Frequently Asked Questions
How small of a job will you do?
We perform ALL types of jobs; from the installation of a single electrical receptacle or an additional heat run in your basement, to rewiring your entire house, installing an entirely new bathroom, or providing new Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing systems to large commercial and industrial buildings! It truly is our philosophy:"No job is too small, and no job is too large"!
How large of a job will you do?
As we are so proud to say," no job is too small, and no job is too large"; we can perform almost all of your Electrical, Heating and Cooling, Plumbing, and Datacom needs, whether for your home or office building!
Where is your office located?
Bloomington: Our building is located at 401 Olympia Drive.
Directions: Route 9 east to Towanda Barnes road. Turn south on Towanda Barnes road and go (1) mile to East Oakland Ave. and turn right (west). Drive to the end of East Oakland and turn left on Olympia - our building is the first one on the corner of Oakland & Olympia!
What are your normal showroom operating hours?
Our showroom opens at 7:00 am and is available until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. However if you wish to see us after hours - please call us. We would be happy to set up a time that is convenient for you!!
HEATING AND AIR
How often should I change or clean my filters?
Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system has been in use. Replace filters with the same kind and size as the original filter. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning.
Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?
Covering the unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are manufactured to withstand all possible climate changes.
Should I place my thermostat fan setting on "ON"?
There are several advantages to running your indoor fan in "continuous" mode. One is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. Another is that because the air is moving, you have a much more even temperature throughout your home - this can help to prevent the hot & cold spots encountered in 2-story homes.
How close to the air conditioner can I place landscaping?
Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need to take in and exhaust air to operate at peak efficiency. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and cause service problems.
Is there anything I can do so the air isn't so dry when I use my furnace in winter?
The best way to provide humidity to your entire home is to install a "whole house" humidification system. These systems are designed to operate manually or electronically as the outdoor & indoor temperature and humidity levels change. Call or email us for more information!
How much will a new heating and/or air conditioner system cost?
The answer is "That depends." There are many factors which must be considered: the efficiency of the equipment, the size of your home, what is the condition of your duct work, do you need a new thermostat, humidifier, electronic air cleaner, etc… In most cases, replacing your whole system (indoor and outdoor components) will result in a more efficient and longer lasting system, but will cost a little more. Please contact us to set up a free, no obligation consultation with one of our Comfort Consultants.
My outdoor air conditioner needs replaced. Is there any advantage to replace my whole system at the same time?
Air conditioners are designed as matched systems, with an efficiency rating given for the whole system. If you replace only one part, you do not get the advantage of many technology changes that make the system work efficiently to ensure comfort. Also, the indoor system contains a cooling coil which may be partially blocked by particles that will decrease efficiency. Furthermore, if your whole system is replaced, you will be less likely to need service in the near future.
My air conditioner seems to run okay, but it's muggy in my house - can you do anything for this?
That "muggy", humid feeling is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity in the summer time is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable speed air handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps the air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. Also at these low speeds, the variable speed motor uses much less electricity than conventional motors.
What size system do I need for my house?
There are many things which will determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are: square feet to be cooled, climate, humidity, number of windows, insulation factors, which direction your home faces, heat producing appliances, and even the number of people who will be in the home. Our Comfort Consultants can do an energy analysis on your home and help you decide what your particular needs are for your lifestyle.
What's the difference in a Manufacturer's Limited Warranty and and Extended Parts and Labor Warranty?
A limited warranty covers specific parts (i.e. compressor, coil, electronics, etc.); therefore, it is limited by the language in the warranty. Extended Warranties are generally purchased in addition to the equipment. Extended warranties cover all parts and may also include the labor for the service call. An extended warranty protects you from unexpected and unbudgeted service calls for the duration of the warranty.
I hear about these "allergy" type filters on the radio, do they really work?
The answer is, "For a short time." The problem with these types of filters (called electrostatic) is that they because they are so dense, after a few days of use they start to become ineffective and cause undo stress on your furnace blower motor. The best way to help eliminate allergens and dust is an Electronic Air Cleaner. Call or email us for more information.
When should I consider replacing my old heating and air conditioning system instead of repairing it?
When you're frustrated with an equipment breakdown, it can be tempting to find the least expensive "quick fix" to get on with your life in relative ease. 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. Typically with equipment (10) years or older, paying for repairs often simply prolongs the inevitable. It's similar to putting a "band aid" on a serious injury. An older system that breaks down once is likely to break down again; meaning more emergency service calls or worse yet, the risk of damage to your home or to other components of your heating and cooling equipment.
What is this "Geo-Thermal" stuff I keep hearing about?
For years, smart homeowners all over the world have been discovering the advantages of heating and cooling with geothermal energy. No matter where you live, the underground temperature remains relatively constant all year, even though outdoor temperatures vary widely. Geothermal systems harness this relatively constant, renewable energy source, and use it for heating, air conditioning and hot water. Geothermal systems circulate a water based solution through a "loop" of small diameter, underground pipes. When heating, the solution absorbs heat from the earth, carries it to the geothermal unit, which (through a process much the same as your refrigerator) compresses the heat to a high temperature and delivers it to your home. When cooling, the process is simply reversed, and the resulting cool, dehumidified air is delivered to your home. Geothermal systems are extremely efficient since they only need a comparably small amount of electricity to power the pump, compressor and fan. Geothermal systems typically deliver up to (4) times as much energy as they consume so you save on monthly energy bills when compared to other types of heating and cooling systems!
