Cooling & Heating
My power bill is very high during the summer and the winter. Will a new system lower my bills?
Replacing an old inefficient heating and cooling system with a newer high efficiency system can reduce your heating and cooling energy consumption.
My home is very dry during the winter. What can I do to change this?
A lot of people have a problem with very dry homes during the winter. Dry air can cause dry cracked hands, a dry nose, a dry throat and the occasional zap when you turn on the TV. The simplest solution is to install a humidifier on your heating and cooling system. This will allow you to dial in the desired humidity you want. Your furnishings, your skin and even the structure of your home will benefit from proper humidity. If fact moist air feels warmer. This will allow you to lower your thermostat setting and save on energy bills.
The room over my garage is always cold in the winter and hot in the summer. How can I fix this?
This is a very common problem for anyone with a room over their garage. This is caused by the garage being exposed to the outdoor air in combination with small amounts of insulation in the room. A solution to this problem is a zoning system. A zoning system is a series of easily installed electronic dampers and thermostats that allows you to control the temperature of selected sections of your home.
I have an old furnace. Can an old furnace be dangerous?
An old furnace can be very dangerous. All furnaces have a major component called a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger consists of a series of closed chambers that are heated with gas or oil burners. As the heat exchanger is heated the metal it is constructed from expands and as it cools it contracts. If you can imagine a paper clip that is being bent back and forth, it will eventually break. The same goes with a heat exchanger. After years of expanding and contracting it will eventually crack. When this happens, deadly carbon monoxide gas (which is normally vented through the flue) can get into you home. A furnace’s heat exchanger should be inspected every year before the heating season.
The drain pan below my indoor unit keeps filling up with water. Is this a problem?
If the drain pan under your unit is full of water, your system has a problem. Once you detect water turn the system off. All of the systems installed by Classic Air Care have a float switch mounted in the drain pan. Once water opens the switch the system will be cut off to prevent possible ceiling damage. A full emergency drain pan can be caused by several problems, the two most common are a clogged condensate line or a rusted primary drain pan in the unit. At the first sight of water you should call and have a technician inspect the system to determine the problem.
When should I change my filters?
Filters for a heating and cooling system should be changed whenever necessary. Filters should be inspected every month. If a filter is full of debris simply replace it. A clogged filter can cause the system to operate improperly and shorten its operating life.
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When should I replace my system?
A system can last anywhere between 7 and 15 years. The life of the equipment is determined by many factors, the most important is annual maintenance. A maintained system will usually last its whole design life. However we have seen units at homes next to the ocean that have corroded beyond repair (due to salt spray and lack of maintenance) in five years. If you have a split system that is over 10 years old and only the outdoor or indoor unit fails, it is wise to replace both sections not just one at a time. It will be cheaper in the long run due to efficiency and labor costs. Also adding a new component to an old system can shorten the life of the new component. If you do decide to replace only the indoor unit or the outdoor unit on a heat pump make sure it is matched by model and make. A mismatch will not work.
I have a problem with allergies, is there anything I can do with my heating and cooling system to help this?
If you have allergies there are many new products on the market for your heating and cooling system that can relieve some of the symptoms. One of the most popular is an Ultra Violet lamp which is inserted into the duct work. By exposing the air that passes through the duct work to ultra violet light many airborne contaminates such as viruses, bacteria , mold, toxins and waste products can be eliminated. Also, the average store bought air filter only collects 15% of the air born particles that pass through your system. There are now super high efficiency air filters out that can collect up 95% to 99% of all air born particles. The combination of an Ultra Violet lamp and a high efficiency air filter can create a very clean indoor environment that can help relieve many allergy symptoms.
I think my heating and cooling system is too small for my house, can this cause problems?
Having an undersized heating and cooling system in your home can be a problem. An undersized heating and cooling system will always be running and will never satisfy the required temperature. Undersized equipment will also not last as long as a properly sized system. If you think your system is undersized, have a load calculation performed on your home. This is accomplished by a System Designer measuring your home, its windows and insulation. All these measurements are then put into a manual J calculation to determine the size of equipment that would need to be installed to properly heat and or cool a home.
I think my heating and cooling system is too large for my house, can this cause problems?
Having an oversized heating and cooling system in your home can be a problem. This can easily be seen in the summer when it is hot and muggy. An oversized system doesn’t run long enough to remove the proper amount of moisture from the air to make the environment feel comfortable. If you think your system is oversized, have a load calculation performed on your home. This is accomplished by a System Designer measuring your home, its windows and insulation. All these measurements are then put into a manual J calculation to determine the size of equipment that would need to be installed to properly heat and or cool a home.
My house is close to the oceanfront and my outdoor equipment is very rusty. How can I prevent this?
