FAQ2023-03-23T11:10:43-04:00

Frequently asked questions.

If you’ve got questions. We’ve got answers!

What regular maintenance do heating and air conditioning systems need?2023-03-10T10:07:34-05:00

The most important part of HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year; ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

Why do I need to change my filter regularly?2023-03-10T10:07:15-05:00

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements. Your Heat Wiser service or installation technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s).

Is sound an issue for heating & air conditioning?2023-03-10T10:07:01-05:00

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

How do I know something is about to break, before it does?2023-03-10T10:06:32-05:00

Is it making strange noises? Is it cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? Any of these are signs that you may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any underlying problems will get. So be sure to contact Heat Wiser to check out your system whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.

How do I know if my A/C unit is big enough?2023-03-10T10:05:59-05:00

Bigger isn’t always better; its performance and efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. Your Heat Wiser Expert will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.

How can I increase the efficiency and life of home’s heating and cooling systems?2023-03-10T10:05:43-05:00
  • Clean and replace your filters frequently.
  • Your system will heat and cool more evenly when the blower is in the “on” position. The blower provides constant air movement throughout the home, and allows for better filtration.
  • Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.
How can I eliminate indoor odors?2023-03-10T10:05:27-05:00

You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don’t get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating a BreatheWiser system in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The Breathe Wiser System is installed to work with your home comfort system. Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stagnate air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Heat Wiser technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air.

How healthy is my indoor air?2023-03-10T10:04:58-05:00

According to studies created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. A Home Health Report Card from Heat Wiser will provide the information about which indoor air improvement devices are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation call us at 315-457-4100.

How often should I service my HVAC system?2023-03-10T10:04:38-05:00

Having a professional certified HVAC tech perform regular tune-ups on your system, twice per year is ideal, allowing us to identify and prevent more expensive issues, while ensuring everything runs smoothly for you during the colder months.

All heating units need regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently and smoothly, and our furnace maintenance specialists have the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure that your home’s heating system is in perfect shape.

What is the proper indoor humidity level?2023-03-10T10:04:22-05:00

Well, the optimum indoor range is around 35% relative humidity, but 30% to 40% tends to work best for many homes. If you go above this level, condensation on the windows can occur, breeding mold that leads to allergy and respiratory problems.

Dust mites, the leading cause of allergies, thrive in as little as 50% relative humidity. Allergens like molds thrive in relative humidity conditions above 60%, leading to a variety of ailments including asthma, allergies and respiratory infections.

Too little humidity on the other hand, can lead to dry nose and throat, dry skin, and static electricity, which can also ruin electronic devices such as computers, VCR’s, and DVD players.

Maintaining proper and consistent humidity is also important for the wood inside your home; flooring, doors, and even pianos can shrink, crack, and warp if not properly humidified.

Energy savings is another benefit of keeping the proper humidity level. You will actually feel warmer and more comfortable in humidified air, so you can turn your thermostat down about 2 degrees (saving money), and still feel just as warm. Seriously, it works!

How do I know if I should replace my air conditioner?2023-03-10T10:03:25-05:00

If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, it is probably reaching the end of its lifespan. If you have been properly maintaining your system with annual tune-ups, this lifespan could stretch as far as 15-20 years (which is why we always recommend routine maintenance!) We also recommend replacing your AC system if it requires frequent repairs, if it is no longer keeping your home comfortable, or if you notice that your utility bills are higher than normal.

What causes AC units to freeze up?2023-03-10T10:02:30-05:00

There are many reasons why your air conditioning system might freeze up, and all of them require help from a professional technician to resolve, as only they have the training and correct tools to fix the problem.

Sometimes low refrigerant can cause your system to freeze up. Over time, wear and tear to your system can result in leaks that cause the system to lose refrigerant. When your unit loses refrigerant, the system may freeze up due to low pressure..

