Q: How long should my old furnace and air conditioner last?
On average a furnace should last approximately 15-20 years and an air conditioner will last about 15 years. It may be more beneficial to replace older systems sooner than that in order to take advantage of highly efficient (lower gas and electric bills) newer equipment. Due to our climate, life expectancies can vary greatly. Maintenance is a must to maximize efficiency and protect your investment.

Q: My electric and gas bills are high. Will a new furnace and air conditioner lower my bills?
YES! A new 13 SEER air conditioner can cut electrical consumption, as much as 50%. Even a 10 SEER air conditioner will cut the electricity used by as much as 30%. A new furnace can usually cut the gas used by the old furnace by as much as 30%, and a new 80% (minimum allowed by the federal government) will use approximately 20% less.

Q: What is SEER?
This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The size of an air conditioner is rated in BTU’s (British Thermal Units) or tons; however, the efficiency is rated in SEER. It is the equivalent of mpg (miles per gallon) in a car - the higher the mpg (or SEER) the lower the gasoline (electricity) bill.

Q: Shouldn’t I install the highest SEER air conditioner available?
In January of 2006, the minimum SEER required by the federal government increased from 10 to 13 SEER. The 13 SEER systems are now considered standard efficiency while newer systems may reach as high as 18 SEER. The initial investment may be more for an 18 SEER than a 13 SEER, but you reduce the operating costs required to run your system. As a result, your total investment (both purchase and operation) will end up being less with the higher efficient system over the course of its lifespan.

Q: What is a heat pump? Is it better than an air conditioner?
In the summer, a heat pump is no different than an air conditioner. In the winter, a heat pump operates in reverse and heats the indoors. Heat pumps need auxiliary heat (electric resistance heat or a gas furnace) to comfortably heat your home in extreme conditions. A common complaint of a heat pump is that the air coming out of the registers is not as hot as that of a gas furnace, which is accurate. However, some heat pump models exist which reduce the delivered air temperature difference of a furnace. If electric heat is your only heat source, a heat pump would dramatically reduce your heating costs.

Q: Should I replace my furnace and air conditioner at the same time, or can they be installed separately?
It is not necessary in all situations, but there are advantages to replacing both at the same time. If they are installed at the same time, the coil cabinet (the part of the air conditioner that sits on top of the furnace) will match the furnace in color and style. Also, it may be more convenient and less expensive to replace both at the same time.

Q: How long will it take to replace my system? Can I remain in my home?
There is no need for you to leave your home during the installation. From start to finish, there is usually only a slight drop/rise in temperature prior to us starting your new system up. Each installation is different, but we can complete most full system (both indoor and outdoor units) replacement in 3-4 hours. Our Comfort Consultant can give you an estimate of the time required when we come to your home initially.

Q: Is it OK to install a different brand of furnace (or air conditioner) to work with my existing air conditioner (or furnace)?
Although it is generally recommended to match components, most brands of air conditioners will work with others as long as the coils and blowers are properly sized. You may, however, experience some loss of efficiency and capacity. It is highly recommended that the evaporator coil be replaced at the same time as the air conditioner (or heat pump) in order to maximize your system’s efficiency.

Q: My home has a forced air furnace, but no air conditioner. Can I add central air?
Yes. In some instances, there may be some changes/additions made to your system in order to accommodate your new air conditioner. We will inspect the electrical supply, refrigerant lines, ductwork, etc. to ensure that your new air conditioner will operate at its peak efficiency. Any changes required will be detailed in your proposal prior to installation.

Q: My friend works for a heating and air company and says he can install a new furnace (or air conditioner) for me for a lot less money. Is this a good idea?
Be sure he is licensed and insured, obtains all required permits and has experience installing the systems you’ve decided to purchase. Keep in mind, you will be dependent upon him for any warranty repairs so ask about his availability for service repairs. If he meets the above requirements, you may save some money, but be sure you are not getting a "cheap" installation that will cost you more in the long run.

Q: How does Gaithersburg Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. determine what size of furnace and air conditioner to install?
Our Comfort Consultant will determine if there is a reason to believe your existing system is not properly sized for your home. Most often, the existing system capacity is correct. If, however, we are concerned that the existing system is not correct, we will measure your home and calculate the actual heating and cooling load on the home (calculation based on square footage, windows, walls, ceiling, floor plan, appliances, insulation, exterior factors, etc). This will determine the recommended size of the equipment for your home. We will also consider your duct configuration, any concerns with the operation of your current system, the number of residents, future enhancements to your home and your lifestyle before determining the equipment needed to comfortably heat/cool your home.

