Frequent Asked Questions : .
Can
I troubleshoot before calling a Contractor?
The answer is "Yes". Here are some simple procedures
you can perform before going to the expense of a service
call:
Check
disconnect switches (indoor and outdoor if you have a
split system). Make sure that circuit breakers are ON
or that fuses have not blown.
Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are
clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open
and unobstructed.
Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling,
make sure the temperature control selector is set below
room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL
or AUTO position. If you want heat, make sure the temperature
control selector is set above room temperature and the
SYSTEM switch is at HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should
be set at AUTO.
Should
I repair or replace old equipment?
Three main factors to consider are:
Life
expectancy
Operating cost
Looking at the big picture
:
: Life Expectancy of Current System
When
you're frustrated with an equipment break-down, it can
be tempting to find the least expensive "quick fix"
to get on with your life in relative comfort. That "quick
fix" may be the least expensive now, but it may not
give you the most value-or cost you the least-in the long
run.
Paying
for repairs to an old or inefficient system often simply
prolongs the inevitable. It's almost like putting a bandage
on a serious injury. An older system that breaks down
once is likely to break down again…and again. That
means more emergency service calls or, worse yet, the
risk of damage to your home or to other components of
your heating and cooling system.
:
: Operating Cost
There's
also an ongoing cost factor to consider. Restoring your
old system will only bring it back to its current level
of energy efficiency. After you've recovered from the
repair bills and the frustration of system breakdowns,
you still won't save on your energy bills.
Even
six-year -old heat pumps and air conditioners are considered
grossly inefficient by today's energy efficiency standards.
So are most furnaces built before 1980. So you could save
up to 60% on your energy bills with new high-efficiency
equipment. That's why installing a new heating and cooling
system can actually pay for itself in energy savings within
a relatively short time.
:
: Looking at the Big Picture
When
one component of your system breaks down unexpectedly,
it's easy to just focus on repairing or replacing that
component. But each part of your system works with the
others to boost efficiency and reliability, so it helps
to keep the big picture in mind.
Replacing
your old furnace with a new higher-efficiency model but
leaving your old mechanical thermostat in place, for example,
won't allow you to enjoy all the efficiency advantages
the furnace has to offer. Likewise, if you install a new
furnace but don't get a humidifier, the air may seem cooler,
forcing you to operate your new system at a higher temperature
to be comfortable. Plus, you can often save on installation
costs if you have several components of your system (for
example, a furnace and air conditioner) replaced at the
same time.
Why do I need Extended Warranty Protection?
Parts and labor costs continue to go up. One service call
to replace a minor part can easily cost $100.00 or more.
Do
I need a new heating and air conditioning system in order
to purchase extended warranty protection?
No! Along with extended warranties designed for new systems,
A Cool World Air offers extended warranties for existing
systems one (1) year and older.
What
do these plans cover?
Labor & parts for products which fall under normal
wear. It does not cover normal maintenance.
Could
there be any charge for service?
Yes. The extended warranties offered do not cover maintenance
or damage due to external causes.
How
do I pay for this protection?
At the time of purchase. This is a one-time charge for
the life of the coverage. There are no hidden costs.