FAQ
Q. What is a heat pump?
A. A very efficient system for heating and cooling your home. Unlike a furnace it doesn't burn fuel to make heat. It simply pumps heat where you want it—inside in winter and outside in summer. This lowers your power bill and since there is no fire, it is very safe.
Q. Can I have separate temperature control in each room?
A. Each room or group of rooms can have separate temperature control just as each room has it's own light switch. This allows you to have just the right temperature in each room and to heat and cool only the rooms you use. We can customize your system to fit your unique lifestyle.
Q. How do I know what size system I should buy?
A. A survey of your home will need to be done. Insulation levels, window sizes and construction materials must be identified and measured. Then a heat loss and cooling load analysis can be performed. This is the only way to properly size your system. Old "rules of thumb" won't work. You could end up with a system that is too large or too small for your home. A system that is too small won't get the job done. A system that is too large will cycle too much, which will shorten it's life and cost you more to own.
Q. Do I need a heat pump if I don't want air conditioning?
A. Even if you never use the cooling cycle a heat pump is a good choice because our winters are so long and mild. Because of our unique weather a heat pump can save you up to 50% of your heating bills.
Q. How can I make the air in my home cleaner?
A. First remove the source of pollutants. Store paint cans and cleaners outside. Remove your shoes at the door and use your exhaust fans. For a greater benefit, install a high efficiency filter. Electronic air filters are 20 to 40 times better at cleaning the air than typical furnace filters.
Q. How do I choose the best company to install my system?
A. Ask for referrals from your friends and neighbors. An established company that has been in business in your area for many years will have lots of happy customers. They should be licensed, insured and have design, installation and service departments. Being in business a lot of years isn't always evidence of quality. Find out what they have put into those years. Ask to see training certificates and awards they have earned.
Q. My heat pump is steaming and dripping water, is that normal?
A. During the heating cycle a heat pump removes heat from the outside air. Water will condense and run on the ground near the outdoor unit. If it is 47 degrees or colder it will automatically defrost itself periodically. This will cause cool harmless steam to rise from the heat pump.
Q. How To Enroll Trane® XL824/824B, XL850, and XL1050 Wireless Smart Thermostats
A. When you enroll your Trane wireless smart thermostat in Trane Home, you can view and control your home's heating and cooling system from virtually any smartphone or internet connection. Additionally, you can view weather information directly from your thermostat, including the outdoor temperature, five-day forecast, local radar, and weather alerts. For detailed step-by-step instructions click here
Q: How often should I change or clean my filter(s)?
A: Air Flo recommends checking your filters every 60 days (more often if you have pets or smoke in your home). A dirty filter blocks airflow to your system and does not heat properly. If you have a ductless/mini-split system, ensure the filters have been cleaned (by rinsing and drying the blue nano platinum filters).
Q: Why and how should I restart my system?
A: If you’ve experienced a temporary lapse in electricity or your thermostat shows error codes, restart your system. To do this, go to the breaker panel and turn off the heat pump and air handler/furnace simultaneously. Leave both off for about 20 minutes, turn on the heat pump, wait about 30 seconds, and then turn on the air handler.
This will reset your whole system and should remove any communication errors that may have arisen. If you still have error codes, please be prepared to give them to us so we can diagnose the issue over the phone.
Q: I have flashing red lights on my thermostat/EAC. What should I do?
A: Possible causes could be communication error codes, brownouts/power outages, or the filter needs to be replaced/cleaned. If there are error codes or you’ve experienced a power outage, restart your system at the breaker (see the answer to the question above for how to do this).
Hold the restart button for three seconds to reset your EAC so the blinking lights stop flashing.
Q: Why does my system need annual maintenance?
A: Annual maintenance checks are crucial to ensure the system operates correctly and has clean filters. They also provide the chance to identify potential problems and verify optimal system efficiency, helping reduce energy bills while keeping your home comfortable.
Q: How do I change the batteries in the remote control of my ductless heat pump?
