Frequently Asked Questions

When choosing which boiler is best for your home, you first need to choose which type. There are three main types of boilers: combi, system and conventional.

Combi boilers

Combination boilers provide heat and hot water with no need for water tanks or cylinders. You can pick either a gas or electric combi boiler. They are suitable for any home, but best for homes where a lot of people won’t need lots of hot water at the same time.

Pros

• You get unlimited heat and hot water when you need it.
• There’s no need for a tank in your loft.
• They don’t take up much space.

Cons

• The water pressure might be reduced, if you need hot water from more than one tap at a time.
• Combi boiler installation is quite tricky.

System boilers

System boilers — also known as sealed systems — come with a water cylinder (which usually sits in an airing cupboard) and no water tank. They are suitable for homes that need to have hot water in more than one place at the same time.

Pros

• There’s no need for a tank in your loft.
• You can get hot water from multiple taps at the same time.

Cons

• You don’t get hot water instantly.
• The hot water can run out, and you’ll have to wait for it to reheat.
• You need to find room for the cylinder somewhere.

Conventional boilers

Conventional boilers — also known as open vent or regular boilers — have a cylinder and a tank. They are suitable for homes that need to have hot water in more than one place at the same time.

Pros

• You can get hot water from multiple taps at the same time.

Cons

• The hot water can run out, and you’ll have to wait for it to reheat.
• You need to find room for the cylinder and the tank.

If you’re looking for a new boiler, give us a call, and we’ll help you choose the one that fits your family’s needs.

Like most HVAC systems, you should get your boiler serviced every year.

At your yearly check up, an Evolved technician will make sure your boiler system is working at top capacity. This helps to avoid small issues that could turn into big problems in the future, as well as to keep system wear to a minimum. If you have a warranty for your boiler or have home insurance, you may need to get yearly boiler maintenance done to keep your warranty or insurance valid.

There are some common reasons for boilers to stop working, including:

• broken pump
• faulty electrical components (including controls and thermostats)
• low water pressure
• frozen water
• air in the system

If your boiler stops working, any of these things could be at fault. Give Evolved Mechanical a call, and we’ll send a tech to diagnose it for you.

According to U.S. Department of Energy, you should consider replacing your boiler if it’s more than 15 years old. But if you’re smart, you won’t just pay attention to your boiler’s age, but also other signs that you need to replace it.

Other signs that it’s time to replace your boiler include:

• Your boiler needs frequent repairs.
• Your fuel bills are higher than they used to be.
• You see yellow flames and black soot.
• There are leaks in the boiler.

Buying a new furnace is a big decision for your finances and your family’s comfort. Here is what you should consider when shopping for a new furnace:

Furnace Fuel Type

• Electricity — Electricity is an expensive way to fuel a furnace, but if you do not have access to natural gas, this may be a good option for you.
• Natural gas — Natural gas furnaces can be more expensive upfront, but you will save money over time compared with electricity and oil systems.
• Oil and propane — Many old homes use oil and propane, but now many homeowners dislike the cost and need to store oil on their property.

Furnace Efficiency

When looking at the efficiency of a furnace, check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. New furnaces must have at least 78 AFUE, which the conversion rate of energy to usable heat is 78%. A Mid-range furnace have between 80 to 85 AFUE, and the most efficient furnaces have 95 to 98 AFUE.

Furnace Size

The furnace size you need completely depends on the size and layout of your home, as well as the climate you live in. A general rule is that you need at least 25 to 30 Btus of heat per square feet in the home.

When choosing between furnace types, there are 3 options:

Gas Furnace

Most American homes use a gas furnace. For this option, gas is piped into your home from the municipal line. These are usually the most cost-effective way to heat your home because gas furnaces are especially energy efficient and gas is cheaper than oil and electricity.

Oil Furnace

If you can’t get access to a gas line, you may have to choose an oil furnace. Oil furnaces are less efficient than gas, and oil prices are steadily rising.

