• Is the thermostat in the ON position?
  Is the switch at the furnace in the ON position?
  Is the breaker tripped or a fuse blown?
  Is the door to the furnace on securely?
  Is the pilot light lit?
  How long has it been since the filter was changed?
  Has the gas meter been disconnected?
  Are the batteries good in your digital thermostat?

Is your air conditioner not working?

• Is the circuit breaker tripped or a fuse blown?
  Have you checked the filter?
  Is the thermostat turned to the cooling position?
  Can you hear the blower fan running?
  Is the outside unit coming on?
  When was the unit serviced last?
  Are the batteries good in your digital thermostat?
  If there is ice on the inside lines or outside unit?

Why purchase a maintenance contract?

• Avoid expensive down time.
  Maintain proper comfort and indoor air quality.
  Reduce energy waste.
  Extend equipment life.
  Obtain the lowest possible cost on repairs

Why do HVAC systems get dirty in the first place?

• No filters
  Gapped filters or poorly-fitted filters
  Poor filters
  Filters not changed or cleaned frequently
  Neglect of the units; not inspecting them occasionally to spot dirty build up or problems (such as filters not in place).
  Dirty environment such as factory, new construction or highway nearby.
  Duct leakage
  Poor or no condensation drainage
  Deteriorated fiberglass insulation
  Leaks in air-handlers, such as work seals around doors or holes in cabinets.

  The worst thing you can do is ignore your filters or filter problems. All HVAC systems must be filtered or they will be filthy within a year. Air takes the path of least resistance. If an opening exists, unfiltered air will take it. Once a filter becomes saturated with particles, the filter becomes more of a barrier to air flow. The blower motors strain and the system puts out less air.

  Filters should be changed when dirt becomes visible on the downstream side. Flat panel filters are commonly changed every one or two months, whereas pleated filters are usually a 3 to 6 month schedule. A simple inspection of your filer as recommended can improve air quality, reduce the need for cleaning and extend the life of the air handler.

What are common misleading and dangerous carbon monoxide assumptions?

• Blue flames are clean, safe and efficient.
  Adding high-low combustion air provides adequate air for combustion.
  Using smoke to check draft hoods verifies venting.
  Rust on equipment is part of normal operation.
  Cracked heat exchangers are a main contributor to furnace CO poisonings.
  Carbon monoxide always produces soot.
  The medical field recognizes and diagnoses most CO poisonings.
  UL listed CO alarms provide adequate safety for all family members.

What are some Air flow rules of thumb?

• Mold will not grow if indoor air is kept at 55% or below.
  Lower air flow increases humidity removal
  The tighter the house, the higher the quality of supply air required.
  Improperly sized duct work will never allow you to deliver quality air from any equipment.
  Return air grilles in the ceiling help balance out air flow conditions especially in areas of the house where load varies.
  The lower the humidity in a given space, the higher the set point can be and still maintain comfort.
  The two factors in air flow are quantity and quality. You must provide both correctly since comfort is directly related.

How can we prevent MOLD?

• The coil is the most important component with regard to humidity control. Properly sizing the coil increases comfort, reduces humidity and potential for mold growth, and lowers electric bills. Mold culprits in residential HVAC systems can be caused by; oversized or undersized air conditioning equipment components; improper air balance, unbalanced refrigerant charge in the cooling system, air ducts leaking in the attic, poor insulation, improper operation of the thermostat, improper duct design, return air, inadequate filtration, or materials used in installation. A combination of any of the above or in some cases unique items not mentioned above.

If your heating and cooling system is over 10 years old, you're probably cheating yourself out of energy and money. You could be paying 30-50% more in utility costs than you should be. We can help you lower those bills and make you more comfortable at the same time. Heating and cooling your home uses more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 44% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. You can save money and increase comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment.

An energy-efficient furnace or air conditioner alone won't have as great an impact on your energy bills as using the whole house approach. By combining proper equipment, upgrades and maintenance with appropriate thermostat settings, insulation and weatherization, you can cut your energy bills in half.

Heating Tips

•Set your thermostat as low as it is comfortable.
•Clean or replace your filters once a month.
•Clean registers as needed and make sure they're not blocked by furniture or carpeting.
•Use household fans wisely. Turn them off as soon as they've done their job.
•Keep drapes and shades open on south-facing windows during the heating season to allow sunlight to enter your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill.
•Close an unoccupied room and turn down the thermostat or zone to that room.
 

Cooling Tips

•Set your thermostat as high as it is comfortable.
•Clean or replace your filters once a month.
•Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. When it's humid, set the fan speed on low.
•Use ceiling fans to spread the cooled air more effectively.
•Don't place TVs or electrical appliances that generate heat near your thermostats.
•Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but don't block the airflow.