Frequently Asked Questions

I am looking for a new heating & cooling system for my home

How much will a new system cost?

Please contact Harker Heating & Cooling for pricing or to schedule a free in home estimate.

Which equipment will best fit my home?

There are many factors that affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, duct sizing and arrangement, and many others. Harker Heating & Cooling will provide a free in home estimate to set you up with the right equipment.

What size system do I need for my home?

I need a new outdoor unit, but my indoor unit works fine. What are the advantages of replacing my whole system at the same time?

We recommend that your replace the indoor coil or air handler when replacing the outdoor unit. Both of these components are integral to the closed refrigerant loop and together determine the capacity and efficiency of your system. If you do not replace the indoor unit, there will be no test data available for the new combination to establish the expected capacity or efficiency of your system. Also, the indoor system may be partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency, and you may be faced in the near future with replacing the indoor unit after it fails and having to pay to have the closed refrigerant system opened again. It would be expensive and be another opportunity for contamination. You end up paying more. If your whole system is replaced, you will be less likely to need service in the near future.

Why is a matched system so important?

What are the advantages of units with variable speed fans?

Variable speed fans operate on a simple principle: they are able to spin at different speeds depending on the heating and cooling needs of your home. Usually, they operate at lower speeds, delivering a steady, reliable stream of warm or cool air to your home. This helps control humidity levels, utility costs and system noise. When conditions become more extreme, the fan speed increases so that the system can meet increased demand, guaranteeing that on even the hottest days or coldest nights, you’re comfort needs will be met.

I've heard a lot about new refrigerants. Do I need to think about them when buying a system?

What noise factors do I need to consider when selecting an air conditioner or heat pump?

The industry sound rating numbers are complicated and often difficult to understand. Sound rating is just one of these areas. A difference of 6 decibels (such as between 72 dB and 78 dB) is technically a four-fold increase in compressor sound when rating air conditioners or heat pump units. However, it takes a difference of 10 decibels to double the loudness. It is also noted that it takes approximately 3 decibels for the average human ear to discern any difference in loudness at all. In many cases, the sound rating isn't as significant a determiner of sound difference to listeners as is the sound characteristics or quality. One type of sound with a lower sound power rating may be more offensive to a homeowner than another with a higher sound power rating. There are other important considerations, such as location, when considering the effects of sound. Our overall product line offers homeowners significant choices.

Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than what my dealer quoted?

Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (geothermal or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the rating.

What is the difference between a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and an Extended parts and labor Warranty?

A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore, the warranty language limits it. Extended warranties are generally purchased in addition to the limited warranty. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for the duration of the warranty.

I have questions for my existing heating & cooling system

How often should I have my system cleaned and/or checked?

It is recomended to have your Air Conditioner cleaned and checked every spring and your furnace every fall to assure they will be ready for the season. Harker Heating & Cooling often has clean and check specials around these times.

What is the life expectancy of my unit?

Harker Heating & Cooling is commited to installing only the longest lasting heating and cooling products available. For your specific equipment, there are many variables that affect life expectancy, and of course, the regularity of routine maintenance.

Where can I get parts for my heating and cooling equipment?

Harker Heating & Cooling is the best resource for identifying and supplying the correct, current parts for your system, as well as pricing and availability. Call us today.

I need help troubleshooting a problem with my equipment. What should I do?

Harker Heating & Cooling is your troubleshooting expert, and is glad to help you.

How close to the outdoor unit should I plant shrubs or flowers?

Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need intake and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service.

Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?

Covering the unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes. In fact, rain helps keep your unit clean. Of course, because heat pumps run all year long, they should never be covered.

I have questions about my Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

I thought pollution was outside. Why should I be worried about my air indoors?

We spend 90% of our time every day indoors. Plus, today's efficient, airtight homes are excellent at conserving energy, but that also makes them better at trapping potentially irritating particles inside the home. With the rising number of people who suffer from allergies and asthma, indoor air quality has become more and more important to our general health and well-being.

I keep my home very clean. Could the air in my home still not be clean?

Yes. Consider that the average home generates 40 pounds of dust for every 1500 square feet of space. While regular home cleaning is an excellent measure to reduce exposure to irritants and pollutants, it's simply impossible to remove enough of the material by hand to make your home's air as comfortable as it can be.

Will anything help control the humidity in my house?

Humidity is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable-speed air-handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds, the variable-speed motor also uses much less electricity than conventional motors.

What does Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) mean?

Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) is recognized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a fair and objective measure of various air cleaner technologies. CADR provides the number of cubic feet of clean air a unit delivers each minute. A higher CADR means a greater amount of clean air is being delivered to your home.

What kinds of things are in my home air that might be affecting my family's health and comfort?

Other Questions

Why do my lights flicker when my air conditioner turns on?

Light flicker associated with the starting of appliances usually does not pose any safety problems and does not damage appliances. Proper wire connections and grounding are necessary to reduce flicker. Contractors and homeowners should check with their local utility regarding the appropriate wire size and transformer servicing the home. In cases where light dimming is related to the starting of a central air conditioner, and the previously discussed steps have not resolved the situation, manufacturers offer start assist kits that can be purchased which may help reduce flicker.

What is a hot surface igniter?

Unlike older-model gas furnaces that used a standing pilot light to ignite the burners on the furnace, many of today's models use an electronic ignition system. This includes a Hot Surface Igniter, sometimes referred to as a glow plug or glow stick. When there is a call for heat, the igniter receives electrical current in order to heat its surface and ignite the burners in the furnace.