FAQ
HVAC:
What does HVAC stand for?
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.How long should a typical furnace and air conditioner last?
Typically a furnace and air conditioner can last 16-20 years but it depends upon how the unit has been maintained and used over the years.Will my monthly heating/cooling costs decrease with a new furnace?
Yes, they can. It depends whether you have an old model and are replacing it with a high efficiency model.How can I control the humidity levels in my home?
Whole house humidifiers or dehumidifiers can be installed. Our technicians can help you determine what you need and how to save you money.Some rooms in my home are colder or warmer than others. Can this issue be resolved?
This is usually a ventilation issue. Dampers or booster fans can sometimes be installed or adjusted to direct airflow to these rooms or areas. There could be other issues as well, such as poor window installation and the absence of return vents.
HEATING:
What regular maintenance do heating systems need?
The most important part of the HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, it’s important to keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. We recommend that your heating system be checked and serviced annually; ideally an autumn tune-up for your furnace. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.Why do I need to change my filter regularly?
Regular filter replacement helps heating systems operate at peak levels with improved indoor air quality. It’s important to change filters regularly for proper airflow and keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements.How often should I replace my filters?
In general, Ahrens Heating & Cooling recommends you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month as well.My furnace isn't working. What should I do?
Before you call a repairman, be sure the batteries in your thermostat are charged, check that your circuit breaker assigned to your furnace isn’t tripped and also confirm your furnace isn’t turned off. We hate to charge customers for a service call to flip a switch on. You’d be surprised how many calls per year we get like this.My pilot light has gone out, how do I safely light it?
Lighting a pilot can be a lengthy process for someone who has never done it. Additionally, it can be dangerous. A pilot light will go out if the gas supply, the gas control valve or the thermocouple fails. You should shut the gas valve off to the furnace and then call Ahrens Heating & Cooling.What are the signs that a furnace should be replaced?
There are many factors that determine if a furnace should be replaced. Those include: age, efficiency loss, too many repairs and heat exchanger issues.What if my furnace goes out in the middle of the night?
What is the best way to maintain my new furnace?
Filter changes are essential along with an annual check by a qualified technician.How fast can Ahrens install my new furnace?
Once ordered, we can usually install within 24 hours.Why is my furnace making a strange noise?
- Dirt build-up: If too much outside contamination gets into a furnace (usually because of problems with the air filter), it can damage the working parts and make it noisier.
- Failing motors: If a motor is overworked and has not received proper maintenance, it can start to burn out.
- Gas leaks: If you have a furnace powered by natural gas, pay special attention to any rattling sounds coming from it. This might indicate a carbon-monoxide leak due to cracks in the heat exchanger. This is an urgent issue and needs an HVAC technician to remedy it immediately.
Do you work on OIL furnaces and boilers?
No, we don’t.Does Ahrens Heating & Cooling maintain boilers?
Yes, we do!
DUCT CLEANING:
Do my ducts need cleaning?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average home accumulates about 40 pounds of dust per year! You may see this manifest in your home in a number of ways:- You are dusting more frequently than usual
- You notice unusual odors when your HVAC system comes on
- There is visible dust buildup on your vent grills
- You observe streaking or black marks around your vent grills
- You or any family members begin to suffer from allergies or respiratory issues within the confines of your home
Such signs indicate the need for an expert air duct cleaning, which Ahrens Heating & Cooling can provide. We thoroughly clean heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to eliminate dust, pet dander, and other allergens from both residential and commercial heating and cooling systems.
What about companies that offer whole house duct cleaning for around $99?
Consumers should be aware of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies may also employ “bait-and-switch” techniques by persuading the consumer into unneeded services. Also be aware of companies that use a glorified “shop vac” systems with a brush.What sets our duct cleanings apart from the competition?
Ahrens Heating and Cooling uses a negative air duct cleaning vacuum to perform the duct cleanings which includes a hepa-filter. Sanitizer mist is always included at no extra cost.How often should air ducts be cleaned?
