According to the EPA and other indoor environmental experts, the relative humidity inside your home should fall somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, depending on the temperature outside. More specifically, when the outside temperature is 20°F or above, the recommended relative humidity for inside is 35 to 40 percent.

Why are proper levels of humidity so important to your skin (the body’s largest organ) and general good health?

Low humidity causes dry skin, dry hair, itching and chapping. When skin becomes dry and irritated, eczema can flare. Mucous membranes in your nose and throat dry out, increasing discomfort and susceptibility to colds and respiratory illness. With low humidity levels, body moisture evaporates so quickly that you feel chilled even at higher thermostat settings. Dry skin can look tight, dull and flaky.

Adding a humidifier to your home can remedy these problems and help skin look younger and healthier.

A central air conditioner that runs but doesn’t cool may just need to be cleaned. Plan to do this on a relatively warm day. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.

1. Before you begin, turn off the power to the unit. There is normally a shut-off or disconnect panel on the house wall next to the outdoor compressor. Otherwise, shut off the air conditioner’s 240-volt circuit at the main electrical panel.
2. Rake leaves and debris away from the outdoor condenser.
3. Remove any protective grille or cover from the condenser’s fins.
4. Use a soft brush to clean dirt and debris from the fins, and then vacuum them with a brush attachment (be careful not to damage the fins).
5. Unscrew and lift the top grille off the unit, if possible. If the fan is attached to the grille, be careful not to pull any wires loose.
6. From inside the unit, hose down the fins (protect the wiring and motor with plastic sheeting). If your owner’s manual calls for lubricating the motor, do that now—but don’t overlubricate.
7. Reassemble the unit.
8. To test it, turn the power on and set the thermostat to turn the unit on. Let it run for a few minutes, and then feel the two pipes that connect to the condenser unit (slide any insulation back). One should feel warm, the other cool. Otherwise, call an air-conditioning technician—the refrigerant may need to be recharged.

Important note: Avoid straining an air conditioner’s compressor by waiting at least five minutes between turning it off at the thermostat and turning it back on.

In most cases, the belt is improperly aligned or worn and needs replacement. Refer to your owner’s manual.

This job involves removing the access panel, loosening a couple of bolts that hold the blower motor at the proper tension, and realigning or adjusting the belt. In many cases, it’s a good idea to remove it and buy a replacement.

When reinstalling the belt, be careful not to over tighten it as this can wear out the motor bearings.

 ”Very painless; everyone was nice and very thorough.  A great experience from the very start.”
 
“The crew did an excellent job installing our new unit and getting us back on so we could have heat that night.”
 
“Extremely pleased with the professionalism and the courtesy of the men that installed the unit.”
 
“My technician, Kelly, was so respectful and I didn’t even have to ask questions. He proactively showed me what was wrong and what he needed to do to fix it for me. I am in my 70’s and it was nice to be treated with such kindness and understanding from him. I couldn’t be more pleased with the work they do for me and they always clean up after themselves, I never have to go behind them trying to pick up a mess when they are gone like I have other companies.”

“It’s a great feeling to have someone come out twice a year and maintain my furnace and a/c especially since I would have no idea where to start. These guys are so professional and courteous and do a great job. They are always on time and I know I can count on them to do the job right!’

It’s easy for us to say our One Hour Service Technicians are on-time, efficient, reliable, trustworthy, and clean. But that’s “company speak.”  But if you’d prefer the real-life stories of actual paying customers, read what customers have told us in their own words.

“I was completely satisfied with the service and the staff.  They went beyond my expectations and searched out a very irritating vibration in the return vent (which pre-existed the installation of the new system) – they stopped the noise.”

“Chris and his crew were wonderful.  They were able to answer all of my questions.  Very professional.  Would highly recommend this group to friends  and family.  Thanks for a great job!”

“Thanks for the hard work every one did for me during my system concern.  Thanks Donna for your patience with me.  I’ll always refer you to my friends.  Thanks again to every one.”

“We are very happy with your company from your sales representative to your installers.  They were all very professional and we were comfortable throughout the process.  I would recommend your company.”

If you hear a pinging or popping sound coming from the ductwork, this may be caused by thermal expansion or by air blowing past a loose flap of metal. Track along the duct runs, listening for the sound. If you find it, make a small dent in the sheet metal to provide a more rigid surface that’s less likely to move as it heats and cools.

1. Look to see if one of the tubes is leaking. If it is, replace it.
2. Test the condensate pump by pouring water into its pan. If the pump doesn’t start, either it isn’t receiving power or it is broken. Be sure that it’s plugged in and test the circuit. If it’s broken, either get it repaired or replace it.
3. If the pump runs but doesn’t empty the pan, the ball-like check valve just before the discharge tube is probably stuck. Unscrew the check valve, loosen the ball inside, and look for an obstruction.
4. If it appears that a condensation drain tube is clogged with algae, remove it if possible (you may have to cut it and replace it later with a coupling). Run a wire through it to clear it. To kill the algae, pour a dilute solution of bleach (1 part bleach to 16 parts water) through the pipe.
5. Ice may be blocking the tube. If this is the case, be sure the filter isn’t dirty. If the filter appears to be fine, the air conditioner’s refrigerant supply is probably low. This is when it’s time to call an air-conditioning technician.