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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Table of Contents
How do I select a
contractor?
Can I just replace the outdoor unit on an older system to save
money?
What is an average
price for a system?
Where can I get information about financing programs?
What is
the average life expectancy of equipment?
Should I have my ducts
cleaned?
Why should I
purchase a service agreement?
Should I replace
or repair my equipment?
How can I help reduce allergens and improve humidity in my home?
What does SEER and
HSPF mean to me?
How will the new environment friendly refrigerant affect me
Should I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
How can I
reduce my energy costs in the Winter?
What does Energy Star mean?
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How
do I select a contractor?
In selecting a heating and air conditioning contractor, ask the
following questions:
How long have they been in business?
Finch Air Conditioning was founded in 1988. Since then, Finch Air
Conditioning has grown to become one of the largest air conditioning
and heating contractors in the Metropolitan Houston area.
Do they have several locations?
Finch Air Conditioning has several branches throughout the
Metropolitan Houston area for your convenience.
Do they employ certified factory-trained
technicians?
Finch Air Conditioning has over 30 employees. These include
certified, factory trained sales and management personnel, as well
as technicians. Their technicians are not only factory-trained and
NATE certified, but they also receive ongoing training and
certifications -- a Minimum of 40 hours per year in-house and
factory. They use state-of-the-art tools and testing equipment,
including Freon recovery equipment to protect the environment. Their
fleet of over 25 radio-dispatched trucks enables their technicians
to provide you with timely, professional service.
Are they bonded and insured?
Finch Air Conditioning's technicians are fully bonded, insured, and
covered by Workman's Compensation.
Do they handle several reputable
manufacturers?Finch Air Conditioning carries the most
reliable products of several reputable manufacturers to provide you
with lasting quality.
Do they have in-stock inventory?
Finch Air Conditioning has over half a million dollars in parts and
equipment on hand. Their trucks are also well stocked with the most
needed parts so that the technician has them right at hand on the
job site.
Are they a full service contractor?
Finch Air Conditioning is a full
service contractor with complete service departments and
installation departments, including duct cleaning.
Are they fully licensed to do all of the
work themselves?
Finch Air Conditioning is registered with the State Board of
Contractors in Texas. They are fully licensed to do complete service
and installation throughout the state.
Are they competitively priced, with written
estimates up front?
Finch Air Conditioning offers competitive pricing and written
estimates using flat rate service pricing to ensure no surprises
when installing or servicing their customers' equipment. They also
offer many different financing plans.
Do they offer emergency service?
Finch Air Conditioning's phones are answered 24 hours a day, 365
days per year. And they never charge over-time.
Do they offer service agreements?
Finch Air Conditioning knows that homeowners have many concerns and
activities in their lives. Their mission is to design, install and
service heating and cooling systems in a way that provides
homeowners with worry-free comfort. They offer several excellent
service agreements. You may choose from their ESA or Annual Tune Up
Policies. Any of these policies are certain to meet your needs and
provide you with necessary convenience and peace of mind.
Are they technologically up-to-date?
Finch Air Conditioning is fully up-to-date technologically. They
have a new website where you can schedule a service or sales call.
They are computer automated to design the proper sizing of your air
distribution system and equipment. Also, complete, comprehensive
records are kept on every service call, providing instant employee
access to your equipment's history. All employees are linked via
their own extensive network for rapid sharing of information
concerning your equipment when it is needed. Their technicians and
sales representatives are in constant communication with the office
via cellular phone/radio systems. No expense has been spared to
provide you with the best, most timely and knowledgeable service
possible.
Are they a member of the Better Business
Bureau? And are they members in good standing of other professional
organizations?
Finch Air Conditioning is a member of the Better Business Bureau,
and an active member of several important professional
organizations. Finch Air Conditioning is also a qualified Center
Point Gas contractor and a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners
Association.
Can they service both residential and
commercial needs?
Finch Air Conditioning offers commercial services for business
through their commercial division. So they can service all business
as well as residential comfort needs. Finch Air Conditioning is
large enough to serve you, yet small enough to know you.

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Can I just replace the heat pump on an older system to save money?
No. Replacing only the outdoor unit will sacrifice your comfort and
lower the efficiency of the unit. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of
the unit's efficiency! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than
normal and most manufacturers' warranties will be voided. You should
seriously consider buying a complete heat pump system.

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Where
can I get information about financing programs?
Finch Air Conditioning has several financing programs available. For
more information, please call our office or fill out this sales
request form to schedule a Sales Call.

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What is
the average life expectancy of equipment?
Most systems have a lifetime of 12 years or less. As your equipment
gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice
that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. If your system is
over five years old, you should have a heating and cooling
contractor check your system for maintenance or replacement.

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Should I have my ducts cleaned?
Yes. Mold, mildew, pet hair, skin flakes, smoke film, dander, dust
mites, dirt, pollen, and even bacteria take up residence in your air
ducts. With each breath you take you inhale these contaminants.
Dirty air ducts can not only make you sick or raise your utility
bills, but they can also reduce your air flow and cause premature
failure of your expensive heating and cooling system.

