FAQs
Is air duct cleaning necessary?
Please see our Duct Cleaning page for more information
What is a SEER rating?
SEER is an acronym for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating” which is the number of BTU’s of cooling removed by an air conditioner for each watt of electricity consumed. Much like the MPG on your car, the higher the SEER the more your energy cost savings. The minimum Federal Standard as of January 1, 2015 is 14 SEER but is considered rather low. Most quality systems are in the 16 -18 SEER range.
Can I get a quote over the phone or online for a replacement system?
There are a great number of practical and technical factors to consider when replacing a central heating and cooling system. There are also hundreds of systems to choose from that meet a variety of needs and requirements.
With the complexity of so many choices, it only makes sense to consult with a qualified heating and cooling professional. It would be impossible to accurately design and quote a proper system without a physical inspection of the property. This is why we offer a no cost review of your specific needs and requirements. We will come to your home or office and discuss your options and offer several choices for your consideration. We can even set an appointment for after hours or weekends with one of our professional consultants, always with no obligation. You should be able to make a wise decision based on the facts.
What is the service area of Powell Heating & Air?
Our focus is on St. Augustine, St. Johns and Flagler counties. We can and have serviced the outlying counties in the past, but feel we can better service customers in our area by limiting the drive time. Our employees live in St Johns and Flagler counties; this is our home.
Will we get a “better deal” by purchasing our system online and having a local professional do the installation?
While we will try to assist you in the proper installation of equipment purchased elsewhere, you will find the price of a complete installed system will be less than that of a system from two or more sources. In addition, most manufacturers do not offer any warranty on equipment purchased online.
Are the tax credits different for GeoThermal heat pumps?
Yes, homeowners who install GeoThermal heat pump systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed costs in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service. Typically, a homeowner would only request a GeoThermal unit at the time the home is built. We (typically) can’t remove an air-to-air heat pump and replace it with a GeoThermal unit. Air to Air heat pumps are not typically replaced by GeoThermal units.
How do I claim the credit?
How often should I change my air filter?
There are many factors that determine how often a filter should be changed: filter types, filter efficiencies and the general environment in your home. We suggest checking your filter monthly and change or clean it only when it is dirty. A dirty filter can cause many problems with your system and decrease efficiency. We offer a free filter change reminder service. You may sign up online or call and we will send you an email reminder monthly. Click here to signup. We will never send any unwanted emails. This is just a free service to all who could benefit from the reminder; you can cancel at anytime.
What are the differences between an air conditioner and a heat pump?
An air conditioning system distributes cool air throughout your home and discharges the heat to the outside. A heat pump, also called a reverse cycle system, has the ability to reverse the flow of the refrigerant and discharge the warm air to your duct system and extracts the heat from the outdoors. A heat pump is a very economical method of heating your home. It is much less expensive to move heat from one area to another than to use electricity to generate heat.
My thermostat has an emergency heat switch, what is the purpose?
Most heat pumps have an auxiliary heat strip built in to the blower section. Emergency heat will disable the heat pump and make the heat strips the primary source of heat. This will allow you to have heat in case the heat pump experiences a problem. This should be used only while waiting for a technician, as it is more expensive to operate than your heat pump.
My heat pump seems to have a buildup of ice all around the coils outside, is this a problem?
Heat pumps will cause frost to build up on the coils when it is cold outside. This is normal and will correct itself within a couple of hours. The system will go into defrost mode, melt the frost then switch back to heat. This is all automatic. If the frost does not melt within a couple of hours but continues to grow thicker you may have a problem with the defrost cycle and you should call us for service.
I sometimes see steam coming from my outdoor unit in the winter months, why?
If you have a heat pump, it is in the defrost mode. It is just melting any ice or frost. It will return to normal mode within a few minutes.
Do I need to have my dryer vent cleaned?
A build up of lint will cause your dryer to take longer to dry your clothes. It may also create a fire hazard. Keep your dryer vent clean of lint and clean your dryer lint catcher prior to each load of laundry. Most dryer vents are very short and can be cleaned by removing the dryer and/or vent cap outside. In most houses the homeowner can easily do this themselves. Powell Heating & Air does not provide this service.
What is a zoned heating or cooling system?
A zoning system allows you to control separate areas of your home or office with a single system. Each zone in your home has its own thermostat and damper which gives you much better control over your comfort level. A zoning system can create up to eight zones for each system. Zoning allows you to both conserve energy and increase comfort.
Where can I find odd sized air filters?
- You can purchase them from us. If we don’t stock your particular filter, we can order it for you. Feel free to call or email any questions prior to arriving to see if we have yours in stock. Additionally, if you are a current Peak Performance Agreement customer, you will receive 20% off the cost of your filter.
- You can purchase filters online.
I want my next air conditioning system to be quiet, what should I look for when I’m ready to purchase?
Inverter heat pumps are engineered to achieve lower operating sound levels. By operating at a more energy-conserving speed (and because of the elimination of the equipment constantly turning on and off), inverter technology provides homeowners with a new level of acoustical comfort indoors and out.
How often should I have my heating and cooling system serviced?
Routine maintenance is necessary to ensure efficiency, prolong the useful life and prevent major repairs of your heating and cooling equipment. Florida Power and Light Company as well as all manufacturers recommend having periodic maintenance performed by a heating and air conditioning professional. We offer plans which provide the required services and offer discounts on any needed repairs or emergency service. Call Powell Heating & Air to find out how easy it is to properly maintain your system.