Heating & Cooling Questions from Licking County Homeowners
Straight answers to the questions we hear most on service calls, from filter sizes and thermostat settings to strange noises and winter humidity.
Filters
How often should I change my furnace filter?
For standard one-inch filters, every one to three months. Homes with pets, allergies, construction dust or a woodstove need the shorter end. Four- and five-inch media filters last six to twelve months. When in doubt, pull it and hold it up to a light.
Is a more expensive filter better?
Not always. A high-MERV one-inch filter can restrict airflow enough to make an older furnace overheat or an AC coil freeze. For most homes, a MERV 8 to 11 filter is the sweet spot. If you want better filtration, a four-inch media cabinet handles it without choking the system.
We regularly find filters installed backwards, two filters stacked in the same slot, or a filter slot with no filter at all because the old one was never replaced after a move. We write the correct size on every furnace we service.
Thermostat settings
What should I set my thermostat to in winter?
Most people are comfortable around 68 to 70 degrees when home. Setting back seven to ten degrees while you sleep or are away saves money with a furnace. With a heat pump, use smaller setbacks, around two to four degrees, so the backup electric heat does not kick on to recover.
Should I leave the fan on "On" or "Auto"?
Auto for most homes. "On" runs the blower constantly, which can make the air feel drafty and uses more electricity. In summer, it can also put moisture back into the air.
Noises and smells
My furnace smells like burning dust the first time it runs. Is that normal?
Yes, for the first few minutes of the season as dust burns off the heat exchanger. If it lasts more than an hour or smells like burning plastic or electrical insulation, turn it off and call.
What does a loud bang when the furnace starts mean?
A delayed ignition, where gas builds up briefly before lighting, usually from dirty burners. Do not ignore it. Call (740) 527-0222 for a cleaning and inspection.
Why does my furnace squeal or rattle?
Squealing is usually a blower motor bearing or a belt on older units. Rattling is often a loose panel, but can be a failing inducer motor.
Question not answered here?
Call and ask. If it is something you can fix yourself, we will tell you how.
Humidity and comfort
Why is my house so dry in winter?
Cold outdoor air holds very little moisture, and heating it makes it feel even drier. Aim for 30 to 40 percent indoor humidity in winter. A furnace-mounted humidifier helps, but too much humidity causes condensation on windows.
Why is one room always colder than the rest?
Usually ductwork: a long run, a crushed duct, no return air in the room, or a closed damper. Rooms over garages and additions are the most common culprits. Sometimes a ductless mini-split is the most practical fix.
In a lot of older Newark homes, the upstairs bedrooms were served by ducts that were squeezed into interior walls decades ago, with no return air at all. Opening a bedroom door three inches can make a noticeable difference while you plan a real fix.
Equipment and service
How long does a furnace last?
Typically 15 to 25 years for gas furnaces, 12 to 17 for central air conditioners, and 12 to 16 for heat pumps. See our repair or replace guide.
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
Yes. Put a CO alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas, and replace them per the manufacturer's date, usually every five to ten years.
Do you service all brands?
Yes, including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, York, Bryant, American Standard, Amana and others.
What areas do you serve?
Newark and every community in Licking County. See our service areas page. You can read more about how we work or reach us through our contact page.
More quick answers
Should I close vents in rooms I do not use?
Generally no. Closing more than a couple of vents raises pressure in the ductwork, reduces airflow across the furnace or AC coil, and can cause overheating or freezing.
Is it normal for water to drip from the white pipes outside?
Yes, on high-efficiency furnaces. The exhaust contains water vapor, and a little dripping or steam from the vent pipe is normal.
What is AFUE?
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency: the share of fuel a furnace turns into heat for your home. An 80% furnace wastes about a fifth of its fuel; a 96% furnace wastes about four percent.
What is SEER2?
The current federal efficiency rating for air conditioners and heat pumps in cooling mode. Higher SEER2 means lower electricity use for the same cooling.
Can I install a smart thermostat myself?
Often, if your system already has a common wire (C-wire) at the thermostat. If not, we can add one or install an adapter at the furnace.
Helpful guides
Furnace Not Working?
Nine safe checks to try before you call, and when to stop and call.
Learn more →AC Not Cooling?
Safe checks to try first and what the warning signs mean.
Learn more →Tune-Ups & Maintenance
Fall furnace and spring AC tune-ups that catch small problems early.
Learn more →Repair or Replace?
A plain framework for deciding whether to fix or replace.
Learn more →Talk to a real technician
Calling is the fastest way to get on the schedule. Tell us what the system is doing and we will tell you what it probably is, what it probably costs and when we can be there.
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