be able to address your concerns and find cost-effective solutions to all your problems. Whether you require repairs to your air conditioner or your furnace is on its last legs, our approach is the same. We dedicate ourselves to outstanding customer service and work hard to protect your property. Our commitment to service is why both residential and commercial clients trust us above all else.
How Long Will My HVAC Equipment Last?
It all depends on how well you maintain your system. Generally, both air conditioners and furnaces have a lifespan of around 15 years. Still, that period depends heavily on a variety of factors. At a certain point, it might make more sense to replace a unit that’s having trouble, rather than repair it. For instance, once your furnace reaches 10 to 12-years-old, it isn’t worth investing in a repair that costs more than half the cost of a replacement. We’ve found most furnaces and air conditioners begin to display problems around the seven to ten-year mark and require more frequent repairs. However, a brand-new unit should run smoothly and shouldn’t need repair services.
How Do I Maximize My System’s Efficiency?
Maximizing your heating and cooling system is a task all homeowners should take seriously. Modern-day HVAC systems are remarkably energy-efficient, but they can’t do the job alone. It’s up to property owners to give them the assistance they need. Fortunately, creating a more efficient property isn’t difficult. Property owners can keep air vents unblocked by furniture and clean them. They can install a programmable thermostat and perform at-home maintenance tasks, such as dusting around the unit themselves. Additionally, contacting First Class HVAC for maintenance can help keep the system humming along. No matter which route you choose, you should notice a gradual difference in your monthly energy bills, which can help defray the up-front cost of the unit itself.
What Size Furnace or Air Conditioner Should I Purchase?
There’s no rule of thumb regarding HVAC systems, though many customers think there is. While one ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet of a home or business, there are other factors to consider. Fortunately, we have 40 years of experience selling and installing furnaces and air conditioners to Maryland and Delaware neighbors. We can come to your home or business and inspect the property, allowing us to make an accurate recommendation. From there, we can help you choose the unit best for your budget and heating and cooling needs.
Why is Regular HVAC System Maintenance Important?
Both air conditioners and heaters are complicated and include numerous pieces of machinery. They usually contain both an indoor and outdoor unit and rely on a network of hard-to-reach ductwork to deliver warm and cool air. There’s no room for error, which is why routine maintenance is so important. Given how many ways a furnace or air conditioner can break down, it is vital you contact First Class HVAC for maintenance services. Getting in front of potential repairs can save you hundreds of dollars and prolong the life of your heating and cooling system. We recommend property owners contact us just before spring for AC maintenance and in the month or two preceding winter for furnace services.
How Often Should I Change My Filters?
They might not seem important, but air filters are among the most vital parts of your heating and cooling system because they serve a variety of roles. Neglecting them is not wise. Fortunately, changing an air filter on a furnace or air conditioner isn’t tricky, and doesn’t require the work of a professional. Air filters prevent dust and other large particles from entering your system. In addition to harming your indoor air quality, a dirty air filter can also ruin the unit itself. We recommend replacing your air filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, wash them at least once a month. You can find filters at your local hardware store.
What Should I Check Before Calling for Repairs?
There are numerous signs of a bad heating and cooling system. For instance, loud noises are never good. But neither are cold spots, which occur when the system is not heating certain rooms in your business or house. You can also keep an eye on efficiency. If your heating or cooling bills have skyrocketed, there’s a good chance something is hampering your system. Other things you can look for include strange smells, frequent cycles, and inefficient performance. If you’re noticing any of those things, then the next step is to contact our heating and cooling specialists. We can address the issue and come up with a solution. Whether we suggest repairs or a new unit, you can trust us to provide honest and forthright advice.
Why is There Water Around My AC Handler?
Indoor water handlers are a crucial component in the overall functioning of your air conditioning system. They perform double duty, removing both heat and moisture from the air at once. There’s a small pan at the bottom of the handler, which catches moisture as it drips. At the other end of the pan is a drain line. Sometimes debris can clog the drain line, which causes the pan to plug and pool over. Fortunately, this problem comes with an easy fix. You can remove the drain line and clean it with bleach or vinegar water until the build-up clears.
How Much Does a Replacement System Cost?
There are numerous options on the market, from cutting-edge, high-budget options to more family-friendly options. One thing to keep in mind is new air conditioners and furnaces are much more energy-efficient than the models of 10 to 15 years ago. So while you might pay more upfront for a new model now, you’ll experience more energy-efficient heating and cooling system as a result. The size of your house, whether we need to alter or replace ductwork, and other factors also play roles in how much a replacement will cost. As always, First Class HVAC can help you decide. We’ll explain the benefits of each of the units we carry and provide an expert suggestion.
Why Should I Choose a Programmable Thermostat?
Programmable thermostats provide your heating and cooling system with enhanced control over the climate in your building. Many of them include smartphone hookup capabilities, delivering more control to users. But they are more than convenient. Programmable thermostats are also more precise than their analog cousins. As a result, they are considerably more efficient than older thermostats. Contrary to what you might think, it is possible to install a new thermostat without purchasing a brand-new heater or air conditioner. Ask a First Class HVAC specialist for more information.
Why is Indoor Air Quality So Important?
Numerous factors can negatively impact your home or business’ indoor air quality. In some cases, a dirty filter is the culprit. In others, you need to clean the vents and ductwork in your building. No matter the cause, there is a solution. While no one will die because of poor ventilation in a building, those with allergies or asthma might experience more frequent attacks. If you own a commercial property, you might be able to cut down on sick days by giving your HVAC system a serious once over and remove the dust and dander causing all the problems.
We Offer Financing and Specials for Your Convenience
We’ve delivered solutions to Millsboro, DE residents for over 40 years. Our company helps residential and commercial clients live and work in comfort. We have a diverse portfolio of services. For instance, in addition to heating and cooling concerns, our specialists address a host of additional issues, including plumbing, water treatment, and crawl space problems. Through it all, we’ve maintained a commitment to making our customers’ lives as simple as possible. We offer generous financing options, and we’re glad to help you apply for and qualify for rebates when you purchase a new system. Maryland and Delaware residents can also keep an eye on our specials page, as we’re always offering can’t-miss deals to our valued customers. Learn more about our company by contacting us today.