Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.