Allen Heating and Sheet Metal Frequently Asked Questions

(415) 763-5924
31 Industrial Way
Greenbrae, CA 94904
Etta and Jim Allen take pride in their company's longevity.
Q: How big should my HVAC system be?
A: "That depends on the individual needs of your home. In order to determine how big your HVAC system should be, we’ll calculate either heat loss or heat gain (depending on whether we’re doing a heating or cooling job) and consider the size of your house, as well as the size of your existing equipment if it’s a replacement. In any case, we’ll sit down with you to explain the operating costs and determine what’s economical for you in the long run."
Q: How quickly can you start my job?
A: "We try to arrive at your home within 24 hours of the initial call, but that varies depending on timing and the season. Winter is a perfect example—people don’t even try to turn their furnaces on until the first cold spell hits, so we usually get more calls than we can handle."
Q: What options do I have when it comes to air filters?
A: "Air filter options range from ‘throw-away’ filters that costs about $1.50 at a hardware store to $1,000 electronic air cleaners that can literally kill airborne viruses."
Q: How often should I change my air filters?
A: "It depends on a lot of different factors, including household pets, the number of people living in your home and the type of air filters you have. Less efficient filters can usually be changed twice a year, but if you have a high-efficiency filter that catches a lot of particles, you’ll need to clean it every month to ensure it performs correctly."
Q: What’s the best time of year to have my heater or air conditioner checked?
A: "You should have your heater checked in the fall (before the cold season begins) and your air conditioner checked in the spring. Sometimes a system will malfunction simply because the filters are dirty, so it’s important to have it routinely checked."
Q: What kind of sheet metal work do you do?
A: "We do sheet metal fabrication (mainly ductwork) for home systems. We also do custom projects for contractors and roofers—they’ll bring something to our shop or fax a picture of what they need."