FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

No matter what HVAC questions you have, Mauzy has an answer for you. Whether you need help with a heating or air repair or you’re not sure what type of unit you need, we’re here to help.

Below are some of our frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, contact us here or call us today at: (619) 273-5851

Air Conditioning Maintenance FAQs

How often should I replace the filter?

It is recommended you change your filter every 3-4 months, depending on the type of filter you have. Some filters only need to be changed once a year. If you are unsure about the type of filter you have, give us a call!
Do you replace the filter during a tune up?

We do! However, the cost of the filter is not included in our tune up. You can opt to purchase a standard 1″ filter through us for $29 or you can supply your own and we will replace it for you.
My unit is working perfectly. Do I still need maintenance?

Yes! Annual maintenance is commonly overlooked. You might think since your unit is operating normally that you don’t need maintenance. However, a tune up is important to keep your system in peak performance and to keep your energy bills low.

An analogy we like to use for HVAC maintenance is comparing it to an oil change for your car. Something that might be commonly skipped, or prolonged as much as possible, at the risk of causing damage to your car. An oil change also allows your mechanic to do an inspection of your vehicle and potentially prevent any minor issues turning into big ones.
How often does my AC unit need maintenance?

It is recommended to get your AC unit tuned up once a year. Not only is this required to keep your manufacturer warranties active but it also helps to keep your system in peak performance.

Air Conditioning Repair FAQs

My furnace still works but I want to add air conditioning. Can I keep my furnace?

This depends – there are situations where keeping a newer furnace makes sense but the blower for the furnace is also the blower for the AC. Technologies have changed significantly in the last few years and some warranties are dependent on matching a full system. We are happy to come out and assess your personal situation and provide honest opinions to fit your needs.
Why does it seem like my airflow is limited?

Dirty Filter: As the most common reason your AC system may have issues, it is recommended to change or clean your filter every 3-4 months OR once a year (depending on the type of filter you have) to maximize airflow and keep energy costs low. A dirty filter can cause other problems besides increased energy consumption such as causing a burnout to the motor (the clogged filter causes a strain on the system) or clogging the air ducts.

Clogged Ducts: Dust, dirt and pollution can build up over time and clog your ducting.

Old Ducting: If your home was built prior to 1970’s and has the original ductwork in place, you may want to consider duct replacement. Older homes were built primarily for heating only. Air conditioning requires a bigger volume of airflow so if your home was built for heat only (meaning smaller ducts), you may experience limited airflow.
My AC unit isn’t turning on, what could be the cause of this?

Tripped Circuit Breakers: as one of the most common reasons of why your unit won’t turn on, a tripped circuit breaker is caused when the circuit overloads

Drainage Problems: Clogged condensate drains or an overflowed drain pan can cause your system to repeatedly shut off.

Faulty Compressor: Your unit will not turn on when your compressor/motor stops working.

Dirty Filter: As the most common reason your AC system may have issues, it is recommended to change or clean your filter every 3-4 months (or once a year depending on the type of filter you have) to maximize airflow and keep energy costs low. A dirty filter can cause other problems besides increased energy consumption such as causing a burnout to the motor (the clogged filter causes a strain on the system) or clogging the air ducts.

Thermostat Failure: Thermostat failures can cause you system to short cycle. Thermostat sensors can be knocked out of place causing your system to run constantly.
My AC is not cooling my home. Do I need a repair or replacement?

A Mauzy technician will come assess your unit and advise of the costs to repair your unit as well as the pros and cons. If the unit is beyond repairing (possibly due to the age of the system), the technician will provide a quote for the cost to replace the unit.

With Mauzy, we will always be truthful in our recommendations and will never sell you something you don’t need.
Why is my air conditioner not blowing cool air?

Refrigerant Leaks: potentially due to undercharging during installation or if there is a leak. Performance & efficiency of your unit is based off the proper amount of refrigerant in the system.

Lack of Maintenance: it is recommended to have your system maintained (tuned up) once a year for maximum efficiency. During a tune up, a Mauzy technician will perform a 13 point check on your system which includes: cleaning or replacing your filter (homeowner must provide), checking freon pressures and levels, inspecting the electrical wiring and connections, inspecting the condensate drain and pipes, and checking the fan blades for cracks, among other things. It is also required to keep your manufacturer warranties active. Annual maintenance on your system allows you to catch any issues before they arise.

