Home Guide

Read through this Question and Answer guide to find out just what is involved in the replacement of your home's heating and cooling system. We've broken down for you the most common questions our customers ask us when the time comes to replace their system.
Of course, if you have a question not covered here or you'd like a little more insight, we're just a phone call away!

We get asked this question quite a bit, and there is really no "right" answer. We tell all of our customers that the worst time to replace a system is in the dead middle of the summer, when the unit breaks. It is always a better proposition to begin the process before a system fails. This gives you, the homeowner, a powerful tool: time. All too often a unit breaks in the heat of summer, and you have to make a decision fast. No one wants to go through a Georgia summer without air conditioning! We want our customers to be informed and educated when you purchase your new system. After all, it is a BIG decision, and a lot of money. Too many times, we've seen people taken advantage of simply because they needed cooling or heating, and they needed it FAST. We offer free estimates on ANY replacement system, so even if your old equipment is working right now, call us for an evaluation of your system. You'll then be armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed and comfortable decision when the time comes!

SEER is a term used by manufacturers and the government to rate the efficiency of Air Conditioning Equipment. It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Also importnant to know is that the EPA mandated as part of the MONTREAL PROTOCOL that all new air conditioning equipment be a minimum of 13 SEER as of January 1st, 2006. Even MORE improtantly, in compliance with the Motreal Protocol, no equipment can be manufactured using R-22 or "Freon" past January 1st, 2010! What does all of this mean to you? If you are replacing an older set of equipment, you'll need to consider purchasing a system that uses the new standard refrigerant R-410a. There are still systems available that use the old R-22, but we do not recommend them as a first choice. Why? Simple--we want to do the right thing for our customers! The cost of R-22 refrigerant is rising every day and will continue to rise faster and faster! Why would we want to install a system in your home that will be obsolete in a few years? Besides, the cost of equipment using R-22 is actually MORE expensive is some cases! We will explain in detail what is involved in converting your old R-22 system to the new standard when we come and visit with you in your home.

The best way is to think about your utility bills. If you have a natural gas bill, more than likely you have what is called a GAS SPLIT system. You can also look at your thermostat to see if you have a selection for EMER HEAT; if so, you likely have what's called a HEAT PUMP system. Even this isn't foolproof, though, as some homes have a different system called DUAL FUEL, or hybrid heat. This is fantastic from an energy conservation standpoint. DUAL FUEL systems are the most effective way to heat and cool a home. Ultimately, the best way to find out how your home is heated and cooled is to have us out for a free estimate! We'll tell you exactly what you have; that's why we're here!

Here is another question we get asked a lot. The answer isn't simple. Sure, there are systems available that can cut energy usage by 75%, but sometimes, that isn't the best solution for our customer. We look at a replacement system much like any other investment. Only after a few questions are answered can we best determine which system is right for that particular situation. As with any investment, our customers are looking for a return on their money. Truth is, any system installed today will be an upgrade over equipment that is over 5 years old. We want our customers to realize a return on their money and know they made the right choice. We look at a several different factors to determine the best possible solution. You'll alway be informed of the differences between systems we tell you about and options available. Take a look at some of the choices in our replacement systems page to learn what's available.

This is a tough one! A lot of customers call in to our service department and say: "I just need my Freon topped off for the summer." We shock quite a few people when we reply that "NO SYSTEM SHOULD BE TOPPED OFF EVERY YEAR!!" Many people think that the refirgerant in their system gets used up by the air conditioner, but nothing could be farther from the truth. All air conditioning systems are completely sealed and should never need additional refrigerant. If your system needs refrigerant, that means it went somewhere and you have a leak. The reason this is so important goes back to the Montreal Protocol. R-22 prices are going up continually. If your unit has a leak, it needs to be identified and repaired. If a major component in the system is the culprit, it does not make sense to replace the component and still have the obsolete refrigerant! If one of our service technicians suspects your system has a leak, he will clearly outline to you what your choices are. Remember, we want you comfortable!

Not at all! Quite frequently, our installation technicians replace just the part of your system that is failed or older than the other. Depending on the age of your system, we might recommend that you replace the whole system at once. We want you to know what systems are available that can save you the most money. This sometimes means replacing equipment that might still work but doesn't give the best performance. You can rest assured that once we've evaluated your system, we'll explain all of your options to you and answer any questions you may have.