How often should I have my HVAC equipment serviced?
To ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency, you should have HVAC preventative maintenance done on your systems before each heating and cooling season.
Learn more about HVAC preventative maintenance »
How often should I change my furnace filter?
You should be changing furnace filters every one to three months, depending on how often you’re using your air conditioner or furnace. Changing your furnace filter provides a number of benefits to your home.
Learn more about changing furnace filters »
Can I service my own heating and cooling systems?
Can you? Possibly, with the right tools and skills needed to safely perform repairs. Should you? Probably not. In many cases it’s best to call an HVAC service technician.
Find out when it’s time to call an HVAC service technician »
Should I cover my air conditioner during winter months?
Yes, but only the top of the unit.
What are the benefits of duct cleaning?
Studies have shown that home duct systems should be kept clean to reduce allergens and dust particles in the air stream of your home and prolong the life and efficiency of your equipment.
How can I reduce allergens in my home?
There are a number of ways to reduce the allergens in your home that could be causing problems for you and your family.
Find out how to reduce allergens »
How do I know if I need a programmable thermostat for my home?
Programmable thermostats are one of the most efficient methods of controlling the energy use in your home. If you’re concerned about rising utility bills or conserving energy, installing a programmable thermostat could be just the thing for you!
Learn more about installing a programmable thermostat »
Is R-22 Freon really being phased out?
Definitely yes. The Clean Air Act of 1990 mandated a complete phase-out of R-22 and in 1996 a production cap was placed on its production. In 2004 production of R-22 will be cut by 25% and the manufacture of R-22 compatible equipment will be prohibited after 2010. Production of R-22 will be banned completely is 2020.
The replacement is a much more environmentally friendly coolant, R-410A.
What do SEER., AFUE and HSP.F mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; and HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These are the most commonly used terms to describe equipment efficiencies. The higher the number, the better.
Will Rick’s Heating’s service technician really come out at 2:00 a.m. if my system stops working?
YES!
How does an air conditioner work?
An air conditioner seems as if it cools your home’s air, but in reality an air conditioner makes your home less warm by removing heat from the indoor air and transferring that heat to the outdoor air.
Heat is extracted from the home by passing indoor air across a refrigerant coil in the indoor unit. Refrigerant lines then carry the heat to the outdoor unit, where it is released into the outside air. The cooling cycle continues until the indoor temperature reaches the thermostat setting.
If you would like more information on heating or cooling products or services, , contact us today. One of our heating and air experts will discuss the heating and cooling products and services for your home or business.
Why do I need a furnace cleaning each year?
Why do I need a furnace cleaning each year? The number one reason most people want to have a furnace cleaning every year is to maintain their warranty. It can also improve efficiency and performance.
Learn more about the benefits of furnace cleaning »
How can I prevent dry skin and static shock in the winter?
How can I prevent dry skin and static shock in the winter? Most people with a forced-air heating system, such as a furnace or heat pump, are familiar with the dry, uncomfortable air that comes along with heating your home in the winter. However, there are ways to combat this!
Find out how to reduce static shock and prevent dry skin »
My fuel oil bills are getting very high for my oil furnace. What can I do?
My fuel oil bills are getting very high for my oil furnace. What can I do? This is a common concern among many of our oil furnace customers. With home heating oil prices rising, there are two major things you can do to lower your bills.
Learn more about lowering your home heating oil prices »
Do I need an air conditioner cover for winter?
Whether or not to invest in an air conditioner cover for winter can be confusing to homeowners because it makes sense to cover your outdoor equipment to protect it from the elements. However, at Rick’s Heating & Cooling, we don’t recommend covering the entire unit as you may often see in stores.
Learn more about using an air conditioner cover for winter »
Do I need to change my humidifier water panels yearly?
Yes, it is important to replace your humidifier water panels yearly, due to the hard water deposits that collect as the water flows over the panel during the winter months. This process can break down the water panel overtime, which is why replacement is crucial.
Learn more about humidifier water panels »
Why is there ice on my heat pump in the winter?
Virtually all heat pump systems will develop ice on them during the cold winter months, but each one should be equipped with a defrost system to handle the problem! When the defrost system is working properly, it will periodically cycle on to melt all the ice on your heat pump.
Learn more about ice on heat pumps »
My AC is making a very loud humming noise. Can I fix my noisy air conditioner myself?
You should not try to fix your noisy air conditioner on your own! Unless you have professional knowledge of HVAC electrical system layouts and the proper meters to test all the working components of your AC, you are putting you and your air conditioner at a significant risk for harm.
Learn more about noisy air conditioners »
My AC has ice on it—what do I do?
When your AC freezes up, either inside or at the outdoor unit, you have a problem. There are only two reasons for an AC system to freeze up—either there is low air flow or there is a low refrigerant charge.
Learn more about your frozen AC »
