Frequently Asked Questions

Cooling

Maintenance & Warranty

New Equipment

Financing

Specials & Promotions

How is energy use measured?
Think of efficiency like gas mileage. While any car can get you from one place to another, cars with higher gas mileage use less fuel to get there. Similarly, while any system can provide heating and cooling, higher efficiency systems keep you comfortable while using less energy.

Cooling efficiency is measured by "SEER" (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) while the heating efficiency of heat pumps is measured by "HSPF" (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) and the heating efficiency of gas furnaces is measured by "AFUE" (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Gas furnaces also use electricity, and variable speed motors can save even more money by reducing the electricity needed to operate the furnace.

Although different systems have different efficiency ratings, the most important thing to understand is that the higher the efficiency rating, the greater the savings.

How do zoning systems work?
Zoning is simply a way of dividing a home into areas with similar cooling and heating needs. You wouldn't have just one light switch for your entire home. With zoning, you can have the same flexibility with your temperature as you do with your lighting, by independently controlling different areas of your home according to their needs and occupancy.

By incorporating a zoning system into your home you can eliminate hot and cold spots so all areas of your home are equally comfortable. This will help to maximize energy savings by conditioning only the areas of a home that are occupied. You will have the flexibility to customize your system with up to eight distinctive comfort zones.

Please note that you should not attempt to "zone" your home by closing vents in unused rooms. This only causes undue stress on and leads to inefficiency in the whole system.

How do heat pumps and air conditioners work?
Most central heating and cooling systems are classified as forced air systems, because they send air through ductwork for distribution. The ductwork can contain products that filter or clean the air.

Radiant systems create heat and deliver it using components such as radiators that distribute the heat into the home. Boilers are a traditional radiant heat source.

Whole-home air conditioning systems are central systems that rely on ducts to deliver cooled air throughout the home. An air-conditioning system provides cooling, ventilation, humidity control and even heating (if using a Heat Pump) for a home. Air conditioning units cool refrigerants like Puron Refrigerant and Freon and deliver them to evaporator coils, which dissipate the refrigerant and blow cool air into ducts for delivery throughout the home.

Products such as room air conditioners are local cooling options for smaller areas within homes. Instead of delivering cooled refrigerant to a coil and then to ductwork, a room air conditioner contains all the components in a single unit and blows air directly into a room.

Why do I need to “match” my condensing unit and indoor coil?
Your condensing unit and indoor coil are a team. As a team you need to ensure they are both in good operating condition at all times. By upgrading one member of your team and leaving the other in less than optimum condition you are holding back the whole team.

When you match your system components you will get the most efficient system.

By replacing only your indoor unit your system could be up to 15% less efficient than stated! That means less comfort.

By replacing only your outdoor unit you not only sacrifice comfort but this can also lead to undue stress on your cooling system. That means components could require more repairs.

Matching your indoor and outdoor units gets you the most efficient and comfortable system.

What simple maintenance can I do myself?
With the proper maintenance and care, your Carrier equipment will operate economically and dependably. Here are a few simple, routine maintenance operations you can do to help ensure the best performance and comfort from your system.

Before performing any kind of maintenance, consider these important safety precautions.

• Disconnect all electrical power to the unit before removing access panels to perform maintenance. Please note that there may be more than one power connection switch.
• Although Carrier takes special care to prevent sharp edges in the construction of our equipment, it's best to be very careful when you handle parts or reach into units.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

• Keep Your Outdoor Condensing Unit Free of Debris. Keep your outdoor unit clear of grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris. To help maintain proper drainage, occasionally check the base pan (under the unit) and remove any debris. If the outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. If there is dirt deep in the coil you will need to contact your Simpson representative.

Every 3 to 4 weeks

• Check The Air Filter In Your Furnace Or Fan Coil. Your filter will need to be replaced or cleaned (if it's a reusable filter) as needed. Running the system with a dirty filter will cause your unit to be less efficient and work harder than necessary. NOTE: Reusable filters must be fully dry before reinstallation. Check Prefilter & Collection Cells on Electric Air Cleaners. The prefilter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be checked at least every month and cleaned as needed.

