Our FAQ’s

General Questions

Do you offer financing?

Answer: Absolutely. Whether you’re enhancing your home comfort with an additional system or replacing an older system, we make it easy with a number of payment and financing options. Your Sila comfort advisor can provide you with all your options and help you choose the best one for your situation.

Why are there cold or hot spots in my house?

Answer: Hot and cold spots in a home are not unusual. No matter what time of year you notice temperature swings in your home, you should investigate the problem as soon as you find it. Learn 4 common causes of hot or cold spots and find solutions to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout your home.

 A/C Questions

How often do I need to tune-up my air conditioning system?

Answer: Routine annual air conditioning and annual heating maintenance is the key to keeping your system running at its highest efficiency, keeping your utility bills in check and improving its life expectancy. Left unchecked, minor issues can lead to loss of efficiency, premature breakdown of components and a shorter lifespan. Annual service may also be a requirement to keep your system warranty valid. Many manufacturers state on warranty documentation that installation and maintenance by a licensed HVAC service provider are required as part of the warranty conditions.

Do I need to add refrigerant to my AC system every year?

Answer: You should not have to. Refrigerant systems are closed loops and should not lose any capacity unless there is a leak or an issue with the system.

Can I add central air conditioning to my home that has radiator or baseboard heat?

Answer: Yes. Sila specializes in adding central air conditioning to homes with radiator and baseboard heat. From high-velocity small duct systems to ductless mini splits, a Sila comfort advisor can provide a free assessment of your home to determine your options. No more window units!

Can I add a thermostat or zone for a specific area?

Answer: Absolutely. We help optimize the heating and cooling for our customers so they can control their HVAC systems with multiple zones or temperature sensors.

Can I zone my existing air conditioning system?

Answer: Some systems can be retroactively zoned. A Sila comfort advisor can provide a free assessment of your system to determine your options.

Do ductless mini splits offer heating and cooling capabilities?

Answer: Yes. We offer mini split systems that handle both heating and air conditioning and keep your home just the perfect temperature! Read about the advantages of a mini split ductless heating and cooling system.

 Plumbing Questions

How do I fix or prevent a pinhole leak in a copper pipe?

Answer: Pinhole leaks are unique to copper piping. Caused by corrosion, pinhole leaks are tiny holes that develop over time and can be a sign of systematic plumbing failure. Get a better understanding of the cause of pinhole leaks and how to prevent them, as well as recommendations on if and when it’s appropriate to replace your copper piping.

How often should I replace my sump pump?

Answer: The average life expectancy of sump pumps is 10 years. Learn the 4 signs that your sump pump needs repair and find maintenance tips to keep yours operating effectively as long as possible.

Does a sump pump need maintenance?

Answer: Yes, sump pumps are invaluable when you need them, but they often sit for months without use. By performing simple routine care and sump pump maintenance you can keep yours in tip-top shape so it is ready to bail you out when you need it most.

Why does my toilet constantly run?

Answer: Run-on toilets are a sign that something is not operating properly. The cause can be a problem with the tankball, the ballcock, intake valve, or the floatball. Our licensed plumbers can help get your toilet repaired and reduce excessive use of water.

What causes premature sewer failure?

Answer: Many factors can contribute. Issues we most often encounter are old and aging pipes, pipe corrosion, calcification, scale and tree roots. Our video inspection is critical to identifying the issue and fixing it the first time.

Can I put coffee grounds down the drain?

Answer: Coffee grounds may seem harmless, but they are actually one of the worst things to put down the drain. Read about other things that are unsafe to pour down the drain, as well as how to properly clean and maintain your garbage disposal.

IAQ Questions

How often should I get a new Carbon Monoxide detector?

Answer: Many carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan between 5 to 7 years.

How often should I change my HVAC air filter?

Answer: Manufacturers recommended 1-inch filters be replaced every 30 days. Five-inch filters can be replaced 1 to 2 times per year. These recommendations can vary based on factors such as pets living in the home, how frequently a system is running, and whether windows are left open.

Can a humidifier make me sick?

Answer:

Possibly, yes. Some humidifiers can do more harm than good — dispersing unwanted germs and microorganisms from water tanks into indoor air. Known as humidifier fever, tiny bacteria, fungi, and amebas that develop in the moist environment of a humidifier can cause a sudden onset of fever, muscle aches, pains and shortness of breath.

A whole-home humidifier is built to remedy your entire home’s dry air needs without risk of spreading contaminants or over-humidifying.

 Heating Questions

How often do I need to tune-up my heating system?

Answer: Routine annual air conditioning and annual heating maintenance is the key to keeping your system running at its highest efficiency, keeping your utility bills in check and improving its life expectancy. Left unchecked, minor issues can lead to loss of efficiency and worse, premature breakdown of components and a shorter lifespan. Annual service may also be a requirement to keep your system warranty valid. Many manufacturers state on warranty documentation that installation and maintenance by a licensed HVAC service provider are a part of the warranty conditions.

How long do heaters last?

Answer: Gas Furnaces and Heat Pumps typically last 15 years with proper annual maintenance. Boilers can last 20 to 25 years. There are a number of reasons why a perfectly well-made furnace might fall short of its expected lifespan. Incorrect sizing, poor quality installation, and lack of routine maintenance are some of the biggest factors.

What’s the difference between a furnace and boiler?

Answer: Boilers use water to heat the home through either baseboard or radiators. Some radiant floor heating is water-based as well. Furnaces are sometimes referred to as forced air heat systems. These burn natural gas, propane, or oil, or use electricity to heat your home. Furnaces are the most commonly used heating systems.

Do you service boiler heating systems?

Answer: Yes, Sila provides service for both water and steam boiler systems.

Do you bleed radiators during a heating tune-up?

Answer: Yes, but this service is not included in our standard heating system tune-up.

Do you service oil systems?

Answer: Yes. Sila can service your oil heating system and ensure it’s ready when you need it most!

I bought a home with oil as a heat source. What other options exist?

Answer: That depends on where you’re located and the coverage by your local utility. In many cases, there is natural gas availability. In other cases, we recommend using a Mitsubishi Electric ductless solution with Hyper-Heating technology, or setting up a propane fueled system. 

Can I add a thermostat or zone for a specific area?

Answer: Absolutely. We help optimize the heating and cooling for our customers so they can control their HVAC systems with multiple zones or temperature sensors.

Do ductless mini splits offer heating and cooling capabilities?

Answer: Yes, we offer ductless systems that handle both heating and air conditioning and keep your home just the perfect temperature. Learn about the advantages of a mini split ductless heating and cooling system.

Do I need to add refrigerant to my heat pump every year?

Answer: You should not have to. Refrigerant systems are closed loops and should not lose any capacity unless there is a leak or an issue with the system. Read our heat pump maintenance tasks to keep your system running efficiently.

Why is my heating system blowing cold air?

Answer: This is a common question from homeowners during the colder months. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. A heating system that is blasting cold air can have several causes, and could be a sign that your heating system may need repair.

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