FAQ

We provide comprehensive AC services tailored to meet your cooling needs. Our expert technicians make sure your system operates efficiently and reliably.
Our services include:

• AC Installation: Expert setup of new air conditioning systems.
• AC Repair: Quick and reliable fixes for any AC issue.
• AC Maintenance: Regular tune-ups to keep your system in top condition.
• AC Replacement: Seamless replacement for outdated or inefficient units.

Choose a company known for its reliability, skilled and certified technicians, and a history of providing outstanding customer care. Our expert team offers professional, reliable air conditioning service tailored to your needs. Reading reviews and checking for warranties can also help you make an informed decision.

Scheduling services with us is simple. You can call our office or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at your convenience. Our team is ready to help keep your home cool and comfortable year-round.

Air conditioning maintenance typically involves cleaning or replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting the condenser and evaporator coils, tightening electrical connections, and ensuring proper airflow. Technicians also lubricate moving parts and inspect your thermostat to ensure optimal performance. This comprehensive checkup helps your system run efficiently and last longer.

Common signs include reduced cooling efficiency, higher energy bills, unusual noises, or weak airflow. Foul odors or frequent cycling on and off can also indicate maintenance is overdue. Promptly addressing these issues helps avoid more extensive repairs.

Regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and proper use can significantly extend the life of your AC unit. Keep filters clean, avoid overworking the system, and ensure it’s correctly sized for your home. Annual professional checkups are essential for long-term performance.

Yes, AC maintenance improves indoor air quality by keeping filters and ducts clean and ensuring proper airflow. Dirty systems can circulate dust, allergens, and pollutants, affecting your health. A well-maintained system provides cleaner, healthier air for your home.

Technicians often find clogged filters, low refrigerant levels, dirty coils, or loose electrical connections during service. These issues, if left unaddressed, can reduce efficiency and lead to breakdowns. Regular servicing helps detect and resolve these problems early.

South Jordan’s hot summers and dry climate put a strain on AC systems, making regular service essential. Dust and debris common in the area can clog filters and coils, reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance prepares your system for heavy use.

Ensure your technician has easy access to your indoor and outdoor units by clearing any clutter or debris. Make a note of any issues or unusual performance to discuss with the technician. This helps ensure a smooth and efficient service appointment.

A tune-up generally takes 1-2 hours, depending on the condition of your system and the complexity of the service. If additional cleaning or minor repairs are needed, it may take slightly longer. A thorough tune-up is essential for peak performance.

An AC tune-up is preventative maintenance designed to optimize your system’s performance, while a repair addresses specific malfunctions or breakdowns. Regular tune-ups help reduce the likelihood of needing repairs. Both are essential for keeping your system in good condition.

Yes, even new systems benefit from regular tune-ups to ensure they operate at peak efficiency. Maintenance also keeps warranties valid, as many manufacturers require annual servicing. A tune-up protects your investment and ensures long-term reliability.

Tune-ups help reduce your system’s energy consumption, lowering your carbon footprint. Efficient systems use less electricity, which is better for the environment. Regular maintenance also prevents refrigerant leaks, a common source of greenhouse gas emissions.

We understand the urgency of HVAC emergencies and strive to provide prompt service. Our goal is to address emergency repair requests as quickly as possible. Contact us, and our team will work to schedule a service appointment at your earliest convenience.

Yes, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to suit your HVAC system’s needs. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and improves the system efficiency of your HVAC unit. Our maintenance plans are designed to keep your system operating at peak performance.

At First Choice Heating & Air, we specialize in repairing various types of HVAC systems in Riverton, UT, including central air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and more. Our certified technicians are trained to work on a wide range of brands and models.

There are several ways to enhance indoor air quality, including regular HVAC maintenance, using air purifiers or filtration systems, keeping indoor spaces clean, maintaining proper ventilation, and controlling humidity levels.

While there are some simple maintenance tasks you can do, such as changing air filters, it’s recommended to leave complex repairs and servicing to trained professionals. DIY attempts without proper knowledge can damage your system and void warranties.

Several steps can enhance energy efficiency, such as regular maintenance, using programmable thermostats, sealing ducts, cleaning or replacing air filters regularly, and upgrading to energy-efficient equipment.

