A: There are a number of factors to consider when determining whether to repair or replace an existing system. Depending on the type and age of the unit you currently have installed you may be able to save a significant amount of money by replacing it with a newer, more energy efficient unit.

Systems manufactured as recently as eight to ten years ago are up to 60% less energy efficient than systems on the market today. That means that, in many cases, a new unit can pay for itself in lower energy costs in a very short time.

If you are facing a large repair on an older system it might be a good time to replace the unit instead of simply buying a few more years on a system that will eventually need replacing. If financing a new unit, the monthly energy savings can usually offset a majority of the cost of a new system.

A: The answer depends on a number of factors including the size of your home or office, the condition and configuration of the ductwork the energy source for your units and many others. The experienced professionals at Downing Heating Inc. can help you choose the system that best suits your needs. Through determining the physical requirements of your home or office along with your preferences and desires we can help you choose a unit that will match your needs and control recurring costs.

A: Manufacturers provide different guidelines for the life expectancy of their various heating and air conditioning units. In general, under normal operating conditions and provided that routine maintenance is conducted in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines you can expect your new unit to deliver dependable service for 18 to 24 years.

A: There are a number of things that you can do yourself to ensure the optimal operation and efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Here are a few:

The air filter in your furnace or fan coil should be inspected every 3 to 4 months. A dirty filter will cause your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump to work harder than necessary and will decrease the effectiveness and increase energy consumption.

Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of dirt and debris. You should also check the base pan under the unit to ensure that grass clippings, leaves and other material has not collected to ensure the unit drains properly.

Make sure your outdoor unit is level. Units may become unlevel due to shifts in the ground beneath the unit resulting in incomplete draining.

Annual inspections of your heating unit are advised. If dirt, soot or rust are detected in the unit’s combustion or vent system call a professional to diagnose and repair any problems to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your unit.

Humidifiers should be cleaned at the beginning of every heating season. You should consult your owners’ manual for complete instructions on cleaning in the interior and exterior components. The evaporator pad should be replaced annually. If the water in your area is high in mineral content you should consider employing a water softening unit or clean your humidifier more frequently.