FAQ

Another company installed our HVAC system. Can Blue Ray service it?

Of course! If we discover an issue with your heating, ventilation, or air conditioning, we will discuss the problem and give you solutions. We will provide you with a quote for the work and parts needed for any repairs. We will do this same process with any heating or cooling system in your home: furnaces, boilers, mini split air conditioner, water heater, geothermal heating and cooling unit. Call us at 248-399-4500 or 313-869-7200 to schedule an appointment today.

My furnace isn’t starting, what should I do?
Don’t panic! Let’s try a few checks before we decide on a repair or furnace replacement.

First, ensure power is getting to the furnace. You should see two lights flashing on the lower part of the furnace. If you see the lights, it means the furnace is getting power.
Check if the furnace is making any unusual noises. If you don’t hear the sound a fan running, then the fan is likely broken.
There should be an panel near the furnace with a list of fault codes. Using these codes, you can help our technicians quickly determine the problem and help diagnose it.
Also try resetting the furnace. There should be a switch that resembles a light switch on the unit. Turn this switch to the off position for 25 seconds, then turn it back on. If this does not work, you should give us a call.
Give us a call if you believe you are in need of a furnace repair, maintenance or a replacement. We are happy to help over the phone, and come in person if a fix is in need. Call 248-399-2500 or 313-869-7200

How often should I schedule heater and air conditioner maintenance?
Air conditioner units and heaters are an important part of your home. We recommend having these systems check yearly to ensure they are working properly. This will help prevent costly breakdowns in the future.

What can I do to improve my indoor air quality?
There are a few steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home or business.

Properly ventilate your home, especially when cooking or showering
Use an air cleaner to filter the air, and clean the filter regularly
Try to keep relative humidity to 45%-65% to prevent mold and mildew
Keep windows and doors closed as often as possible
Schedule an annual duct cleaning to prevent pet dander, dust, bacteria, allergens from circulating inside

My air conditioning system has ice on it, what should I do?
This doesn’t mean the system is broken. First we should make sure the furnace filter is clean. A dirty air filter can cause air flow to restrict and move slowly, causing the moisture in the air to freeze. If you check the filter and it is clean, give Blue Ray a call. Our technicians will discuss the problem over the phone and make a house visit if an ac repair is recommended.

Why do I need to have my central air conditioning and heating system checked regularly?
We may not think about it, but our central air conditioning and heating system puts in a lot of work for us. It is running while we sleep and often while we aren’t even home. Think of your central heating and air as a car. Your car requires regular maintenance and servicing to ensure it is running properly, the same applies to your ac and heating system. At the very minimum you should have an annual system check. This check will look for areas where efficiency can be increased, prevent disastrous and costly repairs, and help promote lower energy bills. An annual maintenance check of this system can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars in the long run. It will also help prevent untimely breakdowns, requiring emergency repairs. Contact us today at 248-399-4500 or 313-869-7200 to schedule your maintenance check.

When should I replace my air conditioner?
There are a few factors you should consider before making this decision. If you have recently required a lot of air conditioner maintenance, it may be a sign that the unit is beginning to wear down. You should weigh the costs and benefits of additional repairs versus investing in a newer unit. You may find that a more energy efficient unit will save money over the long run with fewer repairs and a lower energy bill.

This being said, it is a good idea to have a serious maintenance check on your ac unit once it hits the 10 year mark. At this point you should seriously consider whether or not to invest in a new system. If you are having questions about purchasing and installing a new air conditioner, give Blue Ray a call.

What air conditioning systems are best?
This answer is different for everyone. Someone with a small office that lacks ductwork will benefit from a mini split air conditioning system. A new home buyer may want to upgrade their central air conditioner. It depends on your budget, and specific needs such as square footage, presence of ductwork, and more.

Give us a call and we can help discuss air conditioning systems that would best suit your needs. We also provide free estimates on any new installations.

How can I determine which heating systems are efficient?
One quick way to determine the efficiency of your furnace is to look for its Annual Fuel Utiliziation Efficiency rating. Most modern units have a rating, and generally a rating above 80% is about average. More efficient heating systems will be more expensive though, so you should balance these two factors.

Heat pumps do not carry this AFUE rating. Instead their efficiency is measured by an HSPF number. The higher the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is, the more efficient.

If you are looking to purchase an efficient heating system system, give Blue Ray a call. We can help find the right system for you and assist with installation.

How long do heating systems last?
The average lifespan will vary between different models, but they generally last around 10-15 years. At about 10 years, you may start to experience energy efficiency drops and may require repairs. At this time you may want to start scheduling regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. Give us a call if you want to set up a maintenance check, or go over the possibility of a boiler or furnace replacement.

Which central heating and air system is right for me?
This question doesn’t have any easy answer. There are a few factors you need to consider when deciding between heating systems. You should think about energy efficiency, fuel, cost, durability, warranty, type (boiler, furnace, geothermal heating). Our heating and cooling professionals at Blue Ray can help make this decision easier. We have over 60 years of experience helping customers purchase and install new heating systems. Set up a consultation and we can start discussing solutions for you.

If you have a question for our staff please feel free to contact us or email us with the subject line FAQ.