Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my heat pump smoke in the winter?
You are probably not seeing smoke, but instead steam. During a heat pump’s normal winter operation a thin layer of ice will form on the outdoor unit. The heat pump will then go through a defrost cycle and melt the ice off, resulting in the steam you see coming off the outdoor unit.
Is it normal for my heat pump to have ice on it?
It is normal for a heat pump to form a thin layer of ice during the heating season. The heat pump has a built in operation to melt this ice called the defrost cycle. If your unit has more than just a thin layer of ice or frost on it, call for service, there may be another problem.
Why is my indoor fan running all the time?
You may have the thermostat set in the “on” instead of “auto” position. When set to “on” the indoor fan will continue to run even when the system is not calling for heating or cooling. This will constantly filter the air in your home, not just when the system is heating or cooling. If you have the thermostat set to the “auto” position, the indoor fan will only come on when the system is calling for heating or cooling.
Do I really need regular maintenance on my system?
It is extremely important to have preventative maintenance performed on your systems. Most manufacturers’ warranties state that you must have your system checked at least two times per year in order to keep the warranty valid. Just like changing the oil in your car, your heating and cooling systems work best when properly maintained. Preventative maintenance prevents breakdowns and can help keep your utility bills low. We offer seasonal check ups, but we recommend the Mitchell Value Plan or MVP. With this plan you would receive three check ups per year. This allows us to service your system through out the entire year so that you can feel confident it will work efficiently and safely before you need it. Our MVP will also give you priority service with no after hours fees and a 15% discount on repair services. You will also get 2lb refrigerant per year per system with our MVP.
Why is my system freezing up?
The two most common reasons for your heating and cooling system to freeze up is a dirty filter or low refrigerant. If your system is freezing up, check your filter. If it is dirty, turn your system off, and change your filter. If after the system thaws it comes back on with no problems, then that was most likely your only problem. If your filter is clean or does not come back on after the filter change and thaw, call us for service.
How long can I expect my system to last?
Most systems last for 12 years or less. As systems get older they become less efficient and often need more repairs. If your system is showing signs of fatigue or needs costly repairs often, call us to discuss your options for upgrading to a newer, higher efficient system.
What does SEER mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps are rated. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. This means lower energy costs.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when carbon-based fuels burn. This includes all the gas appliances in your home. It is important to keep you system maintained to make sure there are no problems with the venting system on your furnace that could leak deadly carbon monoxide gases into your home. The best way to ensure your family is safe from carbon monoxide is with carbon monoxide detectors. We can install one in your home for your peace of mind and to keep your family safe.
What should I keep my thermostat set on?
Georgia Natural Gas recommends setting your thermostat between 65-68º in the winter and 78° or higher in the summer. This is really a preference issue. The correct answer is to set the thermostat where your family is comfortable. Keep in mind that during the winter, the warmer you set the thermostat, the more your system will run and the higher your energy costs will be. The same applies to the summer, setting your thermostat lower, and higher energy costs.
How often should I replace my filters?
Most throw away filters should be replaced every 1-3 months. There are many high efficient filters that only need to be changed every 6-12 months. If your filter is washable, it should be cleaned every 1-3 months. Dirty filters can restrict the airflow in your system and cause lower efficiency and possible breakdown. Check your filters often and change or wash as needed to keep your system running a peak performance.
