How Often Should You Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter

Posted on July 29, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

How Often Should You Change Your HVAC System’s Air Filter

We recommend that you change the air filter for your HVAC system once every 1-3 months. Changing the air filter for your AC system is an important part of regular maintenance for your HVAC system, but it’s often overlooked. This is a task you can perform on your own, and one that you should learn to perform on your own.

I have been working with HVAC systems for 15 years, and I have seen some nightmare filters in my time. Some that haven’t been changed for a whole year and are completely covered in buildup. I have also shown plenty of homeowners how easy it is to change the air filter, so they feel comfortable doing it on their own.

In this article, I’m going to tell you when to change your air filter, and why it’s so important to do so. If you want to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning or heating system, give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222. Our technicians service Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennesee, making sure homes are cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and comfortable all year round.

Why Should You Change Your Air Filter Every 1-3 Months?

Your air filter sits in place in your HVAC system, catching any airborne particles that may pass through in the airflow. Allergens, bacteria, dust, dirt, mold spores, and pollen are just some of the irritants that get caught in the filter and are prevented from circulating in the air. After some time, the filter builds up with these irritants and gets clogged.

We recommend you change your air filters every 1-3 months to prevent the filter from clogging, and promote clean air and good airflow. There are some reasons you’d want to change it more often than not.

Your filter should be changed at least once a season. Depending on how much you run your HVAC systems, it may need to be done more often. During the spring and fall, if you aren’t running your HVAC systems as much, you may be able to let it go for closer to the 3 month range. Then, during the winter and summer months, when you are running the HVAC systems constantly, it may be a better idea to change the filter once a month.

There are some other factors that may push you towards changing the filter more often as well:

Children or elderly occupants who need clean, healthy air more than anyone.
Occupants with breathing issues and respiratory conditions
Homes with pets that may have odors and dander
Homes with smokers

These factors may contribute to you wanting to change the filter more often than once every 3 months.

When Should You Change Your Air Filter?

The best way to make sure you are changing your air filter regularly is to put it on a calendar. We recommend you make sure you mark the beginning of each season. That way, you are guaranteeing that you will at least change it 4 times a year.

You should purchase a few filters at a time and keep them stored away, so you don’t have to constantly order new ones or have to make a trip to the store. You can take a look at your current filter and judge if it needs to be replaced or not midseason. As long as you have a few filters on hand, it should be simple to take a look at it once a month and decide if it’s time to make the switch or not.

How Do You Change Your Air Filter?

Changing the air filter is simple. If you have a system that uses ductwork, you have an air filter located somewhere near the air handler unit.

Find the cover for the filter
Turn off your HVAC system
Remove the filter cover
Remove the filter
Replace with the new filter
Replace the cover
Turn the system back on

It’s a simple process, and one that you can perform on your own. We recommend that you ask your technician during your next service how to change the filter. They will gladly walk you through the process. If you are still having trouble, take a look at some videos on YouTube. There are plenty of tips and pointers to get you started.

Are All Air Filters The Same?

No, not all air filters are the same. They have different efficiency ratings, measured by MERV. The ratings go from 1-16, with 1 being the least efficient and 16 being the most. The higher the rating, the smaller the particles the filter can catch. That doesn’t necessarily mean that these are the filters that you should get for your home.

MERV 16-rated filters can get clogged more easily, and are sometimes not the best for energy efficiency. They are used in hospitals and labs, places that need to be extra clean. We recommend you look at the filters your system was installed with, and make sure you have ones similar in rating, and the appropriate size to fit your system.

Scheduling HVAC Service For Your Home

The very best way to take care of your HVAC system is by scheduling routine maintenance. If you live in Abingdon, Bristol, Chilhowie, or any of the surrounding areas, give Complete Comfort a call at (276) 690-9222. Our team of expert technicians will be able to service your system, change your air filter, and make sure your home or business are perfectly comfortable all year round!