This problem might stem from a faulty thermostat, a dirty air filter, or issues with the pilot light or ignition system. In some cases, it may also result from a disruption in the gas supply or electrical connection. Call us to diagnose and fix the problem.

Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues early, improves system efficiency, and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. It also extends the lifespan of your heating system, saving you money on premature replacements. Additionally, maintenance helps prevent costly repairs by addressing minor issues before they escalate.

Before the installation date, it’s helpful to clear the area where the system will be installed and ensure easy access for our technicians. Additionally, if you have any specific concerns or questions, feel free to discuss them with our team beforehand for a smoother installation process.

The duration of a heating system installation can vary based on several factors, such as the type of system being installed, the size of the property, and the complexity of the building. Generally, installations can range from a few hours to a couple of days. Our team strives to complete installations efficiently without compromising quality.

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficient operation of your heating system. We recommend scheduling annual upkeep to keep your system in optimal condition and address any potential issues before they escalate.

Choosing the right heating system depends on various factors, such as the size of your property, your heating preferences, energy efficiency goals, and budget. Our team conducts thorough assessments and consultations to recommend the most suitable heating system tailored to your specific needs.

While basic maintenance tasks like replacing air filters or cleaning the furnace’s exterior can be done by homeowners, most furnace repairs require the expertise of trained professionals. Attempting complex repairs without proper knowledge or tools can be hazardous and may void warranties.

The duration of a furnace repair service depends on the complexity of the issue. Our technicians strive to complete repairs efficiently while ensuring thoroughness and quality. Minor repairs may take a shorter time, while more complex cases could require additional hours.

The decision between repairing and replacing a furnace depends on various factors, such as the age of the unit, frequency of repairs, energy efficiency, and overall condition. Our experienced technicians can assess your furnace and provide recommendations based on its specific situation.

Yes, regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected furnace breakdowns. Additionally, scheduling professional inspections, changing filters regularly, and being proactive about addressing minor issues can help maintain your furnace’s health.

Some signs that your HVAC system may need repair or replacement include unusual noises, inconsistent temperatures, rising energy bills, and frequent breakdowns. Our team can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the best course of action for your specific system.

If your HVAC system unexpectedly ceases to function, please verify the thermostat settings and power supply. If these factors are not the cause, feel free to reach out to our team for swift and dependable repair services.

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding unforeseen and expensive repairs. By addressing minor issues before they become major, you can save yourself from unnecessary costs. Not only that, but it also enhances energy efficiency, air quality, and overall comfort. Plus, it ensures that you stay within the terms of your manufacturer’s warranty. So, make regular maintenance a priority and reap the benefits of a well-maintained system.

Yes, neglecting regular furnace servicing can pose serious safety risks, including:

• Carbon monoxide leaks: Cracks can release toxic gas.
• Fire hazards: Dust or faults may spark fires.
• System malfunctions: Increased risk of breakdowns.
• Reduced air quality: Circulates dust and allergens.

If your furnace is producing strange sounds, releasing odd smells, or struggling to heat your home effectively, it could be a sign that repairs are needed. Routine maintenance can help avoid these problems but may not resolve significant system issues. Having a professional inspect your furnace can clarify whether it requires basic servicing or more in-depth repairs.

Regular servicing keeps all components functioning properly, minimizes wear and tear, and stops small problems from turning into expensive repairs, ultimately extending the life of your furnace. Scheduling annual check-ups also ensures your system operates efficiently throughout the year.

We offer prompt service and strive to complete most repairs on the same day, depending on the complexity of the issue and parts availability. We arrive equipped to handle a wide range of repairs efficiently. In cases where special parts are needed, we work quickly to source them and minimize any inconvenience to you.

If your furnace is older than 15 years and requires frequent or expensive repairs, replacement may be a better option. Our experts at First Choice Heating & Air can assess your system and provide a recommendation. A new furnace can offer improved energy efficiency and lower utility costs over time. Additionally, modern systems come with advanced features that enhance comfort and performance in your home.

