1. In the summer my second floor is so much hotter than my first floor is there anything I can do?

There is hope for an issue like this. A thermostat can only sense the air temperature within a 10 ft radius around it. Therefore the simplest solution would be a second thermostat in the affected area. Controlling where the air is delivered and for how long. For more information on this solution click on the zoning links.

2. I find that I am constantly dusting my home is there anything I can do to help?

Most heating systems have some sort of filtration whether it be a electronic air cleaner, a one inch disposable, or a four inch media filter. The filter is a very important part of your heating system. The filter keeps the blower motor free from dust and debris as well as clean the air we all breathe. The more surface area and the denser the filter material the better the filter will clean. For more information click on the air quality links.

3. My furnace seems to heat okay but I do not have much air coming out of the grilles why is that?

There are many reasons for this. The simplest is a dirty filter a blocked filter can slowdown or stop the air this may harm the blower motor or worse the furnace itself. Another reason is the blower is going out or under sized and just cannot move the volume of air you need. The worst case scenario is the duct work is not sized properly now there are two things you can do in this instance. One is re design and install new ductwork which is not very cost effective. Two is when you decide to purchase a new furnace get one with a variable speed blower. A variable speed blower can move twice as much air as a normal blower and will help to provide more air at registers. For more info on variable speed click here.

4. How long does a furnace last?

The life of a heating system can vary depending upon manufacturer and how well it has been maintained. With proper maintenance a heating system on average will last 12-15 years. Some may last longer but with an older piece of equipment you don't get the same efficiency as you would with a newer furnace. So if you want to save money on utilities We suggest installing a 90+ efficient furnace or a high efficient heat pump. for more info click here 

5. How often should I change my air filter?

In the average home there is a one inch thick disposable filter this should be changed every month. If your home has a four inch high density media filter it should be changed every six months to a year depending on your home. Rule of thumb is at the six month point pull the filter out and inspect it if it looks dirty it needs to be changed. If it is fairly clean put it back and check it again in three months until you notice an unacceptable amount of dust and debris. If your home has an electronic air cleaner the cells need to be removed and washed at least every three months. There are some newer type of electronic air cleaners that catch smaller particulate matter and keep the air much cleaner. For more info on these new air cleaners click here.