FAQs
Pre-Purchase
What is the right size HVAC system for my home?
Proper sizing for equipment capacity involves a variety of particulars. A professionally-performed load calculation can help determine the right system for your home based on factors like construction, ceiling height, placement and window size.
How do I know if I need a new heating and air-conditioning system?
Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling understands a new HVAC system is an important but expensive investment that sometimes can’t be avoided. If your current unit shows signs of age or wear by performing inefficiently (running for long periods to reach proper temperatures or failing to heat/cool an area), a new system can increase energy use and lower your bills, making the purchase well worth the up-front cost. And as technology improves these units’ usability and efficiency, today’s systems outperform those ten years older by almost 60 percent.
How can I find the system that’s right for me?
With various high-quality systems to choose from, your Vredevoogd associate can explain each type and help determine the one best-suited to your lifestyle and needs. The age and size of your house, number of rooms, local climate, and regional utility costs can affect your choice, and our experts take everything into consideration before assisting you in making the ideal purchase. For more questions about installation cost, warranties, maintenance and service fees, contact one of our associates. We look forward to hearing from you.
Where can I get pricing information for Vredevoogd systems?
Although descriptions can be found on our Products page, the most up-to-date pricing will come from the Vredevoogd agent along with a quote for installation. This practice allows us to fully evaluate your house and family needs (along with the previous system) before fitting you with an ideal replacement.
How can I compare Vredevoogd products?
While you are more than welcome to research our systems, one of our experienced associates can take you through our products and break down details and differences between them. Though we warranty our installations, each product might have an individual warranty with varying lengths and coverage specifications. Also, we will help you understand different product features and their purpose, explaining rating systems and what they can mean for your unique needs. We take pleasure in offering this service and establishing a foundation of trust for future maintenance and repair needs.
What do I look for in a quality HVAC contractor?
When someone comes into your home, it’s vital to establish a professional relationship based on trust and accountability. All Vredevoogd technicians go through criminal background checks and drug tests. They also show up in complete company uniform, so you can recognize them right away. Finally, they have passed rigorous training and are bonded, licensed and ensured for quality service.
Should an HVAC company have insurance?
An HVAC service company without insurance should be hired with caution. With our high-level insurance, not only are our products and technicians covered, but your property is, too.
Warranty
Are any of your systems covered by Warranty?
Absolutely. We feel so confident in our products and expertise that Vredevoogd offers a 10-year warranty (covering both parts and labor) for any installed HVAC from the date of installation. And we NEVER pad bills with hidden fees or visit charges.
How do you fix problems?
If we install a system that cannot reach the temperature range promised, we will replace the system for free.
What happens if the system fails within the Warranty period?
If your air-conditioner compressor or furnace heat exchanger fails within ten years of installation, Vredevoogd will install a new exterior unit or furnace at no charge.
What is a No-Frustration Guarantee?
If your heating or cooling system fails within the first year, we will repair it at no cost to you. Also, if we don’t complete the job within 24 hours, we will pay you $500–compensation for any frustration incurred as a result of a malfunctioning HVAC.
What if my floor, wall or other area gets damaged during installation?
Our technicians do everything possible to engage respectfully with you and your home. They use protective shoe coverings to prevent soiling floors and lay down floor runners in high-traffic areas. If, however, you notice any damage to floors, carpets, shrubbery, door frames, lawns, or furniture as a result of our work, we will repair or replace them.
What if I don’t like the system after installation?
Since your HVAC system is responsible for providing comfort and peace of mind, you should feel positive about your purchase. At Vredevoogd Heating & Cooling, we take anything less as a professional failure. As such, we offer what’s known as a one-year test drive, meaning if you decide within a year of installation the system doesn’t meet your expectations, we will remove it and refund your money.
System Operation
Can ice, dirt, frost, or other elements keep my outdoor system from operating?
If any type of debris or outdoor bits prevent airflow, they can negatively impact your unit’s performance. To prevent this from happening, make sure to keep the area around your unit clean and clear of such contaminates. Not to mention, blocked flow can lead to even bigger problems. If you suspect inadequate air flow due to buildup, contact your Vredevoogd dealer today and schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable service members.
