Do I need annual maintenance?
Your heating and cooling system contributes up to 50% of your home’s utility bills. Keeping it running properly will reduce those bills and keep them down over time. The best way to ensure your system is working properly is to have a biannual inspection and safety check done by a certified professional. You’ll have peace of mind that your family is safe in your home, you’ll experience fewer breakdowns, your equipment will last longer, and you’ll save money.
When is the best time to perform my system maintenance?
In accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines, air conditioning and heating units can be maintained at any time within their respective usage seasons. It is important to have a thorough maintenance AND safety inspection annually.
How do I know if my system is working properly?
You may hear strange noises coming from your system. A room may be too hot or too cold. Your home may begin taking longer to heat or cool than usual. You may experience higher utility bills for no apparent reason. All of these are signs your system should be checked by a professional.
How do I know if I should repair or replace my equipment?
When your home heating system is getting past its prime, when your comfort isn’t what it used to be, when energy bills appear higher than they should be and when you’ve had to call for repairs on multiple occasions – that’s the time homeowners ask, “Should I replace my furnace or should I shell out more for repairs?”
If your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, or if your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, that’s the time to consider replacing your system with home comfort equipment that has earned the Energy Star label. High efficiency heat pumps can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs over the units they replace. Energy Star-qualified furnaces and boilers are up to 15% more efficient than conventional furnaces.
What else should you consider?
- Repair frequency
- Energy costs
- The temperature of individual rooms in your home: Are some too hot or too cold?
- The humidity in your home: Do you notice the air is too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer?
All of these are reasons to consider replacing your current system.
Why do I need to change my filter regularly?
Disposable furnace filters should be changed monthly, more often if you experience excessive dust or have pets in the home. Homes with high efficiency filtration systems need to be changed annually. As a Worry Free Service Plan customer, our technicians will notify you when it’s time to change the filter so you don’t need to even think about it!
What size system should I have?
Only a professional consultation using a load calculation can determine the correct size system for your home. Larger capacity systems aren’t necessarily the better choice for each home! An experienced representative will walk you through the size system you need and the choices within that size that best fit your home.
What is the proper humidity level inside my home?
Your humidifier setting should change with the seasons here in Michigan. Our technicians always set your humidifier for you, but in the event you experience a need for a change (water on windows, for example), use this chart as a guideline. Remember it takes about a week for your home’s humidity to adjust to a change in the setting!
Outdoor Temperature: |
Relative Humidity Should be: |
| 40° | 45% |
| 30° | 40% |
| 20° | 35% |
| 10° | 30% |
| 0° | 25% |
| -10° | 20% |
| -20° | 10% |
Should I close my registers and doors to areas of my home not regularly used?
No. Your system’s size was determined by square feet of heating and cooling areas. Closing registers and doors disrupts the airflow into the system which is necessary to maintain efficiency. It will need to work harder to cool less space.
How do I program my thermostat?
Programmable thermostats are huge energy savers! You can set your home temperature so it automatically adjusts when no one is home or when you’re sleeping. Each thermostat is slightly different. We can always walk you through the process over the phone or during a tune-up call. Here are links to short videos for some units that you may find helpful:
What can I do with my HVAC system to reduce my family's allergies?
The HVAC manufacturers have made great strides in creating products to make families more comfortable with the indoor air they breathe. There are several products that can be added to your current or new system to improve your home’s indoor air quality. They include whole home humidifiers, more effective air filters, UV lights, and air purifiers. You can also call our office to find out more or schedule a free consultation.
