HVAC Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common heating and cooling questions from our team of North Shore HVAC experts.
Browse by Topic
π§ General HVAC
βοΈ Air Conditioning
π₯ Heating
π‘οΈ Thermostats
π° Financing
π‘οΈ Maintenance
What size HVAC system should I have installed?
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The right size HVAC system is paramount in your home. Too large and your system will short cycle and not control humidity correctly. Too small and it will run continuously. Contact us for your free analysis today β we'll configure just the right system for your needs.
Is a bigger furnace or air conditioner better?
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No β bigger is not always better in the HVAC industry. A larger air conditioner uses more electricity and costs more to purchase, install and upkeep. A properly sized unit provides the most efficient energy use and comfort in your home. We can help determine what size is right for you.
Why are furnaces and air conditioners so noisy?
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They are not noisy if you install new components in your system. Old units were not built with the quality materials used today. American Standard installs sound insulators on the compressor and a weather guard top that reduces noise and increases the life of the unit.
Do I run any risk by accepting the lowest bid?
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Yes! If a bid comes in 5-10% lower than other companies it's usually because they're using inferior products, not doing a quality installation, or leaving something out of their bid. We always ensure old equipment is removed and a thorough quality installation is completed.
Do you service all makes and models?
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Yes β our certified technicians service and repair all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment. While we proudly install American Standard products as an authorized Customer Care Dealer, we are experienced with all major brands and can service whatever system you currently have.
How quickly can you respond to a service call?
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We offer flexible scheduling and strive to respond as quickly as possible. For emergency service we are available outside of normal business hours. Priority Customer Status members of our Glenbrook Savings Agreement get to the top of the list for all service calls.
Should I turn off my furnace when on vacation?
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Common settings are 80 degrees in summer if running AC and 60 degrees in winter if gone for a couple of days. These settings keep most plants alive and prevent pipes from freezing and bursting in winter.
How long does a furnace last?
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Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. If your furnace is over 15 years old and requiring frequent repairs it may be more cost effective to replace it with a new high efficiency unit rather than continuing to invest in repairs.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
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There are several reasons a furnace may blow cold air including a dirty air filter restricting airflow, a faulty thermostat setting, a pilot light that has gone out, or a more serious issue like a cracked heat exchanger. We recommend calling us right away as some of these issues can be safety hazards.
What does a yellow or orange furnace flame mean?
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A healthy furnace flame should be blue. A yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion and could mean carbon monoxide is being produced β which is extremely dangerous. If you notice a yellow or orange flame turn off your furnace immediately and call us right away.
How do I know if my furnace needs to be replaced?
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Signs it may be time to replace your furnace include: it is more than 15 years old, your heating bills have increased significantly, you need frequent repairs, some rooms are too hot while others are too cold, the furnace makes loud banging or rattling noises, or the burner flame is yellow instead of blue.
What is a heat exchanger and why does it matter?
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The heat exchanger is one of the most important components of your furnace. It separates the combustion gases from the air that circulates through your home. A cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide to leak into your living space which is a serious health hazard. Annual maintenance inspections check for cracks and ensure your family's safety.
Why is my heating bill so high?
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High heating bills are usually caused by an inefficient or aging furnace, a dirty filter restricting airflow, poor home insulation, a faulty thermostat, or air leaks in your ductwork. A tune-up from our team can identify the issue and get your system running at peak efficiency β saving you money all winter long.
What is the best temperature to set my thermostat in winter?
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Most energy experts recommend setting your thermostat to 68Β°F when you are home and lowering it to 60Β°F when you are asleep or away. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this easy to automate and can save up to 15% on your heating bills.
Do you service all brands of furnaces?
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Yes β our certified technicians service and repair all makes and models of furnaces including gas and electric systems. While we proudly install American Standard furnaces as an authorized Customer Care Dealer, we are experienced with all major brands and can service whatever system you currently have.
Would a new high efficiency unit help reduce my cooling costs?
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If you have a 15 year old unit it could be as little as 6 SEER. Most people set their thermostat around 78 degrees in the summer. With a new high efficiency air conditioner you could save as much as 80% of your cooling dollars with the same temperature setting.
When should I repair my air conditioner?
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Consider repairing if:
- The system has been trouble free and looks mechanically sound
- You plan on moving soon and may not recoup a replacement investment
- A replacement would require significant remodeling
When should I replace my air conditioner?
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Consider replacing if:
- The equipment has reached 10 years old β average lifespan is 10-15 years
- Major efficiency improvements could save you $1,000 or more per year
- You're not comfortable β modern systems eliminate hot/cold spots and high humidity
- Your system doesn't have variable air flow
- You're concerned about breakdowns during peak summer heat
- Family members have allergies, asthma or air quality concerns
What SEER rating should I look for in a new AC?
