Heating FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We've categorized the products we sell, in ascending order of features and benefits, in the following categories: Budget, Standard, Deluxe, Premium and Supreme. Not all manufacturers have a product in each category. Our opinion of the respective categories is based on the price of the product relative to its other features and benefits.

Budget Models:

These models tend to be the cheapest products on the market. They are the lowest efficiency (10 SEER* AC, 78-80% AFUE**), have the lowest purchase cost, and are commonly used by builders in speculative homes, condo, and apartment projects. Landlords and property managers, looking for the lowest price when choosing replacement equipment for their rental properties, also often purchase these models. This category may be the best choice if you don't pay the utility bill and aren't responsible to replace the unit if it should fail again in the next few years. Nearly every manufacturer has both a furnace and an air conditioner in this category. These are often the models quoted in newspaper ads or used in phone quotes as a "loss leader" in order for a company to get their foot in your door.

Standard Models:

These models tend to be about the same efficiency range as the "budget" models. A 10 SEER* for AC, 78-80% AFUE** for furnaces, but are a step up in reliability and manufacturer's reputation. These units are ofen used in new home construction, but only higher end, custom homes. The air conditioners are usually somewhat quieter than budget models. Built by well-known reputable manufacturers, these units are a good choice if operating cost is not as important to you as the reliability and manufacturer's reputation.

Deluxe Models:

These models are the next step up in efficiency from the standard models and have a better warranty. The furnaces and air conditioners are a little quieter than the standard models and have better reliability track records than "standard" models based on our experience. They are built by well-known major manufacturers with superior quality track records and have good local distribution. These units are the best value when looking for value in the short term (1-5 years).

Premium Models:

Our premium category furnaces and air conditioners are another step up in quality, reliability, and warranty. Built by well-known manufacturers, they have excellent warranties and features not always represented by the lesser-known manufacturers. Furnaces have 2 stage burners that provide superior comfort and are quieter operating than standard single capacity units. Air conditioners are among the quietest on the market, are considered high efficiency, and have SEER* rating of at least 12. An excellent long-term value (5 years +), these models offer a great combination of price, warranty, and durability with tried and true technology.

Supreme Models:

Our supreme category furnaces and air conditioners are the very best the industry has to offer. They are top in technology, top quality, reliability and warranty. Built by the best-known manufacturers, they have superior warranties and features not usually available from the lesser-known manufacturers. Furnaces have 2 stage burners and variable speed blowers that provide superior comfort, are the quietest on the market, and are the very highest efficiency and have lowest operating costs available. Air conditioners are among the quietest on the market and many use R-410A refrigerant which has no chlorine and will not be phased out in 2010 as R-22 units will be. SEER* ratings of at least 13. These models are the best value, when you are looking for long term value (10+ years).

*SEER: (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) A measure of the air conditioner's efficiency when cooling. The higher the SEER numbers the higher the efficiency, when installed properly. The government's minimum SEER rating is 10. Energy Star labeled equipment must have a minimum SEER of 12.

**AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) A measure of a furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the product. The US government's established minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 78%. To qualify for the Energy Star label the minimum efficiency for furnaces is 90%

***BTU The amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Heat energy is measured in Btu's. The higher the BTU rating the more heating capacity of the equipment.

What steps should I take to maintain my furnace?

Although most people realize how important proper maintenance is for their home comfort system, few actually take the time to do it. The simple step of changing your furnace filter every month is one of the most important things a homeowner can do to help increase the life and efficiency of their furnace. The EPA, manufacturers, and industry professionals, recommend yearly safety inspections for both your furnace and your central air conditioner. We agree that it is a good idea to have the integrity of your furnace checked every year. This is important for you and your family's safety. However, a simple safety check is not enough. We recommend a yearly Precision Tune-Up & Professional Cleaning which includes a full safety check. This service will help keep your heating equipment in top operating efficiency, minimize your gas bill, GUARANTEE your comfort, and give you "peace of mind".

Why does the EPA recommend a yearly safety check for my furnace?

The EPA, and manufacturers, recommend yearly safety inspections for both your furnace and your central air conditioner. This is important for you and your family's safety. One well-known cause of carbon monoxide poisoning is due to a rusted or corroded heat exchanger on a furnace. This can cause the integrity of the metal to be breached, thus creating an opening for the gas to be released into the stream of clean, breathable air. This can happen over a period of time and can go undetected unless a professional technician performs an inspection.