Dirty Filter: As the most common reason your AC system may have issues, it is recommended to change or clean your filter once a year (as part of the annual maintenance on your system) to maximize airflow and keep energy costs low. A dirty filter can cause other problems besides increased energy consumption such as causing a burnout to the motor (the clogged filter causes a strain on the system) or clogging the air ducts.

Air Conditioning Installation FAQs

Why are ductless units online significantly less than what I was quoted?

It is true that many items are available online today, however, we do not recommend risking your safety and security of your home by going this route and hiring a handyman to install it. Our cost for mini splits include parts, permits, and labor. Pulling permits is a protection policy for you and hiring a licensed professional is always recommended. Furthermore, your system must be installed by a licensed contractor in order for the parts to be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
How long does an AC installation take?

Depending on the complexity of the installation and what type of equipment is being installed, you can expect the timeframe to be typically 1-3 days. Minisplit systems are typically one day with traditional forced air systems being typically 2-3 days.
What are the warranties for your products?

Our traditional forced air systems come with a 10-year parts warranty from the manufacturer. Our mini split systems come with a 12-year parts warranty from the manufacturer. All of our systems come with a 1-year labor warranty. We also offer four, unbeatable guarantees to help make you a little more at ease with your decision: Satisfaction Guarantee, No Hidden Cost Guarantee, Price Guarantee and Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee.
What is a ballpark price I can expect with a new installation?

There are many factors that go into the price of a new installation. The first thing we need to determine is the size of the unit. Properly sizing the unit is key – oversizing the unit causes wasted energy and under sizing the unit causes the unit to work in overdrive. Other factors that go into sizing your unit includes the amount of sunlight exposure in the house, the size of the household (how many people are living in the home), and any special features of the air conditioning unit. Along with the size of the unit, other factors that go into the price include if duct work needs to be installed and the labor costs.

In general, the average starting price for installing a new air conditioning unit is around $10,000. This is a ballpark price only and a Mauzy advisor will need to come out to assess your property for an accurate quote.
My home is not built for a central AC system, what are my options?

You can go with a ductless mini split system which consists of one outdoor unit and multiple head units in each room that needs cooling

Or, you can install a whole house fan which is installed in an attic.
What is a ductless mini-split unit?

A ductless unit consists of a slimmer outdoor condenser and one or more indoor units mounted to a wall or ceiling. Many homeowners opt for this over a traditional system as it is less invasive (it does not requiring ducting) and allows for individual temperature
control among different rooms. Many mini split systems do both heating and cooling.
Ducted vs. ductless unit?
When to go with a ducted unit:
- Your house is already pre-plumbed
- You need to control humidity. Ductless units can’t properly remove moisture from the air in the entire home. They will dehumidify a smaller area while operating but have little effect on the whole house.
- You need better airflow. Ducted units are better at cooling down large spaces/homes compared to a ductless unit which is designed to cool each area individually instead of moving air between spaces.
- Aesthetic is important to you. With a ducted unit, there is only the outside condenser compared to ductless which consists of the outside condenser as well as multiple head units within each room.
When to go with a ductless unit:
- Your house cannot have ducts installed (possibly due to the layout of the home or lack of space)
- You have a smaller yard that cannot fit a full size condenser
- You have room additions
- You need to control multiple spaces individually. While this can be achieved with a zoned, ducted unit, with a ductless system you don’t have to worry about losing air flow quality due to dirty/clogged ducts.

Heating Maintenance FAQs

How often should I replace the filter?

It is recommended you change your filter every 3-4 months, depending on the type of filter you have. Some filters only need to be changed once a year. If you are unsure about the type of filter you have, give us a call!
Do you replace the filter during a tune up?

We do! However, the cost of the filter is not included in our tune up. You can opt to purchase a standard 1″ filter through us for $29 or you can supply your own and we will replace it for you.
My unit is working perfectly. Do I still need maintenance?

Yes! Annual maintenance is commonly overlooked. You might think since your unit is operating normally that you don’t need maintenance. However, a tune up is important to keep your system in peak performance and to keep your energy bills low.

