Milwaukee HVAC FAQs
Common Heating and Cooling System Questions
Our certified Milwaukee HVAC professionals provide superior heating and cooling services across Southeast Wisconsin. We offer HVAC installation, repairs and maintenance services for residential and commercial customers throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. We recently won the Top Choice Award for the best HVAC service in the Greater Milwaukee area. Become one of our highly satisfied customers - from 24 hour emergency services to annual maintenance of your equipment – rely on the Donovan & Jorgenson team of HVAC specialists.
With over 30 years of experience working in the HVAC industry, we have been asked many questions - some more frequently than others. We have compiled a few of the most commonly asked questions and answers below.
Contact the Milwaukee HVAC professionals to schedule an appointment today.
What brands of heat pumps, boilers, and furnaces do you repair?
Donovan & Jorgenson technicians work with all brands.
Is my home at risk for carbon monoxide leaks?
If your home is heated by a furnace or boiler powered by a fuel source (oil or natural gas), you’re at risk for carbon monoxide leaks. Outdated or broken heat exchangers release CO into the air of your home. Regular tune-ups and maintenance from Donovan & Jorgenson can prevent potential leaks.
Which heater is better: a furnace or a boiler?
The right heating system for your home depends on several factors. For starters, the size of your home needs to be taken into an account. And the existing building insulation may affect how well each system works. Ask Donovan & Jorgenson HVAC technicians to find the best heating unit for your house.
What constitutes an HVAC emergency?
While a broken HVAC system is a nuisance it doesn’t always mean you need emergency repair services. For example, an air conditioner doesn’t need immediate repairs if it’s the middle of winter.
- Heat emergency: A broken furnace in the middle of a freezing Wisconsin winter would be an emergency. A fireplace or space heater may help you stay warm for a while but you will still want repairs sooner rather than later.
- Cooling emergency: A broken down A/C unit is an emergency if temperatures are high (ex: over 82 degrees) and you have no other ways of keeping cool. If you have fans or windows and the temperature outside isn’t too high you can likely wait a few days for repairs.
Homes with babies should be kept somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees since infants cannot regulate their own body temperature. For these families, almost any HVAC problem will be considered an emergency.
What is an Energy Star Rating?
An Energy Star Rating is a US government rating given to products and practices which meet or exceed specific guidelines on energy consumption. Products with the Energy Star label effectively help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the users money on their energy bills without any reasonable loss in performance. See Donovan & Jorgenson's Energy Star Products.
Why is my drain hose filled with black stuff?
Your hose will build up with dirt, debris and sometimes algae over time. Flush it with a strong bleach water solution or replace the hose.
Why are my windows wet?
An air to air exchanger, whole house dehumidifier, or keeping your furnace blower running all the time, can help eliminate this problem. Ask one of our Company Representatives for details on one of these systems.
I have dry sinuses, my woodwork is splitting, and my carpet is shocking me. What gives?
Your home is too dry. Add a whole house humidifier to fix the problem.
How often should I service my heating and cooling equipment?
An annual tune-up for your furnace and air conditioning system will be sufficient. Your furnace equipment can be tuned up any time of year and does not have to be done before the start of the heating/cooling season, if you keep up with regular maintenance. Air conditioning tune-ups need to be performed when the outside temperature is above 60 degrees.
How can I conserve energy and reduce my bill?
Invest in energy-efficient appliances - save money and help the environment.
- Air conditioners up to 19 SEER efficiency rating
- Furnaces up to 98% efficient, look for at least 95%
- Geothermal heat pumps maintain the highest efficiency on the coldest winter night or the hottest summer days
- Gas or electric dryer booster fans shorten drying times reduce energy usage and costs and avoid excessive wear and tear on your dryer
- Programmable thermostats can save up to 20% on your heating costs
- Area-by-area zoning – subdividing your house into different temperature zones can help conserve energy
- Whole house humidifiers allow homeowners to reduce the thermostat setting 2-3 degrees
