“Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g. dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.” (The US Environmental Protection Agency) (EPA)

Read the EPA Article PDF

“Consider having your ductwork professionally inspected if someone in your home is suffering from unexplained allergies or illness. Before you do that however a doctor should rule out other causes.” (Consumer reports, Scam Alert: avoid “dirty duct cleaners” Feb 4, 2008)

Read the Consumer Reports PDF

“Duct cleaning often not necessary: There’s growing evidence duct cleaning may be a solution in search of a problem, rather than cure for what ails the air in your home.” (Realty Times Real Estate News and Advice Nov 12, 2009)

“If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy, it can not be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.” (EPA Should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned?)

Homes with ducts constructed of only non-insulated, bare sheet metal are very rare in Florida. Cleaning also posses potential risk of damage to fiberglass and flexible ducts. For all of the above reasons, Powell Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. does not offer “duct cleaning” services.

What is a SEER rating?

SEER is an acronym for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating” which is the number of BTU’s of cooling removed by an air conditioner for each watt of electricity consumed. Much like the MPG on your car, the higher the SEER the more your energy cost savings. The minimum Federal Standard is now 13 SEER but is considered rather low. Most quality systems are in the 16 -18 SEER range.

Can I get a quote over the phone or online for a replacement system?

There are a great number of practical and technical factors to consider when replacing a central heating and cooling system. There are also hundreds of systems to choose from that meet a variety of needs and requirements.

With the complexity of so many choices, it only makes sense to consult with a qualified heating and cooling

professional. It would be impossible to accurately design and quote a proper system without a physical inspection of the property. This is why we offer a no cost review of your specific needs and requirements. We will come to your home or office and discuss your options and offer several choices for your consideration. We can even set an appointment for after hours or weekends with one of our professional consultants, always with no obligation. You should be able to make a wise decision based on the facts and remember “prescription without diagnosis” is malpractice.

What is the service area of Powell Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.?

Our focus is on St. Johns and Flagler counties. We can and have serviced the outlying counties in the past, but feel we can better service customers in our area by limiting the drive time. Our employees live in St Johns and Flagler counties; this is our home.

Will we get a “better deal” by purchasing our system online and having a local professional do the installation?

While we will try to assist you in the proper installation of equipment purchased elsewhere, you will find the price of a complete installed system will be less than that of a system from two or more sources. In addition, most manufacturers do not offer any warranty on equipment purchased online.

What are the details on the Federal Tax Credit for replacement systems?

How does the new economic stimulus affect me?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) combines spending and tax incentives designed to invest in road and energy infrastructure, and increasing energy efficiency and performance of America’s homes and buildings. The law makes important changes to existing tax credits for qualified home improvements of higher efficiency heating, air conditioning and water heating equipment.

What’s the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?

A tax credit applies against the taxpayer’s liability. A tax deduction applies against a taxpayer’s income, lowering the adjusted gross income and possibly moving the taxpayer to a lower tax bracket.

How do I claim the credit?

The IRS has directed taxpayers to use Form 5695 to claim the credit. Taxpayers are also instructed to keep complete records of their installation and home improvements.

What is the amount of the new tax credit?

For the qualified home improvements, homeowners may be able to claim tax credits equal to 30% of the installed costs, up to a total of $1,500.

What is the time frame for the new tax credits?

The new tax credits are retroactive to January 1, 2009, and expire on December 31, 2010. The $1,500 limit is for all improvements made during the two-year term, not $1,500 each year.

What happens if the 30% of the installed costs is less than $1,500?

The homeowner can “bank” the remaining available tax credit for other qualified improvements. Any single installation that costs more than $5000 will instantly reach the $1,500 limit.

Does the tax credit apply to the cost of the equipment or equipment plus labor?

The credit applies to the installed costs of the qualified equipment, which includes labor.

QUALIFYING FOR THE TAX CREDIT

What can I do take advantage of the new energy tax incentives?

Homeowners can receive a substantial tax credit for home efficiency improvements on new high efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces. Additionally, new high efficiency windows and additional home insulation qualify. Get a free estimate by clicking here.

Are the tax credits different for geothermal heat pumps?

Yes, homeowners who install geothermal heat pump systems may be able to claim up to 30% of the installed costs in tax credits in the year the system is placed into service. However, there is no dollar limit to the credit on geothermal heat pumps. The geothermal tax credit also has a longer term, from January 1, 2009 and expires December 31, 2016.

What if I install a furnace that meets the 95% AFUE standard, but with a central air conditioner below the standard? Can I still claim the full $1,500?

Homeowners can claim 30% of the final installation costs up to $1,500 associated specifically with the 95% AFUE furnace. Should the installation costs associated with the furnace not reach $5,000, 30% of the installation cost can still be claimed and the difference between that amount and the $1,500 cap can be applied to any other qualifying improvements.

