World Class Heating & Air Conditioning World Class Heating & Air Conditioning

Frequently Asked Questions

• Miscellaneous Questions
• Air Conditioning Questions
• Furnace Questions
• Boiler Questions
• Heat Pump Questions
• Heat Pump Tips
• Tips on Saving Energy

Miscellaneous Questions

Air Conditioning Questions

Q:	How often should I change my filter and where can I purchase replacement filters?
A:	A clogged air filter will reduce the airflow through your system, which could cause the blower motor to malfunction. It can cause your system not to work like it should, and could cause your indoor unit to ice up. If you have a "throw away" filter, it should be changed approximately once a month. Check it regularly, however, since each home is different, depending on the amount of dust that enters your home. You can purchase replacement filters at our online store www.worldclasshvacproducts.com.
Q:	How do I clean my Newtron filter and how often should I clean it?
A:	A clogged air filter will reduce the airflow through your system, which could cause the blower motor to malfunction. It can cause your system not to work like it should, and could cause your indoor unit to ice up.
	If the air filter surface is extremely dusty, vacuum first, then spray with a household cleaner (409 or Fantastic). Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the chemicals to work, then back flush with water, rinsing the particulate back out the way it came in. Rinse thoroughly. Allow it to stop dripping, and then reinstall. Turn your blower fan on to finish drying the filter. Newtron recommends you clean your filter at least every 30 to 60 days for maximum efficiency.
Q:	Should my thermostat be set to "auto" or "on"?
A:	When the thermostat is set to "auto," the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. This is the most used setting. When the thermostat is set to the "on" position, the fan runs constantly. There are advantages to using the "on" setting. First of all, the air in the house is constantly filtered through the unit's air filter. Secondly, the constantly circulating air may result in a more even temperature throughout the house. If you run your thermostat in the "on" position, however, you may need to clean your filter more often.
Q:	Can shrubs and flowers be planted around an outdoor unit?
A:	Yes. However, we recommend that plants be no closer than 24 inches from the unit. This allows plenty of room for air circulation in and out of the unit. Without this room for air circulation, the unit could overheat, resulting in a premature need for service. DO NOT build sheds or roofs over the air-conditioner.
Q:	How do I program my thermostat and what is a typical program?
A:	Programming instructions are included with your thermostat. Also included with those instructions are commonly used programs. Visit Honeywell or White Rogers for more information on how to program your thermostat. You can purchase a new thermostat at our online store www.worldclasshvacproducts.com
Q:	What type of maintenance is required on my air conditioning system and how can I control my energy usage?
A:	We recommend that you make an appointment to have our service technician come in the springtime to start up your air conditioning system and tune and clean it for maximum efficiency. In addition, there are several things that homeowners can do to help their air conditioning system to run at its best.
	Make sure your filter(s) are clean. Don't try to maintain different temperatures in different rooms by totally closing duct outlets, or you will unbalance the system and reduce its efficiency. The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Keep foliage away from the outdoor unit, and keep leaves, grass, etc. off of the unit. Use bath and kitchen exhaust fans sparingly when air conditioning is in operation. To reduce the time your air conditioner must be on, perform heat and moisture producing chores such as baking and dishwashing, etc. during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows for leaks. Shade your home with trees wherever possible. Keep all windows and exterior doors shut when the air conditioner is on. Have skylights/windows tinted or install shades. Keep blinds/shades closed on windows. Do not short cycle your compressor by moving the thermostat up and down too rapidly. Set your temperature slowly and leave it on for a minimum of 5 minutes before resetting. Make sure there are no heat sources near your thermostats (i.e.: lamp, iron, electronics, etc.). During the off-season months, cover your unit with a special AC cover. Caution: this is for air conditioners only, not heat pumps, and make sure the unit is off. Do not attempt to run the air conditioning with the outdoor unit covered. Also, remember to remove the cover in the spring before turning on the air conditioning.
	If you have not purchased a winter cover from us, you may do so for $79 by calling us at (508) 473-6648, emailing us, or purchasing one by visiting our online store www.worldclasshvacproducts.com. In addition, a pre-season cleaning by one of our trained technicians will help keep the inside of the unit clean and running efficiently.
	We can obtain an air conditioning cover for most models, brands and sizes of air conditioners. Covers are available in a variety of colors (subject to change), including: Black, Gray, Navy Blue, Beige, Brown, Teal, Chestnut, Maroon & Evergreen (not pictured).
	Black Gray Navy Blue Beige Brown Teal Chestnut Maroon
	Mold, Mildew, UV and Fade Resistant. Constructed of high quality, durable, heavy weight fleece lined vinyl. A Custom Glove Like Fit Every Time. Easy On, Easy Off. Easy to Clean: Spray it down with a hose and you're done. If you really want to get fancy and go that little extra step, wipe it off with a little Armor All.
