Here in the Northwest, it is recommended you have your comfort system serviced twice per year, preferably in the spring and fall. This will help ensure that your comfort system is running as efficiently as possible during the heating and cooling seasons. At Evergreen we offer a Precision Tune Up service which will take care of all of your system's maintenance needs. Our Evergreen Home Comfort Club members receive two Precision Tune Ups per year as part of their membership.
Not necessarily. Just because a certain size of furnace or comfort system was previously installed in your home does not mean that system was correctly sized for your home. When it comes to home comfort systems, it is extremely important to size the system correctly. An improperly sized system can cause problems with comfort and efficiency, and could also lower the useful life of your equipment.
Unfortunately, not all HVAC companies are made equal, and not all of them do an adequate job of correctly sizing a system. Beware of any HVAC company that offers to replace your furnace, air conditioning unit, or comfort system without doing a proper heat loss calculation. Simply counting registers is not enough to ensure proper sizing! In many instances, especially with today's variable speed and modulating technology, previous systems have been oversized compared to what is needed for the home. Not only does a smaller system cost less to purchase and install, but a correctly sized system will run at optimal efficiency and will provide the greatest comfort.
The frequency of duct cleaning varies depending on the home and the preference of the homeowner. Typically, every 5 years is sufficient. There are a few things to consider when thinking about how often to have your ducts cleaned:
- Do you have pets that shed a high amount of hair and dander?
- Do you have smokers in your household?
If anyone in your household has allergies, you may want to have your ducts cleaned more often.
If you just moved into a home, it may be a good idea to have the ducts thoroughly cleaned.
After a home remodeling, a heavy amount of dust and debris can be generated during a renovation.
A thorough duct cleaning will usually cost between $300 and $500, depending on the size of the home. Beware of companies offering cut-rate duct cleaning services. This is a well-known bait and switch tactic, and you could end up paying much more than you expected, or the company may not perform a proper duct cleaning. The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about such services.
Like the bids that other companies perform, our Free Energy Analysis is, in fact, free. However, with our analysis, you will receive a wealth of information that will help you take the mystery out of replacing your home comfort system. With our analysis, you will receive a 15-page report detailing the estimated return on investment for different efficiency options and equipment types, meaning you can make the most informed decision possible and save the most money over time. We will take into consideration many factors such as the length of time you expect to live in your home, desired comfort options, and level of the desired efficiency, to give you a customized proposal that removes all of the guesswork!
There are several possible explanations for this. The behavior of the members of your household may have changed. Examples may be turning the heat up higher for a longer duration, leaving windows open, taking longer showers, etc.
- Outdoor temperatures and weather may be different this year than last year.
- You added air conditioning when you previously did not have it in your home.
- Energy prices may have risen.
- You may have a problem with your ductwork or insulation.
- Your system may not have been properly installed.
- Your system may not have been properly sized for your home before installation.
- We have been serving the Puget Sound area since 1975
- We have PTCS (Pressure Tested Comfort Systems) certified technicians
- Angie's List Super Service Award winner
- We have our own custom metal fabrication shop
- HVAC engineers on staff
- If you are interested in a new comfort system, you will receive more quality information from our Free Energy Analysis than from any other company's bid. See below for more information.
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- How long do I plan on living in my home? The answer to this question will affect the return on investment of any high-efficiency system.
- How concerned am I about my family's carbon footprint?
- Is having a comfortable home a high priority for me and/or my family?
- Are financing options important to me? Evergreen works with lenders that offer a wide variety of financing options on approval of credit, helping you make cost-effective improvements to your comfort system.
- Does anyone in my family suffer from allergies? If so, you may consider exploring some Indoor Air Quality products such as improved filters, air cleaners, or UV air purifiers.
Carbon monoxide, also known as the "silent killer," is a big problem. A failed natural gas furnace or other appliance can release poisonous CO gas into your home. The problem is that carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, meaning that without proper precautions, you won't know if there is a problem. We offer low-cost accessories that can alert you if you ever have a problem with carbon monoxide in your home, helping you breathe easier!
Of course, like any machine, proper maintenance is important in maximizing the life of your comfort system. We recommend getting a Precision Tune-Up twice per year. These services are included with an Evergreen Home Comfort Club membership.
It is also important to ensure that your comfort system is properly sized for your home when it is installed. Improper sizing can lower the useful life of a comfort system, cause it to run at a lower efficiency level, and reduce the comfort level of your home. Make sure your HVAC contractor does a proper heat loss calculation before they install your system!
Today's thermostats offer a wide range of energy saving and comfort options. Most thermostats today give you the ability to program them for optimal comfort and efficiency. Higher end models can provide "energy monitoring" features, showing you which appliances in your home are using up more energy, and at which times of the day. Give us a call or ask your comfort advisor about thermostat options if you would like more information.
