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How often should I have my furnace cleaned and serviced?
All the manufacturers recommend cleaning and servicing your furnace anually. The U.S. Energy Dept. says that you increase the efficiency of your equipment by 10% when you keep it maintained. Our factory trained technicians know from simple observation that equipment that is not maintained deteriorates significantly when compared to well-maintained equipment.
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What do all those rating numbers mean to me?
The federal government requires all air conditioning and heating equipment to be rated as to efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model. For cooling, the rating is SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating); heat pump heating is HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) and gas furnaces are rated with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). All of these ratings can be compared by asking your dealer, utility or referencing the ARI Directory.
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How much will my new air conditioning system cost?
The answer is "That depends." There are many factors which must be considered: the efficiency of the equipment, the size of your home, is the duct work installed and in good condition, do you need a thermostat or electronic air cleaner? In most cases, replacing your whole system, indoor and outdoor components, will result in a more efficient, longer lasting system but will also cost a little more. Contact CityWide Heating & A/C Systems, Inc. for a cost estimate.
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Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?
Covering the unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes. In fact, rain helps keep your unit clean. Of course, because heat pumps run all year long, they should never be covered.
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Will anything help control the humidity in my house?
Humidity is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable speed air handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds, the variable speed motor uses much less electricity than conventional motors.
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What size system do I need for my home?
There are many things which will determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are: square feet to be cooled, climate, humidity, number of windows, insulation factors, which direction your home faces, heat producing appliances, and even the number of people who will be in the home. Your dealer can do an energy analysis on your home and help you decide what your particular needs are for your lifestyle.
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How do I find a dealer who will do a good job?
The same rules apply here as for any contractor. Ask people you know who have had an air conditioning system installed and if they would recommend them. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Have the dealer come out and give you an estimate--see how they handle their customers. Ask for references--and then check them.
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