Yes. You must change your furnace filter in the summer, especially if you use central air conditioning. The blower fan circulates air through the same system year-round, and summer use often pulls more dust, pollen, and pet dander into the filter.
During the summer, check your furnace filter every month. Because your air conditioner runs continuously, the system cycles more air and dust through the filter than it does in the milder seasons.
No, standard air filters and purifiers do not actively remove moisture from the air. Their purpose is to trap pollutants, not water molecules.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
A dirty filter is a breeding ground for bacteria, and too much build-up will cause the filter to break down and let some gunk through. Your AC will then circulate the dirty air through your home, which can lead to a sore throat from air conditioning. That's why most modern window ACs include a “Check Filter” light.
Yes, a dirty furnace filter can definitely make you sick. As it becomes clogged, it fails to trap pollutants, instead circulating concentrated dust, pet dander, mold spores, and bacteria directly into your living space, which can trigger asthma attacks, allergy symptoms, and respiratory infections.
A sore throat at home is most commonly caused by dry indoor air, indoor allergies (like dust mites or pet dander), mold, or postnasal drip. It can also be a sign of a spreading viral illness (like a cold) or acid reflux acting up while lying down.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
The "two-foot rule" in HVAC is a duct design and installation guideline that requires a minimum of 24 inches of straight, uninterrupted space between branch take-offs (where air taps off the main trunk). It is also applied to spacing branches away from end caps, transitions, and the main plenum.
Many Amish homes are built with plenty of windows to help circulate the air and bring in the cooler overnight temperatures. They open the windows on the top floors to help the heat escape while the family retreats to the lower grounds within their homes for comfort.
Yes. Humidity at 70% or above can make your bedroom feel sticky and uncomfortable, interfere with REM sleep, and increase wakefulness. High moisture levels also encourage mould, mildew, and dust mites, which can worsen allergies and respiratory issues, particularly during cooler months when ventilation may be limited.
Dry and oiled air filters both protect your engine while allowing higher airflow than standard paper filters, but they differ in how they capture dirt, performance, and maintenance.
To remove moisture from the air, use an electric dehumidifier, which pulls damp air over cold coils to condense the water vapor into a bucket. For immediate relief, run your air conditioner, utilize bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans, or use chemical moisture absorbers like calcium chloride crystals in small, enclosed spaces.
Unlike mild weather when your HVAC cycles on and off periodically, winter's sustained heating demand means air passes through your filter constantly, causing it to clog much faster than during other seasons.
Vacuuming an air filter can extend its life by removing surface dust, but it is not a substitute for replacement, particularly for HEPA filters, as it cannot remove trapped particles inside the fibers and may damage them. It works best on reusable, washable pre-filters, but for disposable pleated filters, it only offers a temporary, minor improvement.
It's tempting to think, “It's just for one night, what harm could it do?” Surprisingly, a lot. Just 24 short hours without that filter can have lasting implications. The AC's inner workings become vulnerable to dust, potentially leading to long-term damage.
The Rule of 5000 Rule is simple: Multiply the cost of the needed repair by the age of your air conditioner. If the result is greater than 5000, AC replacement is generally the smarter choice. If it's less than 5000, a repair might still be worth the investment. Here's a quick example.
Which HVAC Brands Last the Longest?
Simply put, it means you should never set your thermostat for a temperature more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Why not? Most air conditioning systems can only handle a 20-degree difference between the outside and inside air temperatures.
A standard residential furnace lasts 15 to 20 years. However, the exact lifespan varies based on the type of system and how well it is maintained.
What fails first on a furnace? The most common early failures are the furnace ignitor or flame sensor, as they experience regular wear and tear and are critical to starting the heating cycle.
Your house might be making you sick if your symptoms improve when you leave the house and return when you come back. Common indicators of "Sick Building Syndrome" include frequent headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and chronic allergy-like reactions (coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes).
This phenomenon is called “heater sickness” or “furnace flu.” According to HVAC.com, the internal parts of heating systems can accumulate dust, allergens and other pollutants during the spring and summer months. Then, when you turn on the heating system, these particles get blown into the air.
A sore throat can also be caused by allergens like pollen, dust and food, or sometimes bacterial infections. However, the most common culprits are flu and viral infections, which don't respond to antibiotics.