Approximately Every 3 Months

• Clean The Core And Air Filters On A Ventilator. Vacuum the core of an energy recover ventilator: It must be dry and the outdoor temperature between 60 F (16 C) and 75 F (24 C). Soak the heat recovery ventilator cores: These can be soaked for three hours in a solution of warm water and mild soap and then rinsed. Vacuum ventilator air filters: Use a vacuum to remove the dust and then wash them in lukewarm water. Replace them ONLY after they are completely dry.
• Wash Exposed Surfaces and The Coil If You Live In Ocean Environments. Salt is corrosive on most metals. That refreshing sea breeze and ocean mist can wreak havoc on your coil. If you are located in an ocean area your unit will require a little extra TLC. New Carrier units are made out of galvanized metal and are protected by top-grade paint; however, you can add additional life to your unit by washing all exposed surfaces and the coil approximately every three months. (Ask your Simpson Representative about the appropriate interval in your area.)

Before Each Heating Season

• Inspect Your Furnace's Combustion Area and Vent System. Look for dirt, soot or rust. If this is apparent, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call your Simpson representative and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.

Annually

• Have Your System Inspected By A Trained Service Technician. In addition to the routine maintenance you perform, your system should be inspected at least once a year by a properly trained service technician. They will make sure your system operates safely and gives you the best performance at the lowest cost.

What simple troubleshooting can I do myself?

• Check disconnect switches (indoor and outdoor if you have a split system). Make sure that circuit breakers (in your main breaker panel) are ON or that fuses have not blown.
• Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open and unobstructed.
• Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. If you want heat, make sure the temperature control selector is set above room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is at HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should be set at ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating.

How often should my system have maintenance?
The manufacturer recommends routine air conditioning maintenance at least once per year. Simpson Air agrees with this determination. To schedule maintenance for your system, please fill out our maintenance request form.

What does my warranty cover?
Warranty information was included with your homeowner information packet, and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers and installation dates of your products. If you cannot find your warranty certificate, contact your Simpson representative who will be able to provide you with the information.

Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than my dealer quote?
Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the rating. Please contact your Simpson Representative for additional information.

What questions should I ask my rep or builder before I purchase a system?

• Brand: Ask questions about the brand's reputation for quality and reliability. A system with a good reputation for reliable quality performance can save you money in the long run.
• Efficiency Ratings: Ask questions about the efficiency rating for the system. This tells you how efficiently the unit will use fuel. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the efficiency rating of a system or unit the more it will cost initially. However, it will use less fuel to heat or cool your home. For both air conditioners and heat pumps you will need to know about the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). For heat pumps you will also need to know the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). If you have an outdoor unit (condenser) and an indoor unit (evaporator coil) you have what is known as a split system. In this case you will want to discuss with your Simpson representative replacing both units in order to get the best possible performance and comfort.
• Sound Ratings: Ask your Simpson representative about the sound level of the unit. The lower the sound level the better. You want a unit that will not interfere with your everyday tasks.
• Comfort Features: Ask your Simpson representative about the additional features that can offer you greater comfort and possibly additional energy savings. For instance, two-speed units can run on two separate speeds to deliver more consistent heating and cooling throughout your home with fewer drafts, smaller temperature swings, and better air circulation.
• Warranties: Ask your Simpson representative about the manufacturer's warranty that comes with your new heating and cooling system. Your representative will be able to tell you how long the warranty covers your system and specifically what parts of the system are covered. Your representative may also be able to offer you a Simpson extended warranty.
• Service & Maintenance Agreements: Ask your Simpson representative about a Simpson service and maintenance agreement. This will help keep your system in tip-top operating condition.

Can I finance my purchase?
Both Simpson Air and Simpson Mechanical offer financing (learn more) to our clients with approved credit.

Do you offer rebates and specials?
Yes, Simpson often offers rebates and specials. Contact your Simpson representative for our current rebates and specials.