Ask Us!

We’ve served hundreds of clients since opening our doors in 2015 and have gotten a lot of questions. Here are the ones that come up the most.

Many people complain that their heaters emit a burning plastic odor, especially when they start them for the first time. Typically, this isn’t an issue, but it could be a malfunctioning component that could become a fire hazard.

The most common causes of heater odors are:

  • Dust accumulation
  • Overheating components
  • Melting or burning plastic
  • Faulty electrical connections
  • Manufacturing defects

As mentioned, this isn’t necessarily a serious problem; however, we recommend shutting the heater off, unplugging it, allowing it to cool thoroughly, checking for dust and debris, and looking for plastic objects near the heater. If everything seems normal and you still smell an odor, call us for an inspection.

You’ve probably heard stories about people’s furnaces exploding and maybe thought it was an urban legend. The truth is that, while rare, they can ignite and explode. Explosions typically happen because of gas leaks, faulty ignition switches, blocked vents, or excess dirt and grime.

Signs your furnace may be in danger are:

  • Rotten egg odor, which could signify a leak
  • Delayed ignition
  • Yellow flame (should be bright blue)
  • Excess soot buildup
  • Chronic health symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or nausea, which could be signs of carbon monoxide poisoning

Call one of our technicians immediately if you notice these or any other odd behavior from your furnace.

Changing your HVAC filter keeps the system running efficiently and your indoor air clean. But how often should you change it? Well, it depends on many factors, such as the type of filter you use, how polluted the air is, whether you have pets, and what the manufacturer recommends. However, there are a few guidelines you can follow.

Most experts agree that changing your filter every three months will do. However, if you have pets, smoke indoors, or live in an area with high levels of air pollution, you should change the schedule to every one or two months. Additionally, if someone in the house suffers from asthma or allergies, consider more frequent filter changes to maintain better air quality and minimize their reactions.

If you’re unsure, call us for our expert filter replacement service.

You probably don’t think twice about your breaker panel unless you have to do a reset. However, breaker panels wear out, or your power needs change, and you’ll have to upgrade. Here are a few things to consider.

Age

If your breaker panel is over 25 years old, experts recommend replacing it.

Frequent Tripping

Are your breakers constantly tripping? It could mean your power needs have exceeded what the panel can provide, and the way to solve it is by upgrading.

You’ve Added On

If you’ve added to your home or installed a high-powered appliance like an EV charging station, you may be overcapacity, which can cause issues like poor performance. In this case, you must upgrade to a panel with a higher capacity.

Outdated Panel

What if your home has a fuse panel? In that case, it’s definitely time to upgrade. Fuse boxes were state-of-the-art technology for their time, but breakers are safer and can better handle the power needs of the modern family.

Call us for an electrical safety inspection, and we’ll tell you if you’re ready for a new electrical panel.

The cost of everything is going up with no signs of coming down, including electricity. The average yearly electricity consumption for US residents is 10,557-kilowatt hours (kWh), with most of that usage happening during the day. Depending on the rates where you live, that could be a hefty monthly bill. But there are a few tips to lower your usage and electric bills.

  • Use energy-efficient appliances marked with the EnergyStar rating. These appliances are designed to use less power and can significantly reduce your electric consumption.
  • Switch incandescent and fluorescent bulbs to LED lights. LED bulbs consume less energy than traditional bulbs and last longer.
  • Install a smart thermostat to give you precise control over your heating and cooling and schedule temperature adjustments based on when you’re home or away. Smart thermostats can learn your use patterns and optimize your HVAC system to use less energy.

Installing a new HVAC system is expensive, so it’s natural to continue repairing your old one to keep it going for a few more years. However, there’s a point when repairs get too expensive, and it’s more cost-effective to replace the system. But how do you know when?

How Old is Your System

The number one factor is age. The average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 and 20 years, so if yours is that age or older, replacing it is a better long-term investment.

Repair Cost

How expensive is it to fix your HVAC system? Replacing it is the better option if it’s 50% or more than the cost of a new one.

Performance & Comfort

How well does your system keep your home comfortable? If you’ve been experiencing inconsistent cooling or constantly fiddling with the thermostat to get comfortable, your system is probably too old and can’t deliver the comfort you need anymore.

If you have further questions, call us and ask, and we’ll be glad to help.

We are a family-owned and operated business that live and breathe our core values. Integrity is everything to our business and we train our staff to bring this into every home they step into.

The actual cost depends on many factors, including the size of your home, the type and number of lights, materials, and any obstructions during installation. Hunter Service Group offers free estimates. Our electricians will work with you to design a system that suits your budget and needs.

LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours or 15-20 years.

Unless you’re a professional electrician, it’s best to leave the job to the experts to guarantee safety and comfort.

Yes. Indoor and outdoor lighting can increase the value of your home by 12%.

Time taken to complete the job varies depending on the number of fixtures and other factors. We can assess your home and give you an accurate time estimate before work begins.

Investing in regular HVAC services helps keep your unit at peak efficiency, prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, and extend your equipment’s life.

At Hunter Service Group, we know that choosing an HVAC unit is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Our pros will come to your home to determine which unit would work best for you. We’ll work with you to consider your budget and needs.

The cost can vary depending on the unit’s size and features, so we recommend contacting us for a quote.

Generally, HVAC systems last 10-15 years.

We recommend changing air filters every one to three months as part of your regular HVAC maintenance.

It’s best to have your HVAC equipment tuned up before each cooling and heating season starts.

No, you should not close the registers and vents in some unused rooms in your home. Doing so may reduce and disrupt your system’s efficiency and airflow, increasing the likelihood of HVAC repair.

Regular maintenance helps fix problems in your system that would otherwise turn into costly repairs or even another HVAC installation. Although this doesn’t eliminate the need for repairs, it keeps them fewer and further between.

Although we always recommend professional HVAC maintenance, there are some things you can do to keep your system performing at an optimal level.

  • Make sure the outdoor unit is free of clutter, weeds, and debris.
  • Keep your pets away from the system.
  • Use a soft brush or hose to clean the housing of your outdoor unit.

You should replace your HVAC equipment if it’s over 10 years and can no longer meet your needs, needs frequent repairs, or your energy bills are increasing.