We agree that it is a good idea to have the integrity of your heating and air conditioning system checked every year. However, a simple safety check is not enough. Like automobiles, which need regular oil changes to keep them running smoothly, and tune-ups to keep them running efficiently, your home comfort equipment needs to be cleaned and fine-tuned to run at optimal efficiency. We recommend a yearly Precision Tune-Up & Professional Cleaning, which includes a full safety check. This service will put your heating equipment in top operating efficiency, can help save you money by preventing future breakdowns, minimize your gas bill, GUARANTEE your comfort, and give you "peace of mind".

What is the difference between a safety check and a Precision Tune-Up & Professional Cleaning?

Thompson & Sons Air Furnace Safety Checkup consist of an 11pt. Inspection which includes the following furnace components:

Burners & Pilot Assembly
Heat Exchanger Integrity
Flue integrity & Draft
Combustible Materials
Combustion Air Supply
Natural Gas Leaks
Rollout/Backdraft Switches
Fan & Limit Controls
Electrical Components
Safety Pressure Switches
Blower, Belt & Filter
Checking these vital components will insure that your system is running safely, help reduce breakdowns, and improve the efficiency of your system. We take the time (45 minutes to 1 ½ hours) to thoroughly clean and adjust components vital to the safety, efficiency, and life expectancy of your furnace. A Precision Tune-up and Professional Cleaning consists of all the safety checkpoints, plus an additional 11 steps:

Clean Burners
Clean Pilot & Orifice
Clean Burner Box
Check Ignitor & Flame Sensor
Adjust Gas Pressure
Clock Gas Meter
Adjust Primary Air Mixture
Pull & Air Wash Blower
Lube Motor & Blower Bearings
Check All Electrical Connections
Clean Diverter & Flue Connector
This service will put your heating equipment in top operating efficiency, can help save you money by preventing future breakdowns, help save you money by minimizing your gas bill, GUARANTEE your comfort and give you "peace of mind".

What is an Extra Privilege Agreement?

EPA: Extra Privilege Agreement. An EPA agreement is a program where we schedule preventive maintenance at pre-arranged times to keep your heating & cooling equipment in top operating condition. You are provided with precision tune-ups and professional cleanings on both your furnace and air conditioner. These tune-ups are scheduled during our slower periods, allowing us to devote the time and attention to you and your equipment that you deserve. As an EPA customer, you receive guaranteed 24 hour emergency service, priority scheduling, and a 15% discount on any repairs that become necessary.

How often do I need to change my filter?

That is a good question. It's similar to asking someone, "how often should I fill my car up with gas?" How long your filter lasts depends on several factors. High efficiency filters catch more dust and dirt so they get dirty faster than the standard fiberglass filters you typically see at the hardware stores. Lifestyle factors such as how many pets you have in the home, the size of your family and the area you live in can dramatically affect how dusty your home is. If you live in an older, "leakier" home your filter will get dirtier faster, than a newer "sealed" up home. It's a good idea to check your filter monthly. Basically, if the filter looks dirty, change or clean it.

Where should I set my thermostat?

The thermostat setting seems to be most comfortable to a majority of people between 70 and 72 degrees. Keeping a constant temperature is a cost efficient way to run the newer more high efficient systems. Don't drop the temperature more than 7 degrees at night. Programmable thermostats can help to control the temperature at all times of the day or week.

Consider replacing your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat. These models allow you to set temperatures according to the time of day. During the winter months, you can set the temperatures a little higher while your at home, and have the temperatures lower while your away or while your sleeping. You'll stay warm and cozy when you need too. And save money on energy costs by not running your furnace as much while you don't need it.

How can I prepare my furnace for the winter season?

The most important thing a homeowner can do is to make sure the filter is clean, and to schedule your annual Precision Tune-Up and Professional Cleaning. Early September is a great time to call and schedule your appointment. Calling early, before the weather turns cold, will assure that your furnace will be ready when you need it and help insure the safety of your family.

Now that winter is over, what steps do I take to put my furnace to "bed" for the summer?

Putting your furnace "to bed" is very simple. On a heating only system turn the thermostat to it's lowest setting. We recommend that you leave the pilot lit. On the new, high efficiency furnaces there is no pilot and the ignition component only comes on when the thermostat senses a demand for heat.

