FAQ

Furnace and A/C Maintenance: A Must-Do for Your Home

Your furnace is one of the most important appliances in your home. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But like any appliance, your furnace needs to be maintained to keep it running properly.

Regular furnace maintenance can help to prevent problems and extend the life of your furnace. It can also help to improve your furnace's efficiency, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Here are some of the benefits of furnace maintenance:

• Improved efficiency: Regular furnace maintenance can help to improve your furnace's efficiency by removing dust and debris from the system. This can help to reduce the amount of energy your furnace uses to heat and cool your home.

• Reduced costs: Regular furnace maintenance can help to reduce your energy bills by improving your furnace's efficiency. In addition, regular maintenance can help to prevent problems that can be costly to repair.

• Increased lifespan: Regular furnace maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of your furnace by preventing wear and tear. In addition, regular maintenance can help to identify problems early on, which can be less expensive to repair.

• Improved safety: Regular furnace maintenance can help to improve the safety of your furnace by preventing problems that can cause fires or carbon monoxide leaks.

If you're not sure how often to have your furnace maintained, a good rule of thumb is to have it checked once a year by a qualified technician. This will help to ensure that your furnace is running properly and that it is safe to use.

Here are some additional tips for air conditioner maintenance:

• Change your air conditioner filters regularly: The air conditioner filters should be replaced every 30 days during the cooling season. This will help to keep the air conditioner running properly and improve its efficiency.

• Clean the condenser coils: The condenser coils are located outside the air conditioner and are responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant. The condenser coils can become dirty and clogged with dust and debris, which can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner. To clean the condenser coils, you can use a garden hose or a pressure washer.

• Clean the evaporator coils: The evaporator coils are located inside the air conditioner and are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. The evaporator coils can become dirty and clogged with dust and debris, which can reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner. To clean the evaporator coils, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

Furnace and A/C maintenance is an important part of owning a home. By having your furnace and A/C maintained regularly, you can help to prevent problems, extend the life of your system, and save money on your energy bills.  Learn more about annual maintenance or contact us today 

Here are some of the things that a furnace technician will typically do during a maintenance visit:

• Inspect the system: The technician will inspect your system to look for any problems. This includes checking the blower, the burners, the heat exchanger, and the electrical system.

• Cleaning the system. The technician will clean the system to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be causing problems.

• Adjust the furnace: The technician will adjust the furnace to make sure that it is operating properly. This includes adjusting the thermostat, the burners, and the blower.

• Replace any worn parts: If any parts of your furnace or A/C are worn, the technician will replace them. This can help to prevent problems and extend the life of your furnace.

• Check the refrigerant levels: The refrigerant levels should be checked every year by a qualified technician. If the refrigerant levels are low, the air conditioner will not be able to cool your home properly.

• Check the electrical system: The electrical system should be checked every year by a qualified technician. If the electrical system is not working properly, it can cause problems with the air conditioner.

• Inspecting the system for any problems. The technician will inspect the system for any problems, such as leaks, blockages, or loose connections.

• Repairing any problems. If the technician finds any problems, they will repair them as needed with customer approval..

• Testing the system. The technician will test the system to make sure it is working properly.

• Educating the customer. The technician will educate the customer about the system and how to care for it.  

• Learn more about our services or contact us today 

What to Look for When Hiring an HVAC Company

Hiring an HVAC company is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. After all, your HVAC system is responsible for keeping you comfortable in your home, and it's important to choose a company that can provide you with quality service and support.

Here are a few things to look for when hiring an HVAC company:

• Experience. Make sure the company you choose has experience in installing and repairing HVAC systems. You can ask the company for references or check online reviews to see what other customers have said about their experience.

• Reputation. Do some research to make sure the company you choose has a good reputation. You can read online reviews, check with the Better Business Bureau, or talk to friends and family to see if they have any recommendations.

• Licenses and certifications. Make sure the company you choose is licensed and certified to install and repair HVAC systems in your area. You can check with your state's licensing board to verify the company's license status.

• Price. Get quotes from several different companies before making a decision. Be sure to compare prices for the same services to make sure you're getting a fair deal.

