Because a person’s body temperature is 98.6 degrees, a heat pump running at a normal 90 degrees may feel cold to the touch. Even though this feels cold, it’s sufficient to heat your home to 70 degrees. As long as your thermostat is registering normally, your system is most likely running normally.

Most likely. However, because emergency heat is a powerful source of heat and very expensive, it’s typically only used if an outdoor pump has failed. If you set the heat to the ‘E’ setting, the emergency heat will come on automatically.

Trim plants and bushes around the unit to provide at least 12 inches of clearance for airflow. Keep pets away from the outdoor unit, as the acid in pet urine is corrosive and will deteriorate the metal. Have the unit serviced annually to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper airflow.

If the electric rates haven’t increased and it isn’t an unusually cold winter, this could indicate a problem with your system. Within the air handler on your heat pump system is a set of electric heaters that serve as a backup to your outdoor unit during the winter.

If the outdoor unit isn’t working properly, the electric heaters will run more frequently to meet the heating demand of the home. There are also controls involved with the operation of the electric heaters that may be malfunctioning and letting the heaters stay on when they shouldn’t be.

In making this decision, there are three factors to consider:

• Life expectancy of current system: When your equipment breaks down, you may be tempted to go just repair it. However, if your equipment is getting older, it may be more cost-efficient, in the long run, to replace the equipment instead of paying for many repairs and then for replacement.
• Operating cost: As equipment ages, it becomes less efficient. Even six-year-old heat pumps and ACs are considered grossly inefficient by today’s energy standards. Repairing your equipment may fix the immediate problem, but it doesn’t address energy efficiency, so that should be factored into overall costs. Installing a new HVAC system can pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.
• Looking at the big picture: Although you may be tempted to only address the broken component, all components of your system work together to boost efficiency and reliability. For example, if you replace your furnace with a new model but leave the old thermostat, you’re missing out on the efficiencies of the newer furnace. You can also save on installation costs if you upgrade several components at once.

Buying the wrong size equipment: Many people replace their HVAC systems with the wrong size equipment. The results include high utility bills, buildup of unhealthy mold in the ductwork, damaged equipment, and uncomfortable living conditions. This can be avoided by getting an accurate load calculation from your technician.

This is determined by your home’s physical characteristics and accounts for your family’s needs. This, and a detailed system analysis, will correctly verify the proper size equipment for your home.

Choosing the lowest price: Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Essentially every service professional is installing the same heating and AC equipment, and in many cases, the only difference is the name on the equipment, not the price.

There are also laws that regulate how systems are installed, so when bids are lower, you’re saving on installation costs vs. equipment costs. That begs the question: Are the technicians qualified? Are they taking shortcuts or leaving anything out?

Installation delays: You shouldn’t have to wait days for a heating and AC estimate or even longer to have your system installed. Many companies hire helpers or high school co-op students to work with mechanics. Because mechanics don’t specialize in installing any particular type of system and they lack support, installations can be delayed.

Using untrustworthy & unqualified contractors: Choosing the right home service professional can mean the difference between having a horribly expensive experience and an experience you can’t wait to share with friends and family. Here are some ways to make sure you choose the right contractor for you:

• Research. Doing a little homework on the service will set you up for success in choosing the right contractor. You don’t need to become a technical expert, but a little research will help you ask the right questions and assess the contractor’s answers and experience.
• Get three or four contractor referrals from people you know and trust. These kinds of referrals go a lot further than references from people you don’t know. You’re more likely to get honest, thoughtful feedback from people you know.
• After identifying a few prospects, make sure each is located locally and has a physical address. Then, call the Better Business Bureau to verify the company information.
• Interview contractors. Take time to meet with each contractor and ask your questions.

Not getting a written guarantee: Make sure the contractor you choose stands behind their products and services. If they don’t provide a written, no-hassle, no-questions-asked warranty, you may not want to use them.

You need to be sure you and your family are protected from unforeseen breakdowns. Also, make sure the guarantee includes a performance guarantee, investment guarantee, and a real 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Puron is a trademark name that represents refrigerant (R410A) and is environmentally friendly. It contains no chlorine atoms, which makes it less harmful to the environment. It’s currently being introduced into the industry and is considered a long-term alternative to current refrigerants. New equipment is currently available that contains this environmentally friendly refrigerant.