An analogy we like to use for HVAC maintenance is comparing it to an oil change for your car. Something that might be commonly skipped, or prolonged as much as possible, at the risk of causing damage to your car. An oil change also allows your mechanic to do an inspection of your vehicle and potentially prevent any minor issues turning into big ones.
How often does my furnace need maintenance?

It is recommended to get your furnace tuned up once a year. Not only is this required to keep your manufacturer warranties active but it also helps to keep your system in peak performance.
What are the most common furnace problems?

Heating Repair FAQs

How long do furnaces last? When does it need to be replaced?

The typical lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years. While your furnace may still be running, it is recommended to consider replacing the unit when you reach this age as newer units are more energy efficient, saving you more money in the long run.
My furnace is not turning on. What could be the cause of this?

Thermostat Issues: Check for low batteries and see if restarting it will kickstart your system. Issues with your thermostat can cause your unit to frequently cycle on and off.

Tripped Circuit Breaker: The breaker can accidentally be switched off and cut all power to the unit.

Dirty Filter: It is recommended to change your filters at least once a year to maintain peak performance and keep energy costs low. A dirty filter will cause restricted airflow and can cause strain on your furnace.

Unit Failing to Ignite: It could be an issue with the gas supply, pilot light or ignition switch.
What symptoms need a call to a professional heating repair company?

Heating Installation FAQs

How long does a heating installation take?

The average timeframe for a traditional gas furnace is 1 day.
What are your product warranties?

Our products have a 10-year parts warranty from the manufacturer. Our mini split systems have a 12-year parts warranty from the manufacturer. All of our systems come with a 1-year labor warranty. We also offer four, unbeatable guarantees to help make you a little more at ease: Satisfaction Guarantee, No Hidden Cost Guarantee, Price Guarantee and Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee.
What is a wall heater?
Wall heaters, as you may have guessed, are units that are installed inside the wall of a room. Unlike traditional gas furnaces, wall heaters can be easily installed as there is no blower motor or ducting involved.
- More Facts about Wall Heaters
  - Installation of Wall Furnaces
    
    Wall furnaces are typically installed by licensed furnace specialists due to the potential risks associated with gas units.
    
    Installation of a wall furnace does not require ductwork, making it a simpler process compared to traditional forced-air furnaces.
    
    Wall furnaces can be mounted on any inside or outside wall, fitting between any standard 16” center stud space.
    
    Installation by non-certified persons is strictly prohibited and can void all warranties.
  - Safety Measures for Wall Furnaces
    
    Modern, properly-installed wall furnaces are remarkably safe, but like all heat sources, they come with risks.
    
    It’s recommended to have a furnace technician do annual inspections of your unit to ensure it’s functioning properly.
    
    Furnaces have safety features such as a Flame Rollout Sensor, a Flame Proving Sensor, a High Temperature Limit Control, a Flue Exhaust Pressure Sensor, and a Fan Limit Sensor.
    
    Gas units involve more risk than electric, because there is the possibility of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  - Efficiency of Wall Furnaces
    
    Wall furnaces are energy-efficient, with some new models achieving thermal efficiencies of 80-94%.
    
    They are much more powerful units than common electric portable space heaters, and they can be used as a primary source of heating in energy efficient homes, even in cold climates.
    
    The oldest existing furnaces have thermal efficiencies of 50% while today’s standard replacement wall furnaces have thermal efficiencies of 70%.
    
    Advanced technology drives these clean-burning wall furnaces to more than 80% efficiency (AFUE).
  - Types of Wall Furnaces
    
    Wall furnaces can generate heat from one of three sources: an internal electric element, the home’s natural gas line, or a liquid propane gas tank stored on the property.
    
    There are vented wall furnaces that use room air to support combustion and exhaust their flue products to the outdoors via a single pipe.
    
    Direct-Vent systems mount on an outside wall and have a vent-within-a-vent system to draw in outdoor air to support combustion and exhaust flue products to the outdoors.
    
    Gravity Wall Furnaces mount on any inside or outside wall, providing both circulated and radiant heat in an economical package
What is the ballpark estimate to get a new central heating installation in my home?

A ballpark price for a new installation is around $7k. There are many factors that go into the price including the size of the unit, if duct work needs to be installed, and