Problem Solving Tips for Your Heating System

The air in my home seems really dry, would adding humidity to the air help?

Our winters in Utah are typically cold and very dry. Adding humidity not only makes heat feel more comfortable at a lower thermostat setting, it will also help save money on your energy costs. Adding humidity has other benefits as well:

Moisture to help reduce dry skin.

Furnishings are also protected with proper humidity, reducing the damaging affects of heated, parched air upon everything from your wood floors and your fabrics, to your plants1.

You should notice a decrease in annoying static shocks1.

Even your piano will benefit. Dried out air can contribute to loss of tone quality1.

In cases where dry air has been the cause of nose, throat, and other aggravations, doctors have prescribed whole-house humidification1.

When the humidity is kept between 30% and 60% molds and mildews have a hard time growing. Therefore, humidifiers have a significant effect on the control of airborne infection.2

With proper humidity levels, your system will become more efficient. The moist air will hold it's heat longer then dry air and makes the air a lot more comfortable.

http://www.tcop.com/bratcher/humid.htm.
1992 Ashrae Handbook.

Energy Saving Tips For Your Heating System

Your furnace should be inspected once a year by a qualified heating professional. This check up will assure you that your furnace is safe to operate and running at top efficiency.
Schedule annual maintenance check-ups for your heating and cooling systems. By keeping your system in optimal working condition, you'll not only reduce energy costs, but your equipment will last longer.
Keep your furnace's pilot light lit year-round, if so equiped. That way you will be ready if a cold snap catches you off guard.
Make sure that your furnace has proper ventilation. Rooms or closets that enclose your equipment should have louvers or vents, or be vented directly outside. Make sure that your furnace has room to breathe. Store flammables away from your furnace.
Keep all return air vents open and make sure that they are not blocked by furniture, or other items. This will make it easier for your furnace to move air around your home. Go outside and make sure that the exhaust flue to the outside is clear of obstructions and in good condition from the furnace to the roof cap with all connections securely fastened.
Clean or replace your filters, at least once a month.
If your heating system is ten years or older, have us come out and do a Home Energy Survey of your home. This service is FREE to our customers. We will show you how much energy your old system is using and if you would benefit from replacing it with a newer efficient model. In some cases we can save you enough money on your energy bills to offset your payments on a new system. Off course, there is never an obligation to buy.
Landscape to save energy, reduce heating and cooling costs, while improving the look and value of your home. Well planned landscaping can save up to 25% of a household's energy consumption for heating and cooling. Carefully planted trees can provide much needed shade in the summer and wind breaks in the winter.
Consider having your duct system cleaned. Cleaned systems restore capacity and lessen running time, translating into savings on your heating and cooling bill.
Replace your old thermostat with a programmable thermostat. These models allow you to set temperatures by the time (there are models that bear the Energy Star® label). In the winter you can set the temperature to lower during the sleeping hours and higher during the day. The same is true for the summertime. Not only will these thermostats decrease you energy use but also increase your comfort level.

Energy Star®

What is Energy Star®?

Have you ever seen this symbol and wondered what it was? It stands for the Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star® Program. This program was designed to help promote higher efficiency products, which the EPA recommends, because they USE LESS ENERGY and thus REDUCE air pollution. Energy consumption has a direct link to air pollution causing problems such as acid rain, smog, inversions, and global climate changes. You will find this label on many items, from home and business electronic equipment to heating and air conditioning equipment.

The ENERGY STAR® Residential Heating and Cooling program is a voluntary program in which manufacturers agree to manufacture and market high efficiency heating, cooling, and control products. By using the ENERGY STAR label on high efficiency products, the manufacturing partners in the program can help consumers differentiate between standard efficiency and high efficiency products.1

The ENERGY STAR® label informs customers that by using these products they will be helping to prevent air pollution and can save money on their utility bills. The average home pollutes more than the average car through energy use. Nearly half of that energy is used to heat and cool the home.

There have been technological breakthroughs in central air conditioning and heating system designs which, when installed properly in your home, can reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home. For example: an air conditioner that bears the ENERGY STAR® label is at least 20% more efficient than a new air conditioner that meets the federal minimum standard for efficiency and may be twice as efficient as some older existing systems. When you purchase an ENERGY STAR® Air Conditioner you are getting a product that is in the top 25% for efficiency, and can save you significantly on your heating and cooling costs.