Electric Furnace

If you can’t get gas and don’t want to use oil, you can choose an electric furnace. Though less efficient than gas furnaces, electric options are more affordable upfront. However, over time, using an electric furnace will be more expensive than gas.

If you want to heat your home but don’t want to use a furnace, a heat pump may be the best option for you. Able to heat and cool your home, heat pumps are a popular option. Many use furnaces and heat pumps in tandem to effectively heat their homes.

Knowing when you need to replace or repair your furnace can be difficult for the average homeowner. Here are some signs that your furnace needs some professional help:

• Your furnace is more than 15 years old.
• Your energy/utility bills are on the rise.
• Your furnace is expelling more dust, dirt or rust than usual.
• Your home’s humidity levels are unusual.
• Your house is unevenly heated.
• Your furnace is noisy, rattles, buzzes or hums.
• You can see rust or cracks on your furnace.
• You have had to have your furnace repaired frequently.

If you have noticed any of these signs, make sure to schedule an appointment with Evolved Mechanical. A faulty furnace could give out at any moment, leaving your family cold and in danger in a New England winter.

During operation, your air conditioning unit will produce small amounts of condensation. How much water leaks from your air conditioner, however, depends on current humidity levels and temperature, as well as the size and efficiency of your system.

When your air conditioner works hard during extremely hot and humid days, you can expect to see more water leaking than average (up to two gallons of water per day). The condensed water should leak from the back of the air conditioner unit whenever the unit is running. If A/C is leaking water from locations other than the back of the unit, you may have another type of problem.

If your water leak continues for more than 24 hours, call Evolved Mechanical professionals to inspect your unit.

Mini-splits are heating and cooling systems that allow you to control the temperatures in individual rooms or spaces.

Mini-split systems are made of two main components: an indoor air-handling unit(s) (evaporator) and an outdoor compressor/condenser (AKA pump heat). Unlike conventional air conditioners, mini split systems do not have ducts. They are easy to install and usually require only a three-inch hole through a wall for the conduit.

Mini-splits can be a good choice to room additions where extension or installation of ductwork is not feasible, as well as for energy efficient homes or new constructions that require a small space conditioning system.

A ductless mini-split air conditioner works like a regular central air conditioner but without the ducts.

The indoor unit blows warm air from your home over cold evaporator coils. The refrigerant inside these coils absorbs the heat from the air and runs it to the outside unit where the refrigerant then dumps all the heat it pulled from your home’s air.

In a mini-split ductless system, the smaller indoor unit is actually in the room it’s cooling. The indoor unit simply pulls in warm air from the room it’s in and blows cold air back into the room. This way the need for air ducts is completely eliminated.

So, how can a ductless system cool the entire home?

It’s very simple. Multiple indoor units can connect to a single outdoor unit to provide air conditioning to your entire home.

Ductless mini-split system does not require ductwork, making it the more convenient cooling and/or heating option for older buildings with thick walls. Unlike an air conditioning unit that goes on and off throughout the day, mini-split system keeps your room temperature at a constant temperature.

These systems run very quietly and are easier to install. Their compact size also allows for greater flexibility in temperature zoning. Air conditioning is limited to the rooms in which the indoor units are located. Finally, many ductless A/C units are Energy Star certified and perform better that other types of air conditioning systems when it comes to energy efficiency.

A central air conditioning system treats air at a central location and distributes it to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts. Supply duct distribute cool air from the air handler to the home. The air becomes warmer as it circulates through the home. Then, return ducts carry warm air back to the air handler to be filtered and cooled.

Central air conditioner is most likely your best option, if you want to keep your whole house cool. The system is virtually invisible so if you’re very particular about your décor, this may be a better choice for you.

How are you supposed to know when it’s time to replace your air conditioner? Although a new air conditioner can be a big investment so can the costs of continuing to repair and operate an old, inefficient unit. The tell-tale signs listed below are sure to help you make your decision!

