1. How often should I change my filter?

The main purpose of the filter is to protect your expensive HVAC equipment. Dirt makes your equipment work harder. Heat pumps and air conditioners work by transferring heat. The transfer surfaces work best when they are clean and free of dirt, dust, or other obstructions. Keeping your filters changed improves the operating efficiency of your equipment, thereby keeping your utility bills lower.

1. My air conditioner is frozen, or my evaporator coil has ice on it. What is wrong?

Typically, it's not the dust that people are allergic to, it's the dust mite droppings in the dust that is causing the problem. The best way to reduce the dust mite droppings, is to reduce the dust mites. Dust mites do not survive well when the humidity levels are below 50%. It's doubtful that humidity levels within air ducts are high enough to support ongoing mite development. A better option than cleaning your ducts would be to seal air leaks in your duct system and possibly install a whole house dehumidifier to control humidity levels in your home.

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The EPA says to look at your filter every 30 days and if it is dirty, change it.

2. Where is my filter located?

Typically the filter is located by the furnace or air handler. Sometimes filters can be in the return grill. If you are not sure, ask your Cool Max service technician to show you.

3. Does it matter what kind of filter I use?

Yes, use a quality pleated filter. The more surface area a filter has the more particles it will catch. Make sure you always replace your filter with the proper size.

4. My filter is hard to get to and I don't like to change it. What can I do?

You can install a 5" media filter that typically only requires changing one or two times a year. If you have a Cool Max maintenance plan, your technician can change it for you when he comes. That way you never have to be bothered with changing a filter again.

5. Changing my filter is a nuisance why do I have to do it so often?

The most common two reasons for ice forming on your equipment are: 1) low refrigerant (Freon or Puron) levels, or 2) blocked air flow across your coils, often cause by a dirty filter. If you have ice on your equipment, don't take any chances. Cut your system off and call a service technician to check out the problem. If you are low on refrigerant and you continue to run your air conditioner you could damage your expensive compressor.

2. My upstairs is too hot in the summer. Do I need a bigger unit?

That is what most people think, but oversizing your unit can cause other problems. If you are uncomfortable upstairs, there has to be a reason. The first thing you need to do is find out what is causing the problem. It may not even have anything to do with your air conditioning unit. It could be that your house has inadequate insulation or you could have air leaks in your ducts. It could also be poor duct design. Getting a bigger unit costs more money and may not even solve your problem. The way to be sure to arrive at the right solution is to bring in an expert who uses scientific equipment combined with building science principles and is well trained in heating and cooling systems. Our comfort specialists know just what to do.

3. My air conditioner or furnace is making a funny noise. What should I do?

You should cut it off and call a service technician. If something small is not working properly, and you continue to run your unit, it could damage a much more expensive part.

4. My allergies are worse at home. What could be the reason?

Indoor air could be 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. If you have air leaks in your duct system, your air conditioner or heater could be drawing in unhealthy air, containing things like dust mites, mold, insulation particles and household chemicals - making you sick. Get your house inspected by one of our Cool Max technicians who are trained to find air leaks in your duct system using scientific testing equipment.

5. I have dust allergy problems. Will it help to clean my ducts?

If you don't see your question here, just call us or email us at coolmaxinc@gmail.com.