FAQ Overview
All FAQ from the category General FAQs
Here are some simple steps you can take before scheduling a service call:
- Check breakers and or disconnect switches (The furnace will have one at the furnace and a dedicated breaker in the main panel of the house). The air conditioner may have two as well. Make sure that circuit breakers are ON or that fuses have not blown.
- Check to ensure airflow is working properly. 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 ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating.
- Check the LED light on the furnace for a fault code. On most furnaces including Carrier it will be located through an eyeglass located on the panel covering the main blower motor. On a Carrier furnace a series of quick flashes followed by slower flashes will give you the fault code. Quick flashes are first, slower flashes will follow and it will continue to repeat itself. A list of codes is usually listed on the door of the furnace.
If these steps do not work, you can CONTACT US and we will send out a NATE Certified Technician to solve the problem!
Can I just replace the furnace or air conditioner on an older system and not replace the other piece of equipment to save money?
Not a great idea. Replacing only the outdoor or indoor unit will not only sacrifice your comfort but it can also lower the efficiency of the unit you are installing. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of the unit’s efficiency! This can also cause your system to fail sooner than normal because the system is not operating at maximum efficiency. In most cases it will cost you more money in the long run. You should seriously consider buying a complete system.
Most systems have a lifetime of 12-15 years. With a lack of maintenance this number can drop quickly. As your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. Yearly maintenance is critical to extending the life of the equipment and to maintain maximum efficiency.
There are four main questions that need to be considered when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system:
- How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%. With the tax credits and rebates often available this decision can even be easier to make.
- What is the efficiency level of your current indoor weather system? Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve the efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency system will cover all or part of the cost of investing in new equipment, you should seriously consider replacement of the old system.
- What is the overall condition of your system? If your system is in solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. But if your system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it.
- Are you planning to move soon? If you are moving in the next year or two and believe investing in a new system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many more years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your future comfort.
Here are a few simple tips for lowering your energy bills during the winter months:
- Limit the loss of expensive heated air to the outside. Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans sparingly.
- Draft-proof windows, doors, and other air leaks. Caulking and weather stripping are reasonably easy, so you may be able to save money by doing the job yourself.
- Utilize your setback thermostat. Lower your thermostat when the house is not occupied during the day and also drop the temperature overnight. For each degree you turn down your thermostat, you’ll save about 3 percent on your heating bills. If you don’t currently have a setback digital thermostat, install one or have one of our technicians out to install one for you. It will pay for itself very quickly and is one of the easiest ways to save money on your utility bills.
- Keep your heating equipment operating efficiently. Clean or replace the filter in your forced air heating system each month, and check the duct work that is readily accessible for air leaks about once a year. Keep the heating system well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service.
- Insulate your attic floor or top floor ceiling to reduce winter heat loss.
- Consider installing storm windows and doors.
- If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. This will prevent cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door and other areas between the house and garage.
- If you’re ready to make your home more efficient, contact us and ask about our energy audit program to identify areas where homes waste energy and money.
To qualify for the 10 year parts warranty a customer must visit the link below within 90 days of installation. Carrier will send you a certificate which must be presented to the service technician at the time of service.
Registration Form