• Air conditioner is more than 10 years old — In general, well-maintained air conditioner can last up to 15 years. However, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old and it requires expensive repairs, it will make more sense to replace it.
• Air conditioner is expensive to repair — If the cost of the repair would cover a large part of a new system, and especially if your air conditioner is showing other signs of malfunctioning that would require additional servicing in the future, it will make more sense to replace it.
• Frequent breakdowns — If your air conditioner is constantly breaking down, it doesn’t make sense to invest in repairs over and over again.
• Air conditioner is inefficient — If your air conditioner has a low SEER rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), it can cost you a lot of money to operate it. If your A/C’s SEER rating is below 13, which is obligatory for all newly manufactured air conditioners, it would be wiser to replace it with a new, more efficient unit.
• Air conditioner uses R-22 — This refrigerant is being phased out by the federal government in order to conserve energy nationwide. As a result, the costs of R-22 are rising exponentially. If your air conditioner uses R-22, you’ll have to replace it eventually to switch over to the new refrigerant, R410A. If you’re having major problems with your air conditioner, especially if they involve the need for more of this discontinued refrigerant, it’s probably a good time to replace your unit.

If you have any questions about when to replace your air conditioner, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Evolved Mechanical.

Without a doubt, keeping your home cool in the summer is one of your biggest expenses. Here are some tips to help increase the efficiency of your air conditioning unit and make your home cooler for less cost.

• Change your air filters at least every three months. When the filters are dirty, the unit has to work harder, which uses more energy, drives your electric bill up and damages the unit.
• Keep debris cleared away from the vents and coils. Leaves, grass, bird feathers and dust can become lodged in and around the unit and block the airflow that the unit needs to operate efficiently.
• Increase temperature settings when you are not at home. There is no need to keep the house cold if you are not there. This can save as much as twenty percent on your electric bill and will also increase air conditioner efficiency because it doesn’t have to work so hard.
• Do chores that raise the temperature in the house early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperature outside is lower.
• Use ceiling fans to help circulate air through the house to provide a breeze. Fans set on low use much less energy than the air conditioner, even if the temperature is a degree or two higher.
• Use drapes, blinds or shutters on windows facing the sun. Solar shade screens that filter out part of the light are also helpful.
• Check your home for air leaks and insulate them. Air escaping from a home can account for as much as 30% of additional cooling cost.

We understand the hesitance to spend money when you think everything is fine, but annual air conditioner tune-ups are recommended not only by Evolved Mechanical, but also by the EPA, ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Department of Energy, and local utilities.

Air conditioners are put through a lot over the cooling season. Without a regular maintenance and tune-ups, your air conditioner will begin to break down quickly.

A/C tune-ups have loads of benefits that you won’t ever think of until something goes wrong with your AC system. Evolved Mechanical can save money on your home’s energy costs as well as air conditioner repairs. You’ll also be making sure that your A/C unit will last a much longer time and be more efficient during that time.

Even if you do not suspect that your air conditioning unit has problems, we at Evolved Mechanical strongly recommend you have it serviced and inspected at least once every year. This will ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency. It will be ready to cool the house in the months when you require it most.

As the air conditioning unit runs, it tends to accumulate dirt and dust in air filters and the condensing coils. The buildup of dirt and dust, if not checked, reduces your machine’s operating efficiency by 5%. This means that your air conditioner cannot cool the house as much as it should when clean.

We at Evolved Mechanical also wash the condenser of the air conditioner, and this can save you a lot of headache as well as money in future. Although it is a simple thing, failing to wash your condenser could cause it to malfunction and even ruin it totally.

A correctly sized system isn’t just based on the size of the structure. Many factors go into determining the size of the system, including type of house and walls, type and size of windows, insulation, basement and attic conditions, house orientation etc.

When sizing air conditioners, be careful not to get one that is too large. If the system is too large for the space, it will cycle on and off more frequently, increasing operating costs and reducing the system life. Also, the compressor will not run long enough to dehumidify the space and will limit your comfort. Experienced Evolved Mechanical technician will visit your house and take detailed measurements and notes while conducting the survey to suggest the A/C system that best fits your needs.

