HVAC FAQs
» What components/parts may be included in the diagnosis and repair of Air Conditioning/Cooling systems?
Diagnostics and repair may include service or replacement of any of the following parts or components: Filters; condenser casings; registers and grills; humidifiers; window units; non-ducted wall units; mini-split wall units; gas air conditioning, systems; evaporator coil pan; condensate pumps; thermal, expansion valves; all exterior condensing, cooling and pump pads; disconnect boxes; roof mounts, jacks, stands or supports; electronic, computerized, and manual systems management and zone controllers; commercial grade equipment; refrigerant conversion; leak detections; water leaks; drain line stoppages or drain pans; maintenance; rusted and/or corroded coils; component short to ground; noise without a related mechanical failure; improperly sized units; air conditioning with mismatched condensing unit and evaporative coil per manufacturer specifications; or improper use of metering devices (i.e. thermal expansion valve).
» What components/parts may be included in the diagnosis and repair of Heating systems?
Mechanical parts and components of heating systems including centrally ducted forced air gas/electric heating system, hot water heating system or electric baseboard units. Service may also include work on accessible ductwork from covered heating unit to point of attachment to register/grill; blower fan motors; burners; controls; fan blades; heat/cool thermostats (programmable and electronic units); heat exchangers; heating elements; igniter and pilot assemblies; internal system controls; wiring; and relays; motors, dampers; and switches. flues, cleaning and re-lighting of pilots; cracked heat exchangers; rusted and/or corroded heat exchangers; maintenance and cleaning; calcium build-up; evaporator coil pan; primary or secondary drain pans; fossil and dual fuel control systems and other energy management systems and controls; dampers; insulated ductwork or piping; filters (including electronic/electrostatic and de-ionizing filter systems); gas lines, valves; oil filters, nozzles, or strainers; humidifiers, registers and grills; maintenance; noise without a related mechanical failure; improperly sized heating systems; mismatched systems; or structural components; gas lines, valves; oil filters, nozzles, or strainers; humidifiers, registers and grills; maintenance; noise without a related mechanical failure; improperly sized heating systems; mismatched systems; or structural components.
» What if I have an older air conditioning unit/heat pump with a freon type that is being phased out (e.g. R-22)?
In some cases, leaks may be detected and deemed repairable if its cost effective to do so. However, when components and parts for units 14 SEER or below and/or R-22 equipment are unable to be repaired and/or replaced at the current SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), other options may be made available. This may include repair and/or replacement with 14 SEER/R410A equipment and/or 7.7 HSPF or higher compliant.
» Is it necessary to replace my existing heating or air conditioning system?
Our professional technicians provide trustworthy assessments for repair of your HVAC systems. If your energy bills have risen or if the required repairs to your current system are extensive and no longer cost-effective, a newer energy efficient unit may be necessary as a better return on your investment.
» Where can I get replacement parts for my HVAC system?
Contact United Mechanical Engineering Services by email at customerservice@umeshvac.com or by phone at 301-752-6780 to obtain assistance in discussing and ordering your brand name, OEM or manufacture equivalent parts for your heating and cooling systems.
» What other costs may be associated with installation of new heating and cooling equipment?
Customer assumes responsibility for costs associated with matching dimensions, brand or color for any modifications or upgrades necessitated by the repair of existing equipment or the installation of new equipment. If/when additional services are required to complete larger or more complex jobs, these are communicated to the customer in advance (e.g. cost for crane rentals; other modifications).
» What if my heating or cooling unit is not accessible?
We must ensure that all work areas are safe and do not present a hazard to the technician. All areas must be fully accessible to the technician and not located in a confined space (i.e. crawl space). Customers will be informed if any modifications are necessary within the property before a job may be performed.
» What is covered in my warranty with UMES?
United Mechanical Engineering Services (UMES) provides a manufacturer warranty on all parts installed, and our own limited labor warranty for services and repairs (45 days unless otherwise stated). The labor warranty on a new heating or cooling system installation is one year labor, with parts under a separate manufacturer’s warranty.
If a particular item that was repaired or replaced fails within 45 days, we will send a technician to diagnose and repair the failure, and you will not be charged an additional service call fee if it is the same failure. Call our office to review the warranty options for any products of interest to you.
» What air conditioning services are not covered by your company?
The following Air Conditioning services are not available from our company (not an exhaustive list):
The following air conditioning services are not available from our company: water evaporative coolers and swamp coolers. Additionally, the following heating services are not available: Chimneys, and liners; concrete encased or inaccessible ductwork; concrete encased or inaccessible steam or radiant heating coils or lines; conditions of water flow restriction due to scale, rust, minerals or other deposits (where plumbing work is needed); asbestos, fireplaces and their respective components and; free-standing or portable heating units; heat lamps; pellet stoves; fuel storage tanks; gas log systems, including gas feed lines; inaccessible water/steam lines leading to or from system; backflow preventers; individual space heaters; panels and/or cabinetry; radiant heating systems built into walls, floors or ceilings; solar heating devices and components.
» What heating services are not covered by your company?
The following Heating services are not available from our company (not an exhaustive list): Chimneys, and liners; concrete encased or inaccessible ductwork; concrete encased or inaccessible steam or radiant heating coils or lines; conditions of water flow restriction due to scale, rust, minerals or other deposits (where plumbing work is needed); asbestos, fireplaces and their respective components and; free-standing or portable heating units; heat lamps; pellet stoves; fuel storage tanks; gas log systems, including gas feed lines; inaccessible water/steam lines leading to or from system; backflow preventers; individual space heaters; panels and/or cabinetry; radiant heating systems built into walls, floors or ceilings; solar heating devices and components.