Question 1

What HVAC services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide comprehensive heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services including oil and gas furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, geothermal heating, Steffes EB heating, AC repair and installation, furnace maintenance, and emergency repairs for both residential and commercial properties.

Question 2

What is SEER rating and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures air conditioning efficiency. Higher SEER ratings mean lower energy costs. Modern units range from 13-25+ SEER. While higher SEER units cost more upfront, they can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills over time.

Question 3

What areas do you serve in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

We serve Gettysburg, Hanover, York, East Berlin, New Oxford, York Springs, Spring Grove, Abbottstown, Arendtsville, Aspers, Bendersville, Biglerville, Cashtown, Fairfield, Idaville, Littlestown, McSherrystown, Orrtanna, Thomasville, and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania.

Question 4

Are your technicians certified and trained?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Our technicians are NATE certified and have extensive training in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. With over 30 years of experience since 1993, we ensure our team stays current with the latest industry standards and technologies.

Question 5

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you should change your furnace filter every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type, home conditions, and usage. Homes with pets, allergies, or high dust may need more frequent changes. A clogged filter reduces efficiency and can damage your system.

Question 6

What types of heating systems do you install and repair?

Accepted Answer

We install and repair oil furnaces, gas furnaces, oil boilers, gas boilers, heat pumps, geothermal heating systems, and Steffes electric boiler heating systems. Our experienced team can recommend the best heating solution for your specific needs and budget.

Question 7

How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend annual maintenance for your heating and cooling systems. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns, improves energy efficiency, extends equipment life, and ensures your system operates safely and reliably throughout the year.

Question 8

Why is my air conditioner not cooling properly?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, blocked vents, thermostat issues, or dirty coils. Check your filter first and ensure vents are open. If the problem persists, call us for professional diagnosis and repair to prevent further damage.

Question 9

What should I do if my furnace stops working?

Accepted Answer

First, check your thermostat settings and circuit breakers. Ensure your air filter isn't clogged and that fuel supply is adequate. If these don't resolve the issue, call us immediately at 717-624-9250. Our emergency repair team is available 24/7 to restore your heating quickly and safely.

Question 10

How long do HVAC installations typically take?

Accepted Answer

Installation time varies based on system complexity and your home's specific requirements. A standard furnace or AC unit typically takes 1-2 days, while more complex systems like geothermal or whole-house renovations may take 3-5 days. We'll provide a detailed timeline during your free estimate.

Question 11

What are signs that my furnace needs repair?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs include unusual noises, uneven heating, increased energy bills, frequent cycling on/off, yellow pilot light flames, strange odors, or poor air quality. If you notice any of these issues, contact us promptly to prevent costly breakdowns.

Question 12

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards for your convenience. Payment is typically due upon completion of service, and we'll discuss payment terms upfront during your estimate or service call.

Question 13

Can you help me choose the right size HVAC system for my home?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Proper sizing is crucial for efficiency and comfort. Our experienced technicians will perform a detailed load calculation considering your home's size, insulation, windows, and other factors to recommend the perfectly sized system for optimal performance and energy savings.

Question 14

Do you service commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services for commercial properties. Our team has experience with retail spaces, offices, restaurants, and other commercial buildings. We offer maintenance contracts and emergency services tailored to business needs.

Question 15

What should I expect during a maintenance visit?

Accepted Answer

During maintenance, our technicians will inspect all system components, clean or replace filters, check electrical connections, test safety controls, lubricate moving parts, verify proper operation, and identify any potential issues. We'll explain our findings and recommend any necessary repairs or improvements.

Question 16

How can I improve my home's energy efficiency?

Accepted Answer

We can help improve efficiency through regular maintenance, upgrading to high-efficiency equipment, proper insulation, sealing air leaks, installing programmable thermostats, and ensuring proper ductwork. Our team will assess your home and recommend the most cost-effective energy-saving solutions.

Question 17

Do you offer plumbing services beyond HVAC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide comprehensive plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, pipe repairs, drain cleaning, fixture installation, leak detection, and emergency plumbing repairs. Our skilled technicians handle both residential and commercial plumbing needs.

Question 18

What electrical services do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Our electrical services include wiring for HVAC systems, electrical panel upgrades, circuit installation, outlet and switch installation, electrical troubleshooting, and safety inspections. We ensure all electrical work meets local codes and safety standards.

Question 19

How quickly can you respond to emergency calls?

Accepted Answer

We strive to respond to emergency calls as quickly as possible, typically within 1-2 hours depending on location and current demand. Our 24/7 emergency service ensures you're never left without heat, cooling, or essential services when you need them most.

Question 20

Do you provide maintenance contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer annual maintenance contracts that include scheduled tune-ups, priority service, discounted repairs, and peace of mind knowing your systems are professionally maintained. These contracts help prevent costly breakdowns and keep your equipment running efficiently.

Question 21

What makes Ken Adams Mechanical different from other contractors?

Accepted Answer

With over 30 years of experience since 1993, we combine expertise with personalized service. We take time to educate customers about their systems, provide fair pricing, maintain clean work practices, and follow up to ensure satisfaction. Our 4.9/5 star rating from 102+ reviews reflects our commitment to excellence.

Question 22

Can you help with geothermal heating systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialize in geothermal heating systems, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Geothermal systems are highly efficient and environmentally friendly. Our experienced team can assess if geothermal is right for your property and handle all aspects of installation and service.

Question 23

What should I do to prepare for your service visit?

Accepted Answer

Please ensure clear access to your HVAC equipment, water heater, and electrical panels. Move any items blocking these areas. If you have pets, please secure them for safety. Have a list of any specific concerns or issues ready to discuss with our technician.

Question 24

How can I reduce my heating and cooling costs?

Accepted Answer

Lower costs by regularly changing filters, using programmable thermostats, sealing air leaks, adding insulation, scheduling annual maintenance, upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, and keeping vents unblocked. We can perform an energy audit to identify specific savings opportunities.

Question 25

What's the difference between a boiler and a furnace?

Accepted Answer

Furnaces heat air and distribute it through ducts, while boilers heat water that circulates through radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor systems. Boilers provide more even, comfortable heat but require different maintenance and repair approaches.

Question 26

When should I consider replacing my water heater?

Accepted Answer

Consider replacement if your water heater is over 10-15 years old, produces rusty water, makes unusual noises, leaks, or struggles to provide adequate hot water. We can assess your current unit and recommend the best replacement option for your needs.

Question 27

What causes uneven heating in my home?

Accepted Answer

Uneven heating can result from blocked vents, dirty filters, ductwork issues, improper system sizing, thermostat problems, or insulation gaps. Our technicians can diagnose the root cause and provide solutions to ensure consistent comfort throughout your home.

Question 28

How do I know if I need a new HVAC system versus repairs?

Accepted Answer

Our experienced technicians will honestly assess your system's condition and provide recommendations based on age, repair costs, efficiency, and reliability. We'll explain the pros and cons of repair versus replacement, helping you make an informed decision that's best for your situation and budget.

Blog