The size of your apartment will be one of the most important factors in which type of air conditioner is most suitable. A studio apartment and a three bedroom will have very different cooling requirements. If you only need to cool a studio or perhaps one room of a larger apartment, smaller systems like window units or portable units may be suitable. A ductless/mini split units will generally be the best option for larger spaces.

Window Units

If you’re renting or want to avoid serious wall modification, this is the way to go. Window units provide the most cost-effective and painless solution to cooling a single room. The units are relatively cheap, and they have a lot of cooling power. The installation of these is pretty simple, and they’re very portable.

Portable Units

Portable A/C units are commonly used in bedrooms, dens, computer rooms and many other places. Technically, all the parts are physically in one box, but you’ll still need a hose to carry air inside and out through the window so these devices usually sit on the floor near a window. A portable A/C is portable in the sense that it allows you to change the point where cool air is blowing. However, it can only go as far as the exhaust hose stretches so its mobility is limited.

Portable units are for those who absolutely can’t use a window unit and aren’t able to do any wall modifications. As Consumer Reports points out, they’re costly and not very efficient in general.

Ductless/Mini-Split Units

Mini-Split units consist of two parts: the indoor component that you can mount on a wall and the outdoor component that sits outside your home. A “ductless” means that you don’t need to have a complex system of ducts installed throughout your entire home.

Split units are comparatively simple to install as they just require drilling a three-inch hole in a wall and running wires through it. They are very quiet, yet powerful — their cooling power is among the closest you can get to real central air without tearing apart all your walls and ceilings to install. The main disadvantage here is that the initial installation of mini-splits is usually costly, which can put off some homeowners. In addition, you can’t move them from room to room like you can with a window or portable unit and will also still need multiple units to cool separate rooms.

A central air conditioner is a life-saver in the sticky dog days of New England summers. Of course, you may be thankful for your central A/C, but do you know how it works?

Central air conditioners work a lot like a refrigerator. Refrigerant travels through the tubes and coils of the machine to absorb the heat in one part of the machine and move it to another. When it takes away the heat parts of the machine make, it leaves coldness in its absence. An A/C will then take that coldness and put it somewhere else, namely, your house.

Window unit air conditioners are possibly the most well-known method of cooling a home. Their cooling process is similar to a central air conditioner, but they are installed in an open window and can only cool one room instead of a whole house.

As you know, if you pay your own energy bill, air conditioners can take up a lot of energy. That’s why it’s so important for it to be energy efficient.

For people looking for a truly energy efficient way to cool their house, we usually point them towards a ductless mini-split air conditioner. A ductless mini split is a lot like a regular air conditioner, but, as you may have already guessed, it doesn’t have any ducts. Instead, there is an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The part of the mini split that is inside your house takes your home’s warm air and cools it down by blowing it over coils with refrigerant in them, like a traditional A/C. The heat that the refrigerant removes then goes outside of your house thanks to the outdoor unit.

And because we live in New England and get to experience sweltering summers and frigid winters, the best part of ductless mini-splits is that most of them are also heat pumps! That means they can heat your house by reversing the system that allows it to cool your home. Mini-splits are also great because they are smaller than traditional central air conditioners, and they allow you to heat or cool specific zones of your house.

There is no one perfect cooling solution for every home. Some houses need central air systems, some owners prefer mini splits, and some people only need window units. Not sure what’s right for you? Give Evolved Mechanical a call today, and we’ll answer all your questions!

Before you call us in a panic, there’s a few steps to make sure your A/C unit is really broken.

1. Check that it is getting power. You might have tripped a circuit or blown a fuse.
2. Check the fan. If you can turn the fan on, the blower is getting power and the problem might be with your thermostat. If the fan doesn’t turn on, you might be having blower problems.
3. Check the thermostat. Is it still on cool or auto? Is it in the right temperature? Have you changed the batteries recently? These are usually the issues with thermostats.

Once you do all this and your A/C still isn’t working, give us a call, and we’ll send someone out ASAP.

Some of the most important things to look for in a new A/C unit are sizing, pricing and efficiency.

