FAQ'S
General Questions
Standard fiberglass 1-inch filters (MERV 2-5) are the best for airflow, efficiency, and system capacity. Most household only need this type of filters. Households with family members who have chronic respiratory disorders or allergies benefit from specialized filters. Restrictive pleated filters are used to reduce circulating allergens and pollutants. Because these filters reduce air volume going through the system, your system works harder to heat/cool your home.
We recommend a high-flow-capacity media air cleaner. You get good filtration with less air restriction. Alternatively, you can use high capacity pleated filters and change them at least every three months. We help you select which filters fit your needs.
The system that heats and cools your house requires regular, seasonal maintenance. We recommend two yearly maintenance checks (spring and fall). Equipment needs inspecting, cleaning, lubricating and replacing over time.
Doing this ensures the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the system. Save money with preventive maintenance by extending the lifespan of your HVAC system.
Warranty coverage varies according to the type of equipment and manufacturer. Coverage is based on the specific model/serial number and installation date of your system. We recommend the systems with the longest and most complete warranties for similar products.
Note, warrantees for replacement parts are usually much shorter than for original parts. We help you figure out if your equipment coverage. Please call Dr. J’s, for detailed information.
The day is divided into three-hour windows. We always call ahead to let you know when we are on the way. We can also contact you on your cell phone or text message to better fit your schedule.
Yes. We offer limited plumbing services. We provide gas/electric water heater and water filter service/installation. We also service and install boilers and tankless water heaters.
Air Conditioning FAQs
The average lifespan for an air conditioning system is 12 to 15 yrs., but some systems last longer. The life span depends on many variables: proper installation, routine maintenance, actual usage, and location. To ensure that you get the most out of your system, you need to have regular professional maintenance.
Sometimes we recommend replacing older units that aren’t having any problems. Because newer units are often more efficient. We review with you the potential cost savings of replacement verses keeping your existing unit.
No. You should not have to regularly add refrigerant to a system, however. If your system is found to be low on refrigerant, a technician can leak check the system to determine the source of the leak.
It may be repairable, or it may signal the need to replace a component of your system.
The diagnostic charge includes a site visit to your home. We systematically test and evaluate your system. Our technician describes the problem(s) and costs of repairs or replacements. We waive the diagnostic fee with repairs, more than $250. Be careful. Often companies that waive all diagnostic fees have “hidden charges” and higher prices.
In most instances, leaking evaporator coils are not repairable. Coils are made of metals which corrode and breakdown. Breakdown starts as microscopic pinholes which become larger holes. Refrigerant escapes out of the holes and into the air circulating in your home.
In some instances, evaporator coils are be repairable. Depending on how old a component is, the cost of a repair may approach the replacement cost of a new component.
Generally speaking, no. When your house is too hot or cold, installing a bigger A/C or furnace seems like the logical way to make your home more comfortable. Leaky ducts could be the problem.
According to the National Comfort Institute, the average HVAC system is only operating at 40-60% of its rated capacity because of insufficient ductwork and insulation, poor airflow. We check your ductwork before recommending bigger systems. Doc J’s designs right sized and balanced systems. Our contractor is certified in residential HVAC home design by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
“Variable speed (VS)” is the term the HVAC industry uses to describe the blower motor in your furnace or air handler. Variable speed blowers ramp up and down slowly, creating a gentler on/off cycle to your system. High humidity can often be a problem during hot Oklahoma summers. The ability to slow the blower down helps dehumidify. When VS motors are properly tied into your system, the motor speed will adjust to meet your climatization needs. Additionally, VS motors can be adjusted to maximize air flow in complicated duct systems.
Today most homes have HVAC systems that have only two stages, on or off. Your entire system is running at full capacity or it is not running at all. Sometimes you may be too hot or cold. Running at full capacity causes more wear and tear on equipment and isn’t the most efficient way to use it.
In HVAC terms “Staging” is changing your system’s work and capacity to meet your needs. For example, the system will use low stages to save energy and improve comfort during mild weather and ramp up when it’s warmer. Staging systems can be complex. Some include; variable speed blower motors and compressors, baffling systems, thermostats, relays, and central control boards. ]
We focus on the basics first. We assemble the right equipment and insulation, ensure adequate ventilation and air exhaustion. Then we discuss more complex options.
New sounds, vibrations, smells or water accumulations are warning signs that you could have a problem with your system. Higher than expected energy bills often mean that your system isn’t functioning properly and needs repair or servicing.
Call us and we will diagnosis and fix your problem, so that you can be comfortable in your home.
Heating FAQs
We service all brands of gas and electric furnaces. We recommend models made by American Standard, Bryant, Carrier, Rheem and Trane. These companies have long histories of equipment durability and customer satisfaction.
The average lifespan for heating system is 15 to 20 yrs., but some systems can last longer. The life span depends on proper installation, routine maintenance, actual usage, and location. To ensure that you get the most out of your system, you need to have regular professional maintenance.
If your heating system is working well, we usually don’t recommend changes. However, if you energy cost are high, newer 95% plus efficiency furnaces may save you money over the life span of the furnace. Generous rebates from power companies make high efficiency furnaces more affordable. Repeated and frequent repairs is another reason to replace your furnace. We will review with you the potential cost savings of replacements.
Main features on today’s efficient furnaces are variable speed motors, variable heat output, air filtration and zoned heating.
- Variable Speed motors can deliver warm air slower by varying the speed of the blower motor depending on the amount of heat needed. This feature helps reduce drafts and temperature swings.
- Variable heat output is a feature available with some variable speed blowers. This feature changes the intensity of the heat output between two levels which can increase efficiency and comfort.
- Air filtration involves fitting your furnace with an electrostatic filter, which uses an electrical charge to trap particles. A high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter also reduces the amount of dust and allergens blown through your system. These special filters most benefit people with asthma or other chronic respiratory diseases.
- Zoned Heating uses many thermostats, a central controller and a series of dampers that control airflow to different parts of your home. This feature is most useful for homes with many levels or specialty room which have different heating needs.
AFUE stands for annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency heating. This measures how efficiency a furnace converts gas into heating energy. AFUE is measured as a percentage. The higher the AFUE number the more heat that a furnace can get from each therm of gas. For example, older furnaces from the 1970’s had average AFUE’s of 65%. Today the minimum AFUE standard is 80%. More and more furnaces feature 95% AFUE. These furnaces are more expensive but rebates from power companies are making them more affordable. The more efficient furnaces produce less emissions and so are more environmentally friendly.
The diagnostic charge includes a site visit to your home. We systematically test and evaluate your system. Our technician describes the problems (s), repair or replacement costs. We waive the diagnostic fee with repairs, over than $250. Beware. Often companies that waive all diagnostic fees have “hidden charges” and higher prices.
Generally speaking, no. When your house is too hot or cold, installing a bigger A/C or furnace seems like the logical way to make your home more comfortable. Leaky ducts could be the problem.
According to the National Comfort Institute, the average HVAC system is only operating at 40-60% of its rated capacity because of insufficient ductwork and insulation, poor airflow.
We check your ductwork before recommending bigger systems. Doc J’s designs right sized and balanced systems. Our contractor is certified in residential HVAC home design by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).