N22 W22967 Nancy Ct. #A • Waukesha, WI 53186

262-436-0505

8232 N. Teutonia Ave. • Milwaukee, WI 53209

414-354-1180

Heating & Cooling FAQs

Commonly Reported HVAC Problems

Listed below are frequently asked questions relating to the HVAC field. If you are experiencing a problem which requires attention and if you are in our service area, you may set up an appointment online or call us to schedule a service call.

We hope this information helps make you a more educated customer. Please keep in mind these are just rough guidelines and not all possible situations are covered.

What′s the best way to reduce my energy bills and conserve energy?

The most obvious solution to saving on your energy bills is to turn down your thermostat. However, here are 10 additional tips that may be less obvious:

  1. Have your furnace cleaned.
  2. Change your air filter.
  3. Use your ceiling fans.
  4. Using washing machines and dishwashers wisely — in other words, run them only when you have full loads of laundry or dishes.
  5. Use compact fluorescent lighting.
  6. Keep shades up and blinds open to take advantage of natural daylight and solar heat.
  7. Insulate your water heater.
  8. Install and use a programmable thermostat.
  9. Seal air leaks.
  10. If you′re not using it, turn it off.

Are there any general maintenance tips for my equipment?

Yes -

  1. Schedule professional service on your furnace/air conditioner every 1 to 2 years.
  2. Replace filters regularly.
  3. Clean air cleaner regularly.
  4. Keep bushes and trees clear of condensing unit.
  5. Keep snow away from PVC termination pipes. (Hi-efficiency units only)
  6. Keep drain hoses clear.

How often should my filter be changed?

4" pleated filters should be changed annually and 1" filters should be changed every 1-3 months. If you have pets or smokers in the house, you may want to change your filter more frequently.

Is there anything I can do to troubleshoot a problem in order to avoid the cost of service call?

See our Customer Checklists below.

NO HEAT (All furnaces)?

  1. Is the furnace switch on?
  2. Is the pilot lit?
  3. Is the filter/air cleaner dirty?
  4. Do the batteries in the thermostat need changing?

NO HEAT (Hi-Efficiency Furnaces)?

  1. Is the drain hose flat on the floor without kinks?
  2. Check the PVC pipe to outside of house. Be sure no ice, snow or other material is blocking the outlet.
  3. If condensation has frozen on the PVC pipe, pour boiling water over it.

NOT COOLING?

  1. Is the furnace switch on?
  2. Is filter/air cleaner dirty?
  3. If OUTSIDE unit is not on, check:
    1. Is circuit breaker on in basement? If it's on, turn it off and on again. Wait 5-7 minutes. (Some units have a built-in time delay.)
    2. Replace fuses (gray box attached to house near outside unit). TURN CIRCUIT BREAKER OFF BEFORE OPENING THIS BOX. Note: not all units have outside fuses.

What′s the cost to have my heating and cooling equipment cleaned and checked?

Tune-up prices are currently as follows:

Gas Furnace — $99.95
Central Air Conditioner — $99.95
Gas Boiler — $99.95
Oil Furnace — $169.00
Unico/air handler cooling only system — $124.95
Humidifier with a furnace tune-up — $49.95
Humidifier without a furnace tune-up — $69.95
EAC with furnace tune-up — $39.00

Watch your mail for our spring and fall mailers for $10 off your tune-up!

What services are covered in a clean and check?

GAS FURNACE:

  1. Clean and adjust pilot or flame sensor.
  2. Clean and adjust burners.
  3. Check and adjust controls.
  4. Lubricate motors.
  5. Lubricate bearings.
  6. Inspect heat exchanger.
  7. Check blower motor.
  8. Flush and clean the condensate drains and traps.
  9. Check the safety controls.
  10. Check the filters.
  11. Check and adjust the thermostat.
  12. Check limits.
  13. Check belts and blower.
  14. Inspect wiring.
  15. Check blower speeds.
  16. Check manifold pressure.
  17. Inspect vent pipe and draft diverter.
  18. Make recommendations for improvement.

GAS BOILER:

  1. Regular 18 point maintenance (substitute pump for blower).
  2. Check water level and pressures.
  3. Clean screens in fill valve.
  4. Drain expansion tank.

CENTRAL AIR:

  1. Check air flow across inside coil.
  2. Clean condensate drain.
  3. Check filter.
  4. Check temperature drop across inside coil.
  5. Check thermostat.
  6. Check refrigerant charge.
  7. Check electrical, voltage, and current.
  8. Check compressor contactor.
  9. Clean condenser and coil.
  10. Lubricate motor.

How often should I schedule maintenance for my furnace and air conditioner?

The manufacturer recommendation is to have your heating and cooling units tuned and cleaned annually.

Is there a charge to come to my home and quote the costs of repairs?

Yes, we do charge a diagnostic fee, which is currently $79.00. Our service technician will quote the cost of repair once the problem is diagnosed.

How do I set up a quote for a sales appointment?

You can either complete the contact form under Contact on this website or call
414-354-1180. We will be happy to set up an appointment for you with one of our salespeople. All sales estimates are free.

What brands does Seider service?

Seider services all makes and models of furnaces and air conditioners.

What brand of new equipment does Seider sell?

We are a Carrier Factory Authorized company (the oldest in Wisconsin). The distinction means we have met Carrier Corporation′s rigid criteria for quality. In fact, Carrier offers you a 100% satisfaction guarantee when you purchase your Carrier equipment from a Factory Authorized Dealer. The guarantee is your sure sign of an air conditioning and heating system dealer that will provide you with superior products, intelligent insight and the ultimate service.

Becoming a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer is no easy feat. Only those expert heating and air conditioning dealers who meet the highest standards and closest scrutiny—not only for their technical expertise, but also for their business practices and customer service quality—earn the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer distinction.

Ask your Seider representative for financing
availability and a FREE in-home estimate.

Call now for assistance
414-354-1180
or click here to make your
own online appointment.