FAQs

What are your services?

We take great pride in every detail of the services we provide, our primary focus is in the Heating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) field, serving residential home owners. We do heating and air conditioning installation, servicing, and repair on all manufactures and Brands. We also do indoor air quality optimization, which is a fancy tem for air filtration and humidification and air duct cleaning. Our services, performed by professionally trained technicians, are designed to exactly meet every customer’s home comfort needs.

What size furnace or air conditioner will I need?

For the best possible results, you should always get your own personal in-home evaluation. Due to many factors, your unique heating and cooling needs will vary. Some of the factors that need to be considered to determine the unit size you will need are: the age and size of your home, the type of insulation, the load calculation, and ductwork among other variables. After a complete FREE evaluation of your home, we make the accurate recommendation for your heating and air conditioning needs.

How long should my furnace or air conditioner last?

Furnace units typically last for 18-25 years when regularly serviced. Air conditioners generally last 10-15 years, with proper maintenance.

Why should you keep your home’s air clean?

Poor air quality can lead to poor health. Pollutants in your home’s air can cause dizziness; headaches, nasal congestion and fatigue, and they can aggravate allergies and asthma.

What are the causes of indoor air quality problems?

No home is immune to indoor air quality problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside the average home is up to five times more polluted than the air outside. All homes can contain elevated concentrations of dust, dirt and chemicals. These impurities may not be visible to the naked eye. Pollutants can come from many different sources inside and outside the home. For instance, furnishings, such as upholstery, can release chemicals into the air. These pollutants circulate through ductwork, entering every room and living space. If ventilation is inadequate, the pollutants multiply. High temperature and humidity also increase concentrations of some pollutants. Homes can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew, although this is generally less of an issue in Southern Colorado than some other parts of the country.

IAQ Problem Type and Occurrence

Homes were tested for six IAQ problem categories: particle allergens, chemical pollutants, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, and carbon monoxide (Figure 5). For information on the sources and solutions for each type of IAQ problem, see Appendix A, Do I Have an IAQ Problem? and Appendix B, IAQ Source Control.

Particle Allergens

In nine out of 10 homes (91%), particle allergen levels (dust, dander, pollen, bacteria, spores and smoke) are outside the recommended range. Homeowners and their families are breathing air that holds a potential health risk due to airborne particles, especially if anyone in the home suffers from allergies and asthma. Approximately, 20 million Americans suffer from asthma34—9 million of these are under age 18, making it the most prevalent chronic disease among children.35, 36

Figure 4

Number of IAQ Problems in Homes

Chemical Pollutants, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical pollutants were found at levels above recommended ranges in over two-thirds (70%) of homes tested. Chemical pollutants can be harmful to human health. Some are known carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) like formaldehyde and benzene. Sources of chemical pollutants include: household
cleaners, carpets, furniture, fuel fumes, scented products and air fresheners, personal care products, “bad smell” sources such as garbage and bathrooms, and many common household products like paint, glue, and plastics.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide, often experienced as “stuffy air,” was found to be outside recommended levels in almost half (45%) of all homes tested. A common by-product of breathing and combustion, carbon dioxide can affect alertness and cause fatigue. Common sources of combustion include: fireplaces, gas stoves, water heaters, HVAC equipment, and candles. High levels of carbon dioxide often indicate improper or ineffective ventilation, which also leads to unhealthy levels of other indoor air pollutants.

Temperature

Temperature problems occurred in nearly a third of all homes (30%). Low temperatures may induce shivering, cause joint and muscle stiffness, reduce blood flow to the skin and extremities (skin feels cold), and reduce concentration. Conversely, temperatures that are even just a few degrees too
warm may lead to increased body temperature, increased heart rate, reduced blood flow to major organs, sweating, dehydration, faintness, and drowsiness. Basic comfort also ties into home energy costs and efficiency. Managing a home’s temperatures with appropriately sized heating and cooling systems lowers overall energy costs while improving IAQ at the same time.