How can I keep my system functioning at optimal levels?
Changing air filters monthly (or as directed by the manufacturer), having your HVAC serviced regularly (especially before extreme temperatures set in), and keeping foliage and debris away from the outdoor unit will go a long way to keeping your heating and air unit healthy.
Should I cover my outdoor unit in cold weather?
Never cover an operating outdoor unit, as doing so could hinder air flow and damage the system. For more details and recommendations about your HVAC in extreme temperatures, please contact us. We love to help.
Maintenance
Is preventative maintenance required on all parts?
Although certain components will wear out sooner than others, we suggest a professional tune-up by your trusted Vredevoogd agent at least once a year. These inspections keep parts like ducts, pipes, radiators, pumps, valves, dampers, the chimney, blowers, indoor and outdoor coils, refrigerant lines, compressors, the gas meter, and fuel lines working at peak levels.
Why is preventative maintenance necessary?
Heating and air systems work hard to keep your house climate-controlled, and the strain of constant operation can wear out a system quickly. On the other hand, if proper care is taken to keep parts clean and in prime condition, the lifespan of your HVAC can be greatly extended. Having professional eyes regularly evaluate your unit can also prevent minor issues like rust, leaks, and corrosion from causing more harm.
What filters should I use?
While standard filters keep ducts and other parts clean, they won’t do much to improve indoor air quality. If fresh, pure indoor air circulation is a priority, you should consider media filters. These filters sit between the blower cabinet and the return duct, removing up to seven times more dust and allergens. Additionally, if you upgrade to a pleated media filter, the air gets purified a step further, preventing caustic particles like airborne viruses and insecticide dust from circulating through your home.
HVAC Specifics
What is modulated heating?
A gas furnace that employs a variable speed blower and modulating gas valve can more effectively and economically warm an area. More specifically, while single-stage furnaces are either On or Off, a variable-speed option minimizes energy use by blowing its fan at the lowest speed necessary for achieving the selected temperature. It maintains an ideal climate through applying less effort.
What is two-stage cooling?
Two-stage cooling lets you choose the air-conditioning level that fits the situation by employing a dual-speed compressor. For example, hot summer days might demand full capacity while cool fall afternoons allow for low speed. This dual system can be a great energy-saving option compared to standard systems. Though two-speed cooling means your system operates for longer cycles, it also means operation involves less effort. In addition to controlling humidity levels more efficiently, this system provides more overall comfort.
What is variable speed cooling?
Variable speed cooling (and using heat pump models for warmth) is possible because of the variable speed compressor that cools spaces more efficiently. When compared to a single-compressor system, this type results in lower bills and enhanced indoor comfort.
What does it mean to ‘zone’ a house?
Zoning refers to categorizing spaces in your home according to their heating and cooling requirements. A system achieves this division by using zone dampers and secondary thermostats in the ducts, and it can let you adjust zone temperatures to save money on unnecessary heating and cooling. All you have to do is set your perfect temperature for each zone, and the internal equipment goes to work.
What do heat pump and air conditioner ratings mean?
To help you determine the best system, the AHRI directory outlines air conditioners and heat pumps, rating them to compare and explain different types (an indoor vs. outdoor system, for example).
What does it mean to have a “properly matched” system?
Because of different factors that influence split systems, not all combinations work well. Our highly-trained team takes the time to fully evaluate your home and ensure a perfect match every time.
What makes an AHRI-certified system?
AHRI stands for Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, an internationally-recognized industry advocate. When a system is certified by the AHRI, it has undergone third-party laboratory testing and has relevant performance ratings.
What is HSPF?
HSPF stands for the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Heat pumps have an HSPF number listing their heating quality. Heat pumps with the highest numbers perform more efficiently than those will lower values.
What is AFUE?
AFUE, the abbreviation for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, refers to the percentage that rates furnace efficiency. It reaches its value by dividing the heat output by heat input. Taken in total, it delineates how productively the furnace consumes natural gas, fuel, or propane to produce heat. If your unit’s AFUE percentage grows, it can perform better and decrease fuel costs.