Delaying furnace repairs can cause serious problems, including:

• Increased damage: Small issues can escalate into major problems.
• Higher costs: Repairs become more expensive the longer they’re ignored.
• Energy waste: Reduced efficiency leads to higher utility bills.
• Safety hazards: Risks include carbon monoxide leaks and fire hazards.

Neglecting maintenance may result in decreased efficiency, increased energy costs, and a higher chance of system failures. Over time, neglecting maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. Regular service ensures your system runs reliably and efficiently when you need it most.

Yes, regular maintenance identifies and addresses potential issues before they lead to system failure. By catching problems early, you can avoid inconvenient breakdowns and costly emergency repairs. Our team ensures your system stays reliable.

Regular maintenance improves your system’s efficiency, which lowers energy bills. It also reduces the likelihood of expensive repairs by catching problems early. Over time, proper maintenance can save you money by extending your AC unit’s lifespan.

A new AC system improves energy efficiency, enhances indoor comfort, and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs. Modern units also offer advanced features like smart thermostats and quieter operation. Installing a new system is an investment in your home’s comfort and value.

Yes, our team provides flexible financing options to make installation more affordable. We work with trusted lenders to offer payment plans that fit your budget. Reach out to us to learn more about financing opportunities.

While it’s possible to install an AC system yourself, it’s not recommended due to the complexity and potential risks involved. Proper installation requires specialized tools, knowledge of electrical and refrigerant systems, and compliance with local building codes. It’s best to leave air conditioning installation to licensed professionals like First Choice Heating & Air to ensure safety, efficiency, and warranty validity.

An AC installation generally takes between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the project’s complexity and specific requirements. Factors like the type of system, the condition of existing ductwork, and any additional work required can affect the timeline. We strive to complete installations efficiently while ensuring top-quality workmanship.

The primary source of harmful pollutants contributing to poor indoor air quality in Bluffdale, UT, is due to the industrial sector, which consists of numerous silica mines, refineries, coal-fired power plants, and massive open-pit mining operations.

Utahns consider the poorest air quality the most harmful factor to their quality of life and one of their top areas of concern. Throughout most of the year, the air quality in Utah is favorable. Still, during the winter and at certain times of the summer, pollutants frequently exceed the state’s healthy air requirements in many regions.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has estimated a recommended exposure limit of 35 parts per million (ppm). However, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has defined a value of 25 ppm for an 8-hour workday.

Home air quality is essential for one’s health. Gasses, chemicals, and other pollutants that can cause headaches, eye irritation, allergy signs, and fatigue are prevalent indoors, where most people spend the bulk of their time.

Pesticides, radon-containing particulate matter, environmental tobacco smoke, and the bulk of pollutants are the pollutants that affect indoor air quality in Bluffdale, UT.

People routinely exposed to poor indoor air may experience several signs and symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Allergy symptoms continue to worsen, and sinus congestion, coughing, and sneezing are symptoms of a cold.

Using an air quality monitor enables you to check the air quality in your house. It will analyze the air in your space for chemical pollutants and particulate matter like dust and allergens. Furthermore, it will search for volatile organic molecules. The relative humidity and temperature are also measured using an air quality meter.

Attempt to reduce the number of times you drive your vehicle. Reduce the use of fireplaces and wood stoves. Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment whenever possible.

A tune-up is a professional maintenance service designed to optimize your air conditioning system’s performance. It involves cleaning, inspecting, and adjusting components to ensure efficient operation. Regular tune-ups help prevent breakdowns, extend the lifespan of your unit, and maintain energy efficiency.

It’s recommended to schedule a tune-up at least once a year, typically in the spring before peak cooling season. Regular maintenance makes sure that your system is ready to handle the summer heat. Annual tune-ups also help identify and address minor issues before they become costly repairs.

Yes, a well-maintained AC unit operates more efficiently, which can significantly lower your energy bills. Tune-ups help your system use less energy by optimizing performance and reducing strain on components. In Bluffdale, UT, this can make a noticeable difference during hot summer months.

HVAC- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning- It is a system that provides different types of heating and cooling services to residential and commercial buildings. Its function is to provide thermal comfort, humidity control, and acceptable indoor air quality.

ENERGY STAR is a program that was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses and individuals make energy-efficient purchases.

