To do or not to do air conditioner maintenance…  We’re often asked about air conditioner maintenance so below are frequently asked questions and our recommendations!

• My air conditioner is only a few years old.  Do I need to have maintenance done?  Yes, we would recommend maintenance even if the air conditioner is only a few years old.  Any piece of equipment that runs on a daily basis for an extended period of time should have regular maintenance done.  This ensures that the air conditioner will continue to run properly and efficiently!
• I rinse my air conditioner with the hose every year.  Is this enough?  While it is good to wash away grass clippings and other debris, maintenance includes much more than a rinse!  All wiring and electrical connections are checked and tightened, gauges are used to record operating pressures and temperatures, the contactor, capacitor, relay and controls are tested, amps are checked in the fan and inducer motor, the condensate drain is cleared, the temperature drop is measured…and so on!  A complete list of items checked and completed is available!
• My air conditioner is low on charge every year.  Will maintenance prevent it from being low?  A common myth is that it’s normal for air conditioners to need refrigerant added every year.  A properly functioning system should not need refrigerant added each year!  There is a leak somewhere if refrigerant is needed year after year.  Maintenance will not fix a leak.  A leak search is often needed to find and repair the leak.
• When is air conditioner maintenance performed?  Outdoor temperatures should be around 60 degrees or higher to get accurate readings on the air conditioner.
• Can I turn my air conditioner on before maintenance is completed?  Yes, it is fine to run the air conditioner before maintenance is completed.  An air conditioner will likely run even if  maintenance is not completed at all.  Air conditioner maintenance will just ensure that it’s operating properly and as efficiently as possible.
• Will the warranty on my air conditioner be honored if I don’t have regular maintenance done?  Most warranties require that regular maintenance be completed.  This is to ensure that parts aren’t breaking due to neglect.  In a warranty situation, homeowners may be asked by the manufacturer or warranty company to show proof of maintenance.

Air conditioners are an investment.  The best way to protect this investment is with regular maintenance.  A clean and tuned air conditioner will run as efficiently as possible and have a longer life span than an air conditioner that is not properly maintained. 

Hopefully we’ve been able to answer some of your questions about air conditioner maintenance!  If not, please contact us through our website, www.LCSheatingandcooling.com or find us on Facebook, and we’ll be happy to answer your question!

We’ve been asked… “Is there still a federal tax credit in 2011 for high efficient heating and cooling equipment?”  “Are the tax credits the same as 2010?” 

2009 and 2010 were great years for tax credits and rebates!  The federal tax credit for qualifying high efficient equipment in 2009-2010 was 30% of total installation cost up to $1,500.  There are still federal tax credits available in 2011 but they have been drastically reduced.  Below is a breakdown of the 2011 federal tax credits for heating, cooling and water heaters.

• Gas Furnace:  Must be at least 95% efficient.  Tax credit:  $150
• Air Conditioner:  Must be at least 16 seer.  Tax credit :  $300
• Heat Pump:  Must be at least 15 seer.  Tax credit:  $300
• Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan:  Variable speed motor in furnace.  Tax credit:  $50
• Solar Powered HVAC:  30% of total cost up to $500 per 0.5 kw of power capacity
• High Efficient (Powervent) Water Heater:  Must have energy factor of at least 0.82.  Tax credit:  $300
• Electric Heat Pump Water Heater:  Must have energy rating of at least 2.0.  Tax credit:  $300

Indiana’s tax credit remains the same as past years:  20% up to $100 on qualifying furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, programmable thermostats.

Utility companies such as Duke Energy, Citizens Gas and Vectren also have rebate programs in place for qualifying equipment.  Rebates generally vary from $20-$200.

Of course, tax credits and rebates are a bonus when investing in high efficient equipment but there are other factors to consider as well including:

• Lower utility costs
• Quieter equipment
• Better air filtration
• Reducing your carbon footprint
• Warranty

Check out our website…  LCSheatingandcooling.com or contact us for more information!

We were recently asked by a customer:  ”Why do you quote Lennox?”  This is a great question!  Although there are several brands of  reputable equipment, we have chosen to be a Lennox dealer.  Most heating and cooling companies are dealers of one or two major brands.  Think about car shopping…if you visit a Ford dealer, you wouldn’t expect to test drive a Honda or Chevy.  Similarly, heating and cooling companies cannot quote every major brand of equipment. 

