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ServicePal HVAC Inc. offers a wide range of HVAC services, including installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for both residential and commercial clients. For more information regarding our services, see this page. 

Yes, ServicePal HVAC Inc. offers 24/7 emergency HVAC services for clients who need immediate assistance with their heating or cooling systems.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how often they should service their HVAC system. The answer is simple: both your furnace and air conditioner should be professionally inspected and serviced once a year.

The furnace should be serviced in the fall before the heating season begins, while the air conditioner should be serviced in the spring before summer temperatures arrive. During a professional maintenance visit, a technician will inspect electrical components, check safety controls, clean critical parts, test system performance, verify refrigerant levels if applicable, inspect the blower, check gas pressures on furnaces, and ensure the equipment is operating safely and efficiently.

Regular maintenance offers several benefits:

• Lower utility bills because the equipment runs more efficiently. 
• Fewer unexpected breakdowns. 
• Longer equipment lifespan. 
• Better indoor comfort. 
• Improved indoor air quality. 
• Reduced risk of expensive repairs. 

Many manufacturers also require proof of regular maintenance to keep warranty coverage valid. Think of HVAC maintenance like changing the oil in your vehicle. Skipping maintenance might save money today, but it often leads to much larger repair bills later.

If your air conditioner is running but your home isn't cooling properly, several issues could be causing the problem. The first thing to check is your thermostat. Make sure it's set to "Cool" and that the temperature is lower than the current room temperature.

Next, inspect your furnace filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making it difficult for your system to move enough air throughout the home. This is one of the most common causes of poor cooling. Also check the outdoor condenser. Leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and cottonwood can block airflow through the condenser coil, reducing efficiency.

Another possibility is low refrigerant due to a leak. Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners do not use up refrigerant like fuel. If refrigerant is low, there is almost always a leak that should be repaired before more refrigerant is added.

Other possible causes include:

• Dirty evaporator coils 
• Frozen indoor coils 
• Faulty capacitors 
• Weak blower motors 
• Blocked vents 
• Ductwork problems 

If your AC has been running continuously for hours without lowering the temperature, it's time to call a qualified HVAC technician. Ignoring the problem can lead to more expensive repairs and additional wear on the compressor, which is the most costly component in an air conditioning system.

Your furnace filter is one of the simplest yet most important parts of your HVAC system.

For most homes, filters should be checked every month and replaced every one to three months, depending on several factors.

You may need to replace your filter more frequently if:

• You have pets. 
• Someone in your home has allergies. 
• You have young children. 
• You're doing renovations. 
• You live in a dusty area. 
• You run your HVAC system year-round. 

A clean filter allows proper airflow, helping your furnace and air conditioner operate efficiently. A dirty filter can cause:

• Reduced airflow. 
• Higher energy bills. 
• Uneven temperatures. 
• Frozen air conditioner coils. 
• Furnace overheating. 
• Increased wear on the blower motor. 

Many homeowners forget about their filters until there's a problem. A good habit is to check your filter on the first day of every month. Even if it doesn't need replacing, you'll know its condition and can change it when necessary. Replacing a filter costs only a few dollars, while neglecting it can contribute to repairs costing hundreds or even thousands.

There isn't one perfect thermostat setting for every home, but there are recommended ranges that balance comfort and energy savings. 

During the summer, many homeowners find that setting the thermostat between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 78°F) provides a comfortable indoor temperature while keeping energy costs reasonable.

In winter, a setting around 20°C to 21°C (68°F to 70°F) is comfortable for most families.

When you're sleeping or away from home, adjusting the temperature by just a few degrees can significantly reduce energy consumption.

A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, helping save money without sacrificing comfort. It's important to avoid making drastic thermostat changes. For example, setting your thermostat to 16°C because you want the house to cool faster won't make the air conditioner cool any quicker. HVAC systems cool at a steady rate. Setting the thermostat extremely low simply causes the system to run longer than necessary. The best approach is to choose a comfortable temperature and let the system operate normally.

When summer temperatures rise, so can your electricity bill. Many homeowners assume the only way to save money is to use their air conditioner less, but that's not necessarily true. The key is helping your HVAC system work more efficiently so it doesn't have to run any harder than necessary.

Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce your cooling costs while still keeping your home comfortable:

• Change your furnace filter regularly. 
• Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. 
• Keep the outdoor condenser clean. 
• Use a programmable or smart thermostat.  
• Don't set the thermostat extremely low (see previous question for thermostat setting).
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. 
• Seal air leaks. 
• Improve your home's insulation. 
• Avoid creating unnecessary heat indoors. 
• Use ceiling fans properly. 
• Keep supply and return vents unobstructed. 
• Don't ignore warning signals such as when your air conditioner seems louder than normal, cycles on and off frequently, struggles to cool the house, or causes your energy bills to rise unexpectedly. Also, don't wait until it completely stops working. 

Reducing your cooling costs isn't about suffering through a hot summer. It's about making your air conditioning system work smarter instead of harder. Simple habits like changing your filter, keeping the outdoor unit clean, sealing air leaks, using your thermostat wisely, and scheduling annual professional maintenance can lower your energy bills, improve comfort, and extend the life of your equipment.

Remember, the cheapest energy is the energy you never have to use. A little preventative maintenance today can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs and utility bills tomorrow.

This is one of the biggest decisions homeowners face. In general, if your equipment is less than 10 years old and the repair is relatively minor, repairing the system often makes financial sense. However, replacement becomes worth considering when:

• The system is 15 to 20 years old. 
• Repairs are becoming frequent. 
• Energy bills continue increasing. 
• Parts are becoming difficult to find. 
• The repair costs approach half the cost of replacement. 
• The equipment no longer keeps the home comfortable. 

New HVAC systems are significantly more energy-efficient than older models. A modern high-efficiency furnace or air conditioner can reduce energy consumption while providing quieter operation, better humidity control, and improved comfort throughout the home.

When deciding between repair and replacement, don't focus only on today's repair bill.

Consider the overall cost of ownership over the next 10 to 15 years, including future repairs, energy savings, warranty coverage, and reliability. A trusted HVAC professional can inspect your equipment and help you determine which option provides the best long-term value.