Can I use the entire $1,500 tax credit on a single qualifying home improvement?

Yes. Previous per-appliance caps that limited homeowners to just $150 for a high efficiency furnace or $300 for a high efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump have been removed.

What if I previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007?

Homeowners that previously claimed tax credits in 2006 or 2007 are eligible to claim the full $1,500 limit.

How do I know which specific equipment or improvements qualify for the tax credits?

There are a wide range of products available that qualify for the full tax credits. Schedule an appointment for a comfort consultation with a Powell comfort consultant to review all available options (choose New/Replacement Equipment Estimate for your Request Type), or call Powell Heating and Air Conditioning now at 904-794-2665.

Can I claim the credit for improvements to a second home?

No. The tax credit is only available for improvement to the taxpayer’s primary residence.

Can modular or mobile homeowners qualify?

Yes. As long as the improvements meet the qualifying criteria and the
homeowner’s primary residence they may claim the tax credit.

How often should I change my air filter?

There are many factors involved in required filter changes: filter types, filter efficiencies and the dust condition in your home. We suggest checking you filter monthly and change or clean it only when it is dirty. A dirty filter can cause many problems with your system and decrease efficiency. We offer a free filter change reminder service. You may sign up online or call and we will send you an email reminder monthly. Click here to signup. We will never send an unwanted sales email. This is just a free service to all who could benefit from the reminder; you can cancel at anytime.

What are the differences between an air conditioner and a heat pump?

An air conditioning system distributes cool air throughout your home and discharges the heat to the outside. A heat pump, also called a reverse cycle system, has the ability to reverse the flow of the refrigerant and discharge the warm air to you duct system and extracts the heat from the outdoors. A heat pump is a very economical method of heating your home. It is much less expensive to move heat from one area to another than to use electricity to generate heat.

My thermostat has an emergency heat switch, what is the purpose?

Most heat pumps have an auxiliary heat strip built in to the blower section. Emergency heat will disable the heat pump and make the heat strips the primary source of heat. This will allow you to have heat in case the heat pump experiences a problem. This should be used only while waiting for a technician, as it is more expensive to operate than your heat pump.

My heat pump seems to have a buildup of ice all around the coils outside, is this a problem?

Heat pumps will cause frost to build up on the coils when it is cold outside. This is normal and will correct itself within a couple of hours. The system will go into defrost mode, melt the frost then switch back to heat. This is all automatic. If the frost does not melt within a couple of hours but continues to grow thicker you may have a problem with the defrost cycle and you should call us for service.

I sometimes see steam coming from my outdoor unit in the winter months, why?

If you have a heat pump, it is in the defrost mode. It is just melting any ice or frost. It will return to normal mode within a few minutes.

Do I need to have my dryer vent cleaned?

A build up of lint will cause your dryer to take longer to dry your clothes. It may also create a fire hazard. Keep your dryer vent clean of lint. Most vents are very short and can be cleaned by removing the dryer and/or vent cap outside. In most houses the homeowner can easily do this themselves.

Unlike heating vents, dryer vents have a great deal of airborne lint passing through them, some may stick to the surface of the vent pipe and vent. These are normally constructed of metal and can be cleaned without fear of damaging the metal pipe.

What is a zoned heating or cooling system?

A zoning system allows you to control separate areas of your home or office with a single system. Each zone in your home has its own thermostat and damper which gives you much better control over your comfort level. Zoning system can create up to eight zones for each system. Zoning allows you to both conserve energy and increase comfort.

Were can I find odd sized air filters?

1. There are endless sources for air filters online.
2. We have the largest selection of air filters in our service area. If we don’t stock your particular filter, we can order it for you. Just email or call us with your filter needs.

I want my next air conditioning system to be quiet, what should I look for when I’m ready to purchase?

Look for a two-stage heat pump. It will provide the maximum amount of cooling in high stage and then shift to low stage which is about 1/3 to 2/3 of the total capacity. It will probably spend 70-80% of its running time in low stage, which delivers a smaller volume of air to each room. This makes for a very quiet system both inside and outside of your home. A variable speed indoor unit may be much quieter than the system you now have. A high quality Carrier or Bryant system will increase the comfort levels and lower the noise levels in your home. We offer free in-home evaluations and estimates for new systems. Call us and discover the many ways you can increase your comfort while saving on your energy bill.

How often should I have my heating and cooling system serviced?

Routine maintenance is necessary to ensure efficiency, prolong the useful life and prevent major repairs of your heating and cooling equipment. Florida Power and Light Company as well as all manufacturers recommend having periodic maintenance performed by a heating and air conditioning professional. We offer plans which provide the required services and offer discounts on any needed repairs or emergency service. Call Powell Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. to find out how easy it is to properly maintain your system.