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Typically a furnace or air conditioner will last 15-20 years. Sometimes it pays to replace the old system sooner because of the higher efficiency (and lower gas & electric bills) provided by newer equipment.
Q: My gas & electric bills are high. Will a new furnace and air conditioner lower my bills?
YES! A new 12 SEER air conditioner can usually cut the electricity used by the old air conditioner in half. Even a 10 SEER air conditioner (this is the minimum efficiency the federal government allows to be sold) will cut the electricity used by approximately 40%. A new 90% 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 Rating. The "size" of an air conditioner is rated in BTU or Tons, however the "efficiency " is rated in SEER. It's like 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 our climate, 10 SEER is considered "standard " efficiency (this is the minimum efficiency the federal government allows to be sold) and 12 SEER is "high efficiency ". The initial investment is higher for a 12 SEER than a 10 SEER, but the electricity savings will usually pay for the difference in 5-7 years. The higher SEER equipment doesn't remove humidity as well as older, lower SEER equipment, so it is important that the new air conditioner be sized properly so it runs long enough to remove humidity (so you don't have a cool, but "sticky " home). Equipment with SEER ratings of 14 and higher are available, but are not commonly installed in this part of the country.
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 auxillary heat (electric resistance heat or gas furnace) to help them when it is real cold or when the thermostat is moved more than 2 degrees at a time. The initial investment for a heat pump is higher than for an air conditioner, they have higher maintenance costs, and the ductwork must be exactly "right " for proper operation. One common complaint of a heat pump is that the air coming out of the registers is not hot enough (compared to a gas furnace). With all their drawbacks, heat pumps will reduce the winter heating bills. If you have a gas furnace, the savings usually isn't enough to justify a heat pump, however if you have electric heating, the savings is dramatic and you will probably want to stay with a heat pump.
Q: What about a Water Source heat pump?
Water Source heat pumps operate like a standard heat pump, however instead of using outside air to cool & heat the freon, they use water from the ground. The water can come from wells or can be circulated in pipes buried in the ground. Water Source heat pumps are very efficient and will use less gas and electricity than a traditional system. The installation costs are usually several times higher than a traditional system. If you already have a Water Source heat pump, you probably want to replace it with a Water Source heat pump. If you have a high volume well and a pond to discharge water to (or a disposal well), you may want to change to a Water Source heat pump.
Q: Should I replace my furnace and air conditioner at the same time, or can they be installed separately?
Either way. If they are installed at the same time, the coil cabinet (part of the air conditioner and sits on top of the furnace) will match the furnace in color & style. Also it may be more convenient to replace them at the same time, but they will operate OK whether they are installed at the same time or not.
Q: It's winter and I need a new furnace and air conditioner. Should I wait until spring to buy a new air conditioner?
If you think you are going to install an air conditioner in a few months you probably want to have it installed with the furnace. Generally the cost will be lower to have an air conditioner installed in the winter. Also, the warranty doesn't begin until the we "start up " the unit in the spring.
Q: It's summer and I need a new air conditioner. Should I install a new furnace too?
Not necessarily, however the blower in the furnace moves the air for air conditioning as well as heating. Usually the new furnaces have stronger blowers and can move more air which can help cool your entire house better. If your furnace is getting old, you should have the heat exchanger checked for "cracks ". If it is "cracked " you should have the furnace or heat exchanger replaced before winter anyway.
Q: What is a "cracked furnace " How serious is this?
The part that transfers heat from the gas flame to the air in the house is called a "heat exchanger ". If the heat exchanger has a crack or rust hole in it, the fumes (especially carbon monoxide) enter the air that comes out of the registers. This is why a "cracked " furnace can be so dangerous. A small crack may not be dangerous yet, but will get bigger and even small amounts of carbon monoxide can be dangerous to some people. Heat exchangers can be replaced, however if they are out of warranty, it is usually not much more to install a new higher efficiency furnace.
Q: Won't my carbon monoxide detector tell me when I need a new furnace?
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector, but the fact that it is not going off doesn't mean everything is safe. Even small amounts of carbon monoxide have an accumulative effect and detectors have a minimum threshold before they sound their alarm. If your alarm does go off, call Hammond Services and have a serviceman check your furnace immediately.
Q: Is it OK to install a different brand of furnace (or air conditioner) to work with my existing air conditioner (or furnace)?
Yes, this is fine. It is important that the furnace have the proper size of blower to match the air conditioner, but this can be determined easily.
Q: My home has a forced air furnace but no air conditioner. Can I add central air?
Yes. Air conditioners require more air flow than furnaces and it may be necessary to add more ductwork. Also, local codes require that your ductwork be insulated, and your electrical service may need to be upgraded. Hammond Services can determine all of the costs required to add central air.
Q: I have a floor furnace now and want to add central air & heat. What will this cost?
This will depend on how involved it is to run ductwork, install the equipment, connect the flue (or install a new flue), connect the gas & electric, etc. Hammond Services will calculate the heating & cooling load on your home to determine the proper size of equipment, ductwork, flue, electrical, etc. Generally the investment will run between $4,500 - $6,500 for a complete furnace & air conditioner system.
Q: I think my ductwork has asbestos on it. How can I tell? What should I do about it?
Asbestos usually looks like a gray paper material that wraps around the ductwork and/or narrow strips around duct joints. It is safe as long as it is not disturbed. Often it is best to leave it undisturbed or to paint it to seal the asbestos fibers. Sometimes it is best to remove all exposed asbestos, or at least the narrow strips that touch the furnace. As a homeowner, you can remove this yourself, however it can be dangerous and even contaminate the entire home. Hammond Services can handle any asbestos removal using an EPA approved company and can include this as part of the total investment for a new system.
Q: My friend works for a heating & 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 has a Masters license, obtains all required permits and has adequate insurance. Keep in mind you will be dependent on him and his schedule for warranty repairs. If he meets the above requirements, has the needed experience and you understand that repairs may not be timely - 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 long does it take to install a new furnace or air conditioner?
Generally allow one day for replacing a furnace and one day for replacing an air conditioner. Ocassionally an additional day is required, especially if you are having an air cleaner or humidifier installed.
Hammond Services
644 East McIntosh Road
Griffin, Georgia 30223
770-227-5325 or 706-647-3566
© 1998 Hammond Services
