Is annual maintenance necessary?
Yes! Heating and air conditioning systems operate for months on end and need regular maintenance just like your car. Without regular maintenance you’ll lose efficiency and money.

Regular maintenance keeps your heating and air conditioning systems working at peak efficiency and gives our technicians a chance to catch minor wear and tear before it turns into major trouble down the road. An annual tune-up also protects your family by helping prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Plus, annual maintenance greatly extends the life of your equipment.

Click here for information on Air Group's many service plans.

back to top

What does SEER mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It’s a standardized rating scale for air conditioning equipment. The higher the SEER, the greater the equipment’s efficiency. Any air conditioner with a SEER that’s less than 10 should be replaced.

Can my electronic air cleaner work even when the furnace or air conditioning is off?
Yes. Set your thermostat fan switch to "on" instead of "auto." The blower will run without your heat or air conditioning running. In fact, this is the best way to get the most out of your home’s air cleaning system.

How often should I change or clean my air filters?
Every home is different, but start by checking filters once a month, then every other month, etc. You can also check by holding disposable filters up to a light; if you can see light through the filter, it’s still clean enough to use.


At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
Different people feel comfortable at different temperatures. Pay less attention to the numbers on the thermostat display (or the position of the temperature indicator on a nondigital display) and more to how comfortable the room feels to you. When you feel comfortable, check the setting. That’s the right temperature for you.

What is the fan "auto/on" switch on the thermostat used for?
When the switch is in the "on" position, the fan runs constantly; it gives you constant air circulation. You can use the fan "on" setting to reduce temperature variations in a multistory home. When the switch is in the "auto" position, the fan cycles off and on with the rest of the heating or air conditioning system.

Is it normal to hear a crackling sound coming from my electronic air cleaner?
Yes. This is normal as long as the sound is not constant or repetitive. Occasionally a large particle in the air stream will impinge on the electronic cells causing a high static discharge and consequent crackling sound.

What setting should I use for my humidifier's humidistat?
Start by setting the humidistat as high as it will go. If you feel that the house is over-humidified for any reason (as evidenced by moisture on the windows, for instance), then lower the setting a bit (5% to 10%). Continue lowering the setting a little at a time until the humidity seems right.

What is a "cracked" furnace?
The heat exchanger is the main component of your furnace. If the heat exchanger has a crack or a rust hole, combustion fumes (including carbon monoxide) can contaminate the air in your home. This is a potentially deadly situation and must be addressed. The heat exchanger or furnace needs to be replaced immediately. If you suspect there might be a crack in your furnace’s heat exchanger or a carbon monoxide problem with your furnace, turn the system off immediately and call for service.

back to top

My home has a forced air furnace but no air conditioning. Can I add central air?
You bet! We can mount a cooling coil on top of the furnace and install a condensing unit outside. Please see our Air Conditioning page for more information or call us for a free estimate.

My home has baseboard heat. Can I add central air?
Yes. In most cases like yours, we install the ductwork and air handler in the attic and install vents/registers in the ceiling. Air Group specializes in these kinds of installations. Please see our Air Conditioning page for more information or call us for a free estimate.

Which heating, air conditioning and other comfort equipment brands does Air Group service?
All brands.

Can I have work done on Saturday?
Both service work and installations can be scheduled on Saturdays.

Which methods of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express. We also offer dealer-sponsored financing for new equipment and installations.

Why should I have my ductwork cleaned?
Even with frequent filter changing, dust and dirt build up inside ductwork. Air Group’s duct cleaning service removes these contaminants and helps your system operate more efficiently. Plus, a duct cleaning can greatly improve the quality of your indoor air. Duct systems should be cleaned every 7-10 years. Please see our Duct Cleaning page for more information or call us for a free estimate.

Does Air Group offer service agreements and parts plans?
Absolutely! We offer several plans to suit your comfort and budgetary requirements. Our plans include preventive maintenance and comprehensive parts-and-labor coverage for repairs. Please see our Service Plans page for more information.

How long does it take to install a new heating or air conditioning system?
We complete 99% of our installations in one day!

back to top

How do I know what size furnace or air conditioning system to install?
Unless you have many years of experience in the HVAC industry, chances are you won’t be able to figure out what size system is best suited for your home. The experts at Air Group will be happy to come to your home and calculate your heating and cooling "loads." They will then be able to recommend a system that is the correct size and model to meet your home’s requirements. Please see our Service page for more information or to request a free estimate. You may also call us for more details.

Does Air Group take care of permits, rebates, electrical work, gas connections, environmental safety regulations, etc.?
Absolutely! We handle every aspect of an equipment installation, and we never use subcontractors.

My home is very dry. What’s the best way to add humidity?
You can add a whole-house or area humidifier. Humidifiers improve winter comfort, reduce energy bills and protect your health. Please see our Humidification/Dehumidification page for more information or call us for a free brochure and estimate.

Some rooms in my home don't get enough heat (or air conditioning). Can this be fixed?
Sometimes running your system’s fan continuously (the "on" position instead of "auto" on your thermostat) can help. Also, the addition of a new vent or register will help if the ductwork can accommodate it. Or, for the greatest comfort and flexibility, you can zone your system, which allows your one comfort system to work as though you had several systems. Call us or check out our Zoning page for more information.

Why should I consider a new high-efficiency air cleaner?
Air cleaners remove up to 99.97% of airborne contaminants in your home. By getting rid of pollen, mold spores, mites, bacteria and dust, air cleaners can reduce allergy symptoms and illnesses. Please see our IAQ page for more information on filters and other indoor air quality issues. Or, call us for a free brochure and estimate.

Should I install a programmable thermostat?
Absolutely! Programmable thermostats are especially useful for people who are away from home at regular intervals. They allow for customized comfort settings around-the-clock, and they can cut heating and air conditioning costs by as much as 33%! See our Thermostats page for more information or call us for a free brochure and estimate.

back to top

If you have questions other than those listed above, send us an e-mail or give us a call at (800) 545-1020.