Here are a few things that led us to choose Lennox:

• Innovation:  Lennox continuously develops their equipment to include the most up-to-date technology available.  Their research and design makes them the leaders in the industry.
• High Quality of Equipment:  Lennox offers the most efficient and quietest equipment on the market.
• Exceptional Customer Service
• Warranty:  Lennox stands behind their 10-year parts warranty.  They also partner with a reputable company to offer extended labor warranties.
• “Green” Technology:  Lennox offers heat pumps and air conditioners that are Solar Powered Ready.
• Indoor Air Quality Options:  Lennox looks out for total home comfort with humidifier, filter and air filtration options.

Check out our website to learn more about the Lennox products:  www.LCSheatingandcooling.com.

“Going Green” and “Green Building” are common terms used to refer to energy efficient practices and building.  LEED certification is a process used to verify that a building is truly “green.”  We are proud to be involved in the HVAC installation of a LEED certified home in Carmel!  This house is located at 9915 Culpepper Drive and is earning Silver status under the LEED regulations.  Not familiar with LEED certification?  Here is a brief overview:

• LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design.  LEED is a rating system used to evaluate and ensure green building.  LEED was created by the United States Green Building Council.
• LEED is governed by a third-party certification program and is nationally recognized as a way to measure the design, construction and environmental performance of a green building.  Certification can apply to residential homes and commercial buildings.
• The levels of LEED certification are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.  The different levels of certification are attained by the number of credits earned in the following five categories:  Energy Efficiency, Water Savings, Indoor Environmental Quality, Material Selection and Sustainable Sites.
• LEED certified green buildings are designed to be environmentally friendly…reducing energy usage, water usage and gas emissions by an average of 25-50%.

Some of the credits earned at 9915 Culpepper Drive for Silver certification include a high efficient heat pump system, fresh air ventilation system, foam insulation throughout, high efficient windows and Energy Star appliances.  Complete information on this LEED certified home will be available at the Open House scheduled for September 4th and 5th.

LCS Heating and Cooling has sponsored two community events this year and has a third scheduled for August! We enjoy meeting homeowners and other business owners and being available to answer questions that homeowners might have about HVAC. Take a look at the pictures from our earlier events and you’ll see how much fun we have! We look forward to working with communities and local organizations again in the future!

We had a great time sponsoring the Parkshore 4th of July Community Celebration!  It was nice to mingle with some familiar faces and meet some new residents as well!  The Fishers Fire Department led the parade and decided on the winners for the “best bike,” “best stroller,” and “best dog” contests!  There were so many festive participants…it was a hard choice!  Thank you, Parkshore residents, for having us back this year!  Pictures will be posted soon from this years celebration.  We look forward to seeing you again next year!

We enjoy sponsoring community events like you see here!  Feel free to contact us if you have a neighborhood or community event and are in need of sponsors!  www.LCSheatingandcooling.com

We often get questions about the tax credits and rebates that are available to homeowners…How much money would I get back?  What is “qualifying equipment?”  How much do I have to spend to get the rebates and credits?  How much longer will these incentives be around?  How long does it take to get the rebate?  If you’ve ever wondered…read on!

Federal Tax Credit:  Qualifying HVAC equipment includes 95% efficient gas furnace, 16 seer air conditioner, 15 seer (12.5 eer) heat pump.  This is a tax credit of 30% of total install up to $1,500* claimed on your 2010 taxes.  Expires December 31, 2010.  *Lifetime maximum is $1,500

Indiana State Income Tax Credit:  Qualifications same as Federal Tax Credit.  This is a tax credit of $100 claimed on your 2010 taxes.  Current as of January 1, 2009

Indiana Heating & Air Conditioning Incentive Program:  Rebate check issued by the state of Indiana-        92% efficient gas furnace-$300, 14.5 seer air conditioner-$150, 14.5 seer and 8.2 HSPF heat pump-$500.  Expires when the funds run out.  Over 72% of the funds have been used.  Rebates have been received within about 4 weeks.

Utility Rebates:  Duke Energy, Citizens Gas and Vectren currently offer rebates for high efficient equipment.  Rebates generally range from $20 for a programmable thermostat to $200 for a high efficient gas furnace.  Qualifications are similar to those above.  Rebates have been received within 2-5 weeks.

As you can see, there is a lot of incentive to install high efficient heating and cooling equipment!  In addition to the great tax and rebate savings, the monthly energy savings will also add up! 

Contact us for more information!  www.LCSheatingandcooling.com