Frequently asked questions

Unless you live somewhere with perfect natural ventilation and moderate temperatures year-round, your home almost certainly has some kind of HVAC equipment. The function of an HVAC system is to keep the indoor temperature comfortable. This can even be a matter of health and safety in regions with extreme climates. As these systems heat or cool air, they may also filter out particles and debris or remove or add moisture.

One of the best ways to improve your system’s performance is to frequently clean or replace air filters. Other ways include purchasing a programmable thermostat, keeping curtains drawn or installing shades in rooms that are more exposed to sunlight, and not blocking airflow by closing vents in multiple rooms.

In order for your HVAC system to operate at its best, filters should be changed once they start to look discolored. If the filter looks dirty, it is dirty. Filters should be changed on a monthly basis when the system is in high use, such as during winter and summer months, and every other month during lower-use times in the spring and fall. If you want a smarter way to determine when it needs replacing, install an air filter gauge.

Maintain air flow by keeping dust, dirt, and debris away from any system. Keep air filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. Ideally, a system should be serviced twice a year — once before the summer cooling season and once before the winter heating season.

Change your filters on a regular basis, and clean your outside coils once a month during the cooling season.

An important HVAC safety measure is to make sure your home consists of working fire and carbon monoxide detectors. These can provide peace of mind in knowing that your HVAC system is not a hazard.