Getting the right size A/C means making sure that the system will be able to cool your entire home. The larger your house, the larger capacity your new system will need, and the more expensive it will be.

Pricing is self-explanatory. You need a system you can afford that does the job. We can work with you on financing and finding applicable rebates.

Efficiency is how much energy is takes your A/C unit to cool your home. High-efficiency A/Cs use less energy, which means a lower energy bill! You can check your new system’s efficiency by checking its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). The higher the SEER (look for 15 and above), the more efficient the system.

The size of your A/C unit does not correspond to how much it will cool your home. What matters is that it is the right size unit. If your unit is too small for your home’s square footage, it will not be able to effectively cool the whole house. If the air conditioner is too large for your house, it will start up and shut down frequently throughout the day because it does not have to run as long to keep your home cool. This puts additional strain on the machine, which means it will require more maintenance and repairs.

Yes. Though it does not have as much impact as an air conditioner, a ceiling fan is a very important part of cooling your home. If you have a ceiling fan, you can even turn your thermostat up a few degrees without feeling any hotter, which will save you money. Your A/C and fan work together to keep your home cool and comfortable for your family.

When you zone your home, you can individually control as many different areas of your house as you prefer. Every zone has its own heat pump or duct along with a thermostat. That way you can determine a zone’s temperature based on how much that area of your home gets used and what the preferences of your family members are. This is a very efficient and energy-saving way to heat and cool your home.

The benefits of zoning include more individualized comfort, better energy-efficiency and more control.

Buying a new air conditioner can actually save you money in the long run. New models are as much as 30% more effective than systems that are only 10 years old. When shopping for a new A/C, look for the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the system is. When your A/C is energy-efficient, your utility bills go down, saving you money. And as a bonus, there are many rebates available for new A/C models.

Whether or not you should adjust your thermostat for a vacation depends on how long you will be gone. If it is a short weekend trip, keep your cooling system on, but at a higher temperature than you normally set it to. When you keep the A/C running during short trips, it saves energy and keeps your home’s humidity level low.

If you will be gone for a longer trip (a week or more), you should shut the entire cooling system off.

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can put these preferences into the system and not have to worry about it. If you will be gone for a longer vacation, you can set your thermostat to turn back on the day before you return so your home is cool and comfortable when you arrive.

Programmable thermostats have a high up-front cost, but they will save you money over the long run if you use them correctly. The best way to use a programmable thermostat is to match it to your sleep schedule. When you are sleeping, you don’t need to heat or cool your home as much as you do when you’re awake. So if you program your thermostat to decrease the heat or air conditioning during sleeping hours, and then, to turn back up around when you wake up, you will save a significant amount of energy (and money!).

Smart thermostats have become very popular, which means that there are a lot of options to choose from. It is important to do some research on these before making a purchase.

Smart thermostats can be simple, while others are very complex. Some only know your basic schedules, while others have location-based automation. Some can even learn!

The most important things to look for in a smart thermometer are ability and ease of setting schedules. Some thermostats allow you to set schedules based on the day or time, which saves you money on your utility bills. It’s also important that your thermostat has an interface that you are comfortable using so you get the most use out of the product.

It’s also important to know that installing a smart thermostat can be difficult. You or the HVAC professional who is installing the thermostat needs to be familiar with your home’s heating, cooling and wiring systems. You also need to know what type of system you have, because if the thermostat is not compatible with your cooling and heating system, you could cause significant damage to your HVAC system. If you don’t feel confident installing it yourself, feel free to reach out to Evolved Mechanical. We will be happy to help.

The average lifespan of a heat pump depends on the climate, system use, system age and whether or not it receives regular maintenance. Most units last around 15 years, but if you take good care of your heat pump, it can last much longer.

Depending on the climate you live in, how much you use your heat pump, and whether you do regular maintenance on it, your heat pump’s lifespan will vary. If you are having trouble with your heat pump, it can be difficult to know when to replace it or when it simply needs repairs. Only a trained professional can make that decision, but you can look out for some signs so you know when to call Evolved Mechanical.