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Why should I
purchase a service agreement?
Proper care of your equipment can save you real dollars on your
utility bills. Some air conditioning and heating problems can double
operating costs without reducing comfort. Just 100th of an inch of
dirt or film on an evaporator coil can reduce cooling and heating
efficiency by 5%. All leading manufacturers recommend regular
maintenance to maintain peak performance. A service agreement will
give you the piece of mind that your system is operating at optimum
efficiency and performance. To get a detailed list of all Finch Air
Conditioning Service Agreements and what they include click here.

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Should I replace
or repair my equipment?
There are five main questions that need to be considered when
deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling
system:
How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old,
it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which
could cut your energy costs by up to 40%.
What is the efficiency level of your current indoor weather system?
Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve
the efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency
system will cover all or part of the cost of investing in new
equipment, you should seriously consider replacement of the old
system.
What is the overall condition of your system? If your system is in
solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. But if your
system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it.
How often is your system operating? If your system has been used
extensively, it may be time to replace it.
Are you planning to move soon? If you are moving in the next year or
two and believe investing in a new indoor weather system will
improve the value of your home, you should consider making the
investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many
more years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your
future comfort.
For more information, please please call us or fill out our
service request form to schedule an
appointment or Service Call.
We will be happy to discuss any option with you.

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How can I reduce allergens and increase humidity in my home?
With a high efficiency air cleaner, you can remove up to 99% of the
pollen and spores that find their way into the home. There is also a
great reduction in household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air
pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while
reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house.
With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve the irritating
discomfort of dry indoor air. The humidifier reduces itchy skin,
scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings
and woodwork. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you do not
have to set the thermostat as high to feel the comfort you want. A
lower thermostat setting will reduce the costs of your energy bill.
A humidifier improves your comfort while increasing the energy
efficiency of your indoor weather system. For more information,
please call us or fill out our service request
form to schedule an appointment.

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What does SEER and HSPF
mean to me?
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of efficiency
by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is
rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency, which
translates into greater energy savings. Today, U.S. regulatory
agencies require all new models to have a 10.0 SEER rating or
better. Most major manufacturers offer a line of air conditioners
and heat pumps that range from 10.0 SEER to 16.0 SEER.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the efficiency
measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat
pumps. Again, the higher the number, the greater the efficiency.
Today's models are required to have a minimum 6.8 HSPF. Most major
manufactures offer heat pumps with HSPF ratings ranging from 6.8 to
9.4.

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How will the new environment friendly refrigerant affect me?
The 1990 Clean Air Act and the internationally binding Montreal
Protocol calls for an international phase out on future
manufacturing of the refrigerant R-22, which is currently used in
most air conditioning and heat pump systems. Historically, when a
refrigerant has been phased out, the cost of that refrigerant has
risen dramatically. Also, the costs for servicing products using a
phased out refrigerant have risen as well. According to current
government regulations, the production of R-22 will be reduced by
nearly one-fourth by 2004. By the year 2012, the production of R-22
will be reduced by nearly one-half of the current production. That
means all R-22 products will eventually need to be replaced by
products utilizing the new chlorine-free refrigerant.

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Should I be concerned about Carbon Monoxide in my home?
Yes. Each year, carbon monoxide kills more than 300 Americans and
sends nearly 5,000 more to emergency rooms for treatment, reports
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Where does it
come from? When carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene or
wood burn, they produce gases. When fuel combustion or burning isn't
complete, carbon monoxide enters the air. The CPSC advises that
carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to alert yourself to the
presence of toxic gas in your home. If you wake in the night with a
headache -- and especially if another member of the family complains
of a headache or is difficult to arouse -- get out of the house
fast, advises the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. Seek emergency
medical care.

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How can I
reduce my energy costs in the Winter?
Limit the loss of expensive heated air to the outside. Use kitchen,
bath, and other ventilating fans sparingly.
Keep fireplace dampers tightly closed until you prepare to light a
fire.
When using your fireplace, limit the amount of heated air drawn from
the rest of the house. Open dampers in the bottom of the firebox if
provided, or open the closest window about 1 inch and close any
doors leading into the room.
Draft-proof windows, doors, and other air leaks. Caulking and
weather stripping are reasonably easy, so you may be able to save
money by doing the job yourself.
Lower your thermostat to about 65 degrees F during the day and 60
degrees F at night. For each degree you turn down your thermostat,
you'll save about 3 percent on your heating bills. Consider the
comfort and convenience of an automatic clock thermostat to do this
for you.
Avoid heating unused areas by closing off unoccupied rooms and
shutting off heating vents. Note: this does not apply if you have a
heat pump system. Leave it alone, as shutting vents could harm a
heat pump.
Keep your heating equipment operating efficiently. Clean or replace
the filter in your forced air heating system each month, and check
the duct work that is readily accessible for air leaks about once a
year. Be sure that heating ducts in unheated areas are insulated.
Keep the heating system well tuned with periodic maintenance by a
professional service.
Insulate your attic floor or top floor ceiling to reduce winter heat
loss.
Consider installing storm windows and doors.
If you have an attached garage, keep your garage door closed. This
will prevent cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door and
other areas between the house and garage.
If you're ready to make your home more efficient, contact us and ask
about our energy audit program to identify areas where homes waste
energy and money. For more information, please call the branch
closest to you or fill out this sales request form to schedule a
Sales Call.

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What
does Energy Star mean?
Energy Star stands for high-efficiency and energy savings according
to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Energy Star
heating and cooling products are a good investment. Owners of such
equipment realize returns in the form of lower utility bills.
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