Facebook

Frequently Asked Questions

Home > F.A.Q.

HVAC Q & A

Professionalism and Expertise

Is Your HVAC System Making a Strange Noise?

Normally, a properly functioning air conditioner makes occasional pops, hisses, rattles, and a quiet hum that shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, if you notice loud humming or buzzing noises, your unit may be malfunctioning. Although our office is in Fort Wayne, we proudly service all of New Haven, Indiana, and beyond! Call us today to find out if you live in our service area.

Learn more »
How Can Air Conditioning Affect Your Skin?

As you enjoy the welcomed relief that air conditioning provides from the sweltering outdoor conditions, don't forget to take the necessary precautions to diminish its drying effects. Here are some of the side-effects that Air Condition can have on your skin:

  • Dry Skin
  • Reduced Oil Production
  • Skin Disorders
  • Prematurely Aging Skin

Many home HVAC systems include built-in humidification. If yours doesn't, not to worry! The technicians at Hartman Brothers can visit your home and give you options to upgrade your home's HVAC equipment so that the proper humidity levels are maintained.

Learn more »
Is Painting Your Air Conditioner Bad for It?

Painting your air conditioner may improve its aesthetic appeal, but it could cause other issues if it’s not done carefully. Basic surface prep, followed by a couple of coats of spray paint may restore a pleasing appearance to an aging unit. However, it’s important to realize that painting your air conditioner won’t turn back the hands of time when it comes to the system’s cooling performance, efficiency or reliability.

Learn more »
What is the Difference Between Floor vs Ceiling Heat Ducts?
  • Floor Ducts for Heating
    • According to the natural laws of convection, heated air entering through floor ducts rises. This disperses warmth evenly throughout the room from floor to ceiling. Heat entering through ceiling ducts, however, naturally tends to accumulate at the ceiling, warming the room from top to bottom more slowly than floor ducts. In climates where heating is the predominant HVAC function, floor ducts are usually preferable.
  • Ceiling Ducts for Cooling
    • The physics reverse when it comes to air conditioning. Because cool air naturally sinks, ceiling ducts are preferable where air conditioning takes precedence. Cool air entering through ceiling ducts quickly descends to the lower portion of the room where people are located. Comfort control is more immediate and continuous. Cool air supplied through floor ducts, conversely, tends to settle near the floor until airflow volume fills the entirely space sufficiently to lower the temperature.
Learn more »
How to Make a HVAC System Scented

Have you ever wanted to quickly add a fresh sent to your home without having to add air freshener to each room? Here is how to make a scented air filter for your HVAC System:

  1. Get a new filter — You're unlikely to smell the essential oil perfectly if you add it to a used, clogged filter. For that reason, start by purchasing a new furnace filter.
  2. Pick your scent — The best thing about making your own scented filter is you can choose whichever scent you want. You can play it safe by selecting a universally acclaimed scent like citrus or go bold by mixing oils, such as eucalyptus and peppermint or lavender and lemon, to create your own scent. If you're combining two oils, place a drop of each one on a paper towel. Let them mix for a few minutes before testing out the mixture. If it appeals to you, you can move to the next step.
  3. Place the chosen scent on the filter — Once you've selected the scent you want for your home, it's time to put it on your filter. Apply 15 to 20 drops of the essential oils to the filter. Make sure you spread the drops out over the entire filter's surface.
  4. Install the filter — Finally, install the scented new filter and start your furnace.
Learn more »

AC Maintenance

Common questions about AC service

How often should my air conditioner be serviced?

Once a year is the right cadence for most homes. Schedule it in spring, before the first stretch of hot weather, so any issues are handled while parts and appointment times are easier to get.

Is changing the filter enough?

A clean filter is important, but it doesn’t replace a professional visit. Filters don’t clean the outdoor coil, check refrigerant charge, test capacitors, or clear a drain that is starting to clog. Those are the items that usually cause the expensive failures.

What’s the difference between a one-time tune-up and a maintenance plan?

