FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: The following are frequently asked questions and helpful answers from Bowen Refrigeration, Heating and Cooling:

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A NEW SYSTEM. While your home has its unique needs, the best way to insure your overall comfort and health is to have your heating and cooling system provide the right balance of heating, air conditioning, air cleaning and humidification. No other system plays a larger part in how much you enjoy your time at home, or in how much you pay out to utility companies each month.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A NEW FURNACE? The three most important factors to evaluate when you are considering the purchase of a new furnace are quality, efficiency, and comfort features.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A NEW HEAT PUMP OR AIR CONDITIONER? While heat pumps and air conditioners require the use of some different components in your heating and cooling system, the three most important factors you should evaluate are essentially the same: quality, efficiency, and comfort features.

HOW DO I COMPARE THE PERFORMANCE OF HEATING AND COOLING PRODUCTS? There are basically three ways you can compare the performance of different models and brands: how much energy they use to heat or cool your home (efficiency); how much you notice their presence (sound levels); and how they make you feel (comfort).

WHY DO I NEED TO "MATCH" MY CONDENSING UNIT AND INDOOR COIL? Imagine you have four worn-out tires on your car and you decide to only replace two of them. You can still drive your car, but you will soon be disappointed with the inconsistent handling and the poor mileage you get. The unmatched tires simply aren't capable of the same level of performance. You could have these same kinds of problems with comfort and efficiency if the components of your central air conditioning or heat pump system are not properly matched. It takes teamwork. If you don't replace your indoor air conditioning unit when upgrading your outdoor condensing unit, your system could be up to 15% less efficient then stated and you will be less comfortable, too. In the long run, it isn't a bargain to replace only one unit.

WHAT SHOULD I ASK MY DEALER OR BUILDER BEFORE I PURCHASE A SYSTEM? Ask about quality, reliability, efficiency ratings, sound ratings, the right system for your unique comfort levels, and warranties for your long-term peace of mind.

WHAT SIMPLE MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING CAN I DO MYSELF? With the proper maintenance and care, your equipment will operate economically and dependably. Remember, before performing any kind of maintenance, consider these important safety precautions: disconnect electrical power (there may be more than one power connection switch); and be careful when you handle parts or reach into units (there may some sharp edges). Routine maintenance should include: checking the air filter or fan coil every 3-4 weeks; keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris; make sure your outdoor unit stays in a level position; ask your dealer about caring for your unit if you live in ocean environments; and inspect your furnace's combustion area and vent system before each heating season for dirt, soot or rust. If visible, do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired; and clean your humidifier at the beinning of every heating season.

WHEN SHOULD I REPAIR OLDER EQUIPMENT, OR DO I NEED TO REPLACE IT? When equipment breaks down, it can be tempting to find the least expensive "quick fix" to get on with your life in relative comfort. That "quick fix" may be the least expensive now, but it may not give you the most value or cost you the least in the long run. Paying for repairs to an old or inefficient system often simply prolongs the inevitable. There's also an ongoing cost factor to consider. Restoring your old system will only bring it back to its current level of energy efficiency. After you've recovered from the repair bills and the frustration of system breakdowns, you still won't save on your energy bills. Installing a new heating and cooling system can actually pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.

LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE. When one component of your system breaks down unexpectedly, it's easy to just focus on repairing or replacing that component. But each part of your system works with the others to boost efficiency and reliability. Replacing your old furnace with a new higher-efficiency model but leaving your old mechanical thermostat in place, for example, won't allow you to enjoy all the efficiency advantages the furnace has to offer. Likewise, if you install a new furnace but don't get a humidifier, the air will seem cooler, forcing you to operate your new system at a higher temerature to be comfortable. Plus, you can often save on installation costs if you have several components of your system (for example, a furnace and an air conditioner) replaced at the same time.