frequently Asked Questions
Air
Conditioning
Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling my house?
If your air conditioner is running but not cooling properly, the issue may be a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, thermostat problems, frozen coils, or a malfunctioning compressor. Because air conditioners work harder during hot weather, even small issues can quickly affect performance.
How often should I service my air conditioner?
Most HVAC professionals recommend servicing your air conditioner once per year, ideally in the spring before peak cooling season. Routine maintenance helps improve efficiency, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend the life of your system.
How often should I change my HVAC air filter?
Most homeowners should change their HVAC air filter every 1–3 months, depending on pets, allergies, and system usage. Clean filters improve airflow, protect your system, and help maintain better indoor air quality.
How long do air conditioning systems typically last?
Most central air conditioning systems last 10–15 years when properly maintained. If your system is older and requires frequent repairs, replacing it with a modern high-efficiency system may reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
What are the signs my air conditioner needs repair?
Common signs your AC may need repair include:
- Warm air coming from vents
- Weak airflow
- Strange noises or odors
- Frequent cycling
- Higher energy bills
Addressing these issues early can help prevent larger and more expensive problems.
Why is my house humid even when the AC is running?
High indoor humidity can occur if your system is oversized, improperly installed, or not removing moisture effectively. Proper HVAC sizing and maintenance help keep indoor humidity levels comfortable.
What size air conditioner do I need for my home?
The correct AC size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and layout. HVAC professionals perform a load calculation to determine the right system size for optimal performance and efficiency.
When should I replace my air conditioner instead of repairing it?
If your air conditioner is over 12–15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or causes rising energy bills, replacement may be more cost-effective. Modern systems offer improved efficiency and reliability.
How can I reduce my air conditioning energy bills?
You can reduce cooling costs by:
- Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance
- Replacing air filters
- Sealing air leaks
- Installing a smart thermostat
- Upgrading to a high-efficiency system
These improvements help your system run more efficiently.
What should I do if my air conditioner stops working?
First check your thermostat settings, air filter, and circuit breaker. If the system still won’t turn on or is blowing warm air, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician for diagnosis and repair.
Energy
Efficiency
Should I be concerned about new energy-sufficient standards?
Heating and cooling your home can represent as much as 44% of your utility bill.* With high efficiency ratings and innovative, industry-leading technology, Lennox® home comfort systems can go a long way toward reducing these costs.
How can I control energy costs?
Heating and cooling your home can represent as much as 44% of your utility bill.* With high efficiency ratings and innovative, industry-leading technology, Lennox® home comfort systems can go a long way toward reducing these costs.
When selecting a new system, pay close attention to the SEER rating of the air conditioner and AFUE of the furnace. The higher the SEER or AFUE, the higher the savings.
Beyond efficiency ratings, other factors to consider are:
Maintenance. You can ensure your system operates at peak performance by scheduling annual preventative maintenance checks.
Zoning. A zoning system can drastically lower your heating and cooling costs. With zoning, you no longer have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that are rarely used.
Programmable Thermostats. According to the Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating costs by up to 35% and cooling costs by up to 25%.
For more energy-saving solutions, contact your local Lennox Dealer.
*According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network
Furnaces
What are furnace ratings?
Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.
Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 78% AFUE. If your furnace is 10 – 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy.
This doesn’t mean that you should only select a furnace based on its AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking for a new furnace.
Furnaces use electricity to run fans and motors. The amount of electricity used varies greatly depending on the type of furnace. Be sure to check electricity usage prior to making a purchase decision.
Will my new furnace work differently than my old one?
Furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Modern furnaces are designed to provide more even and efficient heating than past furnaces, which can impact both how your system operates and what you notice about your system.
To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces. The air that comes out of your furnace registers may not seem as warm as the air from your old furnace, but overall airflow is improved. Better airflow means higher comfort.
