Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC is most often used to depict the whole heating and cooling system consisting of the duct work, air filters, humidification controls, and registers.

The most important part of HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, you must keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions.

We recommend that your heating and cooling system be checked and serviced twice a year; ideally a spring and autumn tune-up. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems that need fixing and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.

Locate the label on the outer surface of the equipment for a manufacture date. If the equipment is less than five years old it may have a warranty, but also may not based on the model. Warranty terms and conditions change by manufacturer and the installing company. EMCO Tech formerly Emergency Maintenance Company office managers can assist you and verify the warranty status of your heating and cooling system via Get Warranty form.

Regular filter replacement helps your heating and cooling system operate at peak levels and improves indoor air quality. It is important to change filters regularly to ensure proper air flow and to keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements. Your Emergency Maintenance Company DBA EMCO Tech service or installation technician will recommend the ideal filters and replacement schedules for your unit(s). Simply call our office at 215.366.1001 for a free phone consultation.

Yes. Loud heating and cooling equipment contribute to sound pollution. Although no financial savings are tied to lower sound levels, the sound rating of a cooling system can have a considerable effect on comfort and enjoyment of your home. The sound level of an air conditioner or heat pump depends on a variety of factors, such as the age and make of the unit, and whether the compressor is insulated or not can contribute to the amount of noise it makes.

Is it making strange noises? Is it cooling or heating all areas of your home sufficiently? Has it been taking longer to cool down or heat up? Have your utility bills been rising for no apparent reason? Any of these are signs that you may have a problem that needs service. In most cases, the longer you delay, the worse any existing problems will get. So be sure to contact EMCO Tech Heating & Cooling to check out your system whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.

At EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling we choose only trusted brands that honor the manufacturer warranty, have local distribution centers, and have easy access to spare parts in case they’re defective. Products we offer were field tested by our installation and service technicians for decades, and are proven to be the most reliable on the local market. EMCO Tech is proud to be authorized dealer of Carrier HVAC and you can request our services directly from the manufacturer website here. Carrier HVAC equipment comes with up to 10 years warranty on labor and parts.

For PECO electric customers rebates for heating and cooling are based on ENERGY STAR criteria, rated as a whole system by the Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Federal requirements and amount of rebates change based on the time of installation and ENERGY STAR, AHRI ratings, and the new federal SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2. You can find up-to-date info and apply on PECO website, or by contacting our office.

PECO natural gas customers located in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester or Delaware counties may be eligible for the PECO Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. Such rebates are available for installation of qualified residential natural gas ENERGY STAR® furnace, boiler and/or storage tank water heater.

There are a few signs that can help you determine if your A/C unit is big enough for your house. Some of these signs include: your A/C not cooling your home, inconsistent room temperatures in your home, your air conditioner not turning off, high energy bills, high humidity levels inside your home, and low airflow in your home. Additionally, you can use an AC Size Calculator to estimate the proper Central AC size in TONs & BTUs based on your house size, SEER rating (Glossary page), conditioned space (house) size, heat load & loss, and other parameters. This calculator can also help you estimate the cost to install your Central Air system in different climate zones (regions).

It’s important to note that bigger isn’t always better; its performance and efficiency that count. Before purchasing a replacement system you should always make sure your system is sized properly to match your needs and budget. A service manager from EMCO Tech Heating and Cooling aka Emergency Maintenance Company will thoroughly assess your home and comfort requirements to determine the proper size and make the appropriate recommendation.

You may find more info in these posts:
Common Questions About Air Conditioning Installation
Ensure That Your Air Conditioning Runs Efficiently

A few quick tips:

• Clean and replace your filters frequently.
• Your system will heat and cool more evenly when the blower is in the “on” position. The blower provides constant air movement throughout the home, and allows for better filtration. If everything works the way you want, “auto” fan mode would reduce energy consumption.
• Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.

You may have tried to cover up indoor odors by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. Unfortunately, these tactics only mask the odors, they don’t get rid of them. These remedies may in fact negatively affect indoor air quality from chemicals that cause allergic reactions or eye irritation for homeowners.

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. One method to purify the air is integrating germicidal (UV) lights in your home, which helps kill odors and inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. They also purify the air, preventing the growth of contaminants. The UV lights are installed to work with your home comfort system.

Sometimes poor ventilation contributes to unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls windows and stagnant air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified Service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is an issue that should be addressed. The technician can also inform you how to solve the ventilation system’s ability to correctly circulate and ventilate indoor air. Contact us for more information.

Every person and every home entails a different comfort need. The threshold of irritancy and triggers that affect people’s health and comfort combine to determine the proper solutions. High threshold levels may require simple solutions like a better air filter. Low threshold levels may require an air purification system for the reduction of triggers and irritants. With a Home Health Report Card, Service Experts can help you decide which indoor air improvement products are right for you.

According to studies created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to air pollutants indoors can be 100 times higher than outdoors. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help reduce the amount of dust and dust mites present in your home. However, not all airborne particles can be eliminated. Filtration devices can help eliminate particles that are too small to be caught by a vacuum. Some filtration devices include UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners. A Home Health Report Card from Service Experts will provide the information about which indoor air improvement devices are right for you. To receive a Home Health Report Card and personal air quality consultation EMCO Tech Heating & Cooling formerly Emergency Maintenance Company at 215.366.1001.

Temperature settings depend on the time of year and your personal preferences. In the summer, the average temperature setting is 75°-80°. In the winter 68°-72° is the norm. Remember, when leaving your house; try to avoid drastic temperature changes. Do not set your temperature back more than 5°; this will cause your unit to work harder to achieve the desired temperature setting. Learn more about energy saving smart thermostat benefits.