FAQs About Heating & Cooling

Let’s face it, winters and summers bring forth a variety of questions about your HVAC system. Whether you’re wondering how to save money on energy bills or when to replace your air conditioner, we’ve got the answers for you. Turn to AJ Danboise for all your heating and cooling needs!

How does current forced air gas heating technology work?

The thermostat senses that the room temperature is cooler than the set temperature and signals the furnace to come on. Inside the furnace, a small exhaust vent blower comes on to force the unused vent gas out the flue. This, in turn, allows gas and air into the "heat exchanger" to be ignited by a glow bar. When the gas begins to burn, it heats up the metal "heat exchanger." The furnace blower then comes on and blows the air warmed by the heat exchanger into the room through your duct system and registers. Ultimately, you and your family feel warmer.

If I am going to replace my old gas-guzzler furnace, do I need to replace it with the same BTU capacity?

In most cases the answer is NO, you won't need as large an input furnace. With today's furnaces obtaining 80% to 90% in efficiency, you just don't need as large a furnace. The old "gas guzzlers" were wasting almost half of their heat up the flue vent to the outside and not into your home. An AJ Danboise comfort specialist can help you decide which system is right for your home.

How will I know it's time to replace my system?

When your system starts giving you more problems and the problems are not cost effective to repair, particularly when major components such as the compressor start making unusual noises or otherwise indicating need for service, it’s time for a replacement. Because newer equipment is more energy efficient, the money you save in reduced utility costs might pay back your purchase price of a new system years earlier than you may think.

How important is my heating and cooling system?

One of the most important investments in your home you’ll ever make is an improvement in your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality system. These systems are vital to your family’s comfort and health. Although it is not glamorous, good home comfort equipment that is correctly installed can increase the value of your home, prevent costly repair bills, and even help improve some health problems. If your furnace is very old and you replace it with a new highly efficient model, you could see a savings of up to 40% in your gas bill.

Is there anything I need to do to get my heating system ready for winter?

Most heating systems are quite reliable and will provide you with quick, comfortable heat when you need it, providing you take good care of the system. Have your furnace inspected by one of our professional technicians before the cold, harsh winter sets in.

What causes cracks to form in a gas furnace heat exchanger?

In the normal course of gas furnace operation, the heat exchanger experiences repeated heating and cooling, which causes a corresponding expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger metal. As the heat exchanger ages over the years, cracks will tend to form in areas of the heat exchanger that are weak, such as the areas that have been welded together. More weak spots and holes will form as a result of corrosion. Corrosion of the heat exchanger often signifies problems with the exhaust venting. It is always a good idea to have us inspect your furnace once a year.

What are some ideas for saving on your heating bills?

Try lowering your thermostat setting a few degrees, especially while you sleep. Changing it from 72 degrees to 67 degrees could save up to 10%. You can also have AJ Danboise install a programmable set back thermostat that will do this automatically. Check your home over carefully for air leaks, especially around windows, doors, electrical switches, and outlet plates on outside walls. Make sure your fireplace damper is tightly closed when the fireplace isn't in use. Glass fireplace doors can reduce the loss of heated air when you are using the fireplace. Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilation fans sparingly in cold weather. Exhaust fans remove a very large amount of heated air. Make sure heating registers and air returns are not blocked with furniture and personal items. Have your furnace system cleaned and properly adjusted annually. A dirty gas furnace can be a real gas-guzzler! Consider replacing your old, inefficient heating system with a new high-efficient energy-saving 95% efficient gas furnace.

How long should a central air conditioner last?

The useful "life" of an air conditioner can vary greatly. Such factors as climate, maintenance, and quality and capacity of the original equipment can increase or decrease the service a system will give by months or even years. On average, a residential central air conditioner will last from 10 to 15 years.

My air conditioning is not working—what can I do?

One of the most common causes of failure is that someone has switched off the power supply, so check that circuit breakers and fuses are all working. Another common cause is blocked air filters, so check that they are clean. If all else fails and you are still having a problem, contact our service department and we’ll send out a qualified technician and have your air conditioner fixed in no time.

How serious is indoor air pollution?

Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution also can have significant harmful effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels.

How can I improve indoor air quality?

The first step to improving your indoor air quality is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating these sources to the extent feasible is the most effective way to clean the air.

Chemicals in carpets, household cleaners, furniture, and building materials, just to mention a few, all contribute to poor indoor air quality. Damp basements and other areas where standing water is prevalent can become the breeding grounds for pollutants such as mold, mildew, and other microbes. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit will contribute to a healthier living environment.

While not every pollution source can be eliminated completely, ventilation plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. However, in an effort to increase energy efficiency, today’s homes are being built tighter, making it increasingly difficult to have the proper amount of exchange between indoor and outdoor air. Improper ventilation can lead to an increase in the concentration of pollutants inside your home. To increase ventilation, open doors and windows, particularly when you are using cleaning agents. Also, make sure to operate any exhaust fans your home may have.

A third way you can minimize the concentration of pollutants in your indoor air is by thoroughly cleaning your living spaces. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust particles in the air. Washing bedding in hot water is the only way to kill dust mites. Not only will your indoor air quality improve, but your furnishings will benefit as well.

Although these methods are effective, not all airborne particles can be removed. Some particles are so small, they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. To capture these particles, products such as electronic air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters can be beneficial. AJ Danboise can explain the advantages of our complete line of indoor air quality products. Your family’s health and comfort are priorities and working together, we can help to provide you with a breath of fresh air.

Why is my throat dry?

Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments. It is recommended that your home maintain a humidity level between 20 and 60 percent. During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and the level may drop to as low as 10 percent. A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.

The start of the heating season each fall causes many people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter weather is blamed for these problems but the actual cause may be dryness, which develops in the membranes of the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

What are the benefits of installing a humidifier?

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, and properly maintained levels of humidity are beneficial for your respiratory system.

Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers; they add moisture to the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. Whole-house humidifiers use water mist instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at the desired humidity level.