Humidity

Low relative humidity, air that is too dry, can aggravate asthma and bronchitis and lead to sinusitis, nosebleeds, dry skin, and dry eyes. Air that is too moist encourages mold growth. Both low and high humidity levels, either below or above the 30% – 55% ideal relative humidity range,20, 21 can accelerate home deterioration rates. Humidity issues were found in nearly half (49%) of tested locations. As with temperature, addressing humidity problems in the home can result in lower energy bills and improved efficiency as well as better comfort for occupants.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide exceeded the recommended levels in only 2% of cases. This colorless, odorless gas is the by-product of combustion (fires, cooking, smoking, vehicle emissions) and can cause death at high levels. At lower levels, it can create nausea, disorientation, and other adverse effects. Carbon
monoxide alarms are recommended for all residences as a safety precaution (similar to smoke detectors).

Do I Have an IAQ Problem?

The following are possible common indications of an indoor air quality problem in a home.

Some indications of IAQ problems in your home include:

• Excessive dust
• “Stuffy” rooms
• Some rooms feel hot or cold when the rest of the house feels comfortable
• Moisture on window panes
• A mildew (musty) smell in your home
• Family members often sneeze, feel lethargic, or have dry skin
• Home is located in a high-risk radon area
• In-room air cleaners are in use in the home
• Air fresheners or scented candles are used to improve the smell in the home
• If you experience any of these problems in your home, you may have an indoor air quality problem. A qualified HVAC indoor air quality service professional can test your home to help you objectively diagnose possible problems as well as recommend solutions.

IAQ Source Control

There are many ways to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

Solutions can range from mechanical adjustments on your heating and cooling system to something as simple and inexpensive as altering some of your habits and product choices. Source control means limiting the amount of pollutants in your home and it is an important step in improving the quality of air you breathe. The following sections describe some easy ways to control sources of common indoor air quality problems.

Particle Allergens

The EPA cautions that the air inside your home is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. How can this happen? One way to understand how the air inside your house can be two to five times worse than outdoor air—despite cleaning your home—is to realize where the air you breathe inside comes from and how it behaves inside your home. Air enters your home each time you open a door or window. With that air comes dust, dirt, pollen, spores, and other parts of the “outside” that you would prefer to keep there. Air does not always arrive through obvious sources like doors and windows. Cracks, fissures, windows that aren’t sealed tightly, and attached garages can all deliver polluted air. Once inside your home, air is recirculated, becoming slightly more polluted each time dinner is cooked, the carpets are vacuumed, or cleaning products are used. Many common household activities produce indoor air pollution. There are a number of easy steps you can take to control sources of airborne particles in your home: Use a doormat—A wipe-off mat will cut down on one of the biggest carriers of particulates in your home: the bottom of your shoes. For those with allergies, asthma, or other particle sensitivities, removing shoes in an entry area or foyer will reduce the amount of particulates that are tracked into a home. Use high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) or central vacuum system—Cleaning the dust and dirt from your carpets is an important part in keeping your home’s air clean. Trapping the dirt in a closed container is even more important. Old-fashioned vacuums with a paper bag may potentially do little more than noisily redistribute dust from the carpet into the air. Purchase a cleaner that will trap the dust and dirt in a container, such as a HEPA vacuum, or even better, a whole-home central vacuum system which vents to the outside. Limit smoking indoors—The U.S. Office of the Surgeon General places a label on every pack of cigarettes warning of the dangers of smoking. Smoking can also be bad for the quality of air inside your home by elevating particulates and chemical pollutants. Use exhaust fan while cooking—Get rid of particulates generated by cooking with a true exhaust fan that moves air at a rate of 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM). This will help improve the air you breathe. Use bathroom exhaust fan—Personal care products are rich sources of particulates: hairsprays, gels, perfumes, colognes, and deodorants are all examples of products we use that often emit particulates. Make sure the fan vents to outside. Wash bedding frequently—Wash bedding frequently in hot water of at least 140°F to get rid of dust mites that are found in sheets, blankets, pillows, and pillowcases. Limit indoor flame sources—Burning wood in stoves and fireplaces is a frequent source of indoor air pollution if not properly vented.

