FAQs
Frequently asked questions about HVAC, Plumbing, and Indoor Air Quality. For further assistance, please give us a call today!
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The general rule is your filter should be replaced once per month. The frequency needed for changing your filters may be impacted by the location that you live, if you have pets in your home, the presence of dirt or other contaminants. You should check your filters regularly to see if they need changed out.
Filters are rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). The higher the MERV ratings the more the filter will capture small particles, but may also restrict airflow. You should consult your HVAC professional to select the best filter for your system.
There are many factors that need to be considered for the size needed such as your house type, insulation, attic space and more. An undersized unit can run constantly and lead to increased energy bills, where as an oversized unit can lead to excess humidity in your home.
Regular maintenance is critical. You need to keep your outdoor unit clean, change the filters as needed, and schedule professional inspections.
The tasks typically completed during Maintenance visits include cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring proper airflow. These visits help extend the lifespan of your system.
Plumbing
If you are hearing constant water running in your toilet more than likely you have an open flap issue. This can run up your water bill if not addressed. An open flap could result from a broken chain, bad seal or an object preventing the flap from closing properly. Give the handle a jiggle to see if that fixes the issue. If not, give a plumber a call to resolve the problem.
Everyone needs to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Oils, plastics and excessive hair can create a clogged drain. Keep an eye out for what is going down the drain and clean it regularly. If they continue to clog after home remedies, give a plumber a call.
The signs that your hot water heater has reached the end of its lifespan will involve you noticing water pooling around the base of the heater, the water has a metallic smell and/or taste, it takes significantly longer for the water to get hot, you are experiencing frequent repairs. If you notice these signs, it’s best to call a plumber.
Most tap water supplies are contaminated with metals, chemicals and other dangerous impurities. The benefits of having a water filtration system are safer water, better taste throughout your entire home. In addition to clean filtered drinking water, whole home filtration systems ensure the water you use to bathe is free of contaminants as well, which is great for your hair and skin. Beyond the health benefits, the filtration system will help extend the life of your hot water heater.
If you notice your water bill is staying high it is more than likely due to a leak. A leak can occur somewhere visible like a faucet or exposed pipe. It can also happen underground or in a wall. If you believe you may have a leak, its best to contact a plumber to find the source and repair it.
A sewer line blockage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Identifying the signs early can save you from costly repairs and extensive damage. The major signs of a blockage are slow drains, foul odors, backup, and overflows. If you think you might have an issue, contact a plumber for a professional inspection. A few things you can do to try to avoid issues are regular sewer line inspections and cleanings, as well as tree root maintenance near underground lines.
Indoor Air Quality
A list of biological pollutants would include molds, mildew, bacteria, viruses, dust, mites, pet dander and more. These contaminants can trigger allergic reactions, types of asthma, spread of infectious illness such as the COVID virus, Influenza and many other airborne illnesses. There are numerous health benefits to maintaining good indoor air quality. You should consult a professional for all of the products available on the market.
As officially defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air (filter). The HEPA filter is a pleated mechanical air filter that can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of bacteria, mold, dust and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.
Unclean air ducts can harbor irritants and allergens. Regular duct cleaning removes accumulated dirt, dust, mold and other pollutants which potentially improve indoor air quality. Additionally, clean ducts can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and contribute to the longevity of your system.
Offered as an upgrade to your HVAC system, UV lights can be installed inside your air conditioner, furnace, heat pump or ductwork. The main benefit of the UV light is they kill microorganisms before they have the chance to enter your home. They improve indoor air quality by removing potentially harmful pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold and allergens. This not only greatly benefits your overall health, but helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.