Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t see your answer below? Please call us at 610-286-5766.

OIL

What can I check if I have no heat?

Check the thermostat setting. Check that all power sources are turned on (breaker, service switch, and emergency switch at the top of the steps). Press the reset button one time. Check the fuel level in the oil tank.

Can I push the reset button more than once?

If the burner does not light or stay running, you should not keep pressing the reset. You could load the firebox with excess fuel causing soot damage or worse if and when it does light.

Why does the burner shutoff after I press the reset button?

There are several mechanical failures that can cause this. Please call us to have a trained professional take a look.

How often should my heater be cleaned and serviced?

Oil heating equipment should be cleaned and serviced every year to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Is it normal to constantly smell fuel oil?

No. This indicates a problem that will need to be checked.

When should I think about replacing or upgrading my heater?

Repair history and fuel usage are good indicators. If you think it is time to consider something more reliable and efficient, please call us for an honest recommendation that makes sense for your situation.

Air Conditioning

What can I check if I have no A/C?

Check the thermostat setting and check that all power sources are turned on.

My system has R-22 refrigerant, which is being phased out. Can I convert to the current R410-A?

No. These refrigerants use different refrigerant oils and operate at very different pressures. An R-22 system will not work properly with R410-A refrigerant.

Is my R-22 system obsolete?

Yes. R-22 systems are no longer being produced. R-22 refrigerant is still available, however, production is continually being phased back driving up the cost of the refrigerant.

Should my unit be checked every year?

Yes. Any mechanical system requires regular maintenance to provide you with reliable and efficient operation.

What are S.E.E.R and H.S.P.F.?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the ratings that the government uses to rate the efficiency of HVAC equipment. A higher number indicates a higher efficiency.

GAS

What can I check if I have no heat?

Check the thermostat setting. Check that all power sources are turned on (breaker, service switch, and emergency switch at the top of the steps). The gas supply level (propane) and valves.

Does my furnace have a pilot?

Possibly, however most new equipment does not have a standing pilot. If you are unsure, please give us a call to have a trained professional take a look before attempting anything.

Is it normal to smell gas?

No. A constant gas odor indicates a problem that will need to be checked out.

Does my gas furnace need to be checked every year?

Yes. Any mechanical system requires regular maintenance to provide you with safe, reliable, and efficient operation.

What is A.F.U.E.?

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A higher number indicates a more efficient unit.

HEAT PUMP

How does a heat pump work?

Just like an air conditioner, a heat pump uses the refrigeration process to extract usable heat from one area and move it to another area. A heat pump is produced with valves and controls that allow you to choose what area you want the heat moved (inside for heating or outside for cooling) by means of the refrigeration process.

I know it's cold, but why was my electric bill so high last month?

Odds are the heat pump is not working properly, or at all, and you have been staying warm using the electric auxiliary heat. Please give us a call to have a trained professional take a look.

Why do I need emergency or auxiliary heat?

You need auxiliary heat to help maintain the room temperature when the heat pump goes through a defrost cycle or just can’t produce enough heat due to extreme cold.

Why is there a cloud that looks like smoke around my outdoor unit when it is cold outside?

Most likely the outdoor unit is going through a defrost cycle and the smoke is actually water vapor from ice being warmed up and removed from the unit.

Does my heat pump need to be checked every year?

Yes. Any mechanical system needs regular maintenance to provide you with reliable and efficient operation.

CONTACT BOYD HEATING AND COOLING
Emergency Service available

610-286-5766