Frequently Asked Questions for Heating and Cooling Systems in Connecticut
You might have more questions for the experts at Unified Home Solutions, but we’ve gathered a collection of common questions that can offer you some initial assistance. Still, we’re happy to answer any other questions you may have, so please call us at 203-836-8053 or fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you.
Think of it like an oil change for your car. Regular tuning prevents costly breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your unit, prevents small issues from turning into emergencies, maintains your manufacturer’s warranty, and ensures the system runs at peak efficiency.
We recommend twice a year: once in the spring for your A/C and once in the fall for your heating system. This ensures you aren’t caught without climate control during a Connecticut cold snap or heatwave.
Heating maintenance includes such touchpoints as inspecting/cleaning burners and heat exchangers, checking for carbon monoxide leaks, testing electrical components, replacing or cleaning air filters, lubricating moving parts, verifying air flow, calibrating your thermostat, and checking gas or electrical connections.
Air conditioning maintenance includes such points of inspection as cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, inspecting and testing refrigerant levels, checking all electrical components, lubricating moving parts, calibrating the thermostat and verifying readings, clearing the condensate drain, replacing or cleaning air filters, testing startup and airflow, and inspecting ductwork connections.
Look out for unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures between rooms, odd smells, or a sudden, unexplained spike in your utility bills.
Listen for consistent cycling, check that your humidity levels are comfortable, and monitor your utility bills. If your home reaches the thermostat set point quickly and quietly, your system is likely in good health.
If your system is over 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or uses R-22 refrigerant (which is phased out and expensive), it’s usually more cost-effective to replace it.
Install a programmable thermostat, seal gaps or possible air leaks around windows, ensure your attic is properly insulated, maintain airflow through all vents, and keep your equipment maintained.
Beyond changing filters: installing whole-home air cleaners, UV germicidal lights to kill mold/bacteria, or an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) to bring in fresh, filtered outdoor air without losing your indoor temperature.
They don’t actually create cold; they remove heat. Refrigerant circulates through coils, absorbing heat from your indoor air and carrying it outside. As the air cools, moisture is also removed, which is why your A/C acts as a dehumidifier.
A two-stage system has two levels of operation: High and Low. On mild days, it runs on Low to save energy and provide steady heat. On those freezing January nights, it kicks into High to ensure your home stays warm. This results in fewer temperature swings and quieter operation.
Similar to two-stage heating, the compressor runs at a lower capacity (around 60-70%) most of the time to maintain a steady temperature and remove humidity. It only jumps to 100% capacity during extreme heatwaves.
It will work much better! Modern furnaces use advanced blower motors that move air more quietly and efficiently. You may notice more consistent airflow and that the system runs for longer, gentler cycles rather than blasting hot air and then shutting off abruptly.
On outdoor A/C units, look for a metal rating plate on the back or side near the copper pipes. On furnaces, the sticker is usually inside the front cabinet door or on the side of the main housing.
Bigger isn’t always better or even possible. Our technicians can come to your property and take the necessary measurements to find what is structurally best in terms of weight and size based on your home’s capacities.
Yes, significantly. Grass clippings, leaves, and cottonwood can clog the exterior fins, forcing the system to work harder to release heat. This can lead to overheating and compressor failure. We recommend keeping a 2-foot clearance around the unit.
The most common culprits are restricted airflow (a very dirty filter or closed vents) or a refrigerant leak. When the air can’t move over the coils fast enough, the temperature drops below freezing, turning condensation into ice.
A heat pump is an all-in-one system. In the summer, it moves heat out of your house (cooling). In the winter, it reverses the process, pulling heat from the outdoor air and moving it inside.
Zoning allows you to set different temperatures for different areas (like keeping bedrooms cool while the living room is warm). It eliminates hot spots, reduces energy waste in unused rooms, and gives everyone in the family control over their own comfort.
In Connecticut, rain and snow usually do a decent job of “washing” the panels. However, a light cleaning once or twice a year to remove pollen, bird droppings, or dust can improve energy absorption.
It depends on your equipment. High-efficiency, multi-stage systems often require communicating thermostats to unlock all their features. We evaluate your system’s wiring and your lifestyle (e.g., Do you want Wi-Fi/Phone control?) to make a recommendation.