• Warranty. Most HVAC companies offer a warranty on their work. Make sure you understand the terms of the warranty before you hire the company.

Here are some additional tips:

• Ask for references. Ask the company for references from previous customers. You can also check online reviews to see what other customers have said about their experience.

• Get multiple estimates. Get multiple estimates from different companies before making a decision. This will help you compare prices and find the best deal.

• Be prepared to pay upfront. Most HVAC companies require a deposit upfront before they will start work. Be prepared to pay this amount before the work begins.

• Get everything in writing. Make sure you get everything in writing, including the type of work that will be done, the estimated cost, and the warranty. This will protect you in case there are any problems with the work.

By following these tips, you can be sure to choose an HVAC company that can provide you with quality service and support. Please reach out and contact us today for any services you may require.  

How Often to Change Your Air Filters

Your air filters are one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. They help to keep your home clean and healthy by removing dirt, dust, and other particles from the air. But like any other part of your home, your air filters need to be replaced regularly.

The frequency with which you need to change your air filters will depend on a few factors, including:

• The type of filter you have

• The size of your home

• The number of people in your home

• The pets you have

• The air quality in your area

In general, you should change your air filters every 1-3 months. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to change your filters more often.  Some thicker style filters can be changed every 6-12 months.  If you have a 1" thick standard store bought filter size, we highly suggest using the fiberglass style or the cheapest pleated style on the shelf.

Here are some tips for changing your air filters:

• Turn off your HVAC system before you start.

• Remove the old filter.

• Replace it with a new one.

• Make sure the new filter is the correct size and type for your HVAC system.

• Turn your HVAC system back on.

Changing your air filters regularly is an important part of maintaining your HVAC system. By following these tips, you can keep your home clean and healthy for years to come.  If you need replacement filters or services regarding air quality, please contact us or view Aprilaire products for more information.

When the weather turns cold and your furnace stops working, it can be a frustrating and stressful situation. However, before you call a serviceman, there are a few things you can check on your own. By taking some simple steps, you may be able to identify the problem and save yourself the expense of a service call. Here are some things to check when your furnace is not working:

1. Check the Thermostat

The first thing you should check is the thermostat. Make sure that it is set to "heat" and that the temperature setting is high enough to trigger the furnace to turn on. If the thermostat is not working properly, it may need to be replaced.

2. Check the Filter

A dirty air filter can cause the furnace to stop working. If the filter is clogged with dirt and debris, it can block the flow of air and cause the furnace to shut down. Check the filter and replace it if it is dirty.

3. Check the Circuit Breaker

If the furnace is not getting power, check the circuit breaker. If the breaker has tripped, reset it and try turning the furnace back on. If the breaker trips again, there may be a problem with the electrical system that needs to be addressed.

4. Check the Pilot Light

If your furnace has a pilot light, make sure that it is lit. If the pilot light has gone out, relight it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the pilot light will not stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple or other components that require a professional to address.

5. Check the Air Ducts

Check the air ducts to make sure that they are open and not blocked. If the ducts are blocked, it can prevent air from circulating and cause the furnace to stop working.

6. Check for Gas Leaks

If your furnace is powered by gas, check for gas leaks. The smell of gas is a clear indication of a leak, so if you smell gas, turn off the furnace and call a professional immediately.

7. Check for Strange Noises

If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, it may be an indication of a problem. Pay attention to any banging, rattling, or other unusual sounds and call a professional if you are not sure what is causing them.

In conclusion, before you call a serviceman for your broken furnace, make sure to check these things first. By checking these items, you may be able to identify and resolve the problem on your own, saving you time and money. However, if you are not comfortable or knowledgeable about performing these checks, it is best to call a professional to ensure that your furnace is working safely and efficiently.  Learn more by giving us a call for service. 

When is it time to change my furnace or A/C

As a general rule of thumb it is advised to start considering replacement of your HVAC systems between 15-20 years of age.  After about this time period parts will be out of warranty and more difficult to obtain.  Efficiency increases as well as safety additions to the equipment are also beneficial after this time period.  A qualified technician will be able to advise you best if your equipment is approaching the end of its lifespan.  Learn more about the equipment/products we sell or give us a call for a free estimate.