Frequently Asked Questions
These are some commonly asked questions. If you have other questions please call and a tech will answer them.
Questions About JLK Services
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we do a full evaluation and provide free estimates.
What brand units do you install/service?
JLK services all brands – we install York Products as they are the leading air conditioning, heating, ventilating company worldwide. Landmark installations in the US include the U.S. Capital Building in Washington, DC, the Renaissance Center in Detroit and the Bank of America building in San Francisco.
What is covered by a standard warranty?
A standard warranty covers all parts for the time specified.
Is an extended warranty available?
Yes, extended warranties are available for 5 to 10 years parts and/or labor.
What does your annual maintenance agreement include?
Preventive maintenance agreements are available for all equipment including furnaces, air conditioners or heat pumps. There are two plans, one for two inspections and one for four inspections per year. Plan 1 suggests inspections in the fall before winter heating season begins and Plan 2 includes two additional mid season inspections. For full details see the PMA form.
What level of experience do your employees have?
JLK engineers are trained and qualified to properly install and service HVAC.
What forms of payment do you accept?
JLK accepts cash, check or credit card payments. Payment is due at the time of service. Financing plans may be available for new systems.
General Maintenance Questions
How long can I expect my unit to last before replacing it?
Generally heating/air conditioners last about 15 years - with the cost of energy increasing it is often beneficial to replace older units earlier for long term energy savings.
How often should I change my filters?
Change filters once a month, at the indoor unit or return grill(s). Filters come in various sizes and are available from JLK.
How often should I have my units serviced?
Units will be more efficient if they are serviced at least two times a year, although four times per year is preferred, especially for older systems.
What can I do to improve indoor air quality?
You can improve indoor air quality by installing UV lights in the system, installing a filtering unit or cleaning or replacing the ducts.
Can I close vents in rooms I don’t use?
Closing vents is not recommended as this could freeze the unit.
General System Questions
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an apparatus for heating or cooling by transferring heat by mechanical means from or to an external reservoir, such as the ground, water or outside air. Heat pumps act as an air conditioner that contains a valve that allows it to alternate between heating and cooling. Heat pumps are energy efficient forms of electrical heating or cooling that work by transferring heat or cooling your home or office. Heat pumps are most often used in moderate climates, such as found in central Virginia.
What is the unit outside the home?
The Outdoor Coil/Condensing Unit is the portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located outside the home and functions as a heat transfer point for collecting heat from and dispelling heat to the outside air.
We often hear the term SEER used about heat pumps. What is a SEER?
A SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - a measure of an air conditioner's cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product, as it takes less electricity to run the unit. The government's established minimum SEER rating for air conditioners manufactured after January 2006 is 13. Older air conditioners often have lower ratings and thus are more costly to operate.
Another common term is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency - AFUE% is a measure of a furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE%, the more efficient the product, and thus the lower the energy cost. The government's established minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 78%.
The Air Handler is the portion of the central air conditioning or heat pump system that moves heated or cooled air throughout a home's ductwork. In some systems a furnace handles this function.
An Evaporator Coil is the portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located in the home and functions as the heat transfer point for warming or cooling indoor air.
These terms are used to describe specific systems:
Single Package - A year-round heating and air conditioning system that has all of the components completely encased in one unit outside the home.
Split System - A heat pump or central air conditioning system with components located both inside and outside the home. This is the most common design for home use.
Supplementary Heat - The auxiliary or emergency heat, usually electrical resistance heat, provided at temperatures below a heat pump's balance point.