Q: I want a big air conditioner. Someone told me this is not good - what are the advantages and disadvantages?
It is essential that any system be properly sized for your individual home in order to make you comfortable and minimize operating costs. An "oversized" unit will make uncomfortable and may cause expensive problems with your system’s operation. Properly sized units minimize operating costs, reduce humidity in your home during the summer making you feel cooler and reduce the temperature “swings” you may feel between rooms. As described above, we will take the necessary steps and ask all the right questions to make sure your system is properly sized.

Q: Does Gaithersburg Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. take care of permits, gas connections, electrical work that is needed, etc?
We will obtain all of the permits required for the installation of your new system. We will install/connect the gas lines and power supply to your system and thoroughly inspect and test the system once the installation is complete. Any exceptions would be discussed prior to the installations and detailed in your proposal.

Q: Some rooms in our house don’t get enough heat (or cooling). Can this be fixed?
In some cases, this may be a symptom of problems with your existing system. It may be related to an improperly sized unit or issues within your ductwork. Be sure that the registers are not blocked by furniture or airflow is restricted. Running the fan continuously may also help to even the temperatures throughout you home. In some homes, there are dampers near your furnace which may help direct air flow to areas of the home where it is needed. Theses dampers can be adjusted manually each season to obtain the most comfortable conditions possible. In some cases, we may be able to add dampers to your system if they are not already present.

Q: Should I run the fan continuously, or use the ‘auto’ position on the thermostat?
You may do either – There are benefits to both. Running the fan continuously will use a little extra electricity, but helps to reduce cold/hot spots in your home. It also makes sense if you have a high efficiency air cleaner because you are constantly filtering the air throughout your home. The continuous fan operation is generally used more often in the summer months because the circulation of room temperature air does not feel “drafty” as it does in the winter. Some of the new systems have the ability to use a slower blower speed for continuous operation which allows you to run the fan throughout the year without really feeling the air at the registers.

Q: How many bids should I get before I decide on a new system?
Until you find a company that you are comfortable with and trust, three different estimates are generally recommended. We strongly recommend that you do your homework on the companies you are considering. Check references, talk with friends and neighbors, research the company in local rating guides – the most valuable input you’ll receive are unbiased customer testimonies. Ask for information about customers in your area that they have performed installations recently and take the time to look at the finished product before you commit. The company you choose is the most important decision you’ll make regarding your system. Proper installation, the expertise of the consultants, reliability and convenience of their support and your comfort level should be the major factors behind your final decision.

Q: How do I pay for my new system?
We do not require any payment prior to the completion of the work we have promised. After the installation is complete, we will test the system, ask you to visually inspect each piece of equipment and thoroughly explain any instructions to operate your new system. Only after you are comfortable and satisfied, will we ask for payment. Payments may be made by credit card (we accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover), check or cash. We also offer financing through Bryant if you would prefer this method of payment.

Q: Why should I consider a new high-efficiency filter?
There are many benefits to high efficiency air filters. These are designed to remove the smallest of pollutants from the air in your home to provide clean, fresh air. If anyone in your family suffers from respiratory problems or allergies, check out the air cleaners on our products page or simply ask one of our Comfort Consultant about them. A highly efficient filter will also extend equipment life and reduce fuel consumption by 10%-15% by your system. Remember, it is vital that you clean or replace any filter regularly.

Q: Should I have a new programmable thermostat installed with my new system?
Programmable thermostats allow you to automatically raise/lower the temperature setting at specific times during the day. You can reduce your energy bills by allowing the temperature to increase/decrease when no one is home. Programmable thermostats allow the convenience of changing the temperature while you sleep – cooler once you’ve gone to bed and warmer prior to getting out of bed. There is also a function allowing you to set a vacation schedule for extended periods where you’re not home

Q: Should I have my ductwork cleaned? Does Gaithersburg Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. do this?
Gaithersburg Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. does not provide duct cleaning services. However, when we are replacing a system in your home, we can inspect your ductwork and recommend whether duct cleaning is necessary. You may inspect the ductwork yourself fairly easily by removing several registers (both supply and return) and using a flashlight. We recommend using a quality air filter in your system and changing it regularly to prevent the need for duct cleaning. If your ducts are in need of cleaning, we have a great company to refer you to for this procedure.

Q: Does Gaithersburg Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. have experienced servicemen?
Absolutely! All of our servicemen are licensed, bonded and well-trained in looking at your entire comfort system as a whole rather than simply focusing on a broken piece of equipment. We have some of the best and most experienced servicemen you will find anywhere – some have been with the company more than 20 years! All of our staff has one goal in mind – you’re comfort.

