January Articles

March 2006 Articles

These are condensed versions of the Radio Program

02/22/05

We’ve all asked these questions, if not out loud, maybe to ourselves. Replacing something as costly as a home comfort system is a serious matter. We are here to help.

Why would I even consider replacing a central heating/cooling unit that works? Great question!

You should consider replacing if your system is old, inefficient, or in need of costly repair. The units being made today can be 60%-plus more efficient than equipment made as little as 10 years ago. If utility bills seem worse than just the high regular prices, or if your unit needs a major component (like a compressor) replaced, there may be all the more reason to think about replacement.

How much is a new system? That’s a lot like asking, “How much is a new car?” Some cars have luxury features, options, and warranties that others don’t have.

You can buy a new standard Chevrolet; or you could buy a new loaded Rolls Royce. They’re both new cars, but the price for each will be wildly different. The most important thing is that you get the system you need at a price you can afford. We can make that happen AND offer financing, too.

How long will new systems last? That depends greatly

Upon how it is used and how well it is maintained. An average system that has proper maintenance performed regularly should last 12-15 years and more. The key is the maintenance. Heat pumps generally last longer.

If you have a question for us at Ask Mike, please call us at 635-3452, then watch for your answer here or catch it on “Ask Mike” on Saturdays on WTRB. Change your filters and visit us on the web at: www.qualityserviceinc.com.

03/29/06

Today, we’ll focus on heat pumps. To most, the first question might be, “It’s nearly cooling season, why are we talking about heat pumps?” It’s because heat pumps operate year ‘round. They provide heat during the winter and in the summer they provide cooling JUST like an air conditioner. In fact, we’ve been replacing a LOT of HVAC systems with heat pumps recently. Many people using gas heat are choosing to replace their units with all electric heat pumps in preparation for dealing with the gas prices that will certainly remain high for next heating season. It’s also the time of year we like to remind everybody about the Quality Service Maintenance Program. It is the perfect way to really enjoy all the benefits of your home comfort system without all the worry. While it’s not a guarantee that you’ll have no issues with your equipment, it goes a long way toward providing the peace of mind that you won’t suffer a breakdown when they usually happen-the worst possible time. The program provides two separate check-up and maintenance visits to your home for one low price. We’ll be there once to go over the cooling system and again for the heating process. On each visit we will check the entire operation, all electronic controls, clean, lubricate and more. There’s too much involved in a maintenance visit to list here, but suffice it to say that they are very thorough. Plus, if we find a problem about to occur, you can get it fixed then and save the cost of a service call. Maintenance program customers get an automatic 10% off any parts and labor whenever we do repair work for them. For more information call us at 635-3452. Change your filters!