Our Most Popular HVAC Questions: Answered

If your heat is not working, the first thing to do is figure out why. In most cases, the cause of a furnace heating system not working is actually a malfunctioning thermostat or a tripped breaker (or blown fuse), and not a problem with the furnace itself.

Follow these steps to get to the source of the problem:

1. Make sure your thermostat is set to heat mode.

2. If your thermostat is battery-powered, try changing the batteries to see if it helps.

3. Check that the circuit breaker is on and that the breaker for the furnace has not tripped.

4. Be sure the furnace's power switch is turned on. It is usually located next to or inside the furnace cabinet. If it is off, turn the switch on and wait for the furnace to start up.

5. The motor in your furnace may need to be reset if it was overloaded. There should be a reset button near the motor. Press the button. If nothing happens, wait a half hour and try again.

6. Turn off the power to the furnace at the main electrical panel or sub-panel. Look for a fuse on the power switch. If there is one and it has blown, change it following the manufacturer's instruction manual.

If your heat is still not working, then you will probably need to call Dan Chapman at Chapman Services Inc. at 501-490-9342.

Heating and Air Conditioning equipment, no matter what kind you have, should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the Fall and the air conditioning checked in the Spring.

If your heating and air condition unit needs serviced, then please call Dan Chapman at Chapman Services Inc. at 501-490-9342.

How often to change your air filters can depend on the following:

• the type of air filter you are using

• the overall indoor air quality

• how many pets are in the home

• the number of people occupying the home, and

• the level of air pollution and construction around the home

For basic 1"-3" air filters, manufacturers usually direct you to change them every 30-60 days. If you suffer from light to moderate allergies, you could upgrade the air filter or change them even more often. Or, if you're in a more remote area or less occupied home (like a vacation home) and there are fewer cars around, annually may be often enough.

Here are averages that might help you know how often you should change the air filter at home:

• Vacation home or single occupant and no pets or allergies: every 6-12 months

• "Average" suburban home without pets: every 90 days

• Add a dog or cat: every 60 days

• Add more than one pet or anyone has allergies: 20-45 days

If you have questions about changing your air filter, then please call Dan Chapman at Chapman Services Inc. at 501-490-9342.