Frequently asked questions
Welcome to our FAQ section! We understand you have questions, and we're here to provide transparent, helpful answers. With over three decades of experience in the HVAC industry, Professional Airflow Mechanics is your trusted partner for residential heating, cooling, and hot water systems in the Okanagan. Below, you'll find insights into our services, what makes us different, and essential tips to keep your systems running smoothly.
How often should I change my filter?
Changing your filter on a schedule is very dependent on location, age of the home and who resides there. People who live near busy/dirty roads, people who live in older leaky homes and people with pets should change their filters often! Recommendation is every 3 months. Otherwise every 4 to 6 months is good depending on the type of filter. Lots of airflow is very important for the efficiency of your equipment. Don't let those filters clog up and restrict the airflow.
Why is it important to change your filter often?
Your filters sole purpose is to protect your equipment.
The misconception is that your furnace filter keeps the house clean, this is incorrect. The filter is to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the blower motor and creating friction and overwork. It is also to protect the evaporator coil from clogging up and preventing airflow over the coil. So even if you don't care about the cleanliness of your home, make sure you care about the life of your equipment. Without your HVAC equipment your home can be very uncomfortable.
Does my filter keep the air in my house clean?
Believe it or not, most of the dirt and dust in your home comes directly from the outdoors. Keep windows and doors closed!
Furnace filter can remove some dust and smoke but not odors or bacteria. UV light systems and other specialized filtration systems are needed for allergens, bacteria, odor and heavy smoke.
To get cleaner air, an air cleaning system needs to be installed. There are multiple different types of solutions. Please reach out to find out more.
I like it cold at night and hot during the day, can I program my thermostat to make these adjustments safely?
Yes, with a programmable thermostat you can program your equipment to be very efficient. However by turning the temperature way down at night or while you're away at work, and then way back up while your home, your force your equipment to work very hard. Heating and cooling equipment like to maintain temperature! A safe difference in temp would be 2 to 5 degrees. When using a heat pump you should only be changing by 2 to 3 degrees. When the equipment has a large load to bring temps back to a comfortable range it is hard on the motors and cost more money in gas and electricity. bringing your bills UP and the life span of your equipment DOWN.
My basement is freezing and the main floor is boiling. Can this be fixed?
This is very common in most homes. The only real solution to this is a zoning system which sometimes is not an option in finished homes. Heat rises, underground basements are insulated by the earth, these two factors create for very different temperature situations from floor to floor. This can be evened out by running your furnace fan 24/7. Doing this will pull cool air from downstairs and warm air from up and distribute it more evenly throughout the house. This will by no means make the two levels equal though, that would require renovations. Examples: new windows, new insulation, zoning ductwork, etc.
Why do I have to change out my hot water tank when it looks perfectly fine from the outside?
Your hot water tank contains an "anode rod" and once this rod corrodes, the inside of the tank starts to deteriorate. This rod lasts about 6 years and it works by attracting corrosive elements in the water—such as rust-causing minerals—and corrodes in place of the tank, thereby acting as a "bodyguard" that prevents the tank from rusting out and leaking. Once this rod is gone the inside of the tank walls corrode and drop to the base of the tank. This corrosion weakens the walls and the material creates a layer that insulates the bottom of the tank causing it to take longer to heat through to the water, which in effect also over heats the tank. This also means more gas usage and high gas bills!
At around 8 years the tank is now unsafe. Things that can help your tank last longer are emptying the tank annually and changing out the anode rod after 5 years.
Is Professional Airflow Mechanics licensed and insured to work in British Columbia?
Yes, absolutely. I am a certified refrigeration journeyman and a Gas B fitter, with a diploma from S.A.I.T in electronic engineering technologies. Professional Airflow Mechanics is fully licensed and insured to provide residential HVAC services throughout the Okanagan, giving you complete peace of mind.
How can I schedule an appointment for service or a consultation?
Booking an appointment is easy! You can reach us directly by phone at 250-859-0707, or send us an email at info@professionalairflowmechanics.ca. We look forward to discussing your HVAC needs and finding a convenient time for your service or consultation.
Your comfort, our commitment
Ready to experience the Professional Airflow Mechanics difference? With three decades of expertise and a commitment to fair pricing and exceptional service, we're here to ensure your home comfort systems are running perfectly. Let's start a conversation about your HVAC needs today in the Okanagan.