Which Type of Filter Is Ideal for Your HVAC System?

A particularly bad joke: “The inventor of the air conditioner had died. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans.” Kidding aside, maintaining your air conditioner properly extends the life of your unit and ensures a cool and comfortable environment all summer long. For the record, the air conditioner was invented by Willis Carrier, an engineer and founder of Carrier Corporation, maker of some of the best HVAC systems in the industry. Another family owned and operated company that honors its namesake is Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning. It is operated by Bill’s daughter Denise and grandson Devon, and is one of the few truly locally owned operations left in the area. “I think people would be surprised if they knew when they call some HVAC companies with a family name on the truck, it’s actually owned by a national corporation,” says Denise. “With us, you’re getting the same highly trained technicians who have been with us for years. We do not hire subcontractors. You’ll reach the same person answering the phone during business hours and a live person for service after hours. And we still do business the way my father did when he founded the company in the 1958, treating clients like family and operating with honesty, integrity and trust.” All About Air Conditioning “It’s just as important to have an annual preventative maintenance appointment for your AC as it is your vehicle,” says Denise. “Our technicians inspect and keep equipment in optimal shape, often identifying a part before it fails, to avoid emergency outages.” Denise and Devon recommend not waiting until a 90-degree day to turn on your air conditioning for the first time. “By that time, you’re desperate for cool air, and if it doesn’t work, our schedule may be jammed,” he says. “It’s best to turn it on that first 70-degree day and setting it to 68 degrees. Then go to all the rooms in your home and see if they are cooled.” When the tech comes for a maintenance appointment, they will make sure all the parts are operational, clean the condenser, and check the filter and your refrigerant level. Bill Reynolds also offers and installs electronic air cleaners, UV purifiers or whole-house humidifiers to keep your breathing environment as healthy as it can be. “As a Carrier Factory Authorized dealer, our techs have to undergo an additional level of training,” she adds. “This makes them especially skilled when it comes to helping customers get the most out of their warranties, replacing parts while they are still under warranty if possible. We also handle the claim process for them.” As a full-service company, Bill Reynolds has a skilled plumber on staff, too.  “He is invaluable in many situations that arise this time of year,” she says. “He works on lots of pool heaters and gas lines, as well as snaking drains.”