Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my furnace/AC have poor air flow?
The most common reason for poor air flow is a dirty filter or blocked return vent. However, There are a few other reasons that could cause this problem that involve a technician checking the blower wheel, evaporator coil and motor. If changing your filter and checking for blocked return vents does not solve the problem perhaps someone should take a look.
How often should I change my air filters?
Your filter should be changed every month. Under an Airmaster service agreement we clean and inspect your HVAC system twice a year which includes a filter change for systems with 1" filters. Filters other than the 1" type require an additional charge that varies depending on the type of filter required.
Unless you have special circumstances like pets or ongoing construction in your home our service should be adequate. If you use traditional fiberglass or pleated filters it will be necessary to change a couple of more times. The standard is to visually check the filter. If it looks dirty - change it.
Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide in my home?
We have all heard that carbon monoxide is a “silent killer.” Above all we would advise residents to keep up maintenance and inspections which keep heating systems in good condition. Also homeowners should make sure the furnace flue is free from obstruction. Wildlife such as birds and squirrels can enter and nest in venting systems and cause problems. Your vigilance along with regular inspections can help ease your mind. Airmaster also offers carbon monoxide detectors as part of our indoor air quality line of products to give you peace of mind regarding this issue.
Is a service agreement necessary?
A resident can do many general maintenance tasks around their home. We all enjoy the feeling of a job well done. However, HVAC systems are complex and require trained and licensed technicians to inspect and service them. A service agreement can relieve a homeowner of the task of maintenance and assurance of regular inspections by a trained technician. No amount of resident vigilance and inspection and maintenance will prevent every unanticipated problem. Our service agreements offer discounts for when unexpected repairs are necessary. The combination of service and resident awareness give the best odds for a safe, efficient and trouble free performance.
Is there any way to reduce the amount of energy my air conditioning or furnace unit uses?
If you have a programmable thermostat it allows a homeowner to preset your thermostat to heat or cool at particular settings depending on time of day or when you are home vs. when you are not. Shade east and west windows. Appliances such as stoves and dishwashers produce heat when operating so use these these appliances in the evening when it is cooler. Keep curtains and blinds on windows to prevent sun and wind from getting into your home. Ceiling fans also help with circulation of air. In the winter they should run counterclockwise (to pull cool air up to warm) and clockwise in the summer (to push warm air down to be cooled.) Certain indoor air quality products will help with the comfort level of the air in your home and it’s efficiency, also. Please see our line of products and feel free to call our office to discuss how they might be useful in your home.