Common Questions
These are some of the questions we hear often. If you don’t see your question answered, please Contact Us.
What is the best heating and cooling system?
What is a SEER Rating?
How long will my unit last?
What does my warranty cover?
What kind of filter is best? How frequently should I change it?
Should I have preventive maintenance on my system? If so, how often?
What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?
Is duct cleaning really necessary?
Should I do a dryer vent cleaning?
How do I know whether I need a humidifier?
What is the best heating and cooling system?
There are many variables that influence which system is right for a home or business. Factors such as square footage, insulation type and quantity, the number of doors and windows, how the ductwork is laid out and even your location can determine the system size and specifications that will meet your needs. An evaluation by a licensed professional will guide you in choosing a system that delivers all the power you need without exceeding your requirements and creating waste.
What is a SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This number helps determine how efficient your heating and cooling equipment is. The SEER rating tells you how much heating or cooling your system will deliver per dollar you spend on electricity. Ratings typically range from 13 to 21; the higher the rating, the more efficient the system will operate.
How long will my unit last?
With proper care, including regular maintenance and filter changes, many of today’s systems will operate efficiently up to 15 years. Our technicians can help answer questions about specific brands and models you may be considering.
What does my warranty cover?
Warranties vary slightly, depending on the system you purchase. Factory-issued warranties cover defects in the system and/or its parts, but do not cover labor. The warranty certificate is included with the owner information packet. Ark Heating & Cooling also keeps record of this information on file, should you need to request it.
If Ark Heating & Cooling installs a complete system, we automatically provide a 1-year warranty on labor to complement your factory warranty. We also provide expanded warranty coverage for parts and labor; contact us for additional information and pricing.
What kind of filter is best? How frequently should I change it?
A pleated media filter with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating is the best option for improving air quality and removing the most dust, particles and contaminants such as airborne viruses from your environment. MERV ratings range from 1-20; the higher the rating, the stronger the filtration. The air in most residential settings can be adequately filtered with a MERV rating of 8-13. In addition to this rating system, give careful attention to selecting the right size for maximum efficiency and performance. Whether you use disposable or washable filters, they need to be replaced or cleaned monthly.
Should I have preventive maintenance on my system? If so, how often?
Your heating and cooling system is one of the hardest working features of your home or business. Continual climate regulation means your unit kicks off and on multiple times a day, not to mention a week or month. Regularly servicing your unit helps ensure the system is operating properly for top efficiency and it can help identify potential problems before you encounter the inconvenience and expense of repairs.
Scheduling regular service at least twice a year is recommended. It’s a good idea to arrange for service before you head into the heavy use seasons, so scheduling in spring and fall is ideal. Ark Heating & Cooling offers Service Agreements to help manage your system maintenance.
What equipment requires regular (or preventative) maintenance?
Gas-powered equipment, such as water heaters, can be serviced on alternating years. Manufacturers recommend that furnaces and air conditioners, whether electric or gas, be serviced each year. Seasonal maintenance (twice a year, in the spring and fall) helps identify problems early and ensure top operating efficiency throughout heavy use periods in the summer and winter.
Is duct cleaning really necessary?
In most cases, there is little evidence that duct cleaning truly affects your health. However, there are several circumstances that make duct cleaning a practical and necessary decision. One is your level of sensitivity to dust; if you suffer from dust allergies, removing as much dust from the air circulation in your home makes sense. It’s also a good idea to clean ducts after a construction or remodeling project that releases significant dust into the air, or if you have reason to believe ducts are clogged, moldy or have provided sanctuary to rodents or insects. These factors, which can affect your system’s efficiency and potentially your health, do warrant the cleaning. You can expect to spend $300 or more for a 2,000-square-foot home.
Should I do a dryer vent cleaning?
A professional dryer vent cleaning will help your dryer will run more efficiently. This lessens the wear and tear on your dryer, reducing your need for repair and lengthening its life. A professional cleaning involves special tools such as video inspection equipment to ensure a thorough job. Indications that it may be time for a dryer vent cleaning include loads taking longer to dry, loads hot but still damp at the end of a cycle, a noticeable reduction in the amount of lint in the lint trap and the machine feeling warmer to the touch than normal.
How do I know if I need a humidifier?
A humidifier is generally used to add moisture to an excessively dry air environment. Dry air can be detected through indicators such as dry skin or static electricity in your clothing or linens. Maintaining proper humidity levels helps correct these annoyances, but it can also help relieve medical concerns that are aggravated by dry air, such as nose bleeds, asthma and allergies. Conversely, too much humidity can create other problems, such as mold. A professionally calibrated humidifier can help you achieve the proper humidity for your specific home and needs.