STANDBY GENERATORS
Who is Generac?
Since 1959, Generac has been producing backup generators for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. We have quietly grown into the world's largest provider of residential stand by generators and currently sell five times more generators than all of our competitors combined. For over 50 years we have concentrated our efforts in bringing the most affordable and highest quality generators to home owners and business owners alike. Generac offers the broadest line of stand-by generators in the market; they are widely available and supported nationwide by the industry's largest professional network of over four thousand factory trained service and installation dealers, and are also available at major retailers and wholesalers.
What is an automatic standby generator?
An automatic standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates whether you are home or away. Within seconds of an outage, it automatically supplies power directly to your home's electrical circuit breaker box. After utility power returns, the generator shuts itself off and waits for the next outage. It operates on natural gas or liquid propane gas and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit.
How does a home standby system work?
Why should I buy an automatic standby generator instead of a portable generator?
During a utility power outage, an automatic standby generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:
- The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed standby generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
- With an automatic standby generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
- Running on the home's natural gas or LP fuel supply, it is less expensive to run than gasoline and does not need to be refilled.
- They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
- They provide protection 24/7, whether you're home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.
What is the difference between an automatic air-cooled generator and an automatic liquid-cooled generator?
The engines! Air cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid cooled engines are used on larger kW generators due to the larger engines required for the higher power output.
How does the Generac OHVI® engine compared to air-cooled engines used in other brands' standby generators?
Unlike all other engines manufactured primarily for lawn and garden applications, Generac OHVI engines are made specifically for generators. They are engineered to run for the long periods of time required during a severe power outage or on a job site, utilizing the same type of pressurized oil lubrication used to give automobile engines long and trouble-free lives. Generac OHVI engines have a significantly longer life than competitive engines - an unprecedented three to four times longer - making them the best investment on the market.
How long can I expect an automatic standby generator to last?
Because Generac engines were developed specifically for generators and designed to operate as much as 3,000 hours, with typical usage and proper maintenance a Generac automatic standby generator will provide years of reliable service.
What's the advantage of an aluminum enclosure?
In addition to its sturdy galvanneal steel enclosure with RhinoCoat™, Generac is one of the few companies to offer premium aluminum enclosures for its residential standby generators. Aluminum enclosures are naturally rust and corrosion resistant. For salt air or high humidity conditions, aluminum is highly recommended to ensure decades of worry free service.
Can an automatic standby generator replace utility service?
No...the generator fuel costs would be much more expensive than buying power from the utility company since their cost to produce electricity is divided among thousands of customers.
How do I correctly size a generator for my home?
The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your home without power! Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last for days or weeks. What would you like your living conditions to be?
Generac takes the guesswork out of sizing by supplying the Guardian Series air cooled generators with predetermined numbers of circuits based on the generator's kW power rating. For example, eight circuits are supplied for the 8 kW generator and as many as 16 circuits are supplied for the 17 kW generator. Each circuit is directly connected to a matched circuit on the home's main circuit breaker panel, providing electricity to that specific appliance or area of the home.
In a typical installation with an 8 kW, eight circuit generator, you could connect (1) lights and TV in the family room, (2) microwave and lights in the kitchen, (3) refrigerator, (4) power to the bathroom, (5) computer and home office, (6) garage door opener, (7) air conditioner, and (8) furnace.
Generac also offers generators and transfer switches that can power the entire circuit breaker panel box...for these situations, we recommend consulting with an authorized Generac dealer or a qualified electrician
Can I install the generator myself?
Generac Guardian Series air cooled generator systems are prepackaged, pre-wired and come with comprehensive installation instructions. You could perform the simpler site preparation steps and have a professional make the electrical panel and fuel connections, or you could complete the entire installation yourself. However, for safety reasons and to ensure adherence to all local, state and national electrical codes, particularly for non pre-wired or larger systems, Generac recommends you use an authorized Generac dealer or licensed contractor.
Do they have to be maintained?
Yes, simple maintenance is required. Every Generac Guardian Series standby generator is powered by Generac's Overhead Valve Industrial (OHVI) engine. These engines were designed specifically for running long hours in harsh conditions and have maintenance intervals that are twice as long as leading competitors'. All generators require periodic oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Preventative maintenance kits are available and many Generac dealers offer annual maintenance contracts for a worry-free ownership experience. Refer to the owner's manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
What type of oil should I use?
An SAE rated high detergent oil that meets API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. Refer to your owner's manual for details.
What happens if the generator gets over loaded?
Generac generators are equipped with overload protection. In the rare event of an overload, the generator's circuit breaker will trip, disconnecting the unit from the load. Simply correct the overload and reset the breaker in the generator.
I no longer have my Owner's Manual, how can I get another copy?
Owner's manuals and other technical/ repair information can be downloaded from generac.com or by calling 1-888-generac.