Here are some signs that your heat pump is not working properly:

• unit is blowing hot or cold air that is inconsistent with temperature settings
• diminished air flow
• strange noises or smells
• leaking or excess moisture
• short cycling
• higher energy bills
• frequent repairs are needed

When you notice any of these signs, make sure to call Evolved Mechanical right away. We can help you decide whether you need to replace your heat pump or not.

Usually, a larger heat pump is not the solution to this problem. The problem may lie in your ductwork. It might be undersized, poorly design or incorrectly installed. To solve this issue, you might require a heat load calculation, ductwork modifications or an energy audit. Evolved Mechanical can help you diagnose and solve all of these problems so call today.

You may see some frost forming on your heat pump, but there is no need to panic. Check back in a couple of hours, and see if it’s still there. Your system should take care of the problem during its defrost cycle. However, if there is a significant amount of frost, ice or snow on your system that does not go away, there is something wrong with your system. You may have a problem with your defrost controls, reversing valve or improper refrigerant level. If this happens, it’s time to call Evolved Mechanical for a professional opinion.

Never cover your heat pump. Because you run your heat pump all year, it needs to be uncovered at all times. To work properly and safely, your system needs to take in air along the sides and release exhaust out the top. If there is snow or frost on your system, only remove it from the top. Attempting to remove snow or ice from the sides could actually damage your heat pump, and the system should take care of this problem by itself when it goes into defrost mode.

Many homeowners are turning to ductless mini-split heat pump systems as an efficient way to heat and cool their homes. Mini-splits provide high-performing, zoned temperature control without the need for centralized ductwork. However, some customers may be in for a surprise when they see their monthly electric bill after installing a mini-split system. Here are a few key reasons why your electric usage — and subsequently your bill — could potentially rise:

• More Hours of Operation — With a convenient, individual thermostat for each indoor unit, homeowners tend to use their mini-split system more frequently than a traditional central A/C or furnace. People may set the temperature a few degrees cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter and leave it running longer since it’s so energy efficient. This increased “on” time results in higher overall kilowatt-hour usage.
• Supplementary Heating/Cooling — Mini-splits allow you to heat and cool targeted areas instead of the whole house. Individuals may be more liberal about adjusting the temperature in different rooms as needed. For example, keeping the master bedroom cooler at night while still heating other parts of the home. The extra conditioning adds to your cumulative electrical consumption.
• All-Electric Operation — Mini-split heat pumps replace fuel-burning furnaces, boilers or baseboard heaters that use natural gas, oil or propane as the primary heat source. These fossil fuels are inherently cheaper to operate than electric resistance heating. So homes relying solely on mini-split heat pumps for winter temperatures require more expensive electricity versus a mixed system.
• Sizing and Zoning Choices — It’s common for customers to install an HVAC system larger than strictly necessary or zone off more areas than truly warranted. Oversized mini-splits will heat/cool rooms very quickly but run much longer cycling on and off, increasing electricity use versus right-sized equipment.
• Auxiliary Devices — Many new homeowners add humidifiers, ventilators or additional filters to their ductless mini-splits, all of which consume modest amounts of extra power constantly. Over time, these small parasitic loads contribute to higher utility costs.

Despite the potential, mini-split heat pumps remain very energy efficient choices that can reduce HVAC expenses in the long run compared to older systems. By understanding normal usage behaviors and properly sizing/zoning installations, homeowners can minimize unexpected increases to their electric bills after a ductless mini-split installation. Call us to discuss options to optimize comfort and efficiency from a new ductless mini-split system.