Chemical Pollutants

Chemical pollutants—also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—arrive in the home’s air from many different sources. Some of these are easy to eliminate. For instance, most people store a lot of house cleaning products in their bathrooms and the kitchens. Reducing the number of cleaning products and choosing “greener” alternatives will help reduce indoor air pollution. Other ways to reduce chemical pollutant sources include: Limit the use of scented candles and/or room fresheners—Everybody occasionally enjoys burning candles. Choose soy- or beeswax-based candles whenever possible. They are more expensive, but generally emit lower levels of VOCs. Scented room fresheners should be used as little as possible due to the high VOC levels they emit. Seal door between house and garage—Most people store an assortment of chemicals, petroleum products, old paint cans and other items in the garage. The fumes from these storables can be drafted back into the house and recirculated throughout. If these items cannot be moved to a shed or well-ventilated space, store them in a sealed container. Use bathroom exhaust fan—Personal care products are rich sources of VOCs: hairsprays, gels, perfumes, colognes, and deodorants are all examples of products we use that emit VOCs. Make sure the fan vents to outside.

Carbon Dioxide

We breathe oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. A high level of carbon dioxide is often described as “stuffiness.” Unlike carbon monoxide, there is no immediate danger with high levels of carbon dioxide. Instead, home occupants might experience fatigue, yawning, and lack of concentration. Fresh air is a solution to high levels of carbon dioxide. Use adequate ventilation to lower carbon dioxide levels.

Temperature

With the proper equipment, you can achieve the desired temperature levels in a home. Use a programmable thermostat—Make sure that you have a modern programmable thermostat and set it to a temperature that is comfortable for the whole family. A programmable thermostat automates temperature setbacks while you’re not at home, which can lead to significant energy savings. Use energy efficient appliances—Energy efficiency can be improved through proper insulation, sealed double-paned windows, and ENERGY STAR appliances. High efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units also play a major role is delivering
consistent comfort at a lower cost while reducing your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient homes maintain a consistent seasonal temperature and lower monthly utility bills.

Humidity

Relative humidity (RH) is important for comfort and safety inside your home. Low humidity can lead to nose bleeds, electrical shocks, and feeling colder than the temperature indicates. High humidity makes you feel uncomfortable and can also have health effects if RH levels rise above 55% indoors. Above 55%, dust mites and cockroach populations thrive. Mold growth can be an additional complication in a high humidity environment when RH is sustained above 60% for long periods of time. Don’t use wood fires or overheat your home to mitigate low humidity. Program your thermostat to maintain longer A/C run times—Your A/C system can reduce humidity levels with longer run times. Air conditioning not only provides cooling, it removes air humidity. Install humidifiers or dehumidifiers if there are chronic issues.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a clear, odorless, potentially deadly gas that is a by-product of combustion. To eliminate the possibility of carbon monoxide build-up in your home air: Inspect all gas appliances —Make sure all gas appliances are properly vented and operating according to manufacturers’ specifications. Verify that the pilot lights are lit. Do not operate propane stoves or barbeques indoors. Make sure car exhaust does not enter the home—Homes with attached garages can experience unsafe carbon monoxide levels from car exhaust. When you start your car or turn it off, the car exhaust remains in the garage, which can then enter your living area and circulate for hours. To avoid contamination, leave the garage door open for half an hour to ensure that the exhaust is not vented into the home.

How does JD Vigil solve the problem of unhealthy air?

We take a four pronged approach to improve your home indoor air quality:

Purification – To combat toxins like chemicals, you have to destroy them. The PureAir™ air purification system safely and effectively removes and destroys chemical vapors and odors.

Ventilation – These systems replace stale indoor air with fresh air from outside, which helps dilute the power of toxic chemicals commonly found in household furnishings and cleaning agents.