How Often Should You Have Your AC Serviced?

Posted on July 15, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

How Often Should You Have Your AC Serviced?

We recommend that you have your AC serviced once a year, preferably before the really hot weather sets in for the summer. Taking care of your air conditioning system is important for its efficiency, performance, and lifespan. Depending on the age of your system and how much you use it, you may want to have it serviced twice a year, but as for most homes, once is enough and very beneficial.

I’ve been working in Southwest Virginia and North Eastern Tennessee for 15 years now, and I know how brutal the summers can be here. If your air conditioning system isn’t working properly, it could cause big issues, and create a very uncomfortable space to live in. Luckily, I’ve serviced, repaired, and installed hundreds of air conditioners, and know all the ins and outs.

In this article, we’ll tell you a little more about the benefits of AC service, and why you want to schedule it at least once a year. If you would like to have the experts here at Complete Comfort come service your air conditioning system, just give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. One of our air conditioning specialists will be happy to inspect and service your cooling system!

Why Should You Have Your AC System Serviced Once A Year?

Do you ever take your car into the shop for an oil change? Do you ever go to the doctor’s office for an annual checkup? Well, this is the same concept as having your air conditioner serviced yearly as well. Scheduling professional air conditioning service at least once a year will help you get the most out of your system, and keep your home cool.

We’ve seen systems last 20 years with annual service. We’ve also seen systems that die very prematurely because they are never serviced. The point is, having a professional inspect and maintain your HVAC system is how you get the very most out of it.

Here are a few of the most common reasons people schedule annual maintenance for their air conditioning system:

Improved Energy Efficiency

When you have your AC system serviced, it comes along with cleaning the parts, replacing the filter, and making sure the components are working smoothly and properly. This smooth operation and ensuring that all the parts are working well is what helps the system run more efficiently.

Improved efficiency usually results in two things:

Your system uses less energy, leading to lower energy bills
Your system runs better, leading to a cooler, more comfortable home

Reduced Chance Of Breakdowns

During annual maintenance, the technician is going to inspect your system and make sure the components are working properly. They will test your connections, replace any broken parts, and ensure the system is going to work properly when it’s needed.

If you go for years without this service, it could lead to problems building up, and the result is your air conditioner breaking down. This is more likely to happen during the hottest times of the summer, when the AC is working extra hard.

Dealing with a breakdown can be expensive, and also leave your home hot and uncomfortable until it can be fixed. Getting ahead and preventing these breakdowns is the best and most cost-effective way to take care of your AC.

You may also want to consider signing up for a preventative maintenance package. We offer them at a few different levels to match your system to the maintenance package that fits best. These packages help you stay on top of your service schedule, as well as save you money in the long run. Over the lifespan of your AC, investing in a maintenance plan should help you extend its life, and keep it running as efficiently as possible so you don’t have to worry about high energy bills or hot spots in the home.

Lengthen System Lifespan

Your air conditioner should last anywhere between 12-20 years. We’ve seen some that go the full 20, but it’s usually because they are well taken care of. We’ve also seen some that die prior to 10 years, which is also a result of not taking care of the system at all. In order to have your system last as long as it possibly could, having a professional take care of it is the best way to a long AC lifespan!

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Air passes through your HVAC system constantly. With that passing air comes airborne dirt and debris that pushes throughout the system, and into your home. When you have your AC system serviced, that comes with a wiping and cleaning of the components, as well as a filter change. This is going to improve the air quality of your home, and make it a healthier environment.

We still recommend that you change your air filter on your own every few months. This is a simple, inexpensive task that helps keep the air flowing properly, and maintains a healthier living space.

When Should You Have Your System Serviced?

Now that you know a bit more about why you should have your AC system serviced, you should also know the best time of year to have the task performed. We recommend you have your AC serviced in the spring, before the summer heat sets in.

