Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a good contractor?
Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured.
Technicians should be certified.
Contractor must file city permits for all installation work.
Contractor should make you feel comfortable.
Contractor should have excellent references.

What is an energy-efficient furnace?
Simply, if you have an 80% efficient furnace, it basically means for every dollar spent on fuel, 80 cents is used to heat the home and 20 cents is lost up the chimney.

Furnaces are rated with efficiency levels. What does this mean?
Furnaces are rated with Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The minimum AFUE number is 80%. The efficiency improves with a higher AFUE number, going as high as 97% efficient.

What is the difference between an 80% efficient furnace and a 90+% efficient furnace?
Both furnaces will heat the home equally well, but the 90+% furnace is more efficient, saving you up to 17% in operating costs. 80% furnaces typically vent up a chimney because they have high exhaust temperatures that remove products of combustion. 90+% furnaces have such a low exhaust temperature that they have to be power-vented directly outside in PVC pipe.

What is a chimney liner and why is it needed?
A chimney liner is made of metal and it is placed in an existing brick chimney so everything vents properly. If you are replacing an old, inefficient furnace with an 80% or 90+% efficient furnace, you will need to have the chimney liner replaced as the old chimney flue is too large for new vent requirements. If the chimney is metal, it usually does not need a liner.

Do all chimneys need a chimney liner?
Almost all brick chimneys need a liner because the flues are generally too large. Metal chimneys usually do not need a liner.

How often should I change my furnace filter?
If your furnace has a standard (replaceable) filter, change it once a month. If you have an electronic cleaner, clean it every three months. If you have a whole house HEPA cleaner, you need to replace it once a year.

Another company installed our heating and cooling system. Now, they won’t come out and service it. Will Cafco?
Of course. We charge a diagnostic fee; if we discover a problem that needs correcting, we'll give you a complete written estimate of the cost of the repairs. That fee includes a two-year parts and labor guarantee.

I'm sure we need a new furnace, and our air conditioner is about the same age. Is it worth getting both at the same time?
Definitely. We can save time - which saves you money.

Furnaces are rated with efficiency levels. How are air conditioners rated?
Air conditioners use a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The minimum is 10 SEER, but should be 13 SEER. The efficiency improves with a higher SEER number.

How often should I have my air conditioner checked?
Both Furnaces and Air Conditioners should be checked yearly to ensure warranty and guarantee highest efficiency and peak performance.

What can I do to improve my indoor air quality?
1. Keep windows and doors closed during prime ragweed season.
2. Ventilate your home. Use exhaust fans when you cook or shower.
3. Filter the air with an air cleaner and make sure you clean the filter regularly.
4. Treat the air with an ultraviolet air treatment system.
5. Maintain the right relative humidity between 45%-65% as recommended by the EPA.