While not always, you may notice an abnormal noise coming from the system, your heating or cooling system running non-stop, or warm air/cool air coming from the vents during the opposite season. Abnormally high utility bills are also a common indicator.

Heat rises, thus the reason it’s hotter in the summer. Assuming the system was sized and installed correctly, you should consider installing a zone system if possible. Sometimes the addition of return air ductwork will help improve air movement and help make upper levels more comfortable.

To improve indoor air quality, use high-quality air filters, consider air purifiers, ventilate your home regularly, and maintain a clean living environment. Controlling humidity levels is also crucial.

Various factors drive operating costs for your heating and cooling system. The local climate, your area’s
electric (or gas) rates, even how often doors and windows are opened and shut affect the costs to run
your heating and cooling system. Know the factors, so you can save money on electric bills and
maintenance.
Of course, there are some factors you cannot control, like climate. For example, a central air conditioner
will run a lot harder and get more use in Florida, than in the Northeast. But you can lower operating
costs by better insulating your home, and by keeping windows and doors to the outside shut as much as
possible. Also, look at household additions, such as ceiling fans that can better distribute heated or
cooled air throughout your home.

A furnace heats air and distributes it throughout a building using a system of ducts. A boiler, on the other hand, heats water and distributes the resulting steam or hot water to radiators or in-floor heating systems.

Signs of HVAC issues include strange noises, uneven heating or cooling, increased energy bills, frequent cycling, and poor air quality. If you notice any of these signs, it’s advisable to consult a professional HVAC technician.

Zoning involves dividing a building into separate areas (zones) and controlling the temperature independently in each zone. This can improve comfort and energy efficiency by directing heating or cooling where it’s needed most.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of the efficiency of an air conditioning system over a cooling season. A higher SEER rating indicates better energy efficiency.

It’s recommended to check and potentially replace your HVAC air filter every 1-3 months. However, this can vary based on the type of filter, the level of usage, and the presence of pets or allergies.

Regular maintenance helps ensure that your HVAC system operates efficiently, extends its lifespan, and maintains good air quality. It can also prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduce energy consumption.

The recommended temperature for comfort and energy efficiency is around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 degrees Celsius) in the winter and 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit (23-26 degrees Celsius) in the summer. However, personal preferences may vary.

Some ways to improve efficiency include regular maintenance, sealing air leaks, proper insulation, using a programmable thermostat, and upgrading to energy-efficient equipment.

Controlling the humidity levels in your home greatly influences the comfort you will experience as well
as save you energy and reduce maintenance. Your home will feel most comfortable at humidity levels
between 30 – 50%. We need humidity for our comfort and health but too little can produce difficulties
for homeowners.
When the temperature outside falls, your furnace runs more. In extreme cold conditions, your home
humidity level can drop as low as 10 percent. By comparison, the Sahara Desert has an average relative
humidity of 25 percent. When you consider that people generally are most comfortable when the

relative humidity is approximately 40 percent, you can see how dry indoor air can take a toll on your
family.
Low humidity causes static electricity, dry skin, lips and hair, scratchy throats and noses, and itching and
chapping. Mucous membranes in nose and throat dry out, increasing your discomfort and susceptibility
to colds and respiratory illness. With low humidity levels, body moisture evaporates so quickly that you
feel chilled even at higher thermostat settings.
Your home suffers, too. Low humidity can cause havoc with woodwork and furniture. You’ll notice
shrinkage, hardwood floor separation and warping, your piano will go out of tune, wallpaper peels at
the edges, drawers loosen and molding gaps start to appear.
A humidifier built into your heating and cooling system is the best long-term solution. The water supply
is constant and it can be controlled by a humidistat mounted on your wall, properly regulating the
humidity in your home. With the right amount of humidity, you’ll find that you can be comfortable at a
lower thermostat setting. That will increase your comfort as well as save you money on your energy
bills.

Of course, you can! Small Solutions, LLC Heating and Air Conditioning Services encourages you to
perform these simple procedures before calling us.
Check disconnected switches (indoors and outdoors if you have a split system). Make sure that circuit
breakers are on or that fuses have not blown.
Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are
open and unobstructed.
Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, ensure the temperature control selector is
set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. If you want heat,
ensure the temperature control selector is set above room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is at
HEAT or AUTO. The FAN switch should be set at ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you
want the blower to function only while the home heating system or central air conditioning unit is
operating.
In addition to the routine maintenance you perform, your home comfort system should be inspected at
least once a year by a properly trained service technician.
An Air Care Services, LLC specialist will ensure your heating and air conditioning system operates safely
and gives you the best performance at the lowest cost. You may also want to ask us about our
maintenance program which covers regular maintenance.