For one, you want your home ready for the heat, rather than having a hot day your AC can’t handle, and having to call in a professional. Having your AC serviced in the spring helps you get ahead of any problems or repairs that may be needed. You also want to make sure that this system isn’t using too much energy to keep the space cool.

For example, if you are running your AC, but the efficiency is below the level it should be, that’s going to lead to you spending more money on energy bills than necessary. If you have your service performed at the beginning of the warm season, you are going to be saving by cutting out the unnecessary energy usage.

The other reason it’s better to have your AC system serviced in the spring is the availability of HVAC contractors. During the summer, HVAC businesses get very busy with people needing repairs and replacements. It’s not so easy to schedule service when it’s convenient for you, and it may take longer for the technician to come out and perform service. During the offseason, there is more availability, and it makes it easier to have your system serviced on your time.

Scheduling Service For Your AC In Southwest Virginia

If you haven’t had your annual AC service performed yet, now is the time to act. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or reach out to us online. One of our trained AC experts will be able to inspect your system, perform routine maintenance, and make sure your home is ready for the hot weather.

No matter if it’s the beginning of spring or the middle of the summer, an AC service is going to help improve the performance of your HVAC system. Stay cool and enjoy your summer!

Using A Generator To Keep Your AC Working During A Blackout

Posted on July 8, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Using A Generator To Keep Your AC Working During A Blackout

Losing power is always inconvenient, especially when it’s the middle of the summer. In our area located in Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee, we see some pretty bad storms. In 2024, there were power outages in the area that lasted for extended periods of time, and did tremendous damage. All that to say, we know how important it is to keep the power on in our homes.

We have installed thousands of generators since we opened in 2011, and know just how much of a difference it can make in your home. I have a generator installed at my home, and know that we can rest easy knowing that no matter what the weather is like outside, we are cozy and comfortable with a generator protecting us from a potential power outage.

In this article, I’m going to speak a little more about what a generator means for home comfort, particularly keeping the air conditioning on. If you live in the area and are interested in a generator for your home or business, just give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. Our experts will be happy to inspect your home, and pick out the perfect generator that fits your needs!

How A Generator Keeps Your AC On

Your air conditioner uses a significant amount of power, and when the grid goes down, so does your cooling system—unless you have a generator in place. A properly sized whole home generator will detect the outage and automatically kick on within seconds, powering your air conditioner and other essential systems in your home.

This can be a lifesaver during the peak of summer when indoor temperatures can rise quickly and become unsafe, especially for children, the elderly, and pets. With a standby generator, your home stays cool and livable no matter what’s happening outside.

A Generator Powers Ceiling And Exhaust Fans

Beyond just running your central AC, a generator can also power your ceiling fans and exhaust fans, which help circulate air and remove heat from kitchens, bathrooms, and other humid areas. These fans alone may not be able to keep you cool when it’s very hot outside, but they certainly can contribute to a cooler and more comfortable setting.

When you have a generator, you are guaranteed to have your air conditioning system working, as well as your fans and home appliances.

A Generator Gives You Peace Of Mind

One of the most common things we hear from our customers who install a generator is that it gives them peace of mind knowing that they don’t have to worry about losing power anymore. Certain homes would lose power easily, and they would watch the weather report knowing that if it got stormy, the power would likely go out. Now they don’t have to rush to find flashlights and candles, or stress about whether their fridge and freezer are going to make it through the night.

Instead, they can relax knowing that if the power goes out, they’ll be able to keep the power up and running , keeping the air conditioning running, the lights on, and their family safe and comfortable. It’s an investment not just in home comfort—but in home security and well-being.

Some Other Benefits Of Having A Generator

Along with keeping the house cool and comfortable, there are a few other benefits that a generator provides:

Keeping The Lights On

One of the most immediate benefits of a whole home generator is keeping the lights on. In the past it would be important to have candles and flashlights in the house to help you get through a power outage. While these items do the job in a pinch, they aren’t great solutions, and don’t fully replace your home’s lights.

