McFate's FAQ

It seems like an easy swap, but it’s not! We wish it was easier!! If you want to make this transition, it is going to take a lot of construction modifications and lots of added cost in both labor and fireplace material. A licensed technician will have to view the fireplace area to make sure installation is possible according to building code, and then you will need to hire a general contractor to make structural changes.  

This question can mean a lot of different things depending on who you ask.  Some companies charge a service call fee and then a separate repair cost.  At McFate’s we work on a flat rate pricing system. We don’t charge a service call fee on top of a repair fee.  It’s all one cost that just depends on the kind of repair and labor that is required to complete the job. Our office staff and technicians are happy to answer more specific pricing questions, but the best way to find the cost of repair or replacement is to schedule a technician to come and give a free estimate.

***Exception*** Fireplace consultations for installation require a $75 fee.

Just like your car needs routine service, so does your HVAC equipment. Getting routine maintenance will extend the life of the system and help prevent any repairs that might happen at inopportune times. We recommend having our technicians come once in the spring to service your AC and once in the fall to service your furnace. As always, keep up on changing those filters on a regular basis.

Most furnaces come with a 10 year parts warranty and a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger.  Most Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps come with a 10 year parts warranty.  Most of our water heaters have a 7 year parts warranty.  We want to make sure your system starts on the right foot so all of our installations come with a 1 year labor warranty.  If anything goes wrong with the system in the first year, we will repair it for free of charge.  

***Exceptions***Mobile home furnaces and some specialty equipment do not have the same warranties.  

The technical answer is no.  The majority of the time you do not have to replace your furnace when replacing your AC.  However, you will need to replace the indoor coil that is attached to your furnace.  Some HVAC configurations make it more cost effective in the long run if you replace the furnace at the time of AC installation because it can eliminate labor cost down the road. The decision is yours and a  technician can inform you with all the facts to make the best decision to match your budget.  

Many customers think that a bigger furnace or AC will help provide more heating and cooling to the home, but most of the time that’s not the case.  The size of your HVAC equipment correlates with your ductwork and the size of your house.  If your duct work is proper size and function, and the HVAC equipment is working at optimal levels, then the system should heat and cool your house correctly.  If you get an oversized system the equipment will break down quickly because the ductwork can not adequately facilitate the amount of heating and cooling.  A technician can check your duct work to make sure it is installed properly and help with airflow and heating and cooling to the home.  Other things that might factor in maintaining desired temperature are insulation and windows.  

Ahhhh...the famous question! What is the best temperature for my home? Rumors of wars have been started on this topic. Most people recommend somewhere between 68-72, but we will stay out of that discussion. Let's talk more about what's best for your system once you have chosen a desired temperature.

Pick a desired temperature and only adjust within a few degrees while you are gone.

During the extremely cold or hot months, many people think that they will save money by turning off their HVAC system while they are gone to work during the day and then turn it back on when they get home. Unfortunately, this is not the case, and the system has to work extra hard to get back to the desired temperature which takes more energy than leaving the thermostat within a couple of degrees. This can also be hard on your system and dirupt it's lifespan.

Other ways to save on your energy bill without overworking your system:

1. Close the curtains or blinds in the day to keep extreme temperatures out.

2. Plant shade trees to help cool your home in the summer.

3. Install a whole house fan to help cool your home in the summer.

4. Install an attic fan to help circulate attic air in the warm months.

5. Check the insulation situation of your home.

There are a lot of variables when it comes to changing your filter but here is a general rule of thumb...

1 inch filters: 1-3 months

2 inch fitlers:-3-6 months

4 inch filters: 3-6 months

We recommend a pleated filter with a Merv Rating of 8

You may need to change your filter more often if you have any of the following factors;

1. Pets

2. Children

3. A high volume of traffic in your home

4. Live near a dusty or high pollen area

Checking your filter monthly can help you get a good gauge on how quickly the filter will get dirty based on the above factors.

*Tips

-Use a permanent marker to write the date of installation on the filter.

-Set a reminder on your calender to change your filter.