FAQ - Helpful Tips

At Pillar Heating and Air Conditioning, we know that informed customers are happy customers. We've compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions and answers for your information:

How often should I change my furnace filter?

To increase the safety and efficiency of your heating and cooling system, make sure to change your filters each month.

What type of filter should I use?

Type of furnace filter

How can I reduce my energy bill?

One way to help save on energy costs is to make sure that the fan setting on your thermostat is set to “auto” instead of “on”. This way the fan will only run when you need heating or cooling. Another cost saving measure is to program your thermostat to automatically increase or decrease in temperature depending on your family’s activities. For example, lower night-time settings in the cooler months can easily be offset with blankets and warmer pajamas.

At what temperature should my thermostat while on vacation?

In the cooler months, set your thermostat to a lower temperature. Just make sure to set it at 55 degrees or higher to avoid the risk of busting pipes.

Should I be concerned if I smell something burning after turning on my heat for the first time?

A burning smell is perfectly normal after turning the furnace on for the first time of the season. It is the result of accumulated dust and should only last about 15 minutes. If the smell continues beyond that timeframe, turn it off and have your furnace looked at right away.

Where should my humidifier be set? How do I know if it's too high or too low?

We typically recommend humidity settings to be at 35% during the cooler months and off during the warmer months. Your humidifier is set too high if you notice condensation on the inside of windows. Excess static electricity is often a sign that your humidifier is set too low.