TV/WIFI/Entertainment

In years past, when the power would go out you’d lose your TV and radio, but that was really the only entertainment that would suffer from lost power. Now, with the internet being such a focus of entertainment, losing WIFI connectivity and internet access can limit the entertainment you can enjoy. Whether you’re checking the weather, working from home, or just trying to keep the kids entertained, having power to your router and television can make a huge difference.

It’s still nice to be able to read a book or play a board game during a power outage, but having the access to your TV and internet can also help keep you entertained once you are done with a round of Monopoly!

Charging Capabilities

With a generator powering your home, you don’t have to worry about running out of charge on some important appliances like phones, tablets, and laptops. If you work from home, or simply want to stay connected to friends and family, this is important.

Prevents Foods From Perishing

A prolonged power outage can mean hundreds of dollars’ worth of food could be lost in your fridge and freezer. I remember growing up when we would lose power and our parents would immediately tell us not to open the fridge or freezer. Not anymore now that there is a generator keeping the food cold and fresh as possible!

Installing A Generator In Your Home

Complete Comfort has installed generators in all different types of homes in our area. From Meadowview to Bristol, Abingodon, Chilhowie, and all the surrounding neighborhoods, we can make sure your place is set with a whole home generator that will keep the AC running and the lights on.

We proudly install trusted brands like Generac, and every installation we perform is customized to match the specific power needs of your home. Whether you want to power just a few essentials or keep everything running like normal, we’ll guide you through the best options possible.

Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online! Our experts would be happy to take a look at your home and recommend the right system to fit your needs. Let us help you take the worry out of summer storms and unexpected outages—so you can stay cool, comfortable, and connected year-round!

Installing A New Generac Generator In Marion, VA

Posted on March 31, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Installing A New Generac Generator In Marion, VA

We recently installed a new Generac generator in Marion, VA for a homeowner who had been thinking about it for a while. We have been installing generators for over a decade, and have seen more and more residents who are interested in them, seeing the kind of storms we’ve had in the past year.

This resident had driven by our shop every day for quite some time, and when they had mentioned to a friend that they could use some backup power, guess who the friend said to call? The experts here at Complete Comfort!

This homeowner recognized who we were from the daily commute to work and passing by our shop on the highway. Instead of calling us, they decided to stop in and say hello! They spoke to a few of our experts when it comes to electrical and backup power, and we agreed to come out and take a look at their space that needed a generator.

Deciding To Install A Generac Generator For The Farm

We went out to a farmhouse in Marion, VA, and took a look at their property. This was a Ranch style home, with a decent amount of farmland surrounding it. They had lost power in the past, and were sick of it. We took a look at the space and decided that a Generac standby generator would be a perfect solution for this property.

Generac Generators Are Dependable

Generac generators are some of the best generators in the business. They are reliable no matter what the weather conditions are outside, and kick right on as soon as your power goes out. We prefer to install Generac generators, because we know they do the job well, and leave our customers protected from any sorts of power outages.

This homeowner loved everything about the Generac brand, and decided this is the system they wanted for their home.

Why Install A Generator?

This homeowner had experienced power outages in the past, and didn’t want to have to worry about the lights going out anymore. But there were more reasons than simply keeping the lights on that they wanted to install a generator.

WiFi And Internet Capabilities

If the power goes out, there goes the internet as well. In the area they live there aren’t great signals without the WiFi, and they wanted to be able to stay in touch with their family and friends. Not to mention the entertainment that comes along with having the internet. In the past this wasn’t as big of an issue, but with so much of what we interact with being on the internet, they wanted to be able to stay online, even when their area loses power.

Air Conditioning And Heating

Another important appliance that stops working if the power goes out is the HVAC system. During the summer, if there was a bad storm they’d lose power pretty often, and losing the air conditioning was driving them crazy. It gets very hot and humid pretty quickly, and makes their home pretty uncomfortable. They had also lost power in the winter before, which made the place frigid.

