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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your most puzzling HVAC questions

HVAC systems can seem mysterious. You may have questions about how yours works — or more importantly, how to make sure it keeps working. These are some of the most common questions we get. If you don’t find your question here, contact us to get answers from a Jacobs expert.

How long does HVAC equipment last?

Most systems have a life expectancy of 10-20 years, but you can help your system run for as long as possible by scheduling regular maintenance. If you start noticing your energy bills rising or you need constant repairs, it’s time to call an expert for an evaluation — especially if your system is more than 10 years old.

What happens if my furnace breaks on the weekend?

Our technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to troubleshoot your emergency HVAC problems over the phone. Call (503) 234-7331 to talk to an expert at any hour of the day or night.

How does the Jacobs installation process work in an existing home?

Our installation process is unique. We assess your space’s specific heating and cooling needs and then custom-fit your system to match. Our consultant examines your insulation, ceiling heights, sun exposure, window locations, and electrical panels. They also ask you about potential allergy concerns and the number of people and pets in your home. Before installation day we send a supervisor to double-check our plan for your system. This extra step is unique to Jacobs and helps ensure a seamless, stress-free installation every time. When our installer arrives we have everything we need to get the job done right.

How many different furnaces and air conditioners do Jacobs carry?

The Carrier brand offers three series of furnaces and air conditioners — Infinity, Performance, and Comfort. Each series has a range of different sizes and efficiency levels. The result is approximately 50 furnaces and 30 air conditioners to choose from. Jacobs also carries a wide variety of heat pumps, water heaters, thermostats, and indoor air quality products. We can help you determine the right size and type of system by learning about your needs and performing a detailed load calculation of your space.

Does Jacobs offer any warranties or guarantees?

Yes. When Jacobs installs a heating or cooling system from Carrier in your existing home, you get:

10-year parts warranty (5 years for rentals) covered by Carrier
2-year labor warranty covered by Jacobs
For furnaces: lifetime heat exchanger warranty/20 years for standard efficiency units
First-year complimentary maintenance
Free removal and recycling of existing equipment
Customer satisfaction guaranteed

How often do HVAC systems need maintenance?

Routine maintenance keeps your warranties valid and your system running at peak efficiency. Here is what we recommend:

Furnaces – every fall
Air Conditioners – every spring
Water Heaters – every 6 months
Heat Pumps – heating side every fall, cooling side every spring

What do efficiency ratings mean?

We use different rating systems to measure energy efficiency for different heating and cooling products. A higher number means better efficiency.

AFUE – Your furnace’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency number tells you how much of the energy it uses is being converted to heat. Look for AFUE ratings of 90% or higher for gas furnaces.
SEER – The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio describes the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. New products should have SEER ratings of at least 13. The most efficient systems have ratings over 20.

HSPF – The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is how we measure a heat pump’s heating efficiency. It’s a ratio of heat output to electricity used. Modern heat pumps are required to have a minimum HSPF of 7.7.
COP – The heating efficiency of geothermal heat pumps is often measured using the Coefficient of Performance.
EER – Energy Efficiency Rating is another measure of cooling efficiency. It is the ratio of a product’s cooling output (in British thermal units) to the watts of power it uses.

Check out our blog: HVAC Efficiency Ratings Explained

How can I improve air quality in my home?

Regular maintenance is the easiest way to keep your system running efficiently. If your system is old and your energy bills are rising, it might be time for a replacement. Jacobs offers high-efficiency products from leading brands like Carrier.

Look for products with high-efficiency ratings and Energy Star certification.
Consider a smart thermostat that learns your preferences to optimize both comfort and efficiency.
A mini-split system can be used to heat and cool certain rooms — like your bedroom — without wasting energy elsewhere.