FAQ

Since the days when we began heating and cooling our homes, service agreements have only included checking the heating and cooling equipment.

Until now, our industry has lacked the technology and the skills to include the duct system in your service agreement and measure the operating capacity of your system. Until recently, when a system didn’t work, our only option was to replace the equipment. This often did little to improve system performance.

Now we include the duct system and testing system performance as part of our service and can diagnose and pinpoint system deficiencies.

Your Report is the first step in analyzing your system. If you are happy with your delivered efficiency, no further steps need to be taken.

If, however, you find you are only getting 50, 60, or 70 percent of the rated equipment capacity, you may want to have further testing and diagnosis completed to determine how performance can be improved.

Our company is well-equipped to provide you with the testing and knowledge to enable you to make the best decision possible.

It could be, as long as the duct system is in the same condition as the new equipment. If it isn’t, the system will only function as well as the ducts do. Compare it to installing a brand-new race car engine in an old, beat-up sedan.

Airflow through the duct system is what carries heating or cooling to each room in your home. By adjusting the volume of airflow, we adjust the amount of heating or cooling that a room needs to become comfortable.

No. We perform the test while your system is running under normal operating conditions.

Ducts move air, and the air is invisible. So, to determine if your ducts work or not, air properties must be measured.

Our NCI-certified personnel can measure how much air goes to each room and compare it to how much is needed.

We will also take other measurements, including temperatures and pressures, to determine how well your ducts work. Then we will review the results of the test with you.

The typical duct renovation includes removing damaged ducts, straightening them, adding proper suspension, and sealing all the joints. Sometimes larger ducts need to be installed in certain rooms or the registers and grilles need to be replaced.

We will review the test results with you and make recommendations for duct repairs or additions. Other improvements might include adjusting fan speeds or improving your air filtration system.

Our personnel should test and adjust the results of our work when the duct renovation has been completed. This step is called air balancing. Up to just 20 years ago, air balancing was performed only on large commercial buildings.

Today you can get this same precision adjustment in your home from our NCI-trained and certified personnel. We will provide you with a test report showing the final operating condition of your system compared to how it functioned before the repairs were made.

In other words, we will prove that you got what you paid for — in writing!

Unfortunately, few know or own the tools and instruments needed to measure the performance of your duct system. If they can’t measure it, they have no idea how to fix it, or even where to begin. They assume that the ducts are just fine.

Here’s an example: A 30% return duct leak on a hot or cold day can decrease your heating or cooling capacity by more than 50%. That may sound extreme, but it’s not an uncommon condition.

No. While duct sealing is done as part of a renovation, sealing by itself cannot address many of the flaws in a duct system.

In many cases, just sealing the duct can make the problem worse, as it could choke down airflow causing equipment failure and major comfort problems.

In extreme cases, it has caused back-drafting of flues leading to dangerous carbon monoxide problems.

Your comfort will increase. A good renovation will also improve indoor air quality and reduce energy use.

Typical household cleaning contains mold growth in visible areas and normal household cleaning products can clean susceptible surfaces including the shower and tub areas, or around sinks. Use exhaust fans after showering. Repair any plumbing or roof leaks. Always clean up spills or flooding immediately and control humidity inside the house.

It’s your air conditioning system’s job to ventilate your home. The ducts are designed to supply and return airflow to each room. If there is a mold infestation in your home, an increased amount of mold spores become present. Because the air conditioning system constantly recycles air throughout your home, it can become infected by the active mold culture. When this happens, you’ll first notice mold on the registers.

In rare cases, mold can be caused by the air conditioning system due to lack of maintenance, clogged or leaking drain pans, etc. These HVAC-related causes can usually be corrected by our personnel.

One of the many things that separate Cool Techies from other companies that provide air conditioning installation in Houston is our dedication to proper testing and evaluation. Most heating and cooling companies do not have the knowledge and equipment necessary to conduct these tests, but we’re committed to doing the job right and setting you up for long-term success.

Pricing for your AC installation depends on several factors, including the type of AC unit you select, and the amount of prep work needed before we can install it. When we conduct our evaluation, we will provide you with a free, detailed quote so you can get a clear idea of how much you’ll pay. You can contact us here today to schedule an appointment.

Yes! We understand that everyone’s budgets and financial situations are different. That’s why we offer a variety of financing options to fit your needs.

Ductless mini-splits are surprisingly efficient. With proper installation, ductless mini-split systems can reduce your energy bill by 30 percent.

Central air runs longer overall if you leave it on all day. When you shut it off for a portion of the day, it runs less and uses more energy to power up again when you switch it back. You’ll likely save money on energy costs if you leave your central air on.