This is a very common problem for homeowners that live near the oceanfront. Spray from the ocean is very salty. Since the outdoor units are exposed to this 24 hours a day, their useful life can be cut in half. This problem can be handled by seasonal maintenance or by replacing the outdoor unit with a piece of equipment that is designed to withstand the rigors of salty air.
How often should my system have maintenance?
A Heating and cooling system should have maintenance performed on it twice a year. Once before the heating season and once before the cooling season. This is called seasonal preventive maintenance or a seasonal Precision Tune Up and Professional Cleaning. This process includes cleaning the systems coils and coating them with a disinfectant, checking all components, lubricating all components that need lubricating, checking all electrical systems, checking freon levels and waxing the outside of the units.
My system is not running, what should I do?
If your system is not running, the first thing you can check is your fuse box. If the fuse has been tripped due to bad weather just flip the fuse and check the system. If it still doesn’t work call for a service technician.
My outdoor unit is covered with ice. Is this a problem?
If the coils of your outdoor unit are covered with a large layer of ice you may have a serious problem. This can be caused by a bad defrost board, low freon level, restriction in the refrigeration line, bad fan motor or a bad fan capacitor. If you start seeing ice wait to see if the unit goes into defrost mode. If the ice starts building up call for service.
Can I just replace the heat pump on an older system to save money?
No. Replacing only the outdoor unit will sacrifice your comfort and lower the efficiency of the unit. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of the unit’s efficiency! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most manufacturers’ warranties will be voided. You should seriously consider buying a complete heat pump system.
Should I have my ducts cleaned?
Yes. Mold, mildew, pet hair, skin flakes, smoke film, dander, dust mites, dirt, pollen, and even bacteria take up residence in your air ducts. With each breath you take you inhale these contaminants. Dirty air ducts can not only make you sick or raise your utility bills, but they can also reduce your air flow and cause premature failure of your expensive heating and cooling system. To see a before and after picture on duct cleaning click here.
Should I replace or repair my equipment?
There are five main questions that need to be considered when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system: * How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%. * What is the efficiency level of your current indoor weather system? Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve the efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency system will cover all or part of the cost of investing in new equipment, you should seriously consider replacement of the old system. * What is the overall condition of your system? If your system is in solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. But if your system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it. * How often is your system operating? If your system has been used extensively, it may be time to replace it. * Are you planning to move soon? If you are moving in the next year or two and believe investing in a new indoor weather system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many more years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your future comfort.
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How can I reduce allergens and increase humidity in my home?
With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There is also a great reduction in household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the costs of your energy bill. A humidifier improves your comfort while increasing the energy efficiency of your indoor weather system.
Should I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
Yes. Each year, carbon monoxide kills more than 300 Americans and sends nearly 5,000 more to emergency rooms for treatment, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Where does it come from? When carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene or wood burn, they produce gases. When fuel combustion or burning isn’t complete, carbon monoxide enters the air. The CPSC advises that carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to alert yourself to the presence of toxic gas in your home. If you wake in the night with a headache — and especially if another member of the family complains of a headache or is difficult to arouse — get out of the house fast, advises the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. Seek emergency medical care.
How can I reduce my energy costs in the Winter?
* Limit the loss of expensive heated air to the outside. Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans sparingly. * Keep fireplace dampers tightly closed until you prepare to light a fire. * When using your fireplace, limit the amount of heated air drawn from the rest of the house. Open dampers in the bottom of the firebox if provided, or open the closest window about 1 inch and close any doors leading into the room. * Draft-proof windows, doors, and other air leaks. Caulking and weather stripping are reasonably easy, so you may be able to save money by doing the job yourself. * Lower your thermostat to about 65 degrees F during the day and 60 degrees F at night. For each degree you turn down your thermostat, you’ll save about 3 percent on your heating bills. Consider the comfort and convenience of an automatic clock thermostat to do this for you. * Avoid heating unused areas by closing off unoccupied rooms and shutting off heating vents. Note: this does not apply if you have a heat pump system. Leave it alone, as shutting vents could harm a heat pump. * Keep your heating equipment operating efficiently. Clean or replace the filter in your forced air heating system each month, and check the duct work that is readily accessible for air leaks about once a year. Be sure that heating ducts in unheated areas are insulated. Keep the heating system well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service. * Insulate your attic floor or top floor ceiling to reduce winter heat loss. * Consider installing storm windows and doors. * If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. This will prevent cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door and other areas between the house and garage.
What does Energy Star mean?
Energy Star stands for high-efficiency and energy savings according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Energy Star heating and cooling products are a good investment. Owners of such equipment realize returns in the form of lower utility bills.
Electric
What should I do if my lights, switches and receptacles don’t work?
