"We Guarantee Your Comfort"

FAQs

Q.  What does HSPF stand for?
A.

Heat pump equipment in the heating mode is rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF; the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit. The minimum rating for Energy Star compliance is 8.2 HSPF. The highest efficiency heat pumps will meet or exceed 9 HSPF.
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Q.  Should a thermostat be set to "auto" or "on"?
A. If set to "auto", the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. This is the most efficient setting. However, there are advantages to using the "on" setting. Air is constantly filtered through the unit's filter, and the constantly circulating air results in a more even temperature throughout the house.
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Q.  Will a furnace run on propane?
A. Yes, using a propane conversion kit.
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Q.  What is the operating cost comparison between a gas and propane furnace?
A. Depending on fuel prices, a gas furnace is about 40% less expensive.
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Q.  Why is natural gas better than oil heat?
A. Gas is cleaner, more efficient, and less expensive (up to 50%).
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Q.  What is the benefit of a multi-stage furnace?
A. It warms more gently, only using the higher stages when needed.
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Q.  What is a "variable speed" blower fan?
A. Variable speed "smart fans" are very quiet, and can alter air flow based on the needs of your home, creating more even temperatures and increased comfort. They also allow for constant airflow, providing increased filtration of the air in your home with low overall energy consumption.
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Q.  Are 80% furnaces more reliable than 90% furnaces?
A. No. There have been great strides made in increasing the reliability of 90% furnaces. If you purchase a quality furnace AND it is installed properly, you shouldnt see any real difference between the life of an 80% and 90% furnace.
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Q.  Can I add Air Conditioning to my existing home comfort system?
A. That depends on the size of the blower fan in your existing furnace, the capacity of your duct system, and the cooling needs of your home. Our consultants can inform you of your options, along with the cost and benefits of each.
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Q.  How much electricity is needed to run an air conditioner?
A. 220 volts. If you do not have this service available, we can arrange for an electrician to install it.
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Q.  What is the difference between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump?
A. Air conditioners work by transferring heat from inside your home to outside, effectively lowering the indoor temperature. Heat pumps work exactly the same way in the summer, but in the winter they can reverse the temperature exchange, providing one of the most efficient forms of heat available.
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Q.  Do Heat Pumps heat well?
A. Heat pumps heat more gently and evenly than furnaces, so if youre used to a blast of hot air from your vents, youll have to get used to the new type of heat. They are, however, one of the most efficient forms of heat available, and work best when you set them to maintain a constant indoor temperature.
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Q.  Can I heat my home with just a Heat Pump?
A. No. Heat pumps gradually lose efficiency as the temperature drops. They typically need some help to heat your home when the outdoor temperature drops below about 35-degrees. This can be from a gas furnace (hybrid system), or an electric furnace or air handler.
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Q.  I turned my thermostat to cool, but my home won?t cool down. What?s wrong?
A. Locate your outdoor AC unit (see our products page if youre unsure what it looks like), and check to make sure that it is running when your thermostat calls for cooling. If it is not running, or if it is running but is not cooling your home, turn it off at the thermostat and have it inspected by a qualified technician immediately.
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Q.  Where should I set my thermostat for central AC in the summer?
A. Generally, you should set your thermostat where you feel comfortable. But we recommend keeping your thermostat at 73-degress or higher in the summer. Lowering your thermostat below 73 can cause your indoor coil to freeze up, leaving you stuck without any AC until it thaws!
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Q.  Will a tankless water heater give me instant hot water?
A. No. While tankless water heaters only heat water when you need it, that water still takes time to travel through your home. When properly sized and installed, a tankless water heater will provide endless hot water, so cold showers will be a thing of the past. They can also save energy costs by eliminating the need to heat stored water.
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Q.  How much will a new comfort system cost?
A. That depends on the type of system you want, the size of the system required, and the condition of the work area, ductwork and other factors affecting the installation. We can give you an exact price after a consultation with one of our Consultants.
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Q.  Can I buy a comfort system from you and install it myself?
A. No. Plumb Line stands behind every comfort system we sell. We cant do that if you install it.
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Q.  If I buy a comfort system somewhere else, will you install it?
A. No. Plumb Line stands behind every comfort system we install. We cant do that without the support of the manufacturer, and a clear history of the equipment we are installing.
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