FAQ

HVAC companies and manufacturers generally recommend changing air filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage. A number of factors can influence how often you really need to replace the filter, such as the presence of pets, the age of your HVAC system, the location of your home (ex. dry, dusty climates), and the type of filter you use — just to name a few.

To install an air filter, follow the arrows! Most air filters have arrows printed on the sides that indicate the direction of airflow. Insert the air filter with the arrows pointed away from the return air ducts and toward the HVAC unit.

The general rule of thumb is to schedule an air conditioning service at least once a year. The best of the year to have your AC serviced is in the early spring, right before the weather gets warm.

An indoor air quality monitor, which can be bought online or at your local home improvement store, is the best way to test your home’s air quality. Depending on the model you have, the monitor can test for carbon monoxide, radon, VOCs, dust, pollen, etc.

Eliminating the pollution at its source is the most effective way of improving indoor air quality. You can start by changing the air filter on a regular basis, cleaning the air ducts, controlling indoor humidity, and keeping your home clean.

Certain plants can contribute to clean air, but the effects are very limited. All in all, plants are no substitute for air purifiers.

Yes — duct cleaning is worth it if you have a lot of dust collecting in your air ducts or, even worse, mold and mildew. These pollutants affect not only your HVAC system’s performance but also your health.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years. With good maintenance and regular DIY cleanings, this can be extended between 6 to 8 years.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R22 refrigerant, otherwise known as Freon, in 2010 because it depletes the ozone layer. Today, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of Freon are available. Therefore, R22 prices are increasing more and more each day.

The happy medium between staying comfortable and keeping energy bills low in the summer is to set your thermostat to 78 degrees, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can run ceiling fans to create a wind chill effect. Raise the temperature to 88 degrees when you’re away from home to save even more.

A variable-speed fan offers better control over the temperature, humidity, and air distribution in your home. This can lead to consistent comfort, energy savings, and improved air quality.

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet prevents electrical shock and reduces the risk of an electrical fire by monitoring the balance of electrical current and quickly shutting off the power when it detects a short circuit or ground fault. These outlets are installed in wet areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

You can detect a blown fuse by looking for damaged wiring or gray metallic ash inside the glass.

It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to charge an electric vehicle. How fast the car charges depends on the size of the battery and the power of the charging station. For example, you may be waiting between 11 to 20 hours for an EV battery to fully charge with a Level 1 charger, whereas a Level 2 charger may only need as little as 3 to 8 hours.