Frequently Asked Questions

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Questions & Answers

Why should I use a licensed contractor?

In most states it is illegal to use an unlicensed contractor. Additionally your homeowner’s insurance may question the validity of any claims for damage from fire, water leaks or other calamities. Johns Brothers is fully licensed and insured as is its affiliate, Servistar.

What do I need to do before the technician arrives for service?

Make sure that power to the heating or cooling unit is off. Make note of any strange noises coming from the unit.

Can I set up my service appointment online?

At this website, you will find quick contact forms which allow you to request service. We prefer to schedule any service calls directly with you, person to person.

What do I do if my unit is noisy?

Turn the system to the off position at the thermostat and if this does not stop the noise, turn off electrical power to the piece of equipment that is making noise. Call for service.

What do I do if my unit is frozen?

Turn the system to the off position at the thermostat. Set the fan switch on thermostat to the manual run position. Check for stopped up air filters, blocked returns, supply, etc. Call for service.

What type of air filters should I use? How important is changing filters regularly?

It is extremely important in order to change filters regularly in order to maintain peak efficiency and effective operation of both the heating and cooling system. There are many filters which are effective. Cleaning or changing them is the key element.

What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat over a conventional t-stat? Should I leave the thermostat set at one temperature all the time?

With older equipment leaving the thermostat at one setting works well but with today’s higher efficiency equipment and less time spent at home, a programmable set back type thermostat is more economical and efficient at a very affordable cost.

Why is my unit not working?

It could be a number of reasons: thermostat is not working; the thermostat is set improperly or not turned on; no electrical power to equipment; equipment off due to safety switches. The list could go on and on. If the thermostat is set properly, there is electrical power at the unit but it is not running, make the service call.

Why does it take so long for the water to get hot in the bathroom?

The main reason is the distance between your hot water source and the fixture. A recirculation system will solve that problem at a minimal expense.

Why should I consider a maintenance plan for my heating and cooling?

Any heating and cooling system should be inspected and serviced annually to keep it operating at its peak efficiency and to look for potential problems that could lead to a major problem if not detected early. Also, maintenance agreements give you priority service over a non-agreement customer and provide discounted pricing on repairs or parts.

How low or high should I set the thermostat while on vacation?

Cold weather season: 50 to 55 degrees would be the lowest you would want to set your thermostat back. During freezing temperatures, you should always have someone check your home daily until you return from vacation. During the hot weather season: Any setting 5 to 10 degrees above normal setting point should be okay. Maintaining a constant temperature is the critical factor to consider.

How does automatic oil delivery work?

This service guarantees that you’ll never run out of heating oil! Deliveries are scheduled based on computerized data which tracks your amount of fuel usage, and indicates when you need it the most. You don’t have to worry about checking your supply, and you don’t have to be home for deliveries.

Do you offer a senior citizen discount?

Yes, oil customers receive a senior citizen discount.

Why do some rooms cool better than others?

In most instances, the variation in comfort from room to room is a consequence of too much or too little output of air to rooms: unbalanced air flow. In some instances a room’s position will result in more solar gain, and in other rooms there may be more infiltration of untreated air.

Should I cover the outdoor section of my A/C in the winter?

Just the top to prevent entry of leaves, dirt, bird droppings, etc. Covering the entire unit may cause condensation and premature cabinet rust.

Should I ever cut the electricity off to my boiler over night to save on fuel?

You should not. Turn down the thermostat temperature by around 5 or 6 degrees only. Your boiler won't have to work so hard in the morning to bring the temperature back up to your comfort level.

Why is water dripping from my A/C unit?

That water is the sweat from internal or external refrigerant piping. A heat pump will also show signs of water in the winter from normal defrost cycles.

Why does my air conditioning unit continue to run?

On a 95 degree day with a thermostat setting of 75 degrees, a properly sized unit should pretty much run continuously. Other than that, the unit may be undersized, inadequate duct work, or needs service.

Is it cheaper to have two zones of heating and cooling in a standard size house?

The efficiency of any system, single or multiple zone, depends entirely on your usage patterns and the physical circumstances of the structure, your home or office.

Do you have to have a permit to replace heating and cooling equipment?

No permits are required for direct replacement of electric (non-fuel burning) appliances in single family dwelling units. Anything commercial or multi-family or fuel-burning will require permitting of some kind.

What does SEER mean and is it important?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings. It is a numeric value which is calculated as the ratio of output cooling in BTU’s per hour versus the input power in watts. Simply put, the higher the SEER of a unit, the more efficient it is. SEER can give you a better idea of how much it will cost you to operate the equipment over a year’s time.

Is it better to clean the ducts or replace them?

There are differences in opinion as the whether or not a duct system can be properly cleaned without completely removing the ducts entirely. Supply ducts should never get dirty if adequate air filtration is in place and maintained. Many older duct systems that filter return air at the unit do not protect the return ducts from becoming fouled with dust and dirt. Upgrading return air grills to filter grills can trap dust and dirt before they enter the duct system.

Why should I replace my existing heating or air conditioning units?

With rising utility cost and federal tax credits available, now is a great time to replace costly-to-operate, antiquated systems. Today’s variable speed technologies also allow for substantially better humidity removal, thereby greatly improving comfort.

How long can I expect a heating and cooling system to last?

A properly-installed, quality system which is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions can last for more than two or three decades. However, each year the technology improves and the efficiency is increased. The vast majority of older systems, although operating at their peak, cannot match today’s designs in capacity and efficiency.

Is there an advantage to a heat pump over a conventional heating and cooling system?

Any advantage of one system over another would be dependent on the age and configuration of the structure, the seasonal temperature ranges and variations and the cost and availability of energy sources. Skilled and knowledgeable technical representatives can help assess your situation.

Why are hydronics and ground source heat pumps more popular now?

Ground source heat pumps are among the most efficient heating and cooling systems available, with SEER ratings approaching over 40 EER. Their ability to use the ground as a heat exchange medium makes high efficiency ratings possible because of very small differences in ground temperature over the entire year. The operating conditions of the units are not affected swings in outdoor temperatures.

What maintenance should I do on my units?

Operational checks and coil cleanings, checking drain lines, refrigerant levels and general system conditions are all critical to the overall performance and longevity of the units.

Why should I have regular maintenance done on my system?

Annual maintenance can insure proper and efficient operation and also identify potential problems before they turn into more costly repairs or terminal malfunctions.

Isn't using oil heating old fashioned?

Not at all. In fact, the technology of today’s oil-fired furnaces has made their operation extremely efficient and economical.

What are those pipes sticking out of the equipment for?

Piping connects the indoor and outdoor portions of a split air conditioning system. The refrigerant, the cooling medium of the system, is compressed in the outdoor portion and pumped to the indoor portion where a change of state of the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas occurs. This change of state allows the refrigerant to give up all its heat and go very cold at the indoor unit's coil. Air blows across this cold coil is then distributed to the home via the duct work.

Is a geo-thermal heat pump really that much better?

Ground source heat pumps are among the most efficient heating and cooling systems available, with SEER ratings approaching over 40 EER. Their ability to use the ground as a heat exchange medium makes high efficiency ratings possible because of very small differences in ground temperature over the entire year. The operating conditions of the units are not affected swings in outdoor temperatures.

Which is better to heat the home: heating oil, natural gas, or electricity?

All these fuels have their place in heating a home. Some options are not available to everyone with the exception of oil. Oil burns hotter than any other fuel: more heat can be generated with the least amount of fuel input in an oil-based system.