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Resource FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I purchase a new heating or air conditioning system?

At Applewood, we realize that purchasing a air conditioning or heating system is by no means a small investment. However, consider if your existing system is old, in need of repair or simply inefficient. Purchasing a new unit, one which can be as much as 60% more efficient than a system purchased just 10 years ago, can turn into a long term benefit. Rather than continuing to pay for ongoing maintenance and costly monthly bills, it may make sense to invest in a new system that will save you money for years to come.

 

How do I determine which system is right for me?

There are many heating and air conditioning systems to choose from today. By contacting Applewood you have access to an in-depth knowledge of heating and air conditioning; and experience to help you decide on the system that best fits your specific needs. Many factors must be considered. These include: the size and age of your home, the number of rooms, local and regional utility costs, utility incentive rebate programs etc. Most important is your input. We want to know what is important to you and work within your desired budget.

 

How do I determine the size, or capacity, of my HVAC system?

Factors affecting the size of your new system include the number of windows, the total square footage of your home, the direction your home faces, the number of heat producing appliances in your home, the type of insulation you have and the number of people that live in your residence. Applewood can perform the proper calculations to determine the right size heating or cooling unit for your home and lifestyle.

 

What happens when I replace my old system?

To install the most efficient HVAC system in your household, a detailed inspection should first be performed by your installation contractor. Your contractor should inspect your home’s ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.

 

What goes into installing a new system?

If you install a new system, most of the items from the “What happens when I replace my old system?” will need to be installed as well. Beyond this equipment, the most important component installed with a new system is the ductwork.
Ductwork is composed of two parts, supply and return. Supply duct is attached to the outflow of the new system, delivering air to each zone in a home. The amount of air reaching each zone is determined by the size of supply ductwork connecting it to your system. Applewood will help you determine the size of all the supply ductwork in your home. The second part of the ductwork, the return duct, attaches to the inlet of the new system and draws air out of the spaces to be heated or cooled. Attached to the return duct is the filter. The filter should be placed as near to the furnace or air handler as possible. Ductwork can be either fibreglass or metal and must be properly sized in order to evenly distribute the proper amount of air to each room.

 

How long will my system last?

Maintenance and service play a key role in the lifecycle of a heating or air conditioning system. If all recommended maintenance and service actions are taken, it is believed that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years and a gas furnace should last from 20 to 25 years.

 

Do I need to change my indoor coil?

It is generally a good idea to replace the indoor coil if you are also replacing your air conditioner or heat pump. There is a correlation between the efficiency of your heating or cooling system and the performance of the indoor coil. So when you change the outdoor side of the system, you should also change the interior side of the system as well in order to maximize the efficiency and savings potential of the total system.

 

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a device used for either the heating or cooling of a space by transferring hot and cold between two reservoirs. A heat pump can act like an air conditioner, transferring heat from inside to out, or like a heater as it transfers exterior heat to the interior. A winter day with a temperature of zero degrees Celsius still produces enough heat to warm a space when the air is transferred by heat pump.

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