Will A KLM Service Technician Really Come Out At 2:00 AM If My System Stops Working?

Yes!

What Do S.E.E.R., A.F.U.E., And H.S.P.F. Mean?

S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; A.F.U.E. stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; and H.S.P.F. stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies. The higher the number, the better.

Is R-22 Really Being Phased Out?

Definitely yes. The Clean Air Act of 1990 mandated a complete phase-out of R-22. Production of R-22 will be banned completely in 2020. The replacement is a much more environmentally friendly chemical, R-410A, also known as Puron.

How Do I Know If I Need A Programmable Thermostat For My Home?

Are homeowners home during the day or night? Do you change your temperature settings many times during the day or night? Do you have a problem remembering to change your filter? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, a programmable thermostat may benefit you.

What Can Help My Allergy Symptoms In My Home?

Better filtration, humidification, and duct cleaning.

What Are The Benefits Of Having My Duct System Cleaned?

Studies have shown that home duct systems should be kept clean to reduce allergens and dust particles in the air stream of your home and prolong the life and efficiency of your equipment.

Should I Cover My Air Conditioner During Winter Months?

Yes, but only the top of the unit.

Can I Service My Own Equipment?

Yes, but it is preferable to have it serviced by a qualified service technician. A certified technician is a professional who has been trained to work with the high and low voltage electrical and extreme pressures found on your system.

How Often Should I Check/Change My Furnace Filter?

1″ filter: check or change monthly 1″ electrostatic: cleaned monthly 4″ media: check quarterly, change as needed Electronic (E.A.C.): clean bi-monthly

How Important Is It To Have My System Serviced Yearly?

Very important. Servicing prolongs the life, efficiency, and safety of your equipment. All manufacturers require yearly service to maintain warranty status and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends spring and fall inspections.

What is the SEER Rating?

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the efficiency of your air conditioner or air-source heat pump. The SEER is the cooling output over a particular season divided by the total energy used in that same period. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency level of that cooling system.

Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different from what my dealer quoted?

Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. For a higher rating your HVAC contractor can provide advice about an upgrade. The SEER rating of a system is based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.

Why do I need regular (or preventive) HVAC maintenance?

Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions. The constant stopping, starting and general operation can wear down any machine. Proper care and maintenance help to keep these systems in optimum condition and ward off malfunction. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can maximize the life of your heating and cooling units and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed in spring for your AC and fall for your heater can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. Regular maintenance will ensure maximum efficiency and prevent other problems.

Which equipment requires regular (or preventive) maintenance?

All heating and cooling equipment require annual professional tuneup. Inspections on boilers and furnaces should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines and the oil tank. Heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include an examination of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines.

I need help troubleshooting a problem with my equipment.

The professionals at KLM Heating & Cooling are your troubleshooting experts, and we are glad to help you with any problem you may experience with your HVAC system. We provide informative blogs and articles on our website that address many common HVAC concerns. You may also call our office during normal business hours for more information. If you experience an HVAC crisis after hours, you can contact one of our on-call technicians for 24-7 emergency service.

What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?

Programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With a programmable thermostat, you can program settings in advance so that you can control the temperature at different times of the day. You will never have to worry about remembering to adjust the settings manually. By scheduling your programmable thermostat to a higher or lower temperature based on your weekday work hours, you can save money on energy bills without sacrificing comfort. An iHome Services technician will gladly walk you through how to use your programmable thermostat.

What type of filter should I use? And how often should I replace it?

Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they can only do so much to improve indoor air quality. A media air cleaner does a much better job of trapping small particles. It rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times more effectively than a standard filter. Upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, you should clean them once a month during periods of heavy use

Why can't I find the correct size furnace filter at my local home improvement store?

Filters for your unit may be made specifically for its brand. These filters may be made of different or higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. Check with your local dealer to find the appropriate filter for your air conditioner. However, keep in mind that some filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.

What size HVAC equipment is right for my home?

Many factors affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, and duct sizing and arrangement. A technician from iHome Services can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. Depending on the construction of your home, one (1) ton of air conditioning can cool anywhere from 300 to 800 square feet. You can ensure that the system you purchase is the right size and not smaller or larger than you require, by having your heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.

What is the life expectancy of my unit?

HVAC systems last an average of 10 years. However, for your equipment, it may differ. Variables that affect life expectancy include the type of system, climate and the regularity of routine maintenance.