This program places the ENERGY STAR label, a small blue, and white logo, on items that meet superior energy efficiency standards. This label provides an easy way for consumers to identify quality, high-efficiency products.

Air conditioning is a mature technology so most of the popular brands work well. Many of them use parts made by the same manufacturers. So, the main considerations are the price, warranty, attractiveness, noise, etc. Some manufacturers offer anywhere from a 10-12 year warranty on all parts while others offer only 1 year.

Whatever you decide, the most important consideration is the contractor you use. For your protection, make sure you use a licensed contractor for your installation. A licensed contractor using the best refrigerant practices and procedures can save you time and money! You may buy the best system in the world but if it is not properly installed, you will actually be buying nothing but a big headache for years to come.

The benefits of air conditioning are to give a comfortable environment at work or at home throughout the seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

An Air Conditioning unit can have two functions – heating/cooling and humidity control. With an auto changeover switch on most new units, you set the temperature and the unit will cool or heat as required automatically.

A Heat Pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round to keep you comfortable.

During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, however, the process reverses—the unit collects heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside your home.

Even when the air outside feels extremely cold, the air still contains some heat. The heat pump pulls the heat from this cold outdoor air and sends it inside to warm your home. When there’s not enough heat in the outside air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm the home. Extremely efficient, this process produces two to three times more heat than the energy it uses.

However, keep in mind, if you do not use much heat and you are thinking about replacing your system, a heat pump is more expensive to purchase upfront and you will only receive a return on the heating portion of your investment when the system is in the heat mode. Additional electrical requirements may also come into play when switching to a straight cool/electric heat system.

An air handler is usually a large metal box containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers. Air handlers usually connect to a ductwork ventilation system that distributes the conditioned air through the building and returns it to the AHU.

In some instances, with a ductless mini or multi-split the air handler may NOT require a duct system at all, therefore the name, ductless.

When you schedule your regular maintenance visit with a qualified heating technician, they will test your system to make sure it is running at optimal levels. But there are some ways you can determine whether or not your system is working efficiently on your own. Abnormally high heating bills are one of the indicators that your system is running at low-efficiency levels, but keep in mind that how well your home is insulated and sealed and whether your filters are clean will also play a role in heating costs.

You can also tell by how warm your house stays throughout the winter. If some rooms are colder than others, or if you find that you are turning up the thermostat more often, your heating system may not be running very efficiently. Check your thermostat setting. Is your heating system achieving the desired temperature setting you are requesting on the thermostat? If not, call one of our HVAC professionals to inspect and test your heater.

There are five main questions that need to be considered when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system:

1. How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%.
2. What is the efficiency level of your current system?
3. What was the efficiency when the system was new? Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency system will cover all or part of the cost of investing in new equipment, you should seriously consider the replacement of the old system.
4. What is the overall condition of your system? If your system is in solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. But if your system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it. Consider the 50% Rule.
5. The 50% Rule- If the cost of repair vs. replacement of your system is less than half of its value and you haven't been suffering the financial burden of frequent service calls to keep your system up and running, repair may be easier on your checkbook. Ask your technician to calculate the efficiency and energy usage of your system to help make a determination.

Putting a new system in a home that has not had central air and heat before will require the installation of ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans, and evaporator coil. Beyond equipment, the most important component installed with a new system, however, is the duct-work.

Duct-work is composed of two parts, supply, and return. The supply duct is attached to the outflow of the new system, delivering air to each zone in a home. The amount of air reaching each zone is determined by the size of supply duct-work connecting it to your system. Your dealer will help you determine the size of all the supply duct work in your home.

The second part of the duct-work, the return duct, attaches to the inlet of the new system and draws air out of the spaces to be heated or cooled. Attached to the return duct is the filter. The filter should be placed as near to the furnace or air handler as possible. Duct-work can be either fiberglass or metal and must be properly sized in order to evenly distribute the proper amount of air to each room.

A ductless mini-split system is composed of an indoor air handler/evaporator (fan coil), an outdoor condensing unit, and an approximate 2.5-3" conduit that accommodates the power (wiring), refrigerant line sets, and a PVC condensate line (drain). s an indoor fan, referred to as the head, and an outdoor compressor unit. Many styles of air handler/evaporator (fan coil) are readily available depending upon your project's needs. Ductless units can be either 1:1 Single mini-split systems or Multi-split systems that can heat/cool multiple rooms.

