Expert Tips & FAQs to Keep Your Home Comfortable Year-Round

Discover valuable insights, practical tips, and answers to common questions about optimizing your HVAC system and ensuring your home’s comfort and efficiency.

HVAC Terminology Explained

Understanding common HVAC terms can help you make informed decisions about your heating and cooling systems. Here are some key terms you should know:

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

CFM

Cubic Feet per Minute – Airflow measurement

BTU

British Thermal Unit – Heating/cooling capacity

SEER

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

AFUE

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

HVAC Troubleshooting Guide

Before calling for service, try these simple troubleshooting steps that might solve common HVAC problems:

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist:

Check filters and replace them, if necessary.
Check supply and return vents for obstructions.
Clear debris around outdoor unit.
Make sure thermostat is in proper heating or cooling mode.
System is in ‘ON’ position.
Leave fan on ‘continuous’ setting while waiting for repair service.

Tip: If these steps don’t resolve your issue, it’s time to call a professional. Continuing to run a malfunctioning system can cause further damage.

Winter HVAC Tip: Keep Your Home Warm and Efficient!

Check Your Air Filters!

As the temperatures drop, it’s important to ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently to keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter. Here’s a quick tip to help you save energy and stay cozy:

Clogged or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy. Replace or clean your filters regularly to ensure optimal performance and improve air quality in your home.

Bonus Tip:

Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to make sure your heating system is running smoothly and prevent any unexpected breakdowns during the cold months.

Stay warm, save energy, and keep your system in top shape this winter!

For more tips or to schedule an HVAC tune-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Provide Emergency Services?

Yes, we do, 24 hrs. 7 days a week emergency service. Call us at 410-543-2962 or email us at office@marathonserviceco.com .

What service areas do you serve?

We have proudly served residents and business alike, stretching the Delmarva Peninsula, in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia for over 30 years.

Do you service all brands of HVAC and refrigeration equipment?

We service and install most makes and models of HVAC and commercial refrigeration equipment – custom applications being one of our specialties.

Do you offer maintenance plans?

We offer preventative maintenance agreements along with a full range of indoor air quality products, including high-efficiency filtration and ultra-violet air sanitizing in commercial and residential homes.

What is SEER?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. It may also be called a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.

What is BTU?

The acronym stands for British Thermal Unit, which is the unit used to measure thermal (heat) energy. Specifically, it is the amount of energy needed to raise 1 pound of water 1°F at sea level.

Why is it important to have a regular maintenance?

Regular HVAC maintenance is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%. Cut energy bills! Preventive maintenance helps ensure that your HVAC system runs at close to peak efficiency. This can mean savings of up to 30% on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

How often should I service my HVAC system?

Every year, as the seasons change, one should start to wonder if it is time to have their HVAC serviced. According to most HVAC system manufacturers, you should have both the heating and air conditioning portion of your HVAC system serviced once a year. However, they suggest they these two portions be done at two separate times. It is good practice for a homeowner to have the air conditioning serviced in the spring and the heater in the fall.

How often should I change my air filter at home?

It is a general recommendation that you should change your air filter in your home every 30 days when using less expensive fiberglass filters. High-end pleated filters can last as long as 6 months, but these typical guidelines assume average use and don’t take into account the size and type of filter.

As a general rule, you’ll want to replace pleated air filters and furnace filters in your home every 90 days. The longer the filter is in place, the more dirt, dust, and allergens are trapped, clogging the filter and decreasing their efficiency.

Are all HVAC filters the same?

No, HVAC air filters differ in quality and dimensions, and some have features that others don’t. In most instances we advise using the filter your HVAC manufacturer recommends pairing with your system. All filters are assigned MERV ratings, which go from 1–20. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value.

In fact, there are many different types of air filters available and choosing the right one can make a real difference in the lifespan of your HVAC system.

What is indoor air quality?

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Understanding and controlling common indoor pollutants can help reduce your risk of health concerns.

How do I choose the right humidifier?

When choosing the best humidifier for your space, consider the size of your space. Your goal is to achieve a just-right humidity level—it should be between 30 percent and 50 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

How do I know if I have an existing warranty on my furnace, air conditioner or HVAC system?

Your warranty information may have been included with the information and manuals you received when you purchased the system. Check where you have stored this important paperwork to see if the system came with a warranty. Marathon Service Company will register the HVAC system for you, and we will send you a “thank you” letter and also a letter of the registration of your unit.

How do I change a filter?

Changing a furnace filter is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to maximize the efficiency of your heating system—and to help purify your home’s air. Doing so is easier than you think.

The procedure should take all of five or ten minutes. Likely the most-time consuming part of this project will be finding what size filter you need, and running to the store to purchase a replacement.

Essentially, you are just swapping out the old filter with a new replacement. Once you have the replacement filter, all you need to do is go through these 6 simple steps:

Turn off your furnace
Find and locate your furnace filter
Determine the size of your filter
Remove the existing (old) filter
Insert the new filter
Return furnace to “on” position

Why do I need to change my filters?

A clogged filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to keep the house cool. This will lead to more frequent AC repairs and, ultimately, shorten the lifespan of the unit.

How do I know if I need a new heater or air conditioner?

If you notice that your HVAC system hums louder than usual or makes excessive banging or clunking noises, it might be high-time for a replacement. A louder-than-usual HVAC system either needs a repair or replacement. When the system still makes a racket after maintenance, you should consider an HVAC replacement.

What is an energy star?

ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decision.

What is a thermostat?

A thermostat is a regulating device component that senses the temperature of a physical system and performs actions so that the system’s temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint.

410-543-2962

25600 Ocean Gtwy, Mardela Springs, MD 21837