They didn’t want to have to worry about being uncomfortable as a result of losing power. With the new generator, they have nothing to worry about at all!

TV & Charging Capabilities

Losing your TV and charging capabilities may seem like first world problems, but the truth is they impact us a lot today! We use so many devices that require charging and power, unlike ever before. And if the weather is bad enough to knock out the power, you’d probably like to be entertained while you are stuck inside.

Protecting Perishables

This may be simple, but making sure the refrigerator and freezer are working properly protects your perishables during a power outage. For homes with a few refrigerators or freezers this is especially important. I remember when I was younger as soon as the power went out, my mom told us all to keep the refrigerator closed!

They had a backup freezer in their garage, and wanted to make sure that if the power went out, they wouldn’t have to throw all their food away. Especially if it was after hunting season and they had some venison that needed freezing. Now with the new generator, they could open and close the fridge as much as they wanted!

How Does The Generator Work?

The kind of generator that we installed is called a “standby generator”. This is different from a portable generator, which you may see at a concert or an outdoor venue. This kind of generator is permanently installed next to the house, and uses either natural gas or liquid propane to function. In this case, the home was too far away from a natural gas source, so they are using propane to keep the generator up and running.

There’s no “switch” outside they have to trigger to get the system working. Instead, there is a sensor that lets the generator know if the power has gone off. Then, it takes about 15-30 seconds for the generator to power up and keep the home electrified.

Installing A Generator For Your Home

We were happy to help this Marion, VA homeowner out with a new generator for their home. They loved how clean and quick the installation was, and a day later they no longer have to worry about a power outage.

If you think this is something you’d be interested in for your home, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online! We’d be happy to help you install the perfect generator that fits your home’s needs!

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VA

Posted on March 27, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Installing A High Efficiency Trane Heat Pump In Marion, VA

The owners of this lovely older Federal style home in Marion VA had a 25 year old HVAC system that was consistently needing repairs. As tends to happen, when the hot weather hit, the system started working overtime, and the stress led to more break-downs. The homeowner was an elderly woman and her son was helping her maintain the property, but needed to do so from his home out of state. That made getting prompt and courteous service important as well. The frequent breakdowns were causing a lot of stress, and were becoming more than just inconvenient.

The homeowner’s son called us late on a Friday to see if we were available for service. Knowing how important this was, our helpful and experienced team went right out to help. Initially, the homeowner wanted to see how long the repair could sustain the system. After several more visits for problems over the summer, it was clear that the system was reaching the end of its lifecycle, and it was time to start considering a replacement.

The system failed completely during the height of the heat in August, and our technicians came out, recommending that while we could put one more Band-Aid on the system, it was clear that the better investment would be to replace the system with a newer, more efficient system that would not only be more reliable, but would provide greater comfort while reducing their energy bills every month- something people on fixed incomes can really appreciate.

When we sat down with the homeowner and her son, we discussed not only the different systems that would work well for the home, but we also included information about financing options, that can help make getting a new system work better with cash flow and finances for many people. The low interest rates can help save money, and the available rebates for replacing an older system with a higher efficiency system can also make installation more affordable.

Installing A New Heat Pump System

After considering all the options, the family chose a Trane XV Variable Speed heat pump that would provide efficient comfort all year long, while adding additional efficiency, which will lower energy bills each and every month.

Variable speed systems are some of the most efficient systems available. The variable speed motor acts like cruise control on your car, and is able to make small adjustments to keep the comfort level in the home just where you like it. At low speeds, it does a fantastic job with controlling humidity, which makes sure you don’t get that sticky feeling during our hot and humid summer weather.

By operating continually at lower speeds, the system uses less energy, while also increasing circulation of air, improving overall air quality in your home as well. Operating at lower speeds also means the system is quieter, meaning if you walk by the outdoor unit, it won’t sound like a jet is taking off when the system kicks on, like some systems.