Q: A cracked furnace is dangerous. How often should I have it checked?
If your furnace is more than 5 years old, you should have it inspected by licensed servicemen every fall before the heating season begins. Cracks allow carbon monoxide to infiltrate your home and cause extremely hazardous conditions. For peace of mind and your family’s safety, take a look at the low-level CO alarms on our Accessories page – You’ll be shocked at what you find the UL listed CO detectors don’t do.

Q: Why is having semi-annual preventive maintenance a good idea?
Your system should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is operating at optimum efficiency and reduce potential problems down the road. Dirty coils, burners and malfunctioning components can cause drastic increases in energy consumption. Regular maintenance also helps to prevent expensive repairs and increases your systems life.

Q: Do I have to have my air conditioner inspected in the spring and my furnace inspected in the fall?
Preventive maintenance of your home’s comfort system does not necessarily need to happen prior to using the system for the season. If it has been a while since you last had your system serviced or inspected, it is wise to have it inspected prior to the season. However, if you are good about having the systems inspected at regular intervals (ideally every year) then it is not vital to have the systems inspected prior to the season! Because of the fact that simply having the systems regularly and properly maintained has proven to improve overall performance and efficiency, having us perform the routine preventive maintenance at some point during the season is more than adequate.

Q: How often do I need to replace my air filter?
That all depends on what type of filter you are using in your system! Most disposable air filters you can purchase at home centers require monthly replacement. Some of the better quality disposable filters stipulate that they should be replaced about every three months. Check your filter package for their recommendation.

If you have purchased a high efficiency air cleaner for your system, most of those do not need to be changed but once per year! Give us a call and let us know what type of air cleaner you have, and we can let you know what the standard replacement should be. Lastly, remember that if you are a member of Peak Performance Maintenance Agreement program, we can handle your air cleaner replacements for you!

Q: I have a bedroom that never seems to get warm enough, or is too hot in the summer. Is there an easy way to fix that?
This situation usually is caused by a simple lack of enough conditioned air reaching the troubled room or area of your home. While there is no easy fix for this, we do have the ability to fix the problem. After a careful analysis by one of our Comfort Consultants, we can determine what will be needed to solve your comfort problem. At that point, we can let you know what your options are, and how costly it might be to remedy the situation. Believe it or not, sometimes the solution can be very inexpensive! We hate to see you put up with this uncomfortable situation; call us and let us at least look at the problem and educate you about the options available to make you comfortable.

Q: Should I cover my air conditioner in the winter?
If you live in an area where you get a lot of leaves falling in autumn, it is advisable to cover the top of your air conditioner to keep the leaves from piling up inside the unit. There is no need to totally cover your air conditioner to keep snow off of it. Modern air conditioners are constructed to survive in the harsh environments mother nature may throw at them! In fact, similar to modern automobiles, air conditioners produced today should easily ‘die’ prior to rusting out! However, if leaves are allowed to pile up inside the unit, they can clog the drainage system of the air conditioner causing the bottom of the unit to deteriorate quickly. In addition, a pile of leaves can easily restrict air flow through the unit which will increase your electric consumption.

We offer a very nice cover for your air conditioner that you may want to consider. Please check it out in our accessory section, or ask your comfort consultant about it during his next visit!

Q: How do you charge for service to my comfort system when it is not working?
At Gaithersburg A/C & Heating, Inc. we use our Totally Comfortable Pricing Guide to ensure you are charged a fair, competitive price for any repair work you need to your system. The diagnostic fee our office quotes you encompasses all that is necessary to diagnose whatever problem is ailing your system, regardless of how long this diagnosis takes. Once our comfort consultant determines what repairs are needed, he will refer to his TCP Guide and inform you of what is needed and how much it should cost you. Again, this is regardless of how long it actually takes him to make the repair! This pricing system allows us to charge you the appropriate amount for the repair eliminating the concerns you may have of getting a fair price or how efficiently/quickly a technician repairs your system.

Most of our competitors continue to use the old ‘time and materials’ pricing method. While this method is fine in some instances, what about those times where the technician experiences an unusual situation, doesn’t have the required part on his truck or simply hasn’t worked on your brand of equipment in the past? You end up paying more for the extra time spent needed to make a standard repair. This old method leaves too much room for discomfort in your mind. Therefore, we want you to be totally comfortable, and we let you know what the total bill should be, regardless of the time needed for the repair!