Q:	My air conditioning does not seem to be working correctly, what should I do?
A:	Before calling for service, you can check the following:
	Make sure your filters are clean. If dirty, wash or replace filter. If the filter was dirty and ice has built up around your indoor unit, turn the thermostat to the "off" position (neither heat or cool) and place it in "fan on" mode - this will cause the fan to run and defrost your indoor unit. It may take several hours for the ice to defrost. Do not run your unit in "cool" until all the ice has melted. If your unit ices up a second time, shut your unit off immediately and call for service. Check to make sure your thermostat is set to "cool" and is set at a lower temperature (at least 4-5 degrees) than the current house temperature. Make sure the thermostat is working - check the batteries. Note: On your thermostat: In the "fan on" mode, the fan will run continuously. To have the fan run only when the system is heating or cooling, switch to "fan auto". If the fan continues to operate in the "fan auto" mode and the equipment is not calling for cooling, contact us for a service call after checking the following items. Check your circuit breaker and emergency switches. If the circuit breaker is tripped, reset by switching the breaker to full "off" then fully back to the "on" position.
	If you do call for service, be prepared to give the following information:
	When the filters were last changed. That you checked your circuit breakers to make sure none were "tripped". That you checked your emergency switch. When you first noticed that it seemed to not be working properly. If it was making any unusual noises. If there were any unusual odors. If there was any unusual weather activity before the equipment acted up. If you saw unusual fluids or leakage around the unit. Anything else unusual that you observed or concerns you.
Q:	How often should I have my equipment serviced?
A:	Heating and Air Conditioning equipment should be serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the fall and the air conditioning checked in the spring. Oil-fired equipment should definitely be cleaned and serviced annually. You can purchase maintenance/cleaning at www.worldclasshvacproducts.com
Q:	Why should I have my equipment serviced?
A:	Annual servicing includes cleaning the system, checking for any problems or potential problems and adjusting for peak efficiency. The benefits include:
	Increased dependability. Finding potential problems and fixing them quickly. Providing maximum efficiency, lowering energy costs. Prolonging the life-span of the equipment. Maintaining safe and healthy operation. Help protect the environment. Reducing the chance of a breakdown, which may happen at night or on weekends when repair rates are higher.
Q:	What Size Heating and Air Conditioning System Do I Need?
A:	An "oversized" air conditioner will cool your house quicker, but it will use more electricity and will not remove humidity adequately. Contrary to popular belief, long run cycles are far more desirable and energy efficient than short run cycles. You can think of this in terms of a car, where you would prefer to buy a car that has mostly highway miles rather than city miles. The greatest amount of energy usage and wear and tear on your equipment occurs at system start up (it takes tremendous torque and, hence, amperage to get your compressor turning). Once started, it takes 10 to 15 minutes before your system is operating at peak efficiency and performance. Because an oversized system will often bring the temperature down to the thermostat setting in just a few minutes, your oversized system will never get to operate at peak performance and will end up "short-cycling"; starting and stopping over and over again, a fact which will cost you in terms of comfort, utility bills and added repairs.
	Another factor to consider with regard to system size is that comfort is a function of temperature and humidity. That is, you can have low humidity (relatively dry air) and be comfortable when the temperature is 77 degrees or be absolutely miserable when you have high humidity and a temperature of 70 degrees. One of the most important jobs your air conditioning system performs is removing moisture from the air in your home or office. Removing moisture requires long run times so that enough moisture-laden air has a chance to blow across the cold indoor coil and condense into water, which then drains from your system. Today's high-efficiency central air conditioners may remove as much as two gallons of water from the air in your home every hour, which makes you far more comfortable. If your system is oversized, it will cool the temperature down to the thermostat setting too rapidly and the system will shut off before proper dehumidification of the air can occur.
	Duct system sizing must be considered too. If your duct system is not big enough to handle the increased airflow required by an "oversized" air conditioner, the evaporator coil may freeze and the system will not work at all. Even if the coil doesn't freeze, reduced airflow will impact operating efficiency and effectiveness and cause premature failure of expensive components such as the compressor.
	Obviously, the air conditioner must be sized large enough to cool your home, but too big is just as bad. We can measure the heating and cooling load on your particular home and then recommend a system that is properly sized to cool your home to 77 degrees when it is 100 degrees outside.
