HVAC FAQ’s

When does an HVAC system require service?

There are several different factors and reasons why an HVAC system would require service. These include:

• The furnace runs constantly
• No heat in one or more locations
• Thermostat not working
• Detection of a funny smell/gas odor
• Pilot light is out
• The furnace is making odd noises (squealing/rumbling)
• The system cycles on and off rapidly
• Circuit breaker/fuse controlling the furnace is tripped/blown
• Blower fan continues to run
• You are experiencing high utility bills
• There is a lack of comfort in your home
• You have a furnace that is more than 15 years’ old

Depending on multiple factors associated with your specific HVAC unit, it can be more cost-efficient to replace a unit rather than repair one. We only use the best brands and most efficient products ensuring our customer the most value for their money.

Why is it important to have regular maintenance?

You wouldn’t buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to put air in the tires, change the oil and check out any unusual noises, would you? In the same way that an automobile requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance, a home comfort system should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

My house smells every year when I first turn the heater on, why?

Dust accumulates on the furnace’s heat exchanger or your heat pump’s resistance coils. Your nose is detecting the once-a-year odor of dust meeting high temperature. Typically, that smell disappears after two or three uses at the start of winter!

How often should the filter be replaced?

Unfortunately, there is no generic answer for this. The frequency of filter changes is driven by how much your HVAC system operates, which is driven by the severity of the seasons.

Start by checking the HVAC system’s filters at least once a month. Hold the used filter up to the light and compare it to a clean “spare.” When light is obscured by captured dust and dirt particles, the old filter should be changed. Keep a record for one year and then replace the filter on that basis. At a minimum, it is always a good idea to change filters at the start of the heating and cooling seasons and then in between according to observed need.