When freon levels are low, the refrigerant still is forced to expand to the same amount. The more that expansion occurs, the cooler the temperature is produced. The colder temperature will cause moisture in the air around your unit’s evaporator coil to freeze, eventually icing up the coil and impeding its function.

Dirty evaporator coils can cause units to lose airflow and, eventually, cause the system to freeze up. Defective blower motors can also cause freezing.

What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?2023-03-10T10:09:14-05:00

Installing a programmable thermostat in your home helps you take control of how much energy you use for heating and cooling. If used effectively, a programmable thermostat can help you improve energy efficiency and save significant money on your utility bills. You can also conveniently adjust your thermostat using your smartphone, anywhere in the world with an internet connection!

How often should I replace my HVAC air filters?2023-03-10T10:01:25-05:00

Air filters are an important part of your air conditioning unit and, if not replaced regularly, can lead to decreased performance and increased energy costs. The following air filter signs may be clues that it’s time for a replacement:

Increased energy cost

  • AC unit is too hot
  • No or less cooling than before
  • More dust near the air vents

Changing air filters is an investment toward a healthier environment as well as increased energy savings. So, get in touch with our HVAC experts for reliable HVAC service.

How important is my indoor air quality?2023-03-10T10:01:07-05:00

The short answer? So important! Your indoor air quality can be as much as 100 times worse than the outdoor air. That means pollutants, allergens, dust, and mildew can be circulating in your home affecting your family’s health and wellbeing. Improving and maintaining your indoor air quality is vitally important to your home and family.

If you suffer from allergies or worry about the quality of the air circulating inside your home or office, you may want to consider investing in an Indoor Air Quality solution.

Whether it’s with an air purification system, like an Ultraviolet “air scrubber,” or changing and cleaning air filters on a regular basis, our team of experienced professionals can help you breathe better and improve your indoor air quality.

What is a ductless mini-split system?2023-03-10T10:00:19-05:00

A ductless mini-split system is an alternative to traditional heating and cooling like central air. Ductless HVAC works similarly to central heating and cooling, except that it doesn’t require ductwork. Your mini-split system will have an indoor and outdoor unit, but it will only require a small hole to be cut through the exterior wall—just big enough for a tube of refrigerant to pass through. Inside your home, the air will be conditioned and returned into the room by the same unit.

Ductless mini-split AC systems are the perfect solution for anyone who wants to cool their home quietly without running ductwork. They’re also a versatile addition to areas of your home that might not typically accommodate ductwork, such as garages, standalone structures, or sunrooms.

What’s the best way to extend the life of my unit?2023-03-10T10:09:03-05:00

Heating and cooling units are a big investment, so it’s understandable that you’d want them to last as long as possible. Reducing usage is always helpful, so turn the thermostat up or down, as needed, to reduce use when you’re not at home. Changing air filters will prevent clogs.

It is also important to perform routine maintenance as well. This can help to prevent those pesky problems from occurring in the first place while extending the life of your furnace to save you money in the long run.

What is the proper indoor humidity level?2023-03-10T10:09:00-05:00

Well, the optimum indoor range is around 35% relative humidity, but 30% to 40% tends to work best for many homes. If you go above this level, condensation on the windows can occur, breeding mold that leads to allergy and respiratory problems.

Dust mites, the leading cause of allergies, thrive in as little as 50% relative humidity. Allergens like molds thrive in relative humidity conditions above 60%, leading to a variety of ailments including asthma, allergies and respiratory infections.

Too little humidity on the other hand, can lead to dry nose and throat, dry skin, and static electricity, which can also ruin electronic devices such as computers, VCR’s, and DVD players.

Maintaining proper and consistent humidity is also important for the wood inside your home; flooring, doors, and even pianos can shrink, crack, and warp if not properly humidified.

Energy savings is another benefit of keeping the proper humidity level. You will actually feel warmer and more comfortable in humidified air, so you can turn your thermostat down about 2 degrees (saving money), and still feel just as warm. Seriously, it works!

