Solutions to Frequent Problems

Furnace not working
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?

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.

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.

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.

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.