Common problems that require heating repair include neglect, issues with the pilot light or ignition control, dirty or clogged filters, reduced circulation and airflow, an overworked heat pump, faulty thermostats, leaks in your ductwork, or even mold.

Switching your heat on and off is actually not cost-effective at all. Your heating system works harder to reheat once it has turned off completely. Increased energy consumption for reheating your home will always cost you more.

While you can technically get your furnace replaced at any time, we recommend Fall and Spring. This is because your furnace isn’t as needed yet during the ease of Fall, nor is it very useful during the warmth of Spring. It’s best to handle these things before you need them the most. We can also help with your AC installation to get your HVAC systems installed in one visit.

The average heating installation project takes anywhere from 4 to 10 hours in total. This will depend on the size of the unit and the model. The larger and more complex a heating system is, the longer it will take to install properly. While you might have quite some time to wait, your new furnace will be than worth it.

Numerous HVAC businesses provide heater installation services. The specific services you require, however, will vary based on your needs for heating, your budget, your home’s layout, your current system, and these factors. Because we are committed to offering the greatest service, our Houston heater installation specialists analyze all elements prior to installing a new heating system.

Your HVAC technician will check components like system controls and your thermostat for performance, as well as tune-up the system’s electrical connections. Your technician will also check that the voltage and amperage are running properly. Furnace/Air Handler cleaning is performed as necessary.

The best time to schedule heating maintenance is during the time of year where you’re not really using it. The time of year that is most appropriate would be the Fall. Alternatively, maintenance for an air conditioner is best placed in Spring.

No. Forced air heating systems can operate on gas or electric power.

Electric heaters last about 10 to 20 years with regular maintenance and care.

Performance contracting ensures proper operation of large mechanical and electrical equipment and even improves longevity overall. Sometimes you’ll find that evaluations and upgrades can lead to equipment failure. A performance contractor finds the solutions to prevent premature failure.

Performance-based service contracting ensures that a repair, maintenance, or installation job is based on the purpose of the service requested to be handled instead of how the work is to be performed.

Fireplaces emissions, emissions from your stove, cigarette smoke, dust, mold or mildew, and pollution levels, just to name a few.

By far the most harmful indoor air pollutant is cigarette smoke.

Attic insulation impacts HVAC system performance by slowing the transfer of heat between spaces. Additionally, it blocks the flow of air. Trapped air creates heat.

Airflow testing includes measuring the movement of air through an HVAC product and overall performance.

Hot, leaky ducts can increase costs to your heating and cooling bills. This is easily prevented by having your ducts sealed and insulated your ducts.

Poor HVAC airflow greatly reduces efficiency and overall performance. Your system will have to work harder in order to heat or cool, which in turn puts a strain on system parts, shortens longevity, heightens bills and makes it hard to stay comfortable

Many people view an emergency as a situation in which your AC doesn’t turn on. This is certainly a problem, and we can address causes such as thermostat failure or problems with the thermostat, electric control, or motor. Dirty condensers, wiring issues, or a lack of power can cause your air conditioner to stop working as well. You might also encounter urgent problems such as:

• Limited Airflow: Is often caused by ductwork problems such as air leaks, clogs, disconnected components, or blocked vents and registers. Faulty blowers or thermostat issues can restrict airflow. Or a condenser or filter may simply be obstructed.
• Poor Cooling Performance: A refrigerant leak, frozen evaporator coil, faulty sensor, drainage issue, or dirt on coils or filters can prevent the system from providing cool air.
• Unusual Symptoms: If you see any kind of leak or condensation, call us right away. Other causes for concern include when your AC breaks down in extreme heat, it is tripping the breaker or dimming the lights, or causing a burning odor. Noise, such as shrieking, screeching, or squealing or buzzing, rattling, clicking, hissing, or bubbling, should be addressed immediately as well.

Inside Your Home

• The evaporator coil evaporates liquid refrigerant, absorbs heat, and cools the coil.
• The copper tubes include refrigerant that converts gas and removes heat.
• The filter removes particles in the air to improve indoor air quality.
• The ductwork runs cool air throughout your home.
• The expansion valve regulates refrigerant in your evaporator coil.
• The thermostat lets you adjust the temperature settings.

Outside Your Home

• The fan (blower) blows air inside after extracted hot air is removed and cooled with refrigerant.
• The compressor (box) pressurizes refrigerant, converts gas to liquid, and runs it through your system.
• The condenser coil works with refrigerant to pull heat from the air and blow it outside.
• The air handler connects to your ducts and uses filters and heating/cooling elements.