Filtration – High-efficiency filtration products are designed to capture small particles and keep them from re-circulating back into your home’s air. This also helps maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Humidity Control – Products like the Humiditrol® whole-home dehumidification system help prevent moisture buildup, which can promote the growth of mold and mildew.

Do I need a humidifier?
Yes. The average home in Southern Colorado, during winter without a humidifier, has a humidity of 15%, comparable to the Sahara Desert. Having a humidifier helps you feel more comfortable and gives you a better quality of life, since the human body is mostly made up of water. A humidifier reduces your utility bills, protects the life of antique and wood furnishings, and improves health situations, such as sinus and breathing conditions. Some people have confused ideas about humidifiers, for example that they can create mildew, but this is simply not the case with the newer technology.

Should I clean my furnace and air conditioner every year?
Yes, absolutely! If you properly maintain your furnace and air conditioning units, you can get many more years of good service. Lack of maintenance is the number one cause of repairs and/or replacement of furnace and air conditioner parts.

What does AFUE mean?
Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measure of your furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the furnace runs. The minimum percentage established by the Department of Energy for furnaces is 78%.

What efficiency should my furnace be?
With current energy costs continually going up, we recommend buying the most efficient and best furnace you can afford. We carry furnaces from the more affordable 80% efficiency up to 98% highly efficient models. Talk to our service people to receive the recommendation for your unique situation.

Who makes the most reliable furnace and air conditioners?
Consumer Reports and Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration News all state that the contractor and the knowledge of the product that they are installing is more important than the brand. We prefer Lennox furnaces and air conditioners because they offer the homeowner a two-year satisfaction guarantee backed by the Good Housekeeping seal, as well as the manufacturer’s warranty. This ensures that no homeowner is stuck with a lemon and guarantees your satisfaction. Lennox has been manufacturing Comfort Systems since 1927, the longest running HVAC manufacturers in America. Their systems range from basic, affordable units, to the most highly efficient systems. Lennox implements cutting edge innovations in their reliable products, including creating the world’s first comfort system powered by the sun.

How Does a Homeowner Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams?
JD Vigil Heating and Air Conditioning has earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and we deliver upfront pricing, so you don’t have to contend with hidden fees and add-ons. The price you agree to pay is the price you pay even if the service goes longer than expected. Our duct cleaning crew uses power equipment and our specialized cleaning techniques. JD Vigil delivers on the promises that we make, and we back it up with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What is a two-stage furnace?
A two-stage furnace gas valve feature is like having two furnaces in one. When the weather is at its coldest, the furnace operates at full capacity in the high-stage mode. However, most of the time the furnace operates at just 60% of its rated capacity in the low-stage mode, conserving energy. A two-stage gas furnace saves energy and keeps your home at just the right temperature. On most days a two-stage furnace operates in its energy saving low-heat stage, delivering steady and gentle heating comfort. On the coldest days, when you need more heat, the furnace automatically switches to the “high-heat” stage to deliver maximum heating comfort. With two stages of heating, the temperature of your home stays at the comfort level you select – regardless of the outdoor conditions.

What is the variable speed advantage in furnaces?
A variable speed furnace blower provides a higher level of performance than a standard forced air blower. This feature is important because full air delivery is only needed a small portion of the time. During lower demand times this motor reduces its speed, providing better air distribution throughout your home, and this results in lower utility bills. Variable speed furnaces reduce the cold blast of air upon heating startup that forced air furnaces can have. This cold blow results from cold air that develops in the duct system while the heat is in an off-cycle. When the furnace heater fan cycles on, this cold air is moved very quickly into your home resulting in an uncomfortable draft.  Better air distribution will provide a marked improvement in those areas of your home where air delivery has been a problem, such as the rooms farthest from the furnace.  In fact, a variable speed blower is so efficient that the low constant fan setting costs about the same to operate as an ordinary 75-watt household light bulb. The motor is among the quietest ever made.  The lower constant fan speed setting allows for greater removal of impurities by your furnaces' air filter.