Important News
Keeping Furry Friends Away From Technicians
While we understand that your pets need adequate space to roam throughout the day we ask that you please keep them away from technicians during house visits. It is important to us to maintain the safety of your pets and our technicians when we are doing maintenance, providing quotes, servicing your HVAC system, or doing and installation. Our technicians need to have access to anywhere in the house where there is ventilation, HVAC units or breakers. We recommend keeping them kenneled, on a leash, or away from technicians at all times. In the event that pets are loose Air-Mart technicians may choose to leave if they feel unsafe, and your appointment will have to be rescheduled.
Phasing out (R-22) or Freon
As of 2020 the production and import of R-22, also known as Freon, is no longer available in the United States according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA states that by 2030 there will be a complete ban on all remaining production and import of HCFCs. This is due to the hazardous and negative climate effects R-22 has on air quality. With less availability of R-22 it will become more costly to use, and will not be usable in newly produced HVAC units. To prepare for this change we recommend new installations, preferably timed with the end-of-life of your old unit for a smooth and seamless transition. While we understand this is a major inconvenience it will provide for better quality air within your home reducing the negative health effects of HCFCs.
Avoid Damage to HVAC Unit Outside House
We understand that at times you may have outdoor projects such as gardening or any outdoor remodeling. We advise that you proceed with caution when working around your HVAC unit. There may be cables running underground from your outdoor unit that may not be easily visible. Ensure your safety and avoid damaging your unit when digging nearby or using any power tools around it.
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If by chance you do cause damage to your unit when doing outdoor projects contact us at Air-Mart AC & Heating to fix it. We will check the outside of your HVAC unit, check any cables that are attached, and provide you with a free quote to show what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is included in my free estimate?
You will receive a written scope of your project. This includes what permits will be required, a basic timeline of the project, a total cost estimated for the project, and whatever other questions you might need answered.
2. How often should I service my HVAC system?
We recommend servicing your HVAC system twice a year, once in the spring, and once in the fall. Servicing your cooling unit in the spring will prepare your air conditioning system for the summer months. While servicing your heating unit in the fall will prepare your system for the winter months.
3. What is included in servicing my unit?
Air Conditioning: When servicing your HVAC A/C unit we check Freon levels, the capacitor, the contractor, the voltage, the amp draw, the wiring, and the temperature on the vents. We ensure your system is working efficiently and if there are any maintenance issues occurring.
Heating: When servicing your HVAC heating unit we check Freon levels, the capacitor, the contractor, the voltage, the amp draw, the wiring, and the temperature on the vents. We ensure your system is working efficiently and if there are any maintenance issues occurring.
Gas Heating: When servicing your HVAC gas heating unit we check the heat exchange, safety switches, Freon levels, the capacitor, the contractor, the voltage, the amp draw, the wiring, and the temperature on the vents. We ensure your system is working efficiently and if there are any maintenance issues occurring.
4. When should I replace my HVAC system?
You may need to replace your HVAC system if it is showing signs of: ​
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Blowing warm air when it should be blowing cool air
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Any leaking from the system
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Has reached around 10 to15+ years of age
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Is emitting abnormal or foul odors
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An excess of humidity in your home or space
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The unit is making loud and abnormal noises
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There is a limited or lack of airflow
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The system is short cycling. This typically happens when the heating or cooling system turns on more frequently without going through its full cycle to cool or warm your space.
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There are too many or too frequent repairs that need to be done.
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The energy bills are abnormally high, which means the system isn't cooling or warming your home efficiently enough costing you more in the longterm.
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5. What HVAC system works best for my home or space?
Choosing an HVAC system that works best for you can take time and consideration for the specific needs of your space. We recommend setting up an appointment with your local HVAC rep to see what your needs are while staying within your budget. Remember purchasing an HVAC system is a long-term investment, so you will not only want something that works for you, but also that is going to last.
6. Why is my energy bill so high?
Your energy bill could be high for multiple reasons including:
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There is air leaking in your home like a window or door being open that is keeping your HVAC system running constantly.
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There may be some mechanical problem that needs fixing which is causing your A/C or heating unit to work harder to cool or warm your space than it needs to.
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The A/C or heater may be on full blast. Try changing the temperature on the thermostat to keep it at a more evened out temperature. Running it at a max cool or a max warm setting can keep your unit running for longer or harder than it needs ton while also putting wear and tear on it. To keep your home warm or cool you may not need to run it at such a hot or cold temperature while still living comfortably.
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Your unit is reaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Sometimes the simple fix is just replacing the entire system. While this may not seem like the ideal option, if your unit is having an abnormal amount of maintenance problems, needs to be serviced more than the regular amount, or your bills are abnormally high, then it may actually save you costs to replace the unit itself. Take in consideration the cost of some repairs may be similar to the price of a brand new unit.