How frequently your ducts need to be cleaned can depend on a number of lifestyle factors. When you see more dust accumulating in your home than you feel you should have, definitely give us a call. People with pets or larger families, smokers, and people who bring home dusty clothes from work may need cleanings more often.Other things to consider include whether the home is close to roads with heavy traffic or in a rural area and recent construction or home improvements of any kind, including new carpet installation or removal. Another great opportunity for duct cleaning is at the time of a new home purchase to sanitize from the previous owner.
A/C:
Could My A/C Need More Refrigerant?
Many homeowners have a tendency to think that adding refrigerant can solve most problems. However, a central air conditioner is a sealed system and should not lose its refrigerant. Although it does happen, low refrigerant means there is a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will get the system cooling again but will not solve the root problem.After a recharge, there is no guarantee how long the system will continue to cool. A permanent leak repair on a young system is usually the recommendation of our technicians, but we understand that budgets sometime don’t allow for this. Our goal is to make your home comfortable again, but also to help you understand what is wrong with the system and explain all the options available to start it cooling again. We have some other options to help get a system working.
What regular maintenance do cooling systems need?
The most important part of the HVAC maintenance aspect is maintaining unrestricted air flows. Dust, dirt, and debris are an HVAC system’s worst enemies. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor unit, it’s important to keep all filters clean and heat exchangers and coils free of restrictions. We recommend that your cooling system be checked and serviced annually; ideally a spring tune-up for your air conditioning unit. Also we recommend that you change your filter regularly, depending on the type of filter you have. This alone can eliminate many of the most common problems and can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious breakdown.Why do I need to change my filter regularly?
Regular filter replacement helps cooling systems operate at peak levels with improved indoor air quality. It’s important to change filters regularly for proper airflow and keep your home free from dust, allergens and germs. Depending on the type of filter, you may require weekly or monthly filter replacements.How often should I replace my filters?
In general, Ahrens Heating & Cooling recommends you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month as well.My A/C isn't working. What should I do?
Before you call a repairman, be sure the batteries in your thermostat are charged, check that your circuit breaker assigned to your air conditioning unit isn’t tripped and also confirm your A/C isn’t turned off. We hate to charge customers for a service call to flip a switch on. You’d be surprised how many calls per year we get like this.
DRYER VENT CLEANINGS:
How can I tell if my dryer vent needs cleaning?
- It takes longer and longer to dry a load of clothing, especially heavy items, such as towels and jeans.
- Dryer itself feels hotter than usual. Clothes are very hot and still damp at the end of the cycle.
- Airflow in the vent seems low. Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn’t open when dryer is on.
- There is no lint on the lint screen. Exhaust system is clogged.
How often should my dryer vent be cleaned?
Households of 1 to 2 people should clean dryer vents every 2 years, and larger households (3 or more) should clean their vents every year.Very few people realize the danger of clothes dryer fires. However, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year.
In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.
RADON:
What is radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at high risk for developing lung cancer.Homes with children should take extra caution. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon, which may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.
Should you test for radon?
Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface.The US EPA, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association, and National Safety Council all recommend testing your home for radon. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
If your heating and cooling system isn’t working well, try these simple troubleshooting tips before making an appointment. You might even save yourself some time and money.
What can I check before scheduling any service appointment for my HVAC system?
- Make sure the thermostat is set correctly and check that the batteries are new, charged or good.
- Check to see if the furnace filter is clean, and change the filter if needed.
- Check the circuit breaker to make sure it wasn’t tripped. A tripped breaker could be the start of a problem or just a random occurrence. If it trips more than once, you should have a certified technician diagnose the problem.
What should I look for if I am having problems with my air conditioner?
- Look at the condenser (located outside) to make sure it is clean and has room to breathe. Shrubs and plants often grow too close to the condenser, preventing airflow. Look for 12 inches of clearance on all sides.
- Do you have power to your system? If you’ve lost power to your home or you are using a “Saver’s Switch” from your utility company, your air conditioner might not run. Find out if your Xcel Energy Saver’s Switch is activated.
What should I look for if I am having problems with my furnace?
Before you call a repairman, be sure the batteries in your thermostat are charged, check to be sure your circuit breaker assigned to your furnace isn’t tripped and also check to make sure your furnace isn’t turned off. Check to make sure the emergency shut-off switch isn’t in the off position. We hate to charge customers for a service call to flip a switch to the “on” position. You’d be surprised how many calls per year we get like this.