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SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio β the higher the number the more efficient the unit. We install American Standard air conditioners rated up to 20 SEER, among the highest in the industry. A higher SEER unit costs more upfront but pays for itself quickly through lower monthly energy bills.
Why is my AC running but not cooling my home?
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Common causes include low refrigerant levels, a dirty or clogged air filter, a frozen evaporator coil, a faulty compressor, or an AC that is simply too small for your home. Give us a call and our technicians will diagnose the problem quickly and get your home cool again.
What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?
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A programmable thermostat lowers the heating temperature or raises the cooling temp when you're not home. It turns back on 30 minutes before you return so your home is always comfortable. These thermostats save up to 15% on energy bills in winter and 10% in summer.
What is a smart thermostat and is it worth it?
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A smart thermostat connects to your home WiFi and can be controlled from your phone from anywhere. Many models learn your schedule and automatically adjust temperatures for maximum comfort and savings. Smart thermostats can save 10-15% on heating and cooling costs annually β paying for themselves quickly.
What thermostat brands do you install?
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We install American Standard WiFi programmable thermostats as well as Nexia smart thermostats. Nexia has been leading the way in thermostat innovation with an all-in-one app that streamlines the way you manage your home comfort system. Their platform is widely adopted by American Standard and Trane equipment.
Why is my thermostat not reaching the set temperature?
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If your thermostat is set correctly but your home isn't reaching the desired temperature it could be due to a dirty air filter, an HVAC system that is too small for your home, refrigerant issues in summer, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Our technicians can diagnose the issue and get your system performing correctly.
What are common thermostat settings to save energy?
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For maximum savings: set to 68Β°F when home in winter and 60Β°F when away or sleeping. In summer set to 78Β°F when home and raise to 85Β°F when away. These settings can reduce your energy bills significantly without sacrificing comfort when you are home.
Do you offer financing for new equipment?
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Yes β we offer financing for all types of situations with approved credit through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Call us so we can customize the financing for your specific needs.
What financing options are available?
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We have partnered with Wells Fargo to offer a variety of flexible financing options with approved credit. This allows you to invest in your home's comfort or respond to an unexpected heating and cooling need without breaking your monthly budget. You'll enjoy convenient monthly payments without using up existing funding sources like a home equity line of credit.
Is 0% interest financing available?
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Yes β we offer 0% interest financing options with approved credit for qualifying new equipment installations. Ask us about current financing promotions when you call for your free estimate. Financing is provided by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender.
How do I apply for financing?
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Simply call us at (847) 729-0114 and ask about our financing options. Our team will walk you through the Wells Fargo application process and help you find the best financing plan for your budget. The application is quick and easy with a decision usually within minutes.
What equipment qualifies for financing?
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Financing is available for new furnace installations, new air conditioner installations, full HVAC system replacements and other major equipment purchases. Call us to discuss your specific situation and we'll help you find the right financing option for your needs and budget.
Why is it important to continue my service agreement?
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Continuing your service agreement with Glenbrook Heating & Air Conditioning ensures:
- Higher Comfort
- Lower Utility Bills
- Extended Equipment Life
- Fewer Repairs
- Improved Capacity
- Priority Customer Status
- Inflation Protection
- Never an overtime charge
How often should I change my HVAC filters?
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Check filters every two months and replace as needed. Regular filter changes keep your system running efficiently and improve your indoor air quality significantly.
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
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We recommend having your furnace serviced every fall before heating season and your air conditioner serviced every spring before cooling season. Annual tune-ups keep your equipment running efficiently, extend its lifespan and catch small problems before they become costly repairs.
What is the Glenbrook Savings Agreement?
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The Glenbrook Savings Agreement is our annual maintenance plan that takes care of scheduling your HVAC tune-ups for you β we call YOU when it's time! Members enjoy Priority Customer Status, discounts on parts and labor, regularly scheduled fall and spring maintenance visits, and inflation protection on service rates.
What is included in a furnace tune-up?
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Our comprehensive furnace tune-up includes: inspecting and cleaning the heat exchanger, checking and adjusting burners, testing all safety controls and shutoffs, inspecting the flue and venting system, lubricating all moving parts, checking electrical connections, testing thermostat calibration, and replacing the air filter if needed.
What is included in an AC tune-up?
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Our comprehensive AC tune-up includes: cleaning and vacuuming condenser coils, checking and recharging refrigerant levels, inspecting and cleaning the evaporator coil, tightening all electrical connections, lubricating all moving parts, testing thermostat calibration, checking and cleaning the condensate drain, and replacing the air filter if needed.
Does regular maintenance really extend the life of my HVAC system?
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Absolutely. Just like a car needs regular oil changes to run well, your HVAC system needs annual tune-ups to perform at its best. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your equipment by years, reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns, improve energy efficiency and maintain your manufacturer's warranty requirements.
Still Have Questions?
Call us today β our friendly team is happy to help with any HVAC questions