Why Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned?2023-03-10T10:08:52-05:00

For Better Health…

Contaminants in your Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can aggravate asthma and allergies. Our Duct Cleaning process can help eliminate bacteria and fungus to improve the air quality in your home. Cleaning your air ducts can protect everyone in your home from breathing contaminated air.

For A Cleaner Environment…

Less dust and dirt means a cleaner environment. Cleaning your air duct system can help maintain a cleaner home, requiring less dusting.

For Better Efficiency…

Cleaning your air duct system helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, resulting in less run time and lower heating and cooling bills. Cleaning your air duct system can also extend the life of your heating and air conditioning equipment.

New Homes & Renovation Work…

Your new home may not be as clean as you think. During construction, your air duct system is open allowing wood shavings, drywall dust, dirt, trash, and carpet fibers to settle or be swept into your system. Cleaning your air duct system is the only way to thoroughly remove these contaminants.

Does programming your thermostat really save money on energy bills?2023-03-10T10:08:38-05:00

Simply resetting the thermostat when you are asleep or away from home can save money on heating and cooling bills. By adjusting the thermostat four-to-six degrees either up (in the summer) or down (in the winter) reduces the total run time of the heating and air system, leading to a reduction on the energy bill. A programmable thermostat can aid in money-saving measures by allowing you to set the temperature on a daily and seasonal basis.

Why does my system seem to need more refrigerant each year?2023-03-10T10:08:49-05:00

An air conditioning system that needs recharging of refrigerant on a regular basis is leaking and needs repair. Leaking refrigerant not only causes your unit to lose cooling capacity and use more energy, it’s also very bad for the environment. Refrigerant gases released into the atmosphere are one of the worst culprits in depleting the ozone layer.

Be sure to choose a service provider that uses the latest technology to find refrigerant leaks, since the old methods are very time consuming and will cost you more money.

What are the benefits of HVAC zoning?2023-03-10T09:58:24-05:00

Zoned HVAC allows for better comfort control, decreased energy bills, and higher energy efficiency (energy waste is reduced because your HVAC equipment won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature throughout the house).

What is a zoning system?2023-03-10T09:58:05-05:00

Zoning Systems separate your air conditioning system’s ductwork into different segments, allowing you to exercise temperature control in each segment, thus allowing for more targeted and efficient air conditioning.

For example, you may have a room with many windows that gets hot in the summer and which may need more air to cool down, while you may also have a rarely occupied guest room on the other end of the house. With a zoned air conditioning system, you can direct more cold air to the many-windowed room and less air to the unoccupied room. This allows for more efficient use of your AC system and a more comfortable home.

What is the best Air Conditioner?2023-03-10T09:57:48-05:00

The best air conditioning system that will provide optimal comfort levels in your home, while saving you money on your electric bill is a high-efficiency system. There are many different brands of A/C units and not all brands are built the same. The number 1 fact to take into consideration before you pick a brand is a Company. The Air Conditioning and Heating system in your home is only as good as the installation. The installation determines how well the unit will operate and how long it will last. We hear this all the time, “We spent thousands on the top-of-the-line unit and have breakdowns every year.” This is because most companies want their installers to spend as little time as possible at your home so they can rush to the next home. Our promise to you is every installation receives professional craftsmen taking their time offering you the best installation possible. Please call us at (315) 457- 4100 to receive more information on specific unit brands.

Why is my Air Conditioner not blowing air?2023-03-10T09:57:32-05:00

First, check to see if your thermostat has batteries. If so be certain that the batteries are good batteries alkaline batteries. If your batteries are checking well, proceed to the next step.

Check your breakers. By flipping the breakers off and then back on can reset the electronics. Make sure you start with the outside unit first and then the inside. If the unit is still not blowing air verify if the outside unit is working. If both units are not functioning you might have a sensor switch in your drain line that might be tripped because of algae buildup. Please call us for a thorough drain line cleaning. If all the algae are not addressed the problem will continue to persist and cause system breakdown and possibly permanent damage.