	However, a correctly sized system is not only based on the size of the structure. Many factors go into determining the size of the system, including type of house and walls, type and size of windows, insulation, basement, attic conditions, house orientation, and so on. A Salesman must visit your home and take detailed measurements and notes while conducting the survey.
	At Boucher Energy, we use a computer-aided heat load calculation to properly determine the correct system size needed for your home. We even do a room-by-room load calculation. This heat loss/heat gain analysis is the best indicator of the correct system size and provides optimum results for efficiency and comfort.
	Click here to make an appointment to have someone come to your home to give you an estimate to install air conditioning in your home.
Q:	Why do I need to "match" my condensing unit and indoor coil?
A:	Imagine you have four old, worn-out tires on your car and you decide you only want to replace two of them. You can still drive your car, but you will soon be disappointed with the inconsistent handling and the poor mileage you get. The unmatched tires simply are not capable of the same level of performance. You could have these same kinds of problems with comfort and efficiency if the components of your central air conditioning or heat pump system are not properly matched.
	It takes teamwork.
	Your central air conditioning or heat pump system is a split system. That means it consists of two parts: and indoor unit (coil) and outdoor (condensing) unit. These two parts are specifically designed to work together as a coordinated "team" to provide top performance and maximum efficiency and comfort. In addition, since both components are necessary for a working system, both parts of your existing system were originally installed at the same time - which means they both wear out at the same time. So if you install a new outdoor unit, be sure to include a new, equally efficient "matched" indoor unit.
	When a bargain is not a bargain.
	If you do not replace your indoor unit, you will not be getting what you paid for. In fact, your system could be up to 15% less efficient than stated - and you will be less comfortable, too. That is why simply replacing just the outdoor unit is not a bargain in the long run.
	Replacing the outdoor unit but leaving the old indoor unit may offer you the lowest price, but it will not give you the best value. At best, when your air conditioning or heat pump components do not match, you will be sacrificing comfort. The system may still "work," but it will not perform up to the promised energy efficiency. Over time, this will also cost you more money. At worst, when the components are not matched, it could create undue stress on your cooling system, resulting in unnecessary, premature failure.
	Matched systems mean maximum satisfaction.
	When you consider the sacrifices and the added cost of repairing or replacing these unmatched units, installing a matched system the first time around makes good sense. You will get higher efficiencies, greater reliability, and more comfort.
Q:	What can I do to prepare for an extreme hot spell?
A:	Keep grass clippings and leaves away from the outdoor unit. This keeps dirt and debris from getting into the system. It also keeps the airflow path clear. Keep furniture and carpeting away from grills and ductwork. If you block your air conditioning system's ability to deliver air, you rob yourself of the cooling necessary to keep your home comfortable. Keep the west-facing drapes, shades, or blinds drawn in the afternoon. Keeping the sun out will keep your home cooler. Run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer in the evening hours. Don't use your oven. Keep your fan running. It helps to keep the air moving. Don't overrun an exhaust fan. It pulls the air conditioning out of the home. Use a programmable thermostat. This allows you to cool your home only when you need it. Zone your heating and cooling system. If you spend most of your time in one part of your home or if different people in your home want the temperature at different settings, then zoning can help you be more comfortable and save money on your utility bills. Use an attic ventilator. By pulling hot air out of your home, you keep your home cooler in the summer. Have your cooling system checked at least once per year by a certified contractor. Your equipment works more efficiently when it is clean and running properly.
Q:	What should I do with my air conditioning system if I am going on vacation?
A:	It is not a good idea to turn off your air conditioning unit! Instead, set your thermostat at 85 degrees. This keeps the air circulating in your home. High temperatures and humidity can cause damage to your home, your workplace, and your health. Humidity can cause wallpaper to peel, floorboards to warp, and most importantly, mold and fungus to form in bathrooms, on furniture and in your air conditioning ducts.
Q:	Will a high efficiency air conditioner lower my electric bill?
A:	In most cases, high efficiency equipment will lower utility bills. The very best air conditioning system will struggle on duct systems that are broken, leaky, or improperly sized.
Q:	Our house is never cool. Do we need a larger unit?
A:	Possibly. However many factors will influence the performance of your system. Faulty ductwork, dirty coils, mismatched equipment, and poor insulation are just a few examples. A system that is too large for your home can cause comfort problems such as high humidity and short cycling of the system. Proper sizing of your system is important (not too large or too small).