7. Why kind of filter should I use for my HVAC system?
We advise to use the filter recommended with the warranty of your HVAC system. Using the filter recommended with your warranty can help keep the warranty viable in case there are any issues with your system.
8. How often should I change my air filter?
We recommend changing your air filter at least once a month to maintain quality air flow within your space. If you have animals or health concerns we recommend changing them out more frequently, possibly within 2-3 weeks. We also advise to check the warranty of your HVAC system to maintain warranty standards.
9. Why do I need to change my air filter so often?
Air filters should be changed frequently to maintain air quality and proper air flow within your space. Without regular filter changes, dust, debris, and other grime can build up blocking air flow and reducing air quality. Not changing your filters can result in a buildup of allergens, mold, viruses, and harmful bacteria. This could result in lowering and harmful air quality, which can lead or aggravate a wide range of health issues such as asthma, heart disease, stroke, and more. Changing your air filter frequently can also maintain the quality and efficiency of your HVAC unit.
10. How to improve the air quality within my home or space?
There are several ways to improve air quality within your home or space which include:
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Changing or cleaning air filters regularly
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Having your HVAC air ventilation system serviced and cleaned
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Adding an air purification system to your HVAC unit
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Maintaining the quality of your HVAC unit with up keeping servicing, maintenance, and repairs.
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Installing a unit that is able to maintain high air quality standards.
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Using high grade filters that remove harmful particles from the air.
11. What is duct cleaning?
Duct cleaning is when an HVAC technician removes/cleans dust, dirt, debris, and other grime from an HVAC ventilation system.
12. How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Your HVAC air ducts should be cleaned at least once every three to five years. Cleaning them can help improve air quality and airflow in your home or space. If you feel as though air isn't flowing well or air quality is lower then it may be time to have your ducts cleaned. If you are unsure if they are due for a cleaning it is helpful to ask your HVAC technician to have them looked at.
13. What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that is installed outside your home or space. Heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another. In the warmer months they transfer heat from your home/space outside, and in the cooler months they transfer heat from outside indoors.
14. Why is one of my rooms not getting warm/cool air?
If one of your room is not warming or cooling properly there could be HVAC ventilation something blocking or reducing airflow. A few reasons for this could be:
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A blocked vent - Make sure to check that none of the vents are blocked in the room by objects, furniture, dust, or debris. Check behind the vent to ensure it is clogged by dust or debris, which can be easily done by opening or unscrewing where the grill is located.
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A dirty filter - Check the filters in your HVAC system to make sure there isn't any buildup of dust or debris. A clean filter should help with proper airflow.
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A clogged, dirty, or damaged ventilation system - It could be a possibility that your ductwork is clogged, dirty, or damaged, blocking airflow to the space that isn't warming or cooling properly. If this is the case, you will need to contact your local HVAC technician to check what is blocking airflow in your ventilation system to clear it out or fix it.
15. Is FREON available for my unit?
While we understand that the availability for FREON is decreasing there are only two options we currently have at Air-Mart AC & Heating. We offer R22 and 410a as options for your HVAC system, although as time goes on FREON will become less available and will increase in price due to phasing it out in the United States. Unfortunately, if you don't use the current FREON options still available it may be time to consider installing a new unit.
16. Why is FREON becoming less available and more expensive?
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Freon commonly referred to as (R-22) is in the process of being 'phased out' of the United States as a refrigerant option in accordance with the Clean Air Act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Freon emissions are highly toxic to air quality and will no longer be accessible or usable in the U.S. by 2030.
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What does this mean for my HVAC system? - This means that by 2030 any system that uses FREON will need to be modified or replaced to use an alternate refrigerant. As recently as 2020, the EPA banned the import of FREON into the United States. With less availability of FREON it will become more costly and less available as time goes on. While we understand this is an inconvenience, we recommend making the switch to a FREON alternative as soon as possible. This will save you costs down the road, and changing it when your HVAC system is due for a new installation is the best time possible.
17. What does HVAC mean?
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(HVAC) - Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning
18. What does SEER mean?
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(SEER) - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
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SEER measures an air conditioning unit's energy efficiency. The higher the SEER rating number the less power it will use.
19. What does HSFP mean?
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(HSFP) - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
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HSFP measures a heating unit's energy efficiency. The higher the HSFP rating number the less power it will use.
20. What does MERV mean?
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(MERV) - Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
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According to the EPA (MERV) shows a filter's ability to capture particles between 0.3-10 microns (µm). The higher the MERV value the smaller the particles it can capture. That means a filter with a MERV value of 16 can capture more particles that a filter with a MERV value of 5.
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The filters with the highest MERV value have the capability of catching the smallest particles are commonly known as (HEPA) filters. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. These filters have the highest ability to capture dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other particles. They are able to capture 99.97% of particles in the air the size of 0.3 microns (µm) or larger.