A one-time visit is a single seasonal inspection. A maintenance plan covers regular tune-ups for both heating and cooling, plus discounts on repairs and parts. If you want the system looked after every year without having to remember to call, the plan is the simpler option.

Will maintenance really save me money?

Usually, yes — in two ways. An efficient system uses less electricity all summer, and catching a worn part early is almost always cheaper than an emergency repair or a premature replacement. Think of it as an oil change for a machine that costs several thousand dollars to replace.

Do you service all brands?

Yes. We’ve worked on every major brand installed in this area for more than 50 years. Whether your air conditioner is new or has been in the home for a long time, we can inspect it and tell you exactly where it stands.

Learn more »

Furnace Maintenance

Common questions about furnace service

How often should my furnace be serviced?

Once a year, ideally in early fall before you start using heat every day. That’s when we can still get you on the schedule easily and fix anything we find before the first cold snap.

Why does furnace maintenance matter for safety?

A furnace burns fuel and sends exhaust out of the house. Cracked heat exchangers, blocked vents, and dirty burners can interfere with that process. A professional inspection is the reliable way to confirm the system is operating safely — not just that it turns on.

What’s the difference between a one-time tune-up and a maintenance plan?

A one-time visit covers this season’s inspection. A maintenance plan includes regular furnace and air conditioner tune-ups, plus discounts on repairs and parts. Most homeowners who want both systems looked after every year find the plan simpler and more cost-effective.

Can I just change the filter myself?

Yes — and you should, on the schedule the filter manufacturer recommends. That still isn’t a substitute for a tune-up. Filters don’t inspect the heat exchanger, test safety switches, or clean the flame sensor, which is one of the most common reasons a furnace suddenly stops lighting.

Do you service all furnace brands?

Yes. We’ve worked on every major brand installed in Fort Wayne–area homes for more than 50 years. Bring us the system you have; we’ll tell you what it needs and nothing it doesn’t.

Learn more »

Satisfied Clients

Our Number One Goal

Flurish


★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Caleb was very courteous and thorough on his routine check-up of our heating system. Thank you."

— Ron N.
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I had ample notice of arrival via text. Technician picture was provided for safety and I appreciated that. Kept a clean work area and wore shoe covers inside the house. I had questions about the maintenance plan I had purchased in advance. The technician reached out to the office and clarified for me—the office was prompt with answers and the technician was very friendly, helpful and professional. We will certainly continue to purchase the annual maintenance visits with Hartman Brothers!"

— Melanie K.
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Great communication throughout the process. Things were explained to me in terms that I could understand. Very fair and professional. I'd highly recommend Hartman Brothers to anyone!"

— Jared C.
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Fast and efficient service. Josh got right to work and fixed the problem. Called office at 1:20pm and they were right out and the problem fixed by 3:30pm"

— Catherine Franklin
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Jim was courteous and professional. He was focused on the job. We are glad he came to service our equipment."

— Paul S.
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Josh was very courteous and professional. He took the time to explain to me and show me what was going on inside the furnace. I felt really bad that we needed to call him out on a Sunday but with the inside of the furnace iced up our air just wasnt working and he got us up and running in no time"

— Dorothy Poling
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Ked was my "usual" service tech for many years. He was always friendly & kind...and didn't mind letting my big dog say hi. He was always professional and efficient. I liked having the piece of mind in knowing my HVAC needs are met & running well. I have used their maintenance plan for many years now, and haven't been disappointed. Well, Caleb didn't disappoint either. He loved my "big boy" and had a great sense of humor. He was very thorough in servicing my air conditioner. I feel I get my money's worth from my maintenance plan each year. I love when they say, "Everything looks good, no problems. See you in the Fall.""

— Donna D.
(Google Review)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My husband and I were very pleased with the quality of service we received today from Caleb. He worked very hard to figure out why our furnace wasn't working. He also cleaned the coils which provided us with better air quality. We are now enjoying a cozy warm home again. Thank you Caleb for a job well done."

— Helen T.
(Google Review)

Contact Us

Call Today to Schedule with Us