Frequently Asked Questions
Q- How often should I change my air filter?
A- We suggest checking filters monthly. If you have a disposable type filter, (these usually have a cardboard edge), and if it is dirty, just replace it. Don't attempt to clean it. Some higher efficiency 1" pleated air filters can go up to three months before needing replacement. But in the higher-use seasons, it's better to check more often. Different systems have different filter locations. If you don't know where your filter is located, now would be a good time to learn! Usually in Arizona, there is a filter access in the return air duct on the ceiling. However, the filter can be in a basement, crawl-space, utility closet, garage, or attic.
Sometimes, especially with older systems, the filter is located inside the furnace itself, next to the blower motor. Keep in mind, most air filters are directional - the air is meant to flow through the filter in one direction only. Look for an arrow or airflow symbol indicating direction. The arrow should point towards the furnace or air handler. If your filter does not have any arrows, see if one side of the filter looks rougher than the other side; that would be the side to collect the dust, so the other side would face the equipment.
Q- How often should I have my equipment serviced?
A- Heating and Air Conditioning equipment, no matter what kind you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the Fall and the air conditioning checked in the Spring. Oil-fired equipment should definitely be cleaned and serviced annually; at the beginning of each heating season.
Q- What size heating/cooling system do I need?
A- A system that is too large will cool or heat your house too quickly, but you will not feel comfortable. That's because it will satisfy the thermostat before it can adequately remove sufficient heat and moisture from the air during the cooling mode, leaving you feeling hot, sticky, and humid. The stress of short-cycling (too many starts and stops) will shorten the life of your equipment and increase your heating and cooling bills. Just like your car, the best mileage is at speed, not when you are accelerating, your air conditioner is most efficient after running for a couple of minutes. Too big causes your system to start and stop much more often reducing your efficiency.
On the other hand, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done, especially in extreme weather conditions. The air conditioner will run constantly in the Summer and the furnace will do the same in the Winter.
But a correctly sized system isn't just based on the size of the structure. Many factors go into determining the size of the system. Including type of house and walls, type and size of windows, insulation, basement and attic conditions, house orientation, and so on. A Salesman must visit the house and take detailed measurements and notes while conducting the survey.
Q- What can I do about indoor air quality
A- With today's tighter built homes, Indoor Air Pollution has become a major concern! Since most of your time is spent indoors, you want to breathe the cleanest air possible. Keep the air moving, and help protect yourself from allergies and toxins with advanced Indoor Air Quality Systems including. We offer a range of solutions from high efficiency air filters to electronic air cleaners to keep the air in your home clean and fresh squeezed.
A- We suggest checking filters monthly. If you have a disposable type filter, (these usually have a cardboard edge), and if it is dirty, just replace it. Don't attempt to clean it. Some higher efficiency 1" pleated air filters can go up to three months before needing replacement. But in the higher-use seasons, it's better to check more often. Different systems have different filter locations. If you don't know where your filter is located, now would be a good time to learn! Usually in Arizona, there is a filter access in the return air duct on the ceiling. However, the filter can be in a basement, crawl-space, utility closet, garage, or attic.
Sometimes, especially with older systems, the filter is located inside the furnace itself, next to the blower motor. Keep in mind, most air filters are directional - the air is meant to flow through the filter in one direction only. Look for an arrow or airflow symbol indicating direction. The arrow should point towards the furnace or air handler. If your filter does not have any arrows, see if one side of the filter looks rougher than the other side; that would be the side to collect the dust, so the other side would face the equipment.
Q- How often should I have my equipment serviced?
A- Heating and Air Conditioning equipment, no matter what kind you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the Fall and the air conditioning checked in the Spring. Oil-fired equipment should definitely be cleaned and serviced annually; at the beginning of each heating season.
Q- What size heating/cooling system do I need?
A- A system that is too large will cool or heat your house too quickly, but you will not feel comfortable. That's because it will satisfy the thermostat before it can adequately remove sufficient heat and moisture from the air during the cooling mode, leaving you feeling hot, sticky, and humid. The stress of short-cycling (too many starts and stops) will shorten the life of your equipment and increase your heating and cooling bills. Just like your car, the best mileage is at speed, not when you are accelerating, your air conditioner is most efficient after running for a couple of minutes. Too big causes your system to start and stop much more often reducing your efficiency.
On the other hand, a system that is too small just cannot get the job done, especially in extreme weather conditions. The air conditioner will run constantly in the Summer and the furnace will do the same in the Winter.
But a correctly sized system isn't just based on the size of the structure. Many factors go into determining the size of the system. Including type of house and walls, type and size of windows, insulation, basement and attic conditions, house orientation, and so on. A Salesman must visit the house and take detailed measurements and notes while conducting the survey.
Q- What can I do about indoor air quality
A- With today's tighter built homes, Indoor Air Pollution has become a major concern! Since most of your time is spent indoors, you want to breathe the cleanest air possible. Keep the air moving, and help protect yourself from allergies and toxins with advanced Indoor Air Quality Systems including. We offer a range of solutions from high efficiency air filters to electronic air cleaners to keep the air in your home clean and fresh squeezed.