Vent Heating & Cooling Service FAQs

For a standard 1” filter you should replace it every 1-3 months depending on usage and indoor air quality. For larger filters called media filters the answer is every 3-6 months. Visually inspect a clean filter next to your used filter and if it is very discolored or has a large accumulation of debris it is time to replace

Routinely changing your filters, having the proper humidity levels around the home and installing an air purifier to your system are the three most effective solutions at improving indoor air quality to avoid increased respiratory problems, headaches, poor overall health, increased allergy symptoms, dryness and more.

Having your equipment serviced at least once per year ensures that equipment longevity and efficiency. Annual maintenance allows a professional to identify potentially minor repairs that are necessary before they become major repairs. Most manufacturers also require annual maintenance by a professional to maintain the warranty on HVAC equipment.

Check to see if there is a dirty filter causing your furnace to overheat. You can also check the switch on the furnace to make sure it is on as well as the circuit breaker if it has no power at all. Lastly, you can check to make sure the gas valve to the furnace has not been shut off. If none of these factors are the culprit, then you should contact a professional to diagnose the issue

Check to see if there is a dirty filter causing your system to freeze. Check for signs of water spilling from around the furnace area.  If this is the case and the filter is clean then call a professional. You can also check the switch on the furnace to make sure it is on as well as the circuit breaker to the outside air conditioner to make sure there is power. If none of these factors are the culprit, then you should contact a professional to diagnose the issue..

Typically, most systems will last 15-20 years providing the system was properly installed within the manufacturer specifications.  However, life expectancy can be reduced to as low as 10 years if the system was improperly installed.  On improperly installed systems you can expect frequent breakdowns and higher energy bills.

Hot water heaters have a life expectancy of 8-12 years and this life expectancy is shorter when you live in an area with harder water.  If you notice any form of leaking or rusting and corrosion on the pipes or the body of the hot water this is a sign to replace the heater before it fails.  Many times water heaters are not replaced until they have failed or created a substantial water leak in the home.There is a common misconception that bigger means better and with HVAC equipment. The system should be properly sized for the needs of the home.  This is achieved through proper measuring of the ductwork, cubic footage and other critical factors.  HVAC equipment that is too large or small for a home leads to frequent breakdowns, utility inefficiency and uncomfortable temperatures.

This is most common in multilevel homes.  The most common culprits are dirty air filters causing airflow restriction, improperly sized equipment, a poor ductwork design not allowing the proper airflow or problems with the blower motor in the furnace.  Many airflow issues can be resolved by pairing a properly sized furnace with the correct blower motor technology to the existing ductwork of the home.  Oftentimes ductwork modifications can be made to a new or pre-existing installation to improve airflow quality to alleviate uneven temperatures.  Rooms with many windows exposed to sunlight or cold winds or poorly insulated homes will also cause uneven temperatures. 

The cost of air conditioner replacement depends on a number of factors, including the power system’s capacity, any required modifications, the efficiency of the model, the type of air conditioner, and any taxes and rebates. In our experience, prices in 2023 range widely, from $4500 to $7000 on average. The best way to get a straight answer on your air conditioning unit is to contact us and schedule a free in-home estimate!

In our technicians' experience, the average life of an air conditioning system is between 12 and 17 years. Additionally, a well-installed and maintained system can last an average of 15 to 20 or more years! Longevity is dependent on the airflow in your home. Luckily, our team here at Vent Heating & Cooling Service will measure airflow on every visit, and when we install a new AC, we give you options to alleviate airflow concerns! This is just one of our many specialties.

The answer to this question is going to be different depending on the cost, age, frequency of issues, and overall condition of your air conditioning unit. Generally, you should replace your AC if the cost to repair is significant, the air quality is causing health concerns, or the unit has been giving you frequent, reoccurring problems.

In short – no, definitely not! It is an essential system in your home that will keep your family comfortable and healthy. You can get more for your investment with regular maintenance. Annual air conditioning maintenance can greatly increase the life of your unit, improve indoor air quality, and prevent costly and unexpected repairs. In our experience, properly-maintained AC systems last an average of five to 10 more years than units that don't get maintenance services annually.

A licensed and insured HVAC specialist like those at Vent Heating & Cooling Service should be consulted before you add or replace an air conditioning system. We’ll do a proper whole home load calculation that factors in the layout and square footage of your house, the average climate, the number and type of windows, insulation, and even the number of people living in the home. Without these considerations, you could end up with a unit that is not big enough, meaning it will likely not keep up with your cooling needs or last as long as expected. Even worse, you could end up with a system that is so big that it constantly cycles on and off and wastes energy. Either way, you may not receive the full life of that air conditioner and not get the full use of your investment.

If you’re interested in keeping your cooling costs down, use the auto setting so the fan only runs when needed to maintain the set temperature. However, if you prefer a more consistent temperature, use the on setting for uninterrupted airflow. This option may also be beneficial if you have allergies or asthma because air will constantly be filtered as it flows through the air conditioning system.

There are lots of reasons for this, and almost all of them will require help from a professional technician. Start by making sure your air conditioning filter is clean. If the filter was at fault, speed up the thawing process by turning your system off, then turning on the fan only; just make sure you switch the system settings back to normal afterward. Other possible causes are low refrigerant, a dirty evaporator coil, or a defective blower motor or relay. These issues would require a further diagnosis from a Vent Heating & Cooling Service professional.

According to OneDesk, 87% of homes have air conditioning in the United States. If you're among these homeowners, here are a few easy ways to minimize your summer energy use and cooling costs:

• Make sure all air vents are open and unrestricted.
• Get a programmable or WiFi-enabled smart thermostat so your AC doesn’t run continually when you’re gone.
• Hire a professional for regular air conditioning maintenance and filter changes.
• Use ceiling fans so you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees and still feel comfortable.

Your spring cleaning to-do list should include air conditioning maintenance. Regular preventive services from a professional can extend the life of your unit, but there’s a certain point when repairing your AC is no longer cost-effective. When this time comes, a technician from Vent Heating & Cooling Service can walk you through the steps of comparing and choosing the best new system for your home and budget.