Here are some tips to minimize increased electric usage after installing a ductless mini-split system:

• Size the system properly for your home. Oversizing can lead to longer run times. Evolved can help with this.
• Zone rooms based on when and how they are used. Combine frequently used rooms onto one indoor head.
• Apply proper insulation and air sealing before installing to reduce overall heating/cooling needs.
• Use economical fan settings when possible instead of always running on high-speed cooling/heating.
• Set accurate temperature setpoints. Too cold/hot and the system will have to work harder.
• Close vents/doors in rooms not in use to better direct conditioned air where needed.
• Consider a multi-head mini-split to better balance heating/cooling across the home.
• Have a technician perform regular maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency.
• Use timer, thermostat or app-based controls to limit run times when not home.
• Consider adding supplemental solar panels or a home battery to offset increased electric costs.
• Educate all household members on energy efficient usage habits for the new system.

While many people associate allergy symptoms with pollen, pollution and other irritants outside your home, your indoor air quality can have a big impact on your symptoms.

Our New England homes are contaminated with outdoor allergens, like pollen, that make their way in our homes, and by irritants like pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, chemicals from everyday household cleansers and more. So, what can you do about it? The key is in your A/C system!

A dirty A/C system can foster and distribute allergens throughout your home so the solution is to keep your system functioning properly and keep your air filters clean. Establish a reminder or indicate it on your calendar to look at them monthly and exchange them out when you see that they’re getting dirty. You can get filters that range from the most basic level of filtering to hospital-grade HEPA filters. The experts at Evolved Mechanical can help you establish which kind of filter will keep your home nourishing and keep your air conditioner functioning properly.

We believe a home that uses air conditioner to a regular standard use should clean their filters every three months. If you have exceptionally high use, we believe you should clean your filters monthly. The more you clean them the healthier your air will be and the less dollars you will spend on running costs.

For standard dust catching filters you should remove the filter and hose out. Gently tap each side of the filter on the ground to remove excess water, leave out side to dry and return to your system.

The frequency you should change your air filter depends heavily on this one factor: the weather. In the hot summer days you’re running your air conditioner constantly which causes the air filter to catch more dust, dirt and debris. Therefore, you’ll need to change the air filter more often, ideally once a month.

In winter when you rarely run your A/C you should change your filter once every three months.

Though humidity never sounds like a good thing, there is an ideal range that your home should stay within. During the warmer months, your home’s humidity should be around 30-45%, and never be higher than 50%. However, when it is cold outside, 40% humidity is ideal. This prevents condensation on your windows.

If your home does not stay within the recommended humidity range, your family will feel uncomfortable and may be more susceptible to respiratory disorders or chemical reactions. Beyond the health risks, improper humidity levels can damage your home, inside and out.

Air conditioning problems don’t end with the air conditioner unit itself. They can also occur with ductwork. You might have leaking ducts, poorly sealed registers and grills, damaged flexible ducts, poorly insulated ducts, or even dirty ducts! All of this can lead to an overworked, inefficient cooling system that means a higher energy bill for you and an A/C that may conk out before its time.

Ducts are the passageways that cold air travels throughout to cool your home and that warm air leaves your house. There are two main types of ductwork: flexible ductwork and rigid.

Flexible ductwork is made up of plastic tubes surrounded by insulation. It’s perfect for tricky spots that rigid ductwork won’t fit in. A skilled installer will make sure there’s no kinks or sagging when they install flexible ductwork.

Rigid ductwork can either be tube-shaped or rectangular and is made up of sheet metal, fiberboard or lined with fiberglass. Rigid ductwork is also insulated. The best material used for rigid ductwork depends on whether it’s for a home or office or if the ductwork is primarily for ventilation or for heating and cooling.

Trying to decide whether a tankless water heater or a storage-type water heater is right for your home? Here are the pros and cons of each system.

Tankless Water Heater

Pros:

• more energy efficient
• lower utility bills
• take up less space
• hot water on demand, which means you never run out
• longer lifespan of more than 20 years with proper maintenance

Cons:

• high initial cost
• complicated installation, if you are switching from a traditional water heater to a tankless system

Storage-type Water Heater

Pros:

• low initial cost for system and installation
• simple to install and replace

Cons:

• higher utility bill because they heat and reheat water at a pre-set temperature, regardless of how much or little water you use
• take up more space
• can run out of hot water, if too many people in your home need hot water
• shorter life span of only 10-15 years