Check to see if the outlet is on a switch. Check and reset GFCI outlets and circuit breaker. Check light bulbs and replace if necessary. If none of these are the problem, contact us.
Why do I blow fuses or why does my circuit breaker trip?
Except in the case of ground fault interrupters, which are susceptible to moisture and/or weather conditions, fuses and circuit breakers should not trip. Check to see if some type of plugged in appliance is causing the problem. If an appliance is not causing the problem, contact us.
What causes the lights in my house to flicker?
Central air conditioning and heat pump condensers may cause a noticeable slight dimming on start up. Lights may flicker or dim due to startup of some appliances or motor driven equipment. Check with the local utility company for possible defects in supply source or for the utility switching to other utilities for supply. Also check to see if some type of plugged in appliance is causing the problem. If neither the utility company nor the heating/cooling equipment is the problem, contact us to check for proper operation of the heating and cooling equipment.
What is a GFCI device or breaker?
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. In layman’s terms this device protects you from electrical shock. When it senses the slightest increase in resistance resulting from ground fault, (i.e., the use of electrical devices in or near water), it trips off to protect you.
What are the red and black buttons on my GFCI outlet?
The black button is a test button and when pressed, should deactivate the outlet and any other outlet fed from it – Indicating a properly functioning device. The red button is the re-set button that you depress to reactivate the outlet or outlets in the event of deactivation resulting from a fault.
What is the difference between a breaker panel and my old fuse panel?
Both devices, either breaker or fuse, are designed to trip (turn off) in the event of an electrical overload, i.e. 20Amps of electrical load on a 15Amp circuit would cause a trip. The only difference is that a breaker is mechanical and may be reset. Whereas, a fuse is one time only and must be replaced. Please Note: Modern breakers are much more efficient and offer greater levels of protection.
How do I reset my breaker when it has tripped off?
First, disconnect any additional devices that may have caused the breaker to overload and trip. Breakers are mechanical devices and must be turned all the way off before turning back on. Remember this is a mechanical device, so this may require several attempts. If this fails to reset the breaker, there may be a more serious problem. Contact a licensed electrician in your area.
What does it mean when my fluorescent lights are flickering or cycling on and off?
Flickering may indicate impending bulb failure, minor power fluctuation, and/or improperly installed bulbs. Cycling on and off is usually a clear indication of ballast and/or bulb failure. It is recommended when replacing a ballast to replace bulbs as well.
Can I hang a paddle fan where a light is?
Yes, but first you must make sure the electrical box is properly braced and rated for the weight and torque of the paddle fan you are installing.
Can I dim fluorescent lights?
Yes. Dimming fluorescent requires a special dimmer and special fixtures. You cannot place a typical incandescent dimmer on existing fluorescent.
I have a new home. Why does my refrigerator or freezer, located in my garage, keep going off?
Unless you made provisions with the builder for a dedicated circuit, the outlets in your garage are GFCI Protected per National Electrical Code. This device will not tolerate the additional resistance load created by refrigeration equipment. The GFCI senses there is a fault, and therefore trips off. The only cure to this problem is to provide a dedicated, non GFCI circuit allowable by code.
Can I plug my coffee pot and toaster oven into the same kitchen counter outlet?
Yes. Though, if the two loads exceed 20amps, your breaker will sense overload, do its job, and trip off. Under this condition, you must plug one of the appliances into a different kitchen outlet on a different circuit, in order to balance the load.
Can I plug any 110 volt device I wish into my regular 110 volt outlets throughout my house?
Yes. Though, if the device exceeds the capacity of the circuit, the breaker will trip off.
When my air conditioner cycles on, I notice my lights blink. Is this normal?
Yes. This is a common occurrence when large motor/compressor loads start. These devices cause a minor momentary voltage drop, demonstrating itself as the blinking in your lights. This has no negative effect on the electrical equipment within your house.
I have surge/lightning protection on my home. Am I totally safe from lightning strikes?
No. Surge/Lightning Protection only offers additional levels of protection. Nothing can guarantee completely against mother nature and where she chooses to strike.
If I have surge/lightning protection on my main service should I use point-of-use surge plugins at my TV, stereo, computer, etc.?
Yes. Main line surge is no absolute guarantee and any additional surge protection down stream in the system offers a greater level of protection; though, nothing is absolute when it comes to the power of Mother Nature.
I have a 110 volt outlet on the exterior of my home. Can I plug my Christmas lights into it?
Yes. Within reason;if the quantity of lights creates a load greater than the capacity of the circuit breaker, the breaker will trip off. In this event, additional circuits may be required to accommodate your holiday display.
Why does my recess can light cycle on and off since I put a larger wattage bulb in?