A: Watch this video to learn how to change the batteries in your Mitsubishi ductless heat pump.
Q: Why is my heat pump making a grinding sound, and smoke is coming from it?
A: Your heat pump is most likely in defrost mode, and that “smoke” is actually steam, which is normal when temperatures outside get cold. This may happen a few times daily for about 20-30 minutes.
If you believe your system is genuinely smoking—not steaming—please shut down the unit and give us a call.
Q: Why is my system blowing cold air when the heat is on?
A: There could be a few reasons your system is blowing cold air. First, check your filters and see if they need to be changed. Second, ensure the system is in the correct mode (e.g., if you want heat, then be sure you’re in heat mode or the thermostat has a sun icon.).
Q: What should I leave my temperature set at?
A: Air Flo recommends maintaining the same temperature day and night for the best results. Fluctuating temperatures can cause your system to not get warm or cool enough during extreme temperatures. Be mindful that it takes about an hour for the temperature to adjust by one degree.
Q: Should my heat pump have ice on it?
A: The short answer is no. Small amounts of frost in cold temperatures or a small amount of ice on the top of the unit, especially after snow or freezing rain, is normal. It is also possible in below-freezing temperatures for the ground around the heat pump to freeze.
However, if ice forms outside the heat pump, it is most likely caused by a defective sensor or defrost control board. To prevent damage, it is important to put the system into Emergency Heat mode (which will turn off the heat pump) or turn it off altogether.
This is also necessary so the heat pump can thaw and allow us to work on it. Please give us a call if ice is forming on the heat pump.
Q: How do I put my system in emergency/auxiliary heat mode?
A: If your heat pump is not working, and you have a 1050 or 824 thermostat, you have backup heat, called “emergency,” “auxiliary,” or “EM” heat. To turn it on:
1. Go to your thermostat’s main screen and click “System Mode.”
2. On the bottom left, click “System Options.”
3. Under Emergency Heat, click “Enable,” then “Done” on the bottom right.
4. Click “Home” to verify it was turned on.
5. A red “E” will be next to the system mode button.
Enabling EM heat will disable the outdoor heat pump and only run the indoor furnace/air handler until it is switched back to “Disabled” in the thermostat settings.
NOTE: This will increase your electric bill until you disable it from your thermostat and your heat pump is back online.
Q: What is Air Flo’s repair vs. replacement policy?
A: It is our responsibility and Company policy to fully communicate with our clients to keep them informed of the overall condition of their home comfort equipment. We must discuss all options available when our customers face repair or replacement costs on aging equipment to ensure we allow them to decide how to spend their money.
To ensure we are consistent in delivering this message, a repair authorization form will be mandatory should a customer choose a repair over a replacement under any of the following conditions:
• The repair cost is $500.00 or higher, and the equipment is ten (10) years old or older.
• If the equipment is in poor condition or is a model with known or documented poor service history, regardless of the repair cost.
• There was a major component failure, such as a compressor, reversing valve, expansion device, heat exchanger, etc.
• Equipment with a SEER rating of less than 13 SEER.
• Equipment with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of less than 90%.
Q: How long does Air Flo Heating guarantee repairs?
A: Air Flo Heating guarantees all repairs for 30 days, including parts and labor. If parts were replaced, they have a year’s warranty. Air Flo does not cover the failure of unrelated items.
Q: What brands of heating and cooling equipment do you repair?
A: Air Flo Heating repairs most brands of heat pumps and electric and propane furnaces for residential and commercial clients. Air Flo does not work on Mr. Cool, vehicle/RV/bulldozer heaters, baseboard heaters, oil furnaces, or wall heaters.
Q: Why do critters like to get inside my HVAC system, how do they do damage, and how do I get rid of them?
A: When it gets cold outside, everyone wants to find a comfier place—including rodents, bugs, and other pests. If you don’t take the proper precautions to pest-proof, that warm and comfy place could be your home or your HVAC system.
While a mouse or two may not bother you, remember that if you see one rodent, chances are there are 20 more. They can also wreak havoc if they get into your HVAC system.
