Aprilaire, like any other humidifier manufacturer, designs their humidifiers to maintain an indoor relative humidity of 35% at an indoor temperature of 70F, anytime the outdoor temperature is 20F or above. Some homes may be able to attain a higher indoor humidity, however, factors such as the age, cubic footage (square footage times ceiling height) and tightness of the home, as well as the operating time of the HVAC heating system will affect the actual level achieved. Humidifiers require heat, water and air movement in order to add moisture to the air. Moisture in the form of vapor is added w ..read more

The HVAC system is one of the most important and expensive parts of any home. As a result, homeowners face a difficult decision when the system starts flashing some warning signs. Homeowners must determine between repairing vs replacing. Any homeowner facing the repair vs replace HVAC system decision needs a plan. How much will the repair cost? Is it the right time for a replacement? What is the best long term option for my home? Will a new system pay for itself in function and dependability? Does your heating (and cooling) system seem sluggish or inefficient? Is your HVAC system simply brok ..read more

Purchasing an HVAC system has always been a matter of debate between low price and its ability to keep you comfortable. Amana is one of those few brands that has built diverse models of equipment, each one offering a unique set of features. The Best of AmanaIn the HVAC market, Amana’s central air conditioner and gas furnace are synonymous with reliability and excellent warranty options. Some of the other aspects that keep Amana as a consumer’s favorite choice are: Energy EfficiencyAmana’s central air conditioner comes with a SEER rating between 13 and 19. It optimizes and controls humidity usi ..read more

Balancing the humidity levels in your home is a very simple and important thing to do. Having too much moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew to grow in wet areas and attract unwanted insects and other creatures into your home. Not enough moisture in the air can cause health issues, damage your home and cost you more money, especially in the wintertime. So how do you keep the humidity levels just right? Here are our top 4 benefits of a whole house humidifier. How a Whole House Humidifier Works Whole-house humidifiers work hand-in-hand with your existing heating and cooling system to add ..read more

Most people take their HVAC system for granted until something goes wrong. If your furnace breaks down on you in the middle of an Iowa winter, things can get uncomfortable fast. We recommend trying these troubleshooting tips before calling an HVAC professional. Replace Your Filter  It’s a good idea to always keep a few extra filters on hand. They are available at any home improvement store and are relatively inexpensive. Locate the filter on your unit and remove it. When a filter gets dirty, air from the unit won’t be able to pass through it. This will prevent the unit from properly warmi ..read more

There are key times during the year that you need to do maintenance on your heating and cooling system. Early spring for your air conditioner, and early in the fall for your furnace. Outside of that maintenance schedule, people wonder if their outside air conditioning unit may need to be covered once the weather turns cold.  When You Should Cover Your A/CThere is a reason to cover your air conditioner after the summer, and it’s not just for the winter. Your unit is built to withstand the rain and snow, but it is not built to keep out leaves, seeds, and other outdoor debris. Therefore, yo ..read more

Fall is here and winter is just around the corner, is your HVAC system ready for the freezing Iowa temps? Here are some tips on how to help you get your HVAC system prepared for the cold days ahead! MAINTENANCESpring and Fall are the best times of year to schedule professional maintenance. Having a professional technician come out and inspect your equipment allows you to rest easy knowing your system is ready to tackle the challenges of the coming season. Identifying potential problems before they lead to a costly and uncomfortable breakdown is the best way to save time and money when it comes ..read more

Check Your Air Filter Air filters are what separates the hot, dusty air, from clean, cool bliss. It’s very important that you keep track of when you last replaced your air filter so you can coordinate getting a new one to keep your system clean. Having a clogged filter can block air flow and cause your system to malfunction, some studies have shown that this block in air flow can lower your AC’s efficiency by up to 10%. Check Thermostat Batteries We know, it can’t be that simple right? You’d be surprised! Sometimes the simplest solutions get overlooked, but this one can have a huge impact on y ..read more

Is your AC running but not blowing out cold air? This is a common problem we see in the summer months and it’s usually due to ice buildup on the AC unit’s refrigerant lines. Some can’t believe the presence of ice is possible because of the hot and humid Iowa weather but believe us, it is. If you have ice building up on your AC refrigerant lines, you have one of the following 2 problems: Restricted airflow over evaporator coils Low refrigerant levels Restricted Airflow When your AC can’t “breathe” in enough air, the part that actually cools the air (the evaporator coil) gets too cold and even ..read more

The HVAC experts at Lenz Heating and Cooling recommend changing your air filter every one to three months. If you tend to wait three months, be sure to check on the status of your filter monthly. Dirt and debris in your filter can obstruct air flow, increasing the workload of your cooling system. By replacing the filter regularly, you can reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner while allowing the free movement of air for improved indoor comfort. If you have trouble remembering when you last changed the filter, try writing the date you changed it somewhere on the filter. As air filters bec ..read more