Common Questions Answered.

When should I replace my furnace?
If equipment starts breaking down, or your gas bill is too high, it may be time to consider a replacement. If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, you must replace the furnace for safety reasons. A cracked heat exchanger can draw carbon monoxide into your home, so it is cause for an emergency furnace replacement.
 
When equipment breaks down, there are several things to consider. With inexpensive repairs, you can certainly take a chance and hope for the best. If the faulty part is a high-ticket item, consider the overall cost. The same is true if the furnace has broken down repeatedly. Sometimes it is better to invest in a newer furnace than to put money into inefficient equipment.
 
When it comes to high gas bills, here are some numbers to consider: Older furnaces may have efficiency ratings as low as 60%. This essentially means that for every $1 you spend on your heating bill, 40 cents is lost to the outside, doing nothing to heat your home. Current federal standards require efficiency rates of at least 78% in new furnaces, but high-efficiency units can achieve rates over 96%. Those 40 cents of every dollar that you lose to an older furnace could be less than four cents with a new, high-efficiency unit.
 
If you think your gas bill is much too high, or if your house never feels comfortable, you should consult an expert. There may be damage, such as broken or loose pipes; your system may simply be outdated; or your house may simply need balancing. The newer heating systems have primarily energy efficiency in mind.
 
When should I replace ductwork?
Force-air furnaces pull in dirt and dust along with air, and some particles build up inside the walls of your ductwork. This dirt must be physically scrubbed off the inside of the ducts in order to remove it. You may wish to replace ductwork that suffers from an excess of particulate build-up.
 
Another reason to replace ductwork is if your existing ducts are not sized properly for your home. Keep in mind that duct requirements for air conditioning (cooling) are greater than for heating. When R.C. Mechanical Inc. installs your heating and cooling equipment; we will make sure that your ducts are large enough for your home, and airtight for maximum efficiency.
 
What should I consider when building or remodeling?
When adding on or remodeling think ahead! Be sure to put some thought into the future use of your home. Items to consider include:

• Do I divide the house into two or more heating / cooling zones?
• Will one system work for my house?
• Will I be working out of my home office?
• Do you want to set up the house for future A / C, especially if there is a 2nd floor?

In most cases the mechanical contractor is responsible for heating and cooling the house appropriately. "Title 24" is simply a minimum state requirement but doesn't mean much for the homeowner.
 
When adding on or remodeling, check to see if existing furnace can handle the extra heating and cooling demands. Will the existing ductwork be big enough to tap into for the addition? Will the general contractor be doing the work or will he hire a mechanical contractor?
 
Choosing a General Contractor for building or remodeling:
Check the original contract for details, and make sure that any changes or edits—major or minor—are put in writing and are understood completely. For example, who will be responsible to keeping the house dry when it rains in the middle of the construction? Or, who will dig a trench for water and waste lines for the plumber? Little things can turn into big headaches!
 
How can the efficiency of a new furnace be maximized?
One of the best ways to maximize your furnace's efficiency is proper ductwork. Not only will R.C. Mechanical Inc. calculate the size of ducts you need, we also do our own custom sheet metal work, fabricating custom transitions and plenums for our ductwork. This ensures a well-sealed joint and an airtight seal, which ensures your heated air isn't lost underneath your house.
 
What regular maintenance does my furnace require?
If your furnace is properly sized, installed, and in good working order, the only maintenance it should require is routine replacement of the filter. Modern gas furnaces in the Bay Area climate do not require any other routine maintenance. If you choose to do extra maintenance tasks, you can get information on maintenance from Bryant.
 
What should I check for before scheduling service?
Two common causes of heating and cooling problems are the electrical connections and the air filters. If your furnace or air conditioner isn't working properly, you should check these areas before scheduling service. If the unit isn't running, check that any electrical cords are plugged in, and no circuit breakers have been tripped. If the unit isn't running properly, check the air filter(s) for excessive buildup. Dust, pet hair, and other small debris collect in the air filter, which must be changed regularly to prevent problems with both your heating and your air conditioning. If the air filter is covered with dust or other particles, install a new air filter. This may solve the problem without a service call. If you have questions about checking your system, call us and we will try to assist you.
 
Does R.C. Mechanical Inc. subcontract jobs out to other firms?
We will not transfer your work to a subcontractor, and you will not be dealing with multiple job leaders. Sal Contreras, owner and founder of R.C. Mechanical Inc., supervises every job personally. He will be at your job site during installation.

How to Select a Heating and Cooling Contractor

When selecting a heating and cooling contractor, you want a trusted professional who will exceed your expectations. When choosing a heating and cooling contractor, there are a few things to take into consideration.

1. Be sure to get more than one estimate for the job. Your estimates will need to cover comparable equipment and services. You need to determine if the dealer is asking you the right questions so that you end up with a system that is the best fit for your home.

2. Contractors should always ask about desired levels of comfort and control, the health needs of your household, the presence of pets in the home, and your budget.

3. Make sure your estimates cover comparable equipment and services.

4. Do the heating and cooling stages, efficiency ratings and sizes of the equipment match? Do the quoted systems each offer you the comfort options you expect? Does the equipment meet your indoor air quality needs? If you get a low estimate find out WHY the price is low. A lower price could mean you are sacrificing quality, performance or service.

5. Ask the contractor for references. Speaking to satisfied customers can give you insight into the service level you can expect. This too can impact the estimate for the job. The value of quality service cannot be overestimated. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Quality contractors will have satisfied customers willing to share their experiences.

6. Finally, always read a contract before you sign it. Ask questions about anything you don't understand or don't agree with. Insist that start and finish dates be part of the contract, as well as procedures for handling changes as the job progresses. Do not pay the contractor until the work is completed to your satisfaction.