Ashley Heating & Air

Check out our frequently asked questions Questions Answers Does the contractor I choose really make a difference? According to leading consumer and trade magazines, the US Department of Energy, PSE and PUD, the heating and cooling contractor you choose does make a difference. The same equipment can be installed in the same home by two different contractors, and there can be a difference in comfort, equipment efficiency, and overall life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How should I choose a heating and cooling contractor? Look for contractors that are fully complete. A "Manual J' heat load analysis to properly size any new equipment. Make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured, and ask for proof of this. Be sure they permit all applicable work. Check their record with the state Attorney General's office, Better Business Bureau and referral services like "Dial 411". Lastly, seek referrals from friends, family and neighbors with similar values and needs. If they've been happy, odds are that you'll be happy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do I really need a permit to install my new comfort system? Yes. Not only are they required by law, but a permit also allows for third-party inspection of your new comfort system. This ensures that your system meets all local code requirements, and will operate safely. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How do I know what size unit our house needs? According to The Department of Energy, PUD and industry standards, the only way to properly size a home heating or cooling system is to complete a "Manual J" heat load analysis. This takes into account many factors such as size of the house, climate, the number and type of windows installed, insulation, floor coverings, appliances, and even the number of people living in the house. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What do equipment rating numbers mean? The U.S. government requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning and heating equipment. The rating reflects the percentage of energy used efficiently, with higher ratings indicating higher-efficiency. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does AFUE stand for? Gas heating appliances are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE; the higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit. The current minimum rating required by federal standards is 80 AFUE. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 90 AFUE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is a SEER? Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER; The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. The current minimum SEER rating required by federal standards is 13 SEER. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 14 SEER. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does HSPF stand for? Heat pump equipment in the heating mode is rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF; the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 8.2 HSPF. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Should a thermostat be set to "auto" or "on"? This depends on how you use your home comfort system. If set to "auto", the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. However, there are advantages to using the "on" setting. Air is constantly filtered through the unit's filter, and the constantly circulating air results in a more even temperature throughout the house. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Will a furnace run on propane? Yes, using a propane conversion kit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the operating cost comparison between a gas and propane furnace? Depending on fuel prices, a gas furnace is about 40% less expensive. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is natural gas better than oil heat? Gas is cleaner, more efficient, and less expensive (up to 50%). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the benefit of a 2-stage furnace? It warms more gently, only using the higher stage when needed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is a "variable speed" blower fan? Variable speed "smart fans" are very quiet, and can alter air flow based on the needs of your home, creating more even temperatures and increased comfort. They also allow for constant airflow, providing increased filtration of the air in your home with low overall energy consumption. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are 80% furnaces more reliable than 90% furnaces? No, in fact 90% furnaces use the highest quality components and materials like stainless steel to increase reliability, and lifespan. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can I add Air Conditioning to my existing home comfort system? That depends on the size of the blower fan in your existing furnace, the capacity of your duct system, and the cooling needs of your home. Our Comfort Consultants can inform you of your options, along with the cost and benefits of each. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How much electricity is needed to run an air conditioner? 220 volts. If you do not have this service available, we can arrange for an electrician to install it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the difference between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump? Air conditioners work by transferring heat from inside your home to outside, effectively lowering the indoor temperature. Heat pumps work exactly the same way in the summer, but in the winter they can reverse the temperature exchange, providing one of the most efficient forms of heat available. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do Heat Pumps heat well? Heat pumps heat more gently and evenly than furnaces, so if you're used to a blast of hot air from your vents, you'll have to get used to the new type of heat. They are, however, one of the most efficient forms of heat available, and work best when you set them to maintain a constant indoor temperature. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can I heat my home with just a Heat Pump? No. Heat pumps gradually lose efficiency as the temperature drops. They typically need some help to heat your home when the outdoor temperature drops below about 35-degrees. This can be from a gas furnace (hybrid system), or an electric furnace or air handler. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How much will a new comfort system cost? That depends on the type of system you want, the size of the system required, and the condition of the work area, ductwork and other factors affecting the installation. We can give you an exact price after a consultation with one of our Comfort technicians. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Where should I set my thermostat for central AC in the summer? Generally, you should set your thermostat where you feel comfortable. But we recommend keeping your thermostat at 73-degress or higher in the summer. Lowering your thermostat below 73 can cause your indoor coil to freeze up, leaving you stuck without any AC until it thaws! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can I buy a comfort system from you and install it myself? No. Ashley stands behind every comfort system we sell. We can't do that if you install it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If I buy a comfort system somewhere else, will you install it? No. Ashley stands behind every comfort system we sell. We can't do that without the support of the manufacturer, and a clear history of the equipment we are installing.