It is wise to change your furnace filter and air conditioning filter at least every 3 months. Ideally, you should be changing your filter every month and never waiting more than 3 months to change your furnace filter. One of the most effective ways to enhance the quality of air in your home is to change your furnace filter.

The filter captures airborne particles such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander and viruses. There are many other problems caused by dirty air filters like allergies, asthma and the dreaded itchy face. Most of these aren’t serious problems but an annoyance which can be easily prevented.

Make sure you check your air filter on a monthly basis to ensure it is still clean. If you hold the filter up to a light and can’t see through it, time to get a new filter. If dust and dirt fall out of the filter the moment you pick it up, time to get a new filter. The next time your Viking Heating and Cooling technician is out to perform a Chicago furnace tune up or AC tune up, ask him to show you how to install your air filter if you are unsure how. You can also ask about any filter options you have in order to get more out of your filter than you expected.

Chicago air duct cleaning is often one of those home maintenance items which is often overlooked by homeowners who are busy with other more glamorous seasonal tasks. During the warm summer months like the ones we just felt and the cold winter months, most homes are closed up tight and the HVAC system is working overtime. The result is often an optimal breeding ground for indoor air pollution.

During spring and fall when the weather is more mild homeowners typically have their doors and windows open. All of the airflow into the home keeps fresh air moving and indoor air quality healthy. When the weather begins to get more extreme, homeowners close the doors and windows and prevent good, clean airflow throughout the home. This causes dust and debris to settle deep in your air duct system. These tiny molecules of dirt, dust, mold, pollen and animal dander are then constantly re-circulated in your home each time your HVAC unit turns on. This is a breeding ground for fungi, germs and mold.

Fall and spring are perfect times to get your air duct cleaned although no time is a bad time. Homeowners may need an HVAC system inspection and cleaning as well. Multiple components of the HVAC system besides the ductwork can catch contaminants and contribute to a reduced level of indoor air quality. If a homeowner can see dust or dirt in the ductwork, air duct cleaning is advised.

Be sure to use a trusted company with plenty of referrals and reviews. You can check ours on our Yelp or Google Places pages. An air duct cleaning which is not done properly can actually cause more harm than good in the long run. If your HVAC system has not been cleaned in the past 2 years, it should be done soon. Clean indoor air provides a healthier home and promotes a healthier environment so your family doesn’t have to deal with nagging dry, musty air, itchy eyes or constant headaches.

Many people requested the help of a Chicago air condition repair company during this long hot summer.  As summer turns to fall and then winter, more people will inevitably turn to Chicago furnace repair companies as well. Before you attempt to hire a company to make repairs you should take the time to check the companies out carefully.

Impulsively hiring an HVAC company can turn disastrous and end up costing you more money and time in the long run. The Better Business Bureau had several thousand complaints related to heating and air conditioning companies alone last year. Some of the most common mistakes homeowners make when searching for an HVAC company are hiring the first company they find online or in the Yellow Pages, not doing proper research and not getting all of the repair work detail in writing.

The Better Business Bureau recommends the following for customers needing their air conditioner or furnace serviced:

• Research the Company – Get as much information as possible on the background of the company and its licensing. Visit the BBB website, www.bbb.org, for their Business Review to learn more about the company’s reputation and complaint history. Ask about licenses and visit the company’s own website if they have one, as most companies will.
• Shop Around – Get at least 3 estimates for any repair or replacement work. Make sure to get a written big which provides an exact description of the work being performed and the parts used. NEVER accept a verbal estimate.
• Check the Warranty – Read the company’s warranties and be sure to understand the terms and conditions of the contract. Ask questions if you have any.
• Check the Energy Consumption – Many new air conditioning and furnace units are manufactured to be significantly more energy efficient than others. Homeowners of new, energy efficient units may still be eligible for tax credits. Make sure to get the paperwork needed to declare those savings.

In most cases, a homeowner will respond to an ad for a free or cheap inspection. During the visit, the technician will attempt to scare the homeowner into needless costly repairs or pressure them into purchasing a new unit. Other technicians may disable the unit in order to push a sale further.

Viking Heating and Cooling may be new on the scene but we take our reputation very seriously. If it wasn’t for homeowners, we wouldn’t have a job to do. We are working from the ground up, basically on word of mouth and social media marketing. The owner, Brett, personally meets with every homeowner he can prior to taking the job and always gives written estimates. You can also view our Testimonial page, Google Places or Yelp page for helpful reviews.