Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How Are Furnace Filters Rated?

Answer

Furnace filters are typically rated using the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). A higher MERV rating indicates that the filter can remove more airborne particles than a filter with a lower rating. While MERV is the industry-standard rating system for HVAC systems, other rating systems exist. The filter performance rating (FPR) and micro-particle performance rating (MPR) were introduced by Home Depot and 3M respectively just to differentiate their products. However, the ratings apply to the same filters that you can use in your furnace.

Answer

With a furnace comes the risk that your unit could catch fire and explode. Your furnace involves a complex combination of natural gas or heating oil, electricity, water, metal parts, steam, and other crucial components. If you have a gas furnace, for example, and too much natural gas is leaked into the air, it quickly builds up. And since natural gas is highly volatile, it can easily explode and cause a fire. The best way to prevent a furnace fire or explosion is to schedule regular maintenance and ensure your furnace is in good repair.

Answer

Your AC might emit a wide range of smells depending on its condition. When the air coming from your unit smells like vinegar, the problem could be:

A dirty filter
An electric motor emitting ozone
A clogged condensate pan or drain line
Mold in the ductwork
Too much condensation

If your air conditioner smells like gas or rotten eggs, there’s a big chance you have a natural gas leak in your house. Once you notice a sulfur-like or rotten egg odor, turn off your gas supply, open the windows, evacuate your home, and call your gas company immediately.

Answer

A furnace and heat pump take different approaches to heating your home, but you need to consider each system carefully before choosing which one is right for your home. When choosing between the two, it really depends on your priorities. If comfort is most important, a furnace will keep you warm and cozy through the harshest winters. If efficiency is your top concern, the heat pump is the clear winner. When comparing costs, furnaces are cheaper to buy and install. However, a heat pump can offer better operational efficiency and long-term savings in areas with milder temperatures. Our experts can help you make the right choice.

Answer

When it comes to the HVAC industry, there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Deciding between ductless systems and central air conditioners depends on your preference, as well as your particular comfort goals and budget. Each system has its pros and cons, so you’ll want to weigh your options and choose the most suitable system for your property. That said, some scenarios will work best with both options, with the central AC system servicing most of the property while a ductless unit services an extension or room that lacks ductwork or is challenging to heat and cool.

Answer

No! Some filters are thicker and have HEPA properties, which means that they can more effectively trap and remove pollen and pet dander from your indoor air. For people with allergies, these filters can make it much easier to breathe in their homes.

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It can be. If there is mold in your home, breathing in the spores can cause serious respiratory problems. People with allergies can suffer from polluted indoor air, breathing in pollen and pet dander, sometimes at higher concentrations than outside.

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Every house has trace amounts of carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can cause severe health complications and be fatal if breathed for too long. A CO detector can help monitor the levels of CO in your house. If it detects a high presence, open all your windows and leave immediately, then call Conway Comfort Heating & Cooling for help!

Answer

Air fresheners and candles only cover up the smells inside. A home air purification unit, using UC-C lamps, can disinfect the air, removing viruses and bacteria and breaking down the pollutant molecules and removing them. Regular air filter changes and ductwork cleaning also help remove the smelly mold and mildew spores from your air and pollutants and make it smell better.

Answer

You may need a professional to measure the levels of mold and mildew and viruses and bacteria to know for sure. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air can be up to five times as polluted as the air outside. Contaminants get into your home from the outside, and without regular ductwork and filter leaning, these particles get re-circulated and build up inside your home. Read more about our indoor air quality services.

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A whole-home humidifier operates on the same principle as a small, portable humidifier in that it adds moisture to the air in the form of steam, either hot or cold. A whole home unit is connected to your home's furnace or air conditioner and adds moisture to your home's indoor air as the unit operates.

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Yes, carbon monoxide is dangerous to people and animals. If you notice that you're feeling more lethargic than usual, and everyone in the home is, as well, you may wish to have your carbon monoxide levels checked.

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This could be caused by excess allergens or pollutants in your house, or it could be because your home's air is too dry. Professional ductwork cleaning, changing your air filter, and installing a humidifier can help reduce the feelings of dry throat and may reduce dry skin or respiratory troubles too.

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This can be caused by loose connections between the separate pieces of ducts. Or, it could mean that the duct design itself is inefficient. We can inspect your ductwork for you and determine whether we need to simply fix it or if a reconfiguration would be more helpful.

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Regular maintenance of your furnace and air conditioner ensures that they run more efficiently and that the appliances are cleaner, which means that your indoor air quality is cleaner, too. Plus, when a professional regularly inspects and maintains your system, they can find problems while they're small and easily fixed, instead of becoming a big, expensive emergency.

Answer

This could be caused by a couple of things. First, your coolant could be low, which causes the condenser coil to freeze over. Second, you may have inadequate airflow to the unit or the intake vent. Try moving anything that's in the way of the a/c unit and have a professional come to inspect the appliance, change the filter, and top off the coolant.

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Zoning refers to creating different temperature zones in your home. There may be rooms or floors that you don't use often and therefore don't need to keep as warm or cool as the rest of your home. Zoning systems can also help you customize the temperature in different parts of your house, which can be more comfortable for people who like to be cooler or warmer than the rest of the home.