Furnace Questions

Boiler Questions

Heat Pump Questions

You can purchase a heat pump maintenance/cleaning at www.worldclasshvacproducts.com

Heat Pump Tips

Set thermostat at one temperature. Constant adjusting can cause higher utility costs. If using your thermostat as a setback type, limit the setbacks to twice a day such as when you are at work and when you are sleeping. Only setback the thermostat 6% of desired temperature (approximately five degrees). In heating, try not to set the thermostat below 65 degrees. In cooling, try not to set the thermostat below 72 degrees. Besides higher utility costs, this can cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause condensation in the house. Make it a habit to look at the outdoor heat pump during the winter months, especially after bad weather, for signs of excessive ice or snow build-up on or around the heat pump. If the unit is covered in ice or snow it must be removed for it to work properly. Turn the thermostat to Emergency heat or off and remove the snow and ice. You can pour warm or hot water over the unit to melt the snow and ice. Even cold water from a hose will help. Do not use any sharp objects to pick or knock the ice off the coils of the heat pump. This could cause severe damage and personal injury. Once the unit is clear of snow and ice turn the thermostat back to normal heating. If the unit ices up again, call for service. Do not let the outdoor unit sit underneath a leaking gutter. In the winter months, water will drip on the top of the unit and freeze solid. This will restrict the airflow and cause the whole unit to freeze-up. Check air filters monthly. Clean or replace as needed. Keep outdoor unit clear of snow, ice, and debris. This includes the top, sides, bottom, and around the heat pump. Last, but not least, we suggest having your heat pump inspected and cleaned by a service technician at least once a year.

Tips on Saving Energy*

WINDOWS: Did you know that up to 25% of your heat can go out the window? Here's what you can do: Use caulking and weather-stripping to stop much of the heated air from escaping. Replace single-thickness windows with thermal-type double thickness windows. Install storm windows and doors to provide additional insurance against heat loss. Add window insulation kits, which use double-sided tape, clear plastic and a hair dryer. INSULATION: Did you know that an uninsulated attic can raise your heating and cooling costs? Here's what you can do according to the Department Of Energy: Install R-49 insulation in the ceiling (attic). Install R-25 insulation in the floor joists (basement). Install R-18 insulation in the walls. Install R-19 insulation on the basement walls. LIGHTING: Did you know that compact fluorescent light bulbs use one-fourth the wattage and provide the same amount of soft light as incandescent bulbs? Here's what you can do: Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. Use lower wattage bulbs for small areas like hallways and vestibules. Get in the habit of turning out the lights when you leave a room. APPLIANCES: Did you know that the biggest user of energy in the home is your heating and cooling system? To conserve energy and cut down on energy waste here's what you can do: Upgrade older equipment with higher efficiency furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps. Make sure that your heating and/or cooling equipment is properly sized for your home. Operating a unit that is too small or too large is very inefficient. Your heating and air conditioning contractor can determine the best size unit for your home. Check your heating system to see that it is running efficiently. Have your dealer inspect the system before the winter months. If you replace your central air conditioner, make sure that the contractor replaces the indoor coil as well as the outside condensing unit. Otherwise, your system won't perform at its promised efficiency. Install electric ceiling fans to boost the efficiency of room air conditioners in the summer and to circulate warm air away from the ceiling in the winter. Be sure to clean or replace filters of all equipment regularly. Clogged filters make appliances work harder, so they use more energy to do the same job. Check the efficiency ratings mandated by the Department of Energy when you shop for new equipment so you can make sure you're getting high-efficiency equipment.

*These tips came directly from the DOE. Click here to download the Energy Savings Booklet from the Department of Energy. The Energy Savers booklet is full of tips on saving energy throughout the home. Topics include auditing your energy use, insulation and weatherization, heating and cooling, water heating, windows, landscaping, lighting, and appliances.