Ductless split systems can replace a traditional central ducted system or be used in addition to a central ducted system. It works in much the same way as a traditional air conditioner or heat pump, using an outdoor condensing unit, indoor air handler/evaporator (fan coil) with an outdoor condenser, attached to refrigerant line sets, and a condensate drain line.

The condenser is installed outside the home or business typically on a code-approved surface. The conduit is then run from the outdoor unit to the individual room within the structure that you choose, even an attic or garage. Depending upon the system design, use of wall-mounted interior units, ceiling mounted units, recessed fa coils, floor mounted air handlers are then installed and secured in the appropriately desired spaces to control cooling, heating, and humidity as needed and designed.

One or a series of indoor units and refrigeration lines are used to transfer the cooled air from the outdoor condenser to the indoor units of your choice. It works in reverse with heated air in the winter. Units can be placed in any rooms you like and because each unit is individual, you control the specific temperature in that room instead of needing to set one thermostat for the entire house. As a result, you save money by cooling or heating only space you are using. One of its greatest advantages is TRUE ZONING!

Installation of a ductless mini-split air conditioner is more complicated than a window unit but far less complicated than installing a central air conditioner. But, don't let that fool you. Ductless systems are very sensitive pieces of equipment and are quite unforgiving when mistakes are made. Small mistakes lead to HUGE problems with ductless systems. It is always best to have any AC system installed by licensed, trained professionals. Homeowner installations and using unlicensed individuals most often will void the manufacturer warranty on your new investment. Call us for a certified installation with one of our manufacturer-trained technicians – we will make sure that the installation was done correctly. We will evacuate, pressure test, perform a thorough vacuum and charge with your system with refrigerant as needed for your particular installation followed by start-up and commissioning reports on your system.

First, disconnect any additional devices that may have caused the breaker to overload and trip. Breakers are mechanical devices and must be turned all the way off before turning back on. Remember this is a mechanical device, so this may require several attempts. If this fails to reset the breaker, or the breaker feels "Sloppy" when resetting, there may be a more serious problem. Call a licensed electrician.

Yes. This is a common occurrence when large motor/compressor loads start. These devices cause a minor momentary voltage drop, demonstrating itself as the blinking in your lights. This has no negative effect on the electrical equipment within your house.

This could mean one of two things. 1. An intermittent chirp is probably an indication of a defective smoke detector. 2. A consistent chirp is probably an indication of a low battery condition and the smoke detector requires a new battery.

Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed, or how efficiently a furnace converts gas into heating energy. Its AFUE rating is measured as a percentage.

Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. An AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and the other 10% escapes up the chimney and elsewhere. According to the EPA- AFUE doesn't include the heat losses of the duct system or piping, which can be as much as 35% of the energy for output of the furnace when ducts are located in the attic, garage, or other partially conditioned or unconditioned space. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 80% AFUE in the south and 90% AFUE in the North. If your furnace is 10 – 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy- costing you money.

When shopping for high-efficiency furnaces and boilers, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. If you live in a cold climate, it usually makes sense to invest in the highest-efficiency system. In milder climates with lower annual heating costs, the extra investment required to go from 80% to 90% to 95% efficiency may be hard to justify.

This doesn’t mean that you should only select a furnace based on its AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking for a new furnace.

Two-stage heating means the furnace has two levels of heat output: high for cold winter days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household heating demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat distribution.

Hiring an HVAC contractor for professional advice is the best approach when you are in the market for a new heating system. Different types of heaters work better in some climates than others. Also, you would need to consider the available utility services in your area. Not all areas offer Natural gas or propane. Likewise, not all homes have sufficient electrical requirements to change from a heat pump to electric heat. Up to completion of a series of quick questions and a survey of your home or business, our Comfort Consultant can assist you in choosing a system that meets your heating needs. Give us a call and let's get started!

Furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Modern furnaces are designed to provide more even and efficient heating than past furnaces, which can impact both how your system operates, sounds, and what you notice about your system.

