1. "During the spring my allergies begin to bother me. Are there anyaccessories that can be added to my home comfort system to help?" Answer
    
2. "Why do I have static electricity? / Why is my skin so dry? / Why do I shock my pet every time I touch him/her? / I have very dry sinuses, is there anything I can do?" Answer
    
3. "Are Preventative Maintenances really important?" Answer
    
4. "Can I buy an extended warranty on my system even if I didn't buy it recently?" or "I bought it from another company" Answer
      
5. "I have mold growing in my air registers. Is it related to my comfort system? What causes mold to grow?" Answer
    
6. "How do I know where the mold is growing?" Answer
      
7. "Can I get rid of the mold?" Answer
    
8. "Is duct cleaning worth the time or money?" Answer
    
9. "Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms worth the money?" Answer
    
10. "Are extended warranties worth it? I've heard about the Trane extended warranty program and would like to know more." Answer
     
11. "I have a standard gas furnace and it's 15 years old. Are there more efficient models on the market?" Answer
     
12. "Why are my heating bills so high?" Answer
     

Q: "During the spring my allergies begin to bother me. Are there any accessoriesthat can be added to my home comfort system to help?"

A: Yes, there are several state-of-the-art options. The most effective accessory for this specific problem is the AprilAire 5000 Air filtering device with a UV light. The AprilAire 5000 filter is a media filter with an electronic backup that is rated as high as 90% + efficient. It collects dust, pollen, and mold spores that accumulate as the weather warms up. The UV light actually "kills" the live viruses and mold spores the filter collects. There is not a 100% guarantee that this system will completely eliminate mold, but it is one of the best at controlling contaminants. AprilAire also has the 2400 and 2200 model that are less efficient, but more economical for some families.

Q: "Why do I have static electricity? / Why is my skin so dry? / Why do I shock my pet every time I touch him/her? / I have very dry sinuses, is there anything I can do?"

A: During the heating season your home comfort system goes through the heat cycle that removes the humidity/moisture, in addition to drying the air out. Even when humidity levels are high outdoors this happens, because the air in your home is continually moving through the heat source. A humidifier can replenish the moisture. Not only does it prevent static electricity, it also adds life to your furnishings, clothes, carpet, and hardwood flooring. It also helps a great deal with sinus problems and dry skin.

Q: "Are Preventative Maintenances really important?"

A: Yes, they are EXTREMELY important. They are just as important as the maintenance on your automobile. Preventative maintenances pay for themselves over time by keeping your comfort system at its maximum efficiency. In most cases they extend the life of the system by years.

Q: "Can I buy an extended warranty on my system even if I didn't buy it recently?" or "I bought it from another company"

A: Yes, you can buy an extended warranty from us regardless of where you bought your unit. Some of our partners will allow us to sell you extended warranties, even if your unit is several years old.

Q: "I have mold growing in my air registers. Is it related to my comfort system? What causes mold to grow?"

A: Oversized air-conditioning equipment and/or undersized duct design is the number one cause of mold problems with your home comfort system. Due to these equipment problems, the proper dehumidification process does not take place. This combination of moisture and temperature translate into a happy home for mold. Additionally, mold can grow in the ductwork, in the air conditioning evaporator coil/pan, on the supply registers, or any other place that holds moisture and has a temperature conducive to bacteria growth.

Q: "How do I know where the mold is growing?"
A: We can do a HOME MRI that will diagnose your home comfort system. This portable diagnostic system allows us to completely diagnose your home comfort system. You will get an even count (per million), the exact number of particulates of mold and carbon monoxide. Additionally you will get a report pertaining to the humidity levels throughout the house, which promote mold growth. The Home MRI will ensure that your air quality is up to standards and not causing any health issues or concerns.

Q: "Can I get rid of the mold?"

A: Mold is a very delicate issue. Watch out for anyone who tells you they can "cure" your mold issues. These companies can effectively "kill" the mold, but if the environment that enables the mold to grow is not addressed, it WILL be back. One relatively inexpensive thing that you can and should do at least every three years is to have your ductwork cleaned by professionals who have equipment that literally scrubs your ducts. In some cases the air handling and/or furnace equipment in your home must be replaced. You can have your standard air handling and/or furnace equipment replaced by a variable speed motor. This higher efficiency model allows the air to be sufficiently slowed down, allowing the removal of high levels of moisture. These systems do a better job of balancing overall home temperature and are generally the solution to many problems concerning air flow, uneven temperatures, and of course, mold problems. Unfortunately, in some cases the only answer is to re-design the ductwork. However, this is an option that should be exercised only after the aforementioned options are weighed.

Q: "Is duct cleaning worth the time or money?"

A: Yes and it should be done at least every three years, in some cases every two years. Most companies simply use a vacuum that sucks the dust out of the ducts. However, at Simpson we clean our customer's ducts with the patented Roto-Brush. This device scrubs the inside of the duct as it vacuums out dust, bacteria, mold and other debris. This is a case where the old adage that "You get what you pay for" applies. There is a wide range of pricing out there. Contact us for an accurate and individualized price.

Q: Are Carbon Monoxide Alarms worth the money?"

A: The answer is a question. How much is your life worth? These devices are one of the most inexpensive ways to protect your family. Since carbon monoxide is a silent killer, you more than likely will not notice it. In the state of New York they are mandated and will more than likely be mandated nationwide in the near future. If you have fossil fuel heat, gas logs in your fireplace, or attached garages it is imperative to install Carbon Monoxide detectors in these areas, as well.

Q: "Are extended warranties worth it? I've heard about the Trane extended warranty program and would like to know more."

A: Yes, in this case extended warranties are worth the effort. Your home comfort system will be with you for a very long time. Sometimes it is more economical to replace things (i.e. computers, microwaves, etc.), rather then repair them. This is not the case with your heating and cooling system. At no extra charge, our list price gives you maintenance for 10 full years from the date of installation on all Trane comfort systems. The Trane warranty covers absolutely everything for a full 10 years. Imagine not one dollar of service expense for any breakdown during those 10 years. However, Trane does recommend that you do regular maintenance on the system.* They do reserve the right to refuse warranty service, if the system is neglected for years, because of lack of preventative maintenance.* Maintenance is necessary and you should keep records of all maintenance & service performed on your comfort system.

Q: "I have a standard gas furnace and it's 15 years old. Are there more efficient models on the market?"

A: Yes, there are several choices on the market today. There is the 80%* 2 stage "standard" efficiency model. It runs on first stage during milder days, using less fuel. Using models with a "variable speed" can increase efficiency. The variable speed blower motor is the latest and greatest in the residential market and is the best thing to hit the market in years. By creating more even temperatures, it creates higher comfort levels, while being extremely efficient. Models then jump to 90% and 92% + efficient with variable speed. You have the option of having a model with or without single and 2 stage.* The breakdown on efficiencies is 80% = 80 cents of every dollar spent heats the home 90% = 90 cents of every dollar heats the home and so on.

Q: "Why are my heating bills so high?"

A: This could be for a number of reasons. The age of your home comfort system is more then likely the reason. Today's technology has advanced, so SEER ratings are much better today than they were 10 years ago. In fact the US Government has mandated that as of December 31, 2005 no system can be at a SEER rating of less than 12. Ten years ago 7.5 was not unusual. With today's technology 15 SEER is easily attainable, using a 14 SEER outdoor section and a variable speed indoor section. Most importantly, this can cut your heating energy use in half. The lack of maintenance can be another reason that your heating bill is higher then it should be. It is very important to do bi-annual maintenance. You DO NOT save money by avoiding maintenance fees! It actually costs you more and has a direct effect on the life expectancy of your home comfort system.