1. After my air conditioner runs for awhile, ice forms on the unit outside and it stops cooling. What could be the problem?
2. How do I know when my carbon monoxide detector needs to be replaced?
3. How often should I change the standard throw-away 1" filter on my furnance?
4. What do SEER and AFUE mean?
5. If I go away for a few days or even longer in the winter, at what temperature should I set my thermostat?
6. How important is added humidity to my home?
7. Why is the upstairs of my house always hot?
8. Why should I perform preventive maintenance?
9. What equipment requires preventive maintenance?
10. What type of filter should I use?
11. What are the preventive maintenance measures for my ducts?
12. What is the most efficient way to run my heating and cooling system?

 

After my air conditioner runs for awhile, ice forms on the unit outside and it stops cooling. What could be the problem?

More than likely it's either low on refrigerant or low on air flow. As a homeowner, you can try replacing your filter and allowing the unit to thaw out. If the problem reoccurs, call Marshall Heating & Air to schedule service on your system.

How do I know when my carbon monoxide detector needs to be replaced?

Most store-bought CO detectors have a limited lifespan -- usually less than 5 years. Many people think they can just plug in their CO detector and forget about it. It's important to understand that all detectors eventually lose their sensory capabilities and must be replaced. If your CO detector is a few years old, it's best to replace it. You can also test the detector using a CO test kit available at many retailers.

How often should I change the standard throw-away 1" filter?

You should change the standard 1" filter every 6-8 weeks. Believe it or not, a filter actually becomes more efficient as it gets dirtier, up to a point. After peak efficiency is reached, the efficiency drops again. Make sure to inspect the filter and use your own judgement. Don't let the filter get "clogged" as the can cut down on the efficiency and/or cause damage to the unit.

What do SEER and AFUE mean?

SEER stands for "Seasonal Energy Efficienc Ratio." Basically, it tells you how efficiently it converts electricity to cooling comfort. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. By federal law all units must be a 13 SEER or higher.

AFUE stands for "Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency." This rating tells you how much of your heating dollars are converted to heat energy put into your home and how much is lost up the flue pipe. Older furnaces are 60% efficient. That means that for every dollar you spend for gas from your utility company, $0.60 cents is used to heat your home and $0.40 cents goes up the chimney. Federal law mandates that all furnaces being produced today be at least 80% efficient and many of our furnaces are 90% plus in efficiency. Often times if you replace an old, energy-wasting furnace the savings on your utility bills will more than cover the cost of the new furnace.

If I go away for a few days in the winter, what temperature should I set my thermostat at?

We recommend 65 degrees F. It's low enough to save you energy and money, but warm enough to protect your pipes. Also, it's a good idea to turn your main water supply off even if you're only going to be gone for a day. A water leak could cause serious and very costly damage to your home.

How important is adding humidity to my home?

In the winter air is drier. This dry air can damage the woodwork and furniture you have in your home as well as zap the moisture from your skin. Dry air even makes you feel cooler because your body senses heat as a combination of temperature and humidity. Adding humidity to offset this drying process will improve your comfort as well as preserve the woodwork in your home. As an added benefit, you may actually be able to lower your thermostat a couple of degrees. You will not only feel warmer, but will actually lower your heating bill!

Why is the upstairs of my house always hot?

If you only have one system, your system is probably either undersized or your home actually calls for two systems. Many builders install one system in a home to save money, when two systems are needed to keep the upstairs comfortable.

If your system was sized and installed correctly, you should consider installing a zone system if possible. A zone system involves putting dampers in the ductwork to redirect airflow to the part of the house that needs it the most at the time. Sometimes this addition will improve air movement and help make the upper levels more comfortable.

Why should I perform preventive maintenance?

Heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your household. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down a machine quickly and unexpectedly if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing preventive maintenance, or servicing your system regularly, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many unexpected failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts.

What equipment requires preventive maintenance?

At least once a year heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up. Because gas-fired equipment functions with greater efficiency, it only needs to be serviced every other year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils and refrigerant lines.

What type of filter should I use?

Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. A media filter can have a life exceeding two months, and its only drawback is that its tight fiber weave can cause your furnace to have to work harder to blow air through the house. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity.

What are the preventive maintenance measures for my ducts?

Although modern technology has made significant advances in air filters over the past decade, a fractional amount of dust still finds its way past heating and cooling filters and into your home’s ducts. As this dust accumulates throughout your home, it creates the perfect environment for the growth of mold, mites and harmful bacteria. To check your ducts for dust buildup, pull off several supply and return registers and see how much dust has accumulated in the system. If you choose to clean your system, your best option is to contact a professional duct cleaner. Although duct cleaning has little effect on the actual air quality, it will eliminate a house-wide breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold in addition to helping your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently. If you are installing a new system, you should consider cleaning the ducts at the same time. New systems are often more powerful than old systems and can stir up dust that is sitting in the existing ductwork.

What is the most efficient way to run my heating and cooling system?

Here are several tips to help you keep your system running at its most efficient level:

1. Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature, the recommended temperature is 78º, even when no one is home.
2. Change your filters every month.
3. Check the outside condensing unit regularly for any grass clippings or leaves stuck to the coil. If it is dirty:
4. Disconnect the power at the circuit breaker FIRST!
5. Spray water from a garden hose through the coil until the water passing through it is clear.
6. Turn the power back on.
7. Have the unit serviced every spring by a licensed service company.