At best, you’ll spend more money heating your home because warm air will escape through the holes they chew. However, what is more likely to occur is that their droppings will contaminate your air supply, and they will destroy components in your HVAC system, causing it to fail altogether.
To keep from attracting pests to your property, Air Flo recommends:
• Cleaning out gutters and downspouts
• Keeping your home clean and property clear of debris
• Sealing ducts and exterior entry points and installing flue and vent covers
• Storing firewood and trash cans away from the house
• Clearing or controlling plants close to your home.
We also recommend not putting bird feeders around your home, as the droppings are food for nuisance critters!
Q: What types of payments do you accept?
A: Air Flo Heating accepts all major credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. If service invoices have not been arranged beforehand, payment is due at the time of service.
Q: Can I finance my repair or new equipment?
A: Yes! If you need to finance your repair, you can apply to Wells Fargo and get pre-approved before the repair is completed. Visit our financing page to get pre-approved today!
Q: I’m selling my home; do I need to do anything if I purchased a new installation from you?
A: The short answer is yes! The new owner has 90 days from the closing date to transfer ownership into their name to continue warranty coverage. Be sure to advise them to contact Trane’s Product Registration (see details below).
If the new owner does not transfer within 90 days of closing, the warranty drops from 1-year labor/10-year parts to 1-year labor/1-year parts and a 5-year compressor warranty (from the installation date, not the closing date).
This means that if the equipment is already six years old when the home is sold, and the warranty isn’t transferred within the 90-day allotted timeframe, it will no longer be valid as it will have “ended” before the home’s sale.
Call Trane’s Product Registration department to transfer: 1.855.260.2975 (option 1, then 2, then 2 again). The new homeowner will need the following to transfer the warranty:
6. Proof of ownership
7. A copy of the original warranty
8. A $99 transfer fee
Also, if you are moving, please remember to unregister with Trane so the new homeowner can register.
Refrigerant Related Questions
Q: Why is my system low on refrigerant, and how does that affect my system?
A: Air conditioning units and heat pump systems are sealed, and you should never have to add refrigerant unless there is a leak.
If your system is low on refrigerant, some of the possible causes for leaks are:
• Unit vibration
• Abuse or damage from outside sources
• Copper or aluminum stress fractures due to age or vibration
• Worn service valves
Repairs may not be your best option if your system has a history of refrigerant leaks or is over ten years old. Refrigerant system repairs are costly and not cost-effective on older or neglected systems.
A loss of refrigerant will affect your system in the following way(s):
• The system operates less efficiently and consumes more power.
• The oil in the system leaks out with the refrigerant, which shortens compressor life.
• The compressor motor gets less cooling when low on charge, causing a shorter compressor life.
• Moisture and air can enter, causing acid formation and contamination (shortens compressor life.
• Hit your pocketbook and become a nuisance.
Replacement with a new high-efficiency system will save you money on your power bills, eliminate costly repair bills, and provide greater comfort and peace of mind.
Q: Why is the refrigerant changing from R-410A to R-452B?
A: In 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) was passed to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set a 750 Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating limit for air conditioning products. Since R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, it will no longer be available for use in equipment.
Manufacturers have already reduced hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) production by 10% in 2023 and expect a 40% reduction in 2024 as a result of this change in refrigerant.
Q: How is this change different from the last refrigerant change?
A: This change will have a financial impact on our company because we will have to purchase new tools, modify vehicles, change storage areas, and update licensing. The refrigerant and recovery cylinders will be different, and permits will be required for storage.
Q: Why can’t R-22 refrigerant be used any longer?
A: As of January 1, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) no longer allows the production or import of R-22. From that date, only existing, recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 are available. The production (not use) of R-22 is being phased out.
You are not required to stop using R-22 air conditioners or to replace existing equipment. However, R-22 supplies will become more limited, and costs to service equipment with R-22 may rise. This should be considered when determining whether to repair or replace aging equipment.