Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: I know you guys service air conditioners, but do you install new systems?
A: Absolutely. We routinely install new A/C systems Monday thru Friday and even on Saturday if required.
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Q: I just saw a Tune-Up advertised for $29.95. Why do you charge nearly twice as much?
A: Ahhhh. My favorite question. With the cost and overhead of running a business today, a contractor WILL LOSE MONEY if
they charge only $29.95 for a tune-up. We often see dishonest companies use a teaser rate like $29.95 to entice you to let
them in your home. Once there, they usually "find" several things wrong with your system. Your $29.95 tune-up can quickly
turn into a $295.00 call. Many of these companies send out untrained, commission-based "technicians" to do these
tune-ups. The more they "find" wrong, the more money they make. Beware of all deals that seem too good to be true. It is
much better to find an honest contractor that charges a fair price for their work and isn't looking to gouge you. Air Factor
would like a chance to earn your trust. Try us and see. Check our references.
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Q: What brands of Air Conditioners do you service?
A: Air Factor technicians are qualified to work on ALL MAKES AND MODELS.
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Q: After my air conditioner runs for a while, ice forms on the big pipe outside and it stops cooling. What could be the
problem?
A: More than likely, it’s either low on refrigerant or low on airflow. As a homeowner, replace your filter and allow the unit to
thaw out. If the problem reoccurs, call Air Factor to schedule service on your system. We recommend having annual
maintenance performed to keep your systems in peak operating conditions. Ask your Air Factor representative about our
energy saving Maintenance Agreement program.
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Q: How big of a furnace or air conditioner do I need for my home?
A: The only way to size a furnace or air conditioner for your home is to do a heat load calculation and to inspect your duct
work and air distribution system. The capacity needed is based upon how quickly your home gains or loses heat, not by
square footage alone. Manual J is an industry-approved method that Air Factor uses to insure the proper system is selected
for you and your home.
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Q: What does SEER and AFUE mean?
A: SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio”. Basically it tells you how efficiently it converts electricity to cooling
comfort. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. By federal law all units must be a 13 SEER or higher.
The SEER rating is similar to fuel efficiency of a car. The higher the miles per gallon (SEER), the less you spend on gasoline
(electricity).
AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency”. This rating tells you how much of your heating dollars are converted to
heat energy put into your home and how much is lost up the flue pipe. Most older furnaces are 50% to 60% efficient. That
means that for every dollar you spend for gas from your utility company, $.40 to $.50 cents are being sent up the flue pipe
to the outdoors. Federal law mandates that all furnaces being produced today be at least 80% efficient. (example: With
80% efficiency, that means that for every dollar you spend on gas from the utility company $.80 is converted to heat your
home and only $.20 is sent out the flue pipe.)
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Q: During the winter the fan occasionally shuts off on my heat pump outside unit, then restarts with a big puff of smoke.
What is wrong with it?
A: Nothing is wrong with your unit. What appears to be smoke is actually steam from the outdoor coil after it completes a
defrost cycle. After extended run times the outdoor unit will start to build frost or ice on the coil. The system is designed to
go in a defrost mode when needed to clear the ice away and keep the efficiency level up.
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Q: My furnace and air conditioner are both new, do I really need to have it cleaned?
A: Even though your system is new, it still should have annual maintenance performed. Most manufacturers require regular
maintenance by qualified people to keep the warranty in effect. Keeping your system maintained will give you assurance
that it is operating at peak efficiency and safety. Air Factor offers Maintenance Agreements Plans that allow you to
completely forget about maintenance hassles. We will automatically schedule the maintenance for you each year and take
care of everything.
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Q: Where should my thermostat be located?
A: To assure accurate temperature control, the thermostat should be mounted on an inside wall in a frequently occupied
space that best represents the building’s temperature. The thermostat should be mounted at least 18” from any outside
wall and approximately 5’ above the floor. DO NOT place the thermostat:
• Behind doors, in corners or other dead air spaces
• In direct sunlight or near lamps, appliances or other sources of heat
• On an outside wall or a wall exposed to an unconditioned space (e.g., garage, etc.)
• In the flow path of a supply register, in stairways or near outside doors
• On a wall where concealed pipes and/or ductwork will affect the thermostat
• Near sources of electrical interference such as arcing relay contacts
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Still have a question? Send us a note by clicking here. We may not always have the answer, but we know where to find
it. We will do our best to answer your question ASAP. You can also call us at 480-706-3333.
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