Ottawa’s Heating & Cooling Company

It is recommended to change your air filter at least once every three months. However, the frequency of filter changes can vary depending on various factors such as the type of filter, the size of your home, the number of occupants, pets, and the level of air pollution in your area.

If you have pets, suffer from allergies, live in an area with high levels of air pollution, or have a larger family, you may need to change your air filter more frequently, perhaps once a month or every other month. On the other hand, if you live alone or have no pets, you may be able to wait longer than three months before changing your air filter.

Regularly changing your air filter helps to ensure that your HVAC system is running efficiently, and can help to improve the indoor air quality in your home. Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, which can cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills and potentially expensive repairs down the line. So, it’s important to stay on top of your air filter maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

While it may be tempting to DIY your HVAC system, we strongly advise against it. HVAC systems are complex and require professional expertise to ensure they’re installed correctly. Trust us, you don’t want to be sweating bullets in the middle of summer because of a DIY job gone wrong. In addition, you must be TSSA-accredited in order to touch any appliance that has natural gas line connected to it, such as furnace, water heater, gas dryer, gas stove or natural line BBQ line. Better be safe and hire a licenced technician to do the job right.

To improve indoor air quality, consider the following steps:

1. Regular maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system, including cleaning and replacing filters, to ensure efficient operation and reduce contaminants.
2. Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate fresh air intake and exhaust systems are in place to reduce indoor air pollutants and maintain proper humidity levels.
3. Air purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove particulate matter, allergens, and other airborne contaminants.
4. Humidity control: Maintain indoor humidity levels between 30–50% to minimize mold growth and reduce allergens.
5. Clean surfaces: Regularly clean carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces to remove dust, pet dander, and other pollutants.
6. Avoid smoking indoors: Keep tobacco smoke and other pollutants out of your indoor environment.
7. Choose low VOC products: Select building materials, furniture, and cleaning products with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
8. Maintain exhaust systems: Ensure kitchen, bathroom.

There could be several reasons for your HVAC system making strange noises, including:

1. Loose or unbalanced components: Belts, fan blades, or other parts may be loose or unbalanced, causing vibrations and noise.
2. Motor issues: Worn or damaged motor bearings can lead to increased noise during operation.
3. Ductwork issues: Expanding or contracting ducts, or debris in the ducts, can cause popping or rattling sounds.
4. Refrigerant leaks: Hissing or bubbling noises may indicate a refrigerant leak in the system.
5. Dirty or clogged filters: Reduced airflow due to dirty filters can cause the system to strain, leading to unusual noises.

It‘s essential to have a professional technician inspect your HVAC system to diagnose and address the issue properly. Regular maintenance can also help prevent future problems and keep your system running efficiently.