Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to get my energy costs down?
- Lower your thermostat!! Did you know that you can save about 3% (*) of your heating costs for every degree that you lower your thermostat? And, during the cooling season, you can cut your cooling costs by up to 6% (*) for every degree you raise your thermostat.
- In addition, the components that make up your system should have the highest energy efficiency rating that is available. To minimize your energy cost, make sure that your:
- Air conditioners should have a SEER Rating of 13 or higher
- Furnaces should have an AFUE Rating of 80 or higher
- Heat Pumps should have an HSPF Rating of 7 or higher
- Matched Components make sure that every component in your system is matched in capacity and efficiency. This means that they are designed to work with each other.
- Keep your vents and filters clean. Dirt is the biggest enemy of your heating and air conditioner system. Your system must work extra hard to overcome dirty components. The time and investment in changing your air filters, keeping your registers and ducts free of dust, cleaning your outside air conditioner and keeping it free of branches, leaves and grass is well worth it. A little maintenance on your part can yield BIG energy savings.
- When purchasing a new heating and air conditioning system, insist on a variable speed system. Variable speed means that your system varies its speed depending on your home's changing heating and cooling requirements.
(*) Potential energy savings vary with personal lifestyles, system settings, equipment maintenance, local climate, actual construction and installation of equipment and duct systems.
What is the importance of rating numbers?
Rating numbers indicate the efficiency of heating and air conditioning equipment and are directly related to the amount of energy a specific component uses. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit which equates to lower energy cost.
How often should I change my filter?
Generally, if you purchase filters from a hardware store or home center, you should change it every 3 months. But, these filters should be checked MONTHLY! Higher efficiency filters can give you a longer life; normally they need to be changed once or twice a year. Ask your Alro Service Technician if you have any questions about your particular system.
How often should I have maintenance performed on my system?
Twice a year. The ideal time to have your system maintained is in the spring for your AC and in the fall for your furnace. Check out our Service Plan for one low price for entire system.
Why should I replace my existing heating or air conditioning system?
A good answer has to do with the age, inefficiency or condition of your current system. Today's state-of-the-art systems are as much as 60% more efficient than systems manufactured as little as 10 years ago. You may be able to lower your energy cost enough, over time, to pay for a new, high efficiency system. Also, from time-to-time, Carrier offers rebates and discounts for purchasing a new system PLUS there may be tax credits and energy incentives available. Let us help you with this decision by showing you the benefits and the savings. Click Here for current Rebates and Tax Credits.
Other maintenance items that you should be aware of:
- With proper maintenance, heating and air conditioning systems will keep you comfortable all year 'round. Heat pumps, oil-fired furnaces and boilers need a professional tune-up each year. Gas-fired equipment burns much cleaner and can be serviced every other year. Your Alro service technician will inspect your system for leaks, soot, rot, corroded electrical contacts, frayed wires and anything else that might alert him to a future service problem. Catching these small problems could prevent major and expensive breakdowns later.
- Blower Motor - this is the component that moves the air through the system. Your Alro service technician will inspect the blower motor for lubrication, fan blade adjustment, fan belt wear and other items that will affect its operation.
- Thermostat - this is the component that regulates the temperature in your home. They rarely fail completely but they do become less accurate over time. Since their biggest enemy is dust and dirt, they are easily cleaned with a brush. Replacing an old thermostat with a modern, electronic set back unit is probably the least expensive component you can add to increase the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning unit and lower your energy cost. Alro stocks a variety of thermostats; let us match and install one for your system. Click here for more information.
- Filters - most homes with forced-air systems have standard air filters in the ducts near the blower motor. These are available in a wide range of prices and filtration levels. Of course, the higher the filtration level, the more expensive the filter. Ask your Alro service technician to recommend the correct type of filter for your home.
- Duct Cleaning - air ducts are the highways that distribute the heated or cooled air throughout your home. Unfortunately, if left unattended, they can be breeding grounds for allergy-inducing molds, mites and bacteria. By removing one of your home's supply and return registers, you can see if ducts need cleaning by just looking inside. Duct cleaning can result in a healthier environment for you and your family. In addition, your heating and air conditioning system will have an easier time moving the air through your home. Remember, dirt and dust are your heating and air conditioning system's biggest enemy.
See how your total HVAC System works together. Click Here.