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Can
I troubleshoot before calling a dealer?
The answer is "Yes". Here are some simple procedures
you can perform before going to the expense of a service call:
- Check
disconnect switches (indoor and outdoor if you have
a split system). Make sure that circuit breakers are ON
or that fuses have not blown.
- Check
for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean
and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open and
unobstructed.
- Check
the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling,
make sure the temperature control selector is set below
room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or
AUTO position. If you want heat, make sure the temperature
control selector is set above room temperature and the SYSTEM
switch is at HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should be set
at AUTO.
Should
I repair or replace old equipment?
Three main factors to consider are:
- Life
expectancy
- Operating
cost
- Looking
at the big picture
Life
Expectancy of Current System
When you're
frustrated with an equipment break-down, it can be tempting
to find the least expensive "quick fix" to get on
with your life in relative comfort. That "quick fix"
may be the least expensive now, but it may not give you the
most value-or cost you the least-in the long run.
Paying
for repairs to an old or inefficient system often simply prolongs
the inevitable. It's almost like putting a bandage on a serious
injury. An older system that breaks down once is likely to
break down again…and again. That means more emergency
service calls or, worse yet, the risk of damage to your home
or to other components of your heating and cooling system.
Operating
Cost
There's
also an ongoing cost factor to consider. Restoring your old
system will only bring it back to its current level of energy
efficiency. After you've recovered from the repair bills and
the frustration of system breakdowns, you still won't save
on your energy bills.
Even six-year
-old heat pumps and air conditioners are considered grossly
inefficient by today's energy efficiency standards. So are
most furnaces built before 1980. So you could save up to 60%
on your energy bills with new high-efficiency equipment. That's
why installing a new heating and cooling system can actually
pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short
time.
Looking
at the Big Picture
When one
component of your system breaks down unexpectedly, it's easy
to just focus on repairing or replacing that component. But
each part of your system works with the others to boost efficiency
and reliability, so it helps to keep the big picture in mind.
Replacing
your old furnace with a new higher-efficiency model but leaving
your old mechanical thermostat in place, for example, won't
allow you to enjoy all the efficiency advantages the furnace
has to offer. Likewise, if you install a new furnace but don't
get a humidifier, the air may seem cooler, forcing you to
operate your new system at a higher temperature to be comfortable.
Plus, you can often save on installation costs if you have
several components of your system (for example, a furnace
and air conditioner) replaced at the same time.
Why
do I need Extended Warranty Protection?
Parts and labor costs continue to go up. One service call
to replace a minor part can easily cost $100.00 or more.
Do
I need a new heating and air conditioning system in order
to purchase extended warranty protection?
No!
Along with extended warranties designed for new systems,
Del-Air offers extended warranties for existing systems one
(1) year and older.
What
do these plans cover?
Labor & parts for products which fall under normal wear.
It does not cover normal maintenance.
Could
there be any charge for service?
Yes. The extended warranties offered do not cover maintenance
or damage due to external causes.
How
do I pay for this protection?
At the time of purchase. This is a one-time charge for the
life of the coverage. There are no hidden costs.
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