There are some things you can troubleshoot before you call in the experts. First, check your electrical
box. See if the breaker for your heating & cooling (HVAC) system has been tripped or a fuse blown.

Next, check your thermostat. Make sure it is set on “Cool” with the fan switch set to “Auto” or “On”.
Also, check your thermostat by setting the temperature 10 degrees below room temperature to make
sure your system turns on. Last, be sure that the air filter has been changed prior to turning on the air
conditioner and that all air vents are open and clear from obstruction.
If none of these steps are able to fix your problem, you should give Air Care Services, LLC a call to assess
and fix the problem.

Air conditioners work by moving warm air over the cooling coil (also known as the evaporator coil). This
process removes moisture from the air, which accumulates in the collector pan. This process is also key
to maintaining a comfortable environment for your home during the summer months.
If the air moves too slowly over the evaporator coils or if the refrigerant in your system is low you run
the risk of the coil developing frost and icing over. A frozen unit will not be able to cool your home
properly.
A frozen unit can be the result of low refrigerant or a dirty filter or coils. You can help avoid these
problems by scheduling annual maintenance and changing or cleaning your air filter on a regular basis.
During a maintenance check-up your technician will clean dirty coils and a clean air filter ensures proper
airflow through your system. If your refrigerant is low, this could be an indication that you have a leak.
Contact Air Care Services, LLC to have your system checked for proper refrigerant levels and/or leaks.

If you have rooms in your home that are too hot or too cold, contact Air Care Services, LLC to have your
home system evaluated. Below are some good questions to ask the technician.
Is my home’s insulation adequate?
Are the air ducts well sealed?
Is air distribution adequate for my home?
Do I have areas of high humidity or moisture buildup in my home?
Is my heating and cooling system operating as it should?
There are a variety of variables that can cause certain rooms to overheat and other to get too cold. It is
important to contact a trained professional in these situations who can not only evaluate your problem
but also offer solutions and make any necessary repairs.

Most of the time, the best thermostat setting is that temperature at which you feel most comfortable.
However, when extremely high summertime temperatures set in, the best temperature setting is going
to be 15 to 16 degrees below the outside temperature. Remember, your air conditioner can only
produce so much cooling, no matter how low you set the thermostat. No matter what temperature you
choose, once you have found a ‘comfort zone’ leave that thermostat set in one place – turning it up and
down constantly only costs you more energy!

Most maintenance should be performed only by a qualified service technician, however, there are a few
things you can do to ensure optimal performance. Keep ground mounted outdoor units clear of debris,
clutter and weeds; this can reduce the airflow of the unit. Use caution with weed trimmers around the
unit to prevent damaging control wiring. Lastly, keep pets away from the unit; pet urine can cause
expensive damage.

The answer is most likely yes, and here are the reasons why.
First of all, all air conditioner and heat pump outdoor units are specifically designed to work with
matched indoor units for optimum efficiency and performance. The result of this matched system is a
coordinated, top-performance team that ensures dependability and efficiency. Air conditioner and heat
pump outdoor units may “work” with indoor units other than those for which they have been
specifically designed; however, the result is a definite compromise in system performance.
In addition, through the years, indoor blower coil units have undergone numerous design advances —
especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new
outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.
The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are
based on their performance as matched systems. While changing only the outdoor unit may result in

improved efficiency compared to the old system, it will not be as efficient as it was designed to be and
your savings will be lower than with a matched system.
If an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit is 10 years old and needs to be replaced, the indoor unit
is just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear. Replacing both units means
you won’t have to replace the indoor unit in a short time…you’ll have years of service from both units.
Last, but not least, a new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the
same time as the outdoor unit results in peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers your entire
system.
At first glance, replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain.
But when you consider the lower cooling and heating efficiencies, decreased reliability and high cost of
ownership that results, it’s not such a bargain. Replacing an entire system costs more, but you get more
efficiency, reliability and comfort.

This depends greatly upon how well it is maintained but in general the average life is 15 years. But I
can’t stress enough that the better maintained your furnace is, by having seasonal check-ups performed
every fall, the longer you can expect it to last.
My rule of thumb is when your system is around 10 years old and repair costs are getting high you
should start looking into replacement. Another major tell is if your heat exchanger, the area that
harnesses your fire in the furnace, shows rust and deterioration. In this instance you should definitely
consider replacement. Heat exchangers that crack will leak carbon monoxide, a by-product of gas being
burned off. This colorless, odorless gas will enter your home and is deadly to you and your family.

You should have your heating system serviced once a year for a seasonal check-up in the fall. A heating
system that is not maintained is a problem waiting to happen. At the very least, you will have escalating
operating costs due to the inefficient running of your system and the eventual need for repairs. In the
worst case, improperly maintained equipment powered by natural gas can compromise your safety by
causing high levels of CO, resulting in serious injury or even death.