Also, new furnaces are designed to integrate with high-efficiency air conditioners, so furnace blowers are more powerful to accommodate add-on cooling. Since cold air is much heavier than warm air, your system needs an extra boost from the blower to deliver cool air throughout your home. If you have an older home, this performance boost could produce unfamiliar sounds because air duct systems were originally designed for heating only. To minimize sound levels, choose a variable speed product which automatically changes speeds to meet the airflow needs of both heating and cooling cycles.
What is a variable speed furnace?
The term “variable speed” refers to the furnace’s indoor blower motor, which moves at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home. Better airflow control has several benefits:
Electrical efficiency. Variable speed motors can actually save you money on your energy bills, as they consume less electricity than standard motors.
Cooling efficiency. Variable speed technology also means you will gain heating efficiency or AFUE.
Zoning. Variable speed motors are excellent for zoning, which allows you to customize your comfort in different areas of your home and control your energy bills.
Air quality. A variable speed motor can also help clean the air in your home. When the fan is in constant operation (indicated by the “Fan” setting on your thermostat), the motor will continue to slowly circulate air, allowing filters to capture more contaminants.
Humidity control. A variable speed motor combined with a ComfortSense 7000 programmable thermostat Home Comfort Control allows you to control the amount of humidity in your home for improved indoor air quality and comfort.
Can I use my chimney with my new furnace?
Furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years, raising concerns over chimney use. As a result of changing technology, many existing masonry chimneys aren’t able to meet the specific demands of new furnaces.
There are several reasons for this furnace-chimney incompatibility. First, the size of the chimney can be an issue. Modern, higher-efficiency furnaces transfer more heat into your home and less heat up the chimney than older, less-efficient units. While this means more efficiency for your energy dollar, it also means that the existing chimney might be too large for the new furnace. The result could be improper ventilation of flue products, which can cause condensation problems inside the chimney.
Other considerations include chimney height and location, proper lining and condition of the chimney. Building codes must also be kept in mind to ensure proper draft in the chimney for adequate ventilation.
For the best advice on how to configure your new furnace, contact AIRTEAM today.
Indoor
Air Quality
What is indoor air quality?
“Indoor air quality,” or IAQ, is a relatively new topic in environmental safety. While a lot of attention has been placed on outdoor pollution over the past few decades, the focus on indoor air quality is just beginning. The quality of a home’s air mainly has to do with the amount of pollutants inside, but it’s also determined by humidity and ventilation levels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that concentrations of pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, so clean indoor air is very important.
What causes indoor air pollution?
Many everyday household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products.
Also, newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency tend to limit air circulation, which can contribute to a buildup of contaminants. Likewise, things like weather stripping and storm doors keep stale air in and fresh air out.
What can I do myself to enhance my home's air quality?
There are several everyday steps you can take to reduce the pollutants circulating in your home, including:
1. Store household cleaners, paint solvents and chemical products in tightly sealed containers. If possible, keep them outdoors.
2. Clean and vacuum at least once a week.
3. Regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys.
4. Keep windows closed when pollen, pollution and humidity levels are high.
5. Ask you local Healthy Climate dealer to test the air in your home for dust, pollen, chemicals and other pollutants (data is evaluated by an independent testing agency).
6. Make sure your home is properly ventilated. (Modern homes are well insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape).
7. Keep humidity levels within a healthy, comfortable range to prevent growth of mold and mildew (30% – 60%).
8. Avoid using scented deodorizers and odor-masking air fresheners, which may cause toxic chemicals.
9. Have your HVAC system regularly inspected to make sure it is clean and in good operating condition.
10. Choose furnishings that emit the smallest possible amount of chemical vapors.
11. Do not allow smoking inside your home and make sure all gas appliances are properly vented.
How can I eliminate odors?
You may have tried to get rid of odors in your home by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. The problem with these methods is that they only mask the odors—they don’t get rid of them. In fact, the chemcial ingredients in the mist they produce may further contaminate your home.
Improve ventilation.
Sometimes, poor ventilation in a home causes unpleasant odors. Your local Lennox dealer can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is indeed the problem.