To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces. The air that comes out of your furnace registers may not seem as warm as the air from your old furnace, but overall airflow is improved. Better airflow means higher comfort.

Also, new furnaces are designed to integrate with high-efficiency air conditioners, so furnace blowers are more powerful to accommodate add-on cooling. Since cold air is much heavier than warm air, your system needs an extra boost from the blower to deliver cool air throughout your home. If you have an older home, this performance boost could produce unfamiliar sounds because air duct systems were originally designed for heating only. To minimize sound levels, choose a variable speed product that automatically changes speeds to meet the airflow needs of both heating and cooling cycles.

It’s recommended that you schedule a maintenance service visit once a year with a licensed HVAC technician. This will prolong the life of your heating system and keep it running safely and efficiently throughout the cold season. A qualified heating technician will thoroughly clean and inspect all of your heater’s components and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Not only does this ensure that your heater is performing at optimal levels, which helps to save on overall heating costs, but it also allows the technician to address any major problems or safety concerns.

You may not find the filter in your home or business to be very important, but you should! There are actually 3 ways air can get filtered-1) through your AC filter, 2) it will get filtered through the AC coil, and 3) it will get filtered again through YOURS and YOUR FAMILY'S lungs! Furnace manufacturers put inexpensive fiberglass filters into their furnaces to remove airborne particles that might damage the fan and the heating coil. Particle buildup can also decrease the efficiency of your furnace, as the furnace has to work harder to pull air through the return. More expensive filters can also improve the air quality in your house by removing pollen, bacteria, and mold spores from the air. Don't let YOUR lungs be the filter for your air conditioner! Use the maximum efficiency filter designed for your system. This is especially important if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or respiratory illnesses. If you do not know which filter that may be, then just ask us, we will be glad to point you in the right direction!

There Are Five Basic Types of Automatic and Programmable Thermostats:

• Manual
• Digital
• Digital- Non- Programmable
• Digital- Programmable
• Remote Access
• Touchscreen
• Wireless-Wifi
• Smart
• Most Range in Price, Call and Ask Us Which Is Best for You. Think Thermostats Don’t Matter? Think Again! Thermostats Control Half of Your Home’s Energy Use. That Is More Than Appliances, Computers, Stereos, and Lighting Combined!

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term that refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.

We spend most of our time indoors, so breathing healthy air where we live, work and play are critical. Indoor air pollution has the same negative effects as environmental pollution.

Ask us how to identify and restore the indoor air quality in your home or office.

Depending upon the style/brand of UV light purchased, ozone may or may not be part of the light's operation/function. Should you have concerns, consult one of our factory-trained technicians.

EPA: According to two studies, operating UV lamps installed in HVAC systems to irradiate the surfaces of air-handling units does not result in increased concentrations of ozone.

Your UV Air Purifier requires little maintenance. Simply replace the bulb once per year, or once every two years depending on the model.

MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.

What is a MERV Rating?

MERV Rating is a filter comparison system designed by an industry group called the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Simply put, it’s a rating scale designed to allow consumers to easily compare the performance of one filter to another.

Why is there a MERV Rating?

It is designed to measure a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles – dust mites, pet dander, air allergens, etc – your filter will remove from the air. Of course, screening out more particles from your air makes your air handler work a bit harder, so you may see a modest increase in power consumption by your air conditioning or furnace unit when choosing a higher MERV Rating.

How a MERV Rating benefits you?

Matching the right MERV rating to your needs will improve your home’s air quality and will extend the life of your furnace or air conditioner.

MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.

What is a MERV Rating?

MERV Rating is a filter comparison system designed by an industry group called the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Simply put, it’s a rating scale designed to allow consumers to easily compare the performance of one filter to another.

Why is there a MERV Rating?

It is designed to measure a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles – dust mites, pet dander, air allergens, etc – your filter will remove from the air. Of course, screening out more particles from your air makes your air handler work a bit harder, so you may see a modest increase in power consumption by your air conditioning or furnace unit when choosing a higher MERV Rating.

How a MERV Rating benefits you?

Matching the right MERV rating to your needs will improve your home’s air quality and will extend the life of your furnace or air conditioner.