There are some maintenance tasks that homeowners can do themselves, such as cleaning and replacing
filters. However, in order to insure safe and efficient operation of a heating system, homeowners should
have their furnace inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified service technician. The benefit to
homeowners, your health and safety, your money and your time, far out way any costs incurred with a
yearly inspection.

UV is the abbreviation for ultraviolet. Located in the return air ductwork and by the indoor cooling coil,
the ultraviolet air treatment system continuously emits high – intensity ultraviolet (UV) energy. The
energy eliminates (kills) a very high percentage of airborne bacteria and germs passing over the UV light
field inside the ductwork. The UV light mounted next to the indoor cooling coil will help eliminate the
growth of mold, mildew and other contaminates from the drain pan and coil surface. At Small Solutions,
we recommend installing non-ozone-producing UV products.

To determine which home heating and air conditioning system is best for you, take into consideration
factors such as: your budget, your comfort expectations, physical factors (such as your current system)
and other unique features of your home. Because your geographical region is also an integral factor in
choosing a home heating system or home central air conditioning unit, that should be taken into
consideration as well.
For the basics of heating or cooling temperature control, you have four system options. Below is a list of
those options followed by the approximate percentage of U.S. homes using that particular system:
 Gas Furnace/air conditioner (60% of homes)
 Gas Heat Pump (25% of homes)
 Gas Small Packaged System (5% of homes)
 Gas Boiler
There are other accessories you may want to consider to determine what system works best for you. Air
cleaners, ventilators or a whole house humidifier may be useful.

System control is another factor when choosing a home heating system or central air conditioning. This
involves being able to maintain a comfortable temperature, manually or automatically, to keep the
home consistently comfortable with changing physical or environmental fluctuations.
To choose a heating and air conditioning system, you also must assess your current system. The three
most likely energy sources for your comfort system are electricity, gas or oil. Here are some options
based on your energy source.

Electricity
If you have no gas or oil service, you will need to go with an all-electric system, which means a heat
pump or air conditioner. You may be able to have a gas line installed at your home, but that could be an

additional cost. In some areas, electrical rates are so low that an all-electric system can still be the best
option even if gas or oil are available.
Gas
If natural gas is available, furnaces and boilers become options for you. You may still opt to have an all-
electric system if that suits your home or your personal preference.
Oil
If oil is available, furnaces and boilers are also options for you. However, you can switch over to an all-
electric system to better fit your needs.
Everybody’s home is different. Some are big, some are small. Older homes are not as tightly sealed as
new ones, which means efficiency is reduced. The number and size of windows, what direction the
home is facing, number of mature trees in the yard and many more factors can affect your comfort, and
may play a part in deciding what type of system is best for you. An Air Care Services, LLC technician has
the expertise to assess any unusual circumstances surrounding the specific needs of your home.

Indoor air quality is a growing concern in our society today. Americans on average spend 70% of their
time indoors and according to the American Lung Association the quality of our indoor air can be up to
FIVE TIMES worse than the outside air. That’s a pretty scary statistic!
The HVAC industry has been dealing with this issue for years and has a variety of products that will help
you improve the quality of air you breathe in your home.
Air Cleaners
Air cleaners can improve your health by keeping your entire house cleaner, protect your furnishings and
save you time and the aggravation of continuous dusting and cleaning. A whole-house cleaner can help
provide relief from irritants – up to 40 times more efficiently than standard furnace filters.
Air Purifiers
An air purifier whole-house air filtration system is the most effective air cleaning system available. It
thoroughly cleans and filters out 99.98% of airborne allergens that pass through the system. It is up to
100 times more effective than a standard 1″ filter.
Filters
By switching out your filters once a month you can cut down on the amount of dust and pollutants in
your air. Filters remove dust and other particles from the air such as pollen, bacteria, smoke, smog, pet
dander, and plant and mold spores. They also help to increase the energy efficiency and prolong the life
of your heating and cooling system.
Duct cleaning

A whole-house duct cleaning dislodges dirt and debris in the airflow systems followed by a thorough
cleaning. This cleaning will kill germs and bacteria, remove dust in your home, improve the efficiency of
your system, make your home smell clean and fresh and is also recommended by doctors and allergists.
UV Germicidal Lamps
With an Ultraviolet (UV) Germicidal Lamp you will not just remove airborne contaminants, you will
destroy them. Mold and bacteria can easily grow on air conditioning coils as a result of normal
condensation that takes place during the cooling process. A UV Germicidal Lamp is designed to kill that
mold and bacteria by breaking down its DNA. The elimination of mold and bacteria will reduce your
family’s risk of allergic reactions and illnesses as well as get rid of foul odors.