If your unit is operating outside and not inside it’s likely you have an electrical issue and you should call us to have a certified technician check the system’s functions.

How much does A/C installation cost?2023-03-10T09:57:18-05:00

Among these factors, one thing that most homeowners consider during an A/C installation is the cost which should be reasonable.

Whether you choose a cheaper or an expensive one, the quality and features are more or less the same. But, when it comes to the service provided by the company, there is a big difference that you can notice.

So, if you want to get your hands on an A/C that will serve you well for many years to come without any issues, then it is important that you find a reliable and reputable company that offers good customer service.

Check this link for more information: https://heatwiser.com/services/ac-installation/

Why is fog coming out of my air conditioner vents?2023-03-10T09:54:43-05:00

Fog or smoke coming out from the air vents on your air conditioner is caused by cold, dry air coming in contact with warm, moist air near the air conditioner. If the air temperature near the unit is below the dew point, this causes water vapor to form in the air and condense into water droplets, thus causing fog or smoke.

A dirty air filter or low fan speed may aggravate the condition. These conditions reduce airflow around the air conditioner causing more or slower exposure of the cold air to the moist air. The higher the humidity in the room, the worse the fog or smoke may be.

When is the best time to install an air conditioner in your home?2023-03-10T09:54:02-05:00

The best time to install an air conditioner in your home is typically in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. A/C installation during the summer, when temperatures are high, can lead to increased energy bills as the unit works harder to cool your home. Likewise, A/C installation during the winter can cause it to work harder to combat the cold weather and may lead to increased energy bills.

Check this link for more information: https://heatwiser.com/services/ac-installation/

What are the benefits of having an HVAC for homes in Liverpool, NY?2023-03-10T09:53:04-05:00

You can enjoy several benefits by having an HVAC system for your home in Liverpool, NY. An HVAC system can help to keep your home more comfortable by regulating the temperature. It can improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe by circulating fresh air and filtering out pollutants. Additionally, an HVAC system can help to save you money on energy bills by being more energy efficient than older heating and cooling systems. Heat Wiser has over 25 years of experience in the HVAC industry, so you can trust us to install the best HVAC system for your home and budget.

What should I do if my HVAC system breaks down?2023-03-10T09:52:43-05:00

When facing any issue with your HVAC system, check the thermostat to see if it is correctly set. If the thermostat is not the problem, you should check the power to see if there is an issue with the electricity. If your HVAC system is still not working, you should contact a professional for assistance. If you’re searching for a reliable HVAC maintenance company in Liverpool, NY, look no further than Heat Wiser. Our team of experienced professionals can help you with any HVAC issue you may be having.

How do I know if I need the services of an HVAC contractor in Liverpool, NY?2023-03-10T09:52:22-05:00

If you are having problems with your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system, it is a good idea to call in a professional HVAC contractor in Liverpool, NY. They will be able to assess the problem and give you a recommendation on which components or parts to repair. Additionally, they can provide you with a quote for the repairs or replacement of your HVAC system. When searching for an HVAC contractor in Liverpool, NY, choose one with experience and a good reputation. Heat Wiser has been in the business for over 25 years and has a long list of satisfied customers. We would be happy to help you with your HVAC needs.

What are some signs that my air conditioner needs repair services?2023-03-10T09:51:36-05:00

There are a few telltale signs that your air conditioner may need repairs. These can include strange noises from the unit, unusual smells, reduced airflow, or uneven cooling. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to hire a professional company like Heat Wiser to fix your air conditioning in Liverpool, NY.

How do I know if I need a new air conditioner?2023-03-10T09:51:20-05:00

If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, and you have been getting it repaired frequently, it may be time to consider replacing it. Newer air conditioners are much more energy efficient and can save you money on energy bills. Additionally, newer units come with better features and improved performance. If your air conditioner is giving you trouble, contact Heat Wiser. We can help you decide if it’s time for a new unit and can quickly have a new air conditioner installed in Liverpool, NY.

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