Modern Recess Cans are rated for a maximum wattage bulb and are equipped with a thermal device that does not allow a bulb larger than that rating? If a larger wattage bulb is used, as the excess heat builds up, the thermal device will shut the can off until it cools. This is a safety device to protect your home against fire.
I have a new home. If I have a problem with TV or telephone wiring within the house, who should I call?
With deregulation of the utility companies in most areas of the country, the cable or telephone companies are no longer responsible for the equipment or wiring in your home. This responsibility has fallen to you and your electrical contractor. Therefore, when a problem arises, we recommend you contact us. Most TV and telephone utilities will still service within your home for a substantial fee. This service, as in the past, is no longer free.
I have two telephone lines in my home. Why when I’m on the phone and the other phone line is in use, do I hear the other conversation in the background?
This is commonly called Bleedover and usually results from one of three conditions. 1. Excessively long runs of wire within the home of non-twisted pairs . 2. Loop wiring from phone station to phone station. 3. A nick in the phone wire somewhere within your residence causing a weak interconnect between phone lines.
Why do the bulbs in my exterior fixture burn out so often?
This is usually caused by several factors. 1. Use of non brand named bulbs. 2. Larger wattage bulbs which cause excessive heat build-up shorting the life of the bulb. 3. Power Surges.
My smoke detector keeps chirping. What does this mean?
This could mean one of two things. 1. An intermittent chirp is probably an indication of a defective smoke detector. 2. A consistent chirp is probably an indication of a low battery condition and the smoke detector requires a new battery.
Plumbing
When should I replace my hot water tank?
Predicting when a water tank will start to leak is very difficult . Rather, I would be more interested in where the water will travel if the tank were to leak. It is recommended that a tank drainage pan be installed to prevent damage to your investment. If this is not possible it is recommended that a draining tube be installed to move the leakage away to a safe drainage area.
How large should my hot water tank be?
If the family has one to four people a 40 gallon tank {50 US} should be sufficient. However if one of the persons is a teenager or you have a large soaker tub a 60 gallon tank should be installed.
Is there a way of preventing scalding in the shower when other water appliances are working or the toilet need to be flushed?
A pressure balancing valve should be installed in the shower. This controls the amount of water that comes out of the shower head. Also, a practical approach is to simply place your other water appliances on standby while you have a shower.
What is the easiest way to improve my plumbing in my house?
Simply carry out routine maintenance on your equipment and you will always have clear lines. At what temperature should I set my hot water tank? The optimum temperature is subjective. It all depends on your needs. The temperature should be set in your house based on who will use the facilities. For example, if you have young children I recommend lowering the maximum temperature to prevent accidental scalding.
How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four year. A full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field, which is the part of the system that consists of a distribution box, with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stone that drains into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field it becomes blocked and ineffective.
What is a backflow device?
A device that is installed to protect the potable (drinking) water from coming in contact with a questionable contaminant. When installed correctly and operating properly it will prevent contaminants from entering the potable water supply.
Why does the backflow device have to be tested yearly?
Any device that is mechanical is apt to fail and must be regularly checked and tested. The manufacturer suggests that testable backflow devices be tested yearly, and the Plumbing Code states that backflow devices must be tested at least annually.
How do I determine if I have a water leak?
Make sure all fixtures inside and outside your home are turned off. Then you can go out to your water meter open the lid and check to see if any dial is moving. You may need to observe this for several minutes. When no water is being used nothing should be moving. Even a small leak over a 24 hour period will amount to several gallons and a larger water and sewer bill.
What causes your toilet to run?
It may be one thing or a combination of factors: * Check to see that the flapper is not deformed. * The fill valve may have dirt in it or worn out. * The float ball may be stuck in the down position.
Why do my new faucets and showers have low water pressure?
Several years ago the Federal Government mandated “low flow faucets” restricting the flow of water through the fixture in order to save on water consumption.
What causes bubbling in the toliet?
That is a prelude to a stoppage. The line has a partial blockage.
Do over the counter drain cleaners really work?
They are more for preventitive maintenance. Extremely effective drain cleaners are used by professionals and are not available over the counter.
What food refuse can not go down the garbage disposal?
Seeds, bones, anything that swells; i.e., pasta, rice wheat germ, etc.
My water consumption bill went up. Do I have a leak?
You could have a leak, or a running faucet or toilet. Check your last 3 months water bills. If you have a major leak the amount of water used will be easy to determine.
Our hot water runs out faster than it used to. What causes that?
If you have an electric water heater, usually one of the heating elements is burnt out.
Should I drain my water heater periodically?
You should drain your heater at least once a year to prevent buildup of sediment, calcium and magnesium.
I bought a new water heater. Why is the temperature of the water not as hot as our last water heater?
Again the Federal Government has mandated that all new water heaters be shipped at a preset temperature of approximately 120 degrees for the best efficiency possible.