FAQs

You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers...

When you have Heating & Air Conditioning questions, you can always contact Centsible Heating and Air Conditioning for answers.

Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions that other Centsible customers have had - you may find your answer right here. If you're unsure of some Heating & Air Conditioning terms, find definitions in our Glossary section below.

We welcome your questions! Please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Tax Credits and Rebates are available to me for using more energy efficient equipment?


The available tax credits and rebates can vary based upon your location, time of year, and other factors. For a current listing of the options for your region, visit the following sites:
  • Nationwide: Energy Star
  • Michigan: Efficiency United Program
  • Electric Ideas - Indiana Michigan Power


How long should my Heating and Air Conditioning System last?

Maintenance and service play a key role in the lifecycle of a heating or air conditioning system. If all recommended maintenance and service actions are taken, an air conditioner can last 12 to 15 years and a gas furnace 20 to 25 years.


How often should I service my Furnace?

Cleaning your furnace once a year in the fall is optimal. Lack of maintenance can and does void warranties. A heating system that is not maintained is a problem waiting to happen. At the very least, you will have escalating operating costs due to the inefficient running of your system and the eventual need for repairs. In the worst case, improperly maintained equipment powered by natural gas can compromise your safety by causing high levels of carbon monoxide, resulting in serious injury or death.


What type of Furnace filter should I use?

Standard furnace filters work well to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don't really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard furnace filter. When upgrading to a pleated media filter, you will remove virtually every unwanted element from your filtered air - including airborne viruses.A media filter can have a life exceeding two years, and its only drawback is that its tight fiber weave can cause your furnace to have to work harder to blow air through the house. Always choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity.


How often do I need to change my humidifier pad?

Once a year, after the heating season, your humidifier filter should be replaced in the early spring before you turn your air conditioner on. This will prevent mold and dirt from building up in the pan and on the pad.


Allergy and Asthma problems run in my family. How can I improve the air quality in my house?

The HVAC industry has been dealing with this issue for many years and has a variety of products that will help you improve the quality of the air you and your family breathe at home.


Air Cleaners

Air cleaners can improve your health by keeping your entire house cleaner, protect your furnishings and save you time and the aggravation of continuous dusting and cleaning. A whole-house cleaner can help provide relief from irritants - up to 40 times more efficiently than standard furnace filters.


Air Purifiers

An air purifier whole-house air filtration system is the most effective air cleaning system available. It thoroughly cleans and filters out 99.98% of airborne allergens that pass through the system. It is up to 100 times more effective than a standard 1" filter.


Filters

By switching out your filters once a month you can cut down on the amount of dust and pollutants in your air. Filters remove dust and other particles from the air such as pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, pet dander, and plant and mold spores. They also help to increase the energy efficiency and prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning system.


UV Germicidal Lamps

With an Ultraviolet (UV) Germicidal Lamp you will not just remove airborne contaminants, you will destroy them. Mold and bacteria can easily grow on air conditioning coils as a result of the normal condensation that takes place during the air conditioning process. A UV Germicidal Lamp is designed to kill that mold and bacteria by breaking down its DNA. The elimination of mold and bacteria will reduce your family's risk of allergic reactions and illnesses as well as ridding your house of foul odors.

What can I do before calling someone to service my system?

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are complicated networks of machinery that should be serviced by a certified professional. However, if your HVAC system seems to be malfunctioning, you can try a few basic steps, which may correct your problem, prior to calling a service professional. If you do not feel comfortable performing any of these tasks, however, do not hesitate to call an HVAC contractor.
  • Disconnect and reconnect your indoor and outdoor switches.
  • Make sure your circuit breakers are in the ON position.
  • Make sure your filters are clean.
  • Open supply and return vents and make sure they are unobstructed.
  • Check the settings on your thermostat.
  • Make sure the system switch is on the appropriate COOL or HEAT setting


How often should I service my Air Conditioner?

The rule of thumb is once a year in late spring or early summer.Proper air conditioning maintenance can help your unit last decades. On the flip-side, a neglected air conditioner loses roughly 5% of its efficiency each year that it operates without upkeep...

Filters and coils are both parts that require regular maintenance for your air conditioner to operate effectively and efficiently. Neglecting your unit leads to poor air conditioning performance and increased energy consumption. And regular maintenance is far less costly than repairs or a replacement.

By keeping your unit operating at peak performance, you will recover any money invested in upkeep by lower repair costs and savings on your electric bill.


What is Energy Star®?

Energy Star® is a program that was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses and individuals make energy efficient purchases.This program places the Energy Star® label, a small blue and white logo, on items that meet superior energy efficiency standards. This label provides an easy way for consumers to identify quality, high efficiency products.