Novak Heating, Air Conditioning and Duct Cleaning Tips and FAQS

For best comfort and maximum health benefits, 35 to 40% would be ideal. However in most homes during the heating season, this level of humidity causes windows to condensate or frost on the inside. Therefore, 25-30% is a better recommendation. In very cold weather when the windows are colder the setting has to be kept even lower. We recommend the following settings.
Outside Inside humidity
30 deg.+ 35% (max)
20 deg. 30%
10 deg. 25%
00 deg. 20%
-10 deg. 15%
-20 deg. 10%

The most important advice I can give is NOT to wait until it is 95 degrees and high humidity to think about if your central air is working. If you have it serviced early in the spring you will avoid having to wait for a service call when it gets hot. We recommend a Central Air Tuneup that we price at $99 plus tax.
We do all this:
Check refrigerant level
clean and inspect condenser coil
oil condenser fan motor
make sure unit is level
check and tighten all electrical connections
clean drain hose
check operation for noise and vibration
check pressure switches and condensation connections
check rated and running amps of equipment
check temperature drop across Evap coil.
clean any debris from interior of unit.
The above tune-up will ensure your unit will run at peak efficiency for the summer.
Spring is also a great time to consider CLEANING YOUR AIR DUCTS! There are still many utility rebates and incentives for heating/air conditioning products…call or write for more info.

This depends on what type of filter system you have.1″ disposable filters should be changed MONTHLY. Wider media style filters as a rule last approx 6 months. These are usually 4-6 inches wide and are considered a premium type filter. If you have an electronic air cleaner you need to clean or wash the cells every 45 days. We stock a wide variety of media type filters and are happy to answer your filter questions!

There are many reasons — safety, efficiency, comfort and to take care of things that might present a problem at an inconvenient time. I have a picture shown below of an air filter we found on a furnace tune up recently. The furnace was running, but this filter was plugged up so badly that it would have caused a no heat situation eventually. The homeowner had simply forgotten to change it regularly. If this had not been taken care of it could have resulted in a late evening or holiday no heat call. This is just one example, but there are several things we do on each call that could help prevent a costly repair later.
Each year we find furnaces that have safety devices that are not working, heat exchangers that are faulty and items that can present a real safety issue in your home. We want your unit to work safely and reliably all winter!
By cleaning the furnace, burners, adjusting the gas pressure, checking the condensate trap, cleaning the flame sensor etc.. it helps your furnace run at peak efficiency. It maximizes the system’s performance and provides more comfort for YOU. We want to identify problems before they occur. Can we guarantee that you wont have a breakdown during the winter after a tuneup? No, but our service records show that regular, annual maintenance customers have 75% less breakdowns then customers that don’t maintain.
We also check to see if you need humidifier pads to keep that humidity at an ideal level. We perform both Commercial and Residential maintenance. The things we do are slightly different, but the reasons for doing so are the same.

It is the environmentally sound replacement for Freon. This refrigerant of the future does not damage the ozone. Federal law has required the phase out of many refrigerants. That’s why Carrier® has been designing, and perfecting new technology that uses Puron. It has been awarded the Green Seal of approval. Many people are familiar with how expensive R-12 (commonly used in cars and trucks) has gotten. You can expect the same thing very soon from R-22 Freon that is used in residential and commercial air conditioners.

With that in mind it only makes sense to install a new unit with Puron. Carrier® high-efficiency Puron units are quiet and efficient. They qualify for the highest utility rebates. The warranty is super. They use the dependable “scroll compressor”. This unit also meets the EPA energy star guidelines.

If you want to control humidity and stay cool contact Novak Heating and Cooling today!!

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools your home. Higher SEER ratings mean greater energy savings. Novak Heating and Cooling installs high-efficiency systems designed to lower cooling costs while improving comfort.

Routine care is key. Changing air filters regularly, keeping debris away from outdoor units, and scheduling annual tune-ups all help extend equipment life. Novak Heating and Cooling offers professional maintenance services to keep your system running efficiently year-round.

Many homes use standard pleated filters, but the right type depends on your system and indoor air quality needs. Most filters should be replaced every 1–3 months. Novak Heating and Cooling can recommend the best filter for your equipment.

Most heating and cooling systems last 15–20 years when properly maintained. Novak Heating and Cooling can inspect your system and help you understand whether repair or replacement is the best long-term option.

We recommend maintenance twice per year—once before the cooling season and once before heating season. Regular service from Novak Heating and Cooling improves efficiency, reduces breakdowns, and helps protect your warranty.

Yes. Modern HVAC systems are far more efficient than older units. Upgrading with Novak Heating and Cooling can significantly reduce monthly utility bills while improving comfort throughout your home.

A smart thermostat isn’t required, but it can provide better control, better comfort, and energy savings. Novak Heating and Cooling can help you choose and install a thermostat that works with your HVAC equipment.

You may need ductwork service if you notice uneven temperatures, excessive dust, musty odors, or higher energy bills. Novak Heating and Cooling can inspect your ducts to determine whether cleaning or sealing will improve airflow and efficiency.

We do not recommend covering your outdoor AC unit. Covers can trap moisture, encourage rust, and attract pests. Your system is built to withstand Iowa winters without a cover.

The best system depends on your home’s size, insulation, ductwork, and comfort goals. Novak Heating and Cooling can help you choose the furnace, AC, or heat pump that meets your needs and budget.

Replace filters regularly, seal air leaks, schedule routine maintenance, consider upgrading old equipment, and use a programmable or smart thermostat. Novak Heating and Cooling can provide personalized recommendations to help reduce energy costs.

Look for licensed, experienced technicians, strong customer reviews, and clear pricing. Novak Heating and Cooling has been a trusted choice in the Cedar Rapids area since 1934, providing honest recommendations and quality workmanship.

Not necessarily. Many issues can be repaired affordably. Novak Heating and Cooling provides honest assessments and only recommends replacement when it’s truly the best option for your home and budget.

Dirty filters, clogged coils, low refrigerant, blocked airflow, and aging components all reduce efficiency. A tune-up from Novak Heating and Cooling will identify issues and help restore proper cooling performance.

Common causes include a dirty filter, thermostat problems, ignition issues, or a tripped safety switch. If DIY troubleshooting doesn’t help, Novak Heating and Cooling can diagnose the cause and get your heat running again quickly.