We put together the long and short of common questions we get from clients.

Proper maintenance is a great way to increase the efficiency of any HVAC system. Common HVAC maintenance includes annual maintenance – a spring and fall check-up, cleaning or replacing air filters, and adding shades to rooms with significant sunlight to keep the general temperature in check.

Overall, taking steps to reduce the workload of your HVAC system will increase its efficiency.

A UV light can help eliminate many types of fungi, bacteria, germs, viruses and pathogens in the air. The HVAC UV lights are effective at controlling mold inside the air handler, as all mold in line-of-sight of the UV bulb will be killed, keeping the coil mold-free. Call today to schedule an IAQ test!

Typically, HVAC maintenance covers general inspections of your heating and cooling equipment looking for anything that restricts proper airflow throughout your home.

At Altruistic AC & Heating, we offer maintenance plans that include spring and fall tune-ups to ensure your heating and cooling systems are working when you need them!

Generally, improper ductwork or lack of insulation is the culprit. The air ducts carry air (hot and cold) throughout your home or business. Ductwork varies between properties, however, typically supply lines lead to individual rooms with a damper at the main supply line. When some rooms cool or heat much faster than others, it may be because the dampers are not balanced.

Another culprit may be the lack of insulation. The purpose of insulation is too slow the rate of heat transfer. This is true in both hot and cold climates. In cold climates, it is intended to stop the flow of heat out of the building. In hot climates, its purpose is to slow the movement of heat into the building.

Every two to three months. Air filters are a small, but critical component to any HVAC system. Check air filters monthly and change them when dirty. Even if the dirty filter in your system seems to be doing its job well, it could be causing your system to work harder to produce the desired results.

Keeping your filter clean can prevent premature wear to your system and save you money, too.

In HVAC terms, leaks generally refer to refrigerant or air leaks. These leaks mean the AC unit will no longer be able to cool the air. As a result, the AC will blow air, but not cold air. Small leaks at the valves or in the evaporator coil are often the cause and sometimes finding the exact point of the leak can be very difficult.

Additionally, air leaks will also impact your monthly energy costs throughout the year. Air may “leak” outside of your home through gaps in the windows, doors and even electrical sockets. To identify and fix these leaks, many homeowners will have a home energy audit completed because this will source the leaks and provide a list of projects to fix the leaks.

In short, yes! In addition to cooling your home, an air conditioner removes moisture from the air to lower the humidity level inside your house. This excess condensed water is removed from the AC unit through a small drain pipe and deposited outside on the ground.

Over time algae, mold, or mildew can build up inside the condensation drain line and form a clog, causing water to back up and overflow inside the air conditioner unit. To prevent this from happening, pour a half a cup of bleach and a gallon of hot water in the access opening in the drain line near the AC unit once a month in the summer time to kill any growth that has formed in the pipe.

Don’t worry – We’ll work with you based on your needs. Whether that means prolonging the life of your current system, using our financing options, or discussing the pros and cons of waiting it out. We’re here to do what’s best for you, your home or business, and your wallet!