Clean the air.
The PureAir™ air purification system uses photocatalytic technology to remove and destroy odors from sources like cleaning supplies, solvents used in carpeting or furniture, paints, cooking smells and pets. The Healthy Climate Carbon Clean 16 media air cleaner has a carbon-coated fiber matrix that can control odors. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) system can also clear away odors when equipped with its optional carbon canister.
Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home’s odor problem. You can reduce these odor-causing contaminants with a germicidal (UV) light, which inhibits the growth of germs by sterilizing surfaces in your heating and cooling system.
To find out which indoor air quality products are right for you, contact AIRTEAM today.
Why is ventilation important for proper indoor air quality?
At one time, it was possible to achieve natural ventilation in our homes by simply opening a window. However, with growing concerns about rising energy costs, we have been busy making homes “tighter” from an efficiency standpoint. Armed with weather stripping and caulk guns, we have eliminated air leaks from our homes. Unfortunately, that means contaminants have no way to escape.
Pollutants in your home’s air can cause poor indoor air quality, which in turn may cause dizziness and headaches, plus aggravate allergies and asthma. That’s why Lennox offers ventilation systems that help remove contaminants by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.
What are the benefits of clean air?
Allergies and asthma are two health problems that can be helped with clean indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from clean air. Dust, smoke and other particles float around in the air, causing your drapes and furniture to gather dust. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.
Lennox
Why should I buy a Lennox product?
Product Innovation.
Lennox is built on a legacy of innovative firsts, from the introduction of the riveted-steel furnace in 1895 to a solar-assisted home comfort system. Today, the legacy continues with exclusive technologies that deliver the ultimate in quiet, consistent heating and cooling.
As an industry leader, we can do what no one else can—deliver the complete range of products needed to assure your total comfort.
Ene•vation (Energy Innovation).
ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year As a four-time winner of the ENERGY STAR® Manufacturing Partner of the Year award—the first winner in the heating and cooling industry—Lennox offers a complete selection of high-efficiency systems that can save you hundreds of dollars every year on your utility bills.
Reliable Home Comfort.
Lennox has a longstanding commitment to deliver innovative products that you can count on. That’s why you’ll find the Good Housekeeping Seal on most Lennox® products. As one of the most widely recognized symbols of quality, the Good Housekeeping Seal assures you that the Lennox name is one you can trust.
Healthy Climate® Solutions.
Advanced products like air purifiers and cleaners, working together with a Lennox® heating and cooling system, help reduce concentrations of allergens and other contaminants in the air. They also help improve air circulation and balance humidity levels. And unlike many competitors’ products, these systems clean the air without producing ozone, a known lung irritant.
Leading-Edge Quality.
Before our products go into your home, they go through extensive testing in our state-of-the-art research lab. Here, Lennox home comfort systems are tested to meet the challenges of the most demanding operating and environmental conditions.
Worry-Free Warranty Coverage.
On top of exceptional quality you get when you purchase a Lennox® heating or cooling system, you also have the comfort of knowing it’s backed by one of the best warranties in the business. For select high-efficiency systems, extended warranty protection is available when you register your product online.
Unrivaled Reputation.
The Lennox name is known throughout the world for quality home comfort. So when you choose Lennox, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the very finest in heating, cooling and indoor air quality. You can also trust Lennox dealers—including Dave Lennox Premier Dealers™—to design the right system for your home, install it properly and keep it running perfectly for many years to come.
Dedicated Support.
You can also count on Lennox for dependable service. Call us at 1-800-9-LENNOX and talk to a live Customer Care Specialist who can answer your questions. Support is available Monday through Friday, 8 am – 8 pm EST.
your Champions
Of Comfort
Whether you need a brand new HVAC system or just need to replace or repair an aging unit that isn’t very efficient or reliable, AIRTEAM has all the bases covered. We can get you a new unit at a great price and guarantee a perfect installation, or we can repair your current system provided it is repairable. Contact us today and stay cool for the summer.
