Hi Again!
I hope you all are having a good week, and if not, I hope it gets better as the week progresses!
Hang in there!
This week I’d like to focus on some of the commonly asked questions we’ve received lately, especially those regarding what it is exactly that we do when we come to your home to clean your ducts or maintenance your equipment.
For those who’ve never had one of these services but have been thinking about them, knowing exactly what they are is very helpful!
FAQ
What is the difference between maintenance and a diagnostic? What is done during maintenance?
I like to think of maintenance as going in for a yearly doctor’s visit, sure my body will be fine if not, but it gives me a good idea of where everything is with my health and what I can do to make sure I stay well.
Preventative maintenance includes things like minor cleanings, system reading, filter changes, and identifying any issues that could happen before they do.
Advantage Advice: Whether you decide to have regular maintenance services or not remember to regularly change your filters. Regularly replacing your filters is the number one most important maintenance recommendation to prevent harm.
How often should I be changing my filters?
Depending on the thickness of the filter and how much the system is being used, traffic in/out of the home, home repairs, and things alike.
During higher use times or times when the home may be dirtier than average, we suggest changing filters about once a month.
For 1-2 inch filters once a month is standard. For 2-4 inch filters every other month or every 3 months is standard.
What is done during a duct cleaning? How often are they typically recommended to be done?
A duct cleaning is a service we offer to clear the natural build-up of dust, dander, and debris from the airways of your home. Duct cleaning services can help improve the air quality in your home and maintain the ducting itself.
During duct cleanings, our technicians will essentially “snake” your vents (like when snaking a drain) to loosen the gunk in the vents, then create a vacuum at the furnace to pull it all out. Then, they’ll change out your filter as it will be collecting a good deal of the loosened gunk throughout the process.
Follow this link to see what we do!
Advantage Heating Duct Cleaning Time Lapse
Advantage Advice: On average duct, cleanings are recommended to be done around every 3-5 years. Many people call us during/after remodeling, so it is always a good idea to check your vents and see how they are doing through that process.
We also recommend changing your filter again a couple of weeks after the service, because any additional loosened dust, dander, and debris will continue to accumulate at the filter at a higher rate due to improved airflow through the vents.
Most FAQ of February:
I got a Goodman Recall Letter, do I need someone to check on my system?
If you’ve received a recall letter from Goodman, we are currently processing through accounts to verify who will be affected by this recall. The recall is addressing AC issues due to a specific coil and furnace combination. This letter went out to many people who have recently had an installation. Once we have completed our list of people to call either ourselves or a manufacturer representative will reach out to you. We’re grateful for your patience!
Why is my outside unit (heat pump) steaming/smoking/making loud noises? Should I be worried?
Have you noticed your outdoor unit making loud noises while it's been cold outside? Although it can be unsettling, this is normal!
Heat pumps have a built-in Defrost Mode. Defrost Mode allows your system to break down any frost build-up all on its own.
With Defrost Mode, you might also see that there is some steam coming from the heat pump, this is also nothing to be concerned about, it’s just a side-effect of the heat pump keeping itself from freezing over.
Defrost Mode is an automatic setting. For the heat pump to warm, it will switch into cooling mode temporarily, reversing the heart toward itself. It is a short cycle that typically runs about 10 minutes or so, inconsistently colder temperatures it can take a bit longer.
Advantage Advice: Running the fan can help with air circulation and shorten the Defrost Mode cycle if it is taking longer than usual. However, if you are experiencing significant heating or cooling issues please reach out to us to have a service technician take a look.
Shout out to Robert for the example video and our awesome service and maintenance teams for all of their help and knowledge!
As always, if you have any questions or need us for any other reason at all, please reach out to us:
Call line (503)-393-5315
Text line (503)-461-9961
Email [email protected]
Submit Questions to our smart chat or my email: [email protected]
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Your Friendly Neighborhood Graci Girl
