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We have 5 levels of technicians. Each technician gains higher levels based on a rigorous review and testing process. All levels of technician average around 200 hours per year of formal ongoing technical training. Some training is done in specific hvac schools while others are done at our shop. There is no point during a technician’s career when he or she will ever be done training. This is a part of our commitment to striving for excellence.

The national average is between 8-12 years. A lot of factors are involved in that particular statistic. As a hvac technician I have personally worked on heat pumps that where over 18 years old. So it is possible to drastically exceed the average. The factors that allow a hvac system of any kind to out live it’s life expectancy are largely related to how it was installed. In 2011 I committed to producing our own personal life expectancy of hvac systems installed by Ocean Air. Although we will never out perform mother nature and her salty air coming off the water; I believe we will soon have enough data to show that through training and a commitment to excellence a heat pump system can average between 14-16 years.

We sell and service all brands. Most consumers are accustomed to hvac shops selling just one or two brands. Those companies will tell you that those brands are the best and you should buy from them. I do not subscribe to this line of thinking. Traditionally suppliers will give great benefits and sometimes gifts to hvac companies that sell there brand to encourage them to preference them above other brands. This creates a bias opinion when selling a hvac system. I work for you the consumer. I do not work for any manufacturer. When I recommend a particular system it is because that system benefits my clients personal needs. As a result none of us here at Ocean Air have been gifted a Caribbean cruise, but that is ok. I’m too busy installing new quality hvac systems for my clients to go on a cruise.

The short answer is “it does”. If you are wondering if you need maintenance then every systems should be cleaned twice a year. It does not really matter what time of the year. What is important is that you are having it cleaned by a qualified technician. If your concern is whether or not your system is running correctly or needs a repair then look to whether the system is keeping up with your demand. If the temperature on the thermostat is holding what you asked it to hold you are likely not experiencing a failure. If it is close but a little off I would first suggest to replace the filter and give it some time to catch up. If the filter is clean you probably have a failure and need service.

If your system is freezing during the cooling cycle it is most likely the loss of air flow. Most systems use 1” thick pleated filters that need to be changed every month in our south east climate. In addition to the filters semiannual maintenance can keep the system from freezing due to air flow by cleaning the coils every 6 months and the blower wheel as needed. Refrigerant leaks may also play a role in freezing systems. If your system is freezing outside during the heat cycles you likely have a heat pump. A properly running system will initiate a defrost cycle if the system is frozen. Usually this is done at 30, 60, or 90 minute intervals and can last for up to 10 minutes. If the system is unable to thaw the ice during the defrost cycle it is likely having a problem or you are experiencing freezing rain. Spraying water from a hose on to the ice can help thaw the ice and allow the system to heat while you wait for your service technician to arrive.

As with all things the answer depends on who is performing the maintenance. If you have a quality company who is cleaning the entire system and not just a few components, then yes, it is worth it. Your technician should also be testing the system. He or she will be looking for parts wearing down as well as improvements that can be made.

The average heat pump system will last 8-12 years. This can be longer if the system was installed correctly and quality maintenance has been performed throughout the years. It may be shortened by poor installation practices, failure to maintain the system, and weather conditions such as salt air. Furnaces typically last over 20 years and can also be affected by the same issues as heat pumps.

Most HVAC systems are very similar in quality. This can very not just by manufacturer but also by model line. The most important factor in the quality of a HVAC system is how it was installed. Hiring the right person to do the job will make the most difference on the life span and repairs needed to your HVAC system.

Choosing an hvac company based on the proximity to your location can be lead you to choose a company that is not the best fit for you. I recommend choosing a company based on the quality of the work. Hvac technicians will travel to your location provided that you are in their service area.

Some HVAC systems have filters located in the grills that can be seen from inside the home. These filters are usually 1” thick and should be changed once per month in almost all climate regions. Other systems will have a filter located at the equipment where the duct connects to the system. These may also be filters that need to be changed once per month or could last up to a year in some cases. I recommend all filters to be pleated style. If a duct system is too restrictive a fiberglass filter might be used to allow more air flow. I recommend changing these filters every week. No system should be used with out a filter or air cleaner in place. If the system is ran for a significant time without a filter or air cleaner damage can occur.

If you smell burning plastic, it is likely burning plastic. You should locate the breaker for your HVAC system and turn the power off. Most likely what has happened is an electrical connection has melted and caught on fire. In most case it will stop burning on its own. The fire department should be called in all cases to determine if it safe.