Fiberglass filters last up to 30 days. Pleated filters can last up to 90 days. Washable filters should be washed every 30 days and last up to 5 years. Mini-pleated filters should be vacuumed every 60 days and will last up to one year. There is no “standard expectancy” for an air filter. It all depends on each home’s characteristics, how many people live there, if there are pets, if there are smokers, how much air pollution and pollen is in your town, etc… The best way to make sure you are changing your air filter on time is to be proactive and regularly check it monthly. Mark it on your calendar, schedule it on your phone, or put a note on the refrigerator.

The life of your filter depends on your environment and the type of filter you have installed. To put it simply, there really is no concrete answer to this question. Certain things such as:

• the number of people who live in your home
• if there are pets in the house
• if there is a smoker in the house
• if you leave the windows open
• if you have pollen-bearing trees or plants in the neighborhood
• if you live in an area with a lot of dampness
• if you live in an area that is dry or arid
• plus many others

If several of these factors sound familiar, you’ll likely experience a quicker loading of particles on your filters and will consequently have to change it more often. A good rule of thumb is to check your filter every month. If you can hold the filter up to a light and not see through it, it is time to change your filter. At an absolute minimum, you should change your filter every three months. A clean air filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which could lead to expensive maintenance and utility bills.

Modern central heating and air conditioning systems generally have the filter located as close to the blower unit as possible. The filter(s) can be located at the base of the air handler/furnace unit, in the cold air return duct located in your ceiling, or on your wall. Remove the grill or box cover holding your filter in place.

Remove the dirty filter:

Dispose of the dirty filter in a bag to contain the dirt.

Install:

Install the new or cleaned and dried air filter with the airflow arrow pointing toward the blower. Record the date and wash or change the filter within the recommended period. If you experience higher dust levels in your home due to changes in outside air, construction, or dry weather, you may need to change or wash your filter more frequently than the recommended period. For questions or concerns about the location or installation of the filter contact the HVAC manufacturer or give us a call. As a reputable HVAC contractor, we can make recommendations that are right for both you and your system.

• Essentially Your Air Conditioner Filter Is a Collector of Dust, Dirt, Grime, and Other Nasty Microscopic Things That Float Around Your Home. When Your Heating or Cooling System Is Turned On, It Collects These Particles To Protect Your System and Clean Your Home’s Air, Which Protects Your Lungs. Like the Lint Trap in Your Dryer, It Accumulates a Thick Layer of These Air-Borne Particles as It Circulates Air Throughout Your Home.
• Once It Has Trapped a Certain Amount, It Becomes Full and Ineffective and Gradually Restricts the Airflow Moving Through Your System. This Requires Your System To Work Harder To Keep You Cool or Warm, Wasting Energy and Increasing Your Monthly Bill. As Air Filters Get Dirtier, They Also Become Less Effective at Capturing the Airborne Germs and Pollutants That Can Irritate Your Family’s Breathing. Stuffy Noses, Sneezing, Allergies, and Even Asthma Are Triggered. Your Family Inhales What Your Filter Can’t Handle Any Longer.
• An Old and Forgotten Filter Can Eventually Accumulate So Much Dirt and Grime That It Can Totally Choke off the Airflow to the System Causing a Myriad of Problems. In the Worst Case, the Filter Will Be Sucked Into the Blower Motor and Cause Thousands of Dollars in Damage to Your System.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The frequency one should clean or change their A/C system's filter is highly dependent on many factors- 1) the type of filter being used, 2) how much traffic the home/office experiences, 3) presence of pets, 4) how much your heating and air conditioning system operates. Always start by checking your system's filter(s) once a month. If your home/office has remote filters in the wall/ceiling, do not forget to check and replace them as indicated. For best practice, always follow the filter manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning or replacement. If you are unsure, please ask our trained service technicians.

We can help taking care of your new heating and cooling system. Enroll in our Service and Maintenance Program, and our Customer Care Specialists will send a technician to your home when it is time to check the whole system per manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it is safe to use and performs at peak efficiency and while they are there, they can check, clean and/or replace your filter, if available.

You wouldn’t buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to put air in the tires, change the oil and check out any unusual noises, would you? In the same way that an automobile requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance, a home comfort system should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.