FAQs

How important is an air filter in my cooling and heating system?

It's a fact: the trapped air we breathe in our homes can be loaded with dust, pollen, plant spores, and other pollutant particles. In many cases, it's worse than the air outside.

After my air conditioner runs for a while, ice forms on the big pipe outside and it stops cooling. What could be the problem?

More than likely, it's either low on refrigerant or low on airflow. As a homeowner, replace your filter and allow the unit to thaw out. If the problem reoccurs, call Rodmans Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule service on your system. We recommend having annual maintenance performed to keep your systems in peak operating conditions.

What does SEER and AFUE mean?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The total cooling of an air conditioner during its normal annual usage period for cooling divided by the total electrical energy input in watt-hours during the same period. This is a good guide for comparing air conditioners. Generally speaking, for each point improvement in SEER, you will receive 5-10% improvement in electric usage for that air conditioner

BTU stands for the British Thermal Unit. It is a unit of heat energy in the inch-pound unit system, which is common today in North America. The Btu is defined as the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit from 58.5 to 59.5. A Btu is commonly used to indicate the heating and cooling capacity of a system, heat losses, and heat gains. To give an example of system capacity, a 10,000 Btu window air conditioner is capable of removing 10,000 Btus of heat per hour. To give an example in terms of heat gains, the typical heat gain added to a room by a person at rest is about 230 Btu/hour.

What size air conditioner do I need for my house?

Sizing a residential heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit depends on such variables as geographic location, orientation to the sun, construction details, insulation values, window area and type, etc. Under sizing a system may lead to warmer or cooler temperatures than desired by some occupants. Over sizing the system may lead to humidity or moisture control problems in the space.

My furnace and air conditioner are both new; do I really need to have them cleaned?

Yes!! Even though your system is new, it still needs to have annual maintenance performed. This will help keep the warranty in effect. All equipment manufacturers state in the terms of their warranty that annual maintenance must be performed by a qualified technician. Keeping your system maintained will give you assurance that it is operating at peak efficiency and safety.

Should I repair or replace old equipment?

When you're frustrated with an equipment break-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 many 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. It's almost like putting a bandage on a serious injury. An older system that breaks down once is likely to break down again and again. That means more emergency service calls or worse yet, the risk of damage to your home or to other components of your heating and cooling system. 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. Even six year old air conditioners are considered inefficient by today's energy efficiency standards. So are most furnaces built before 1980. You could save up to 60% on your energy bills with new high-efficiency equipment. That's why installing a new heating and cooling system can actually pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.

Why do I need Extended Warranty Protection?

Parts and labour costs continue to go up. One service call to replace a minor part can easily cost $200.00 or more.

Do I need a new heating and air conditioning system in order to purchase extended warranty protection?

No! Along with extended warranties designed for new systems, Rodmans Heating and Air Conditioning offers extended warranties for existing systems for units up to 20 years old.

What do these plans cover?

Labour and parts for products which fall under normal wear. It does not cover normal maintenance.

Could there be any charges for service?

Yes. The extended warranties offered do not cover maintenance or damage due to external causes.

How do I pay for this protection?

At the time of purchase. This is a one time charge for the life of the coverage.