System Installation

Once the family decided on the right system for the home, the next concern was installation. The team from Complete Comfort made sure to let the homeowner know when we would be there, what to expect, and how long the job would take. Here at Complete Comfort, we take pride in caring for your home like it was our own, and we know having a whole crew in your home can be stressful, especially when it’s hot weather and a speedy replacement is important. We worked to remove the old system and install the new Trane heating and air conditioning system quickly and efficiently, completing the job in one day, to get the home back to comfort as quickly as possible.

While we’re excited about the new system delivering better comfort and using less energy so the homeowner’s bills will be lower, the family was equally happy that they no longer had to worry about constant issues with the system. For them, knowing they had someone who would treat them well, with respect, and would be there when needed was as important as getting ‘a good deal’. As a result, the homeowner wrote us and said “I was so happy I’ve continued to use Complete Comfort for after-sales service. I’ll keep it up!” And to us, that’s music to our ears.

At the end of the day, we know our business depends on having a good reputation, and that means doing our best to treat every customer like family. Our technicians know that when your system is struggling, it’s easy to get hot under the collar and get frustrated. We go the extra mile to let you know what’s happening and help you make the best decision about your system, whether that’s a repair or whether it’s time to invest in new system altogether. And being able to give families peace of mind? That just makes our day.

Let Us Help You Achieve Complete Comfort!

If you have an HVAC system that seems to be struggling, give us a call here at Complete Comfort. Our team will help you figure out what’s wrong, and help guide you to making the best decision for your home. But most importantly, we will treat you and your home as if they were our own, taking the care needed to make sure you get the comfort you want- that’s what we mean by Complete Comfort..

Replacing Baseboard Heating In Glade Spring, VA

Posted on February 20, 2025June 26, 2026 by David Cochran

Replacing Baseboard Heating In Glade Springs, VA

When it seems like your monthly bills just seem to go up and up, what can you do to try to keep those bills under control? Sometimes, the best place to start is to look at where you’re spending the most money. For the homeowners of this ranch home in Glade Springs, it was clear that their energy bills were costing them a fortune. Despite switching to more energy efficient lighting, and taking other steps, it was clear their energy bills were high because their home depended on electric baseboard heating.

Electric baseboard heating is relatively inexpensive to install, but it is really inefficient, meaning you spend a lot of energy in order to generate enough heat to be comfortable. The homeowners came to us to see if there were any alternatives that might help bring their costs under control.

Problem: Ranch home in Glade Spring was using electric baseboard heating, and the energy bills were huge! They were looking for options that would give them greater comfort and bring down their monthly energy costs.

Solution: A Mitsubishi electric ductless heating and cooling system will help keep this home comfortable year-round!

Heat Pumps and Mitsubishi Ductless Heating & Cooling

When the homeowners called us, we came out to take a look at their current system and to see what might work best. The home did not have ductwork, so we started to think about whether a Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling system might be the answer they were looking for.

Mitsubishi ductless systems are high-efficiency heat pumps that can both heat and cool your home through one unit! They are also called minisplits, because they consist of two main parts- an outdoor condenser, and an indoor air distribution unit, sometimes called a head or a cassette.

Minisplits don’t require any ductwork in your home, and one outdoor condenser unit can power multiple indoor cassettes, with each one being able to be controlled separately. That means you could have a unit in your bedroom and another in the main portion of the home, for example, and set the comfort level differently in each space. You could even turn the system off if you weren’t using that area of your home.

In addition to being able to create separate zones of comfort, Mitsubishi ductless systems are modular. You can choose to use a wall mounted unit, ceiling mounter, or a floor mounted system, like these homeowners chose, as you can see from the pictures. The floor mounted unit looks almost like a cover for an old-fashioned radiator, but this “box” also has state of the art sensors that can help monitor the temperature and humidity in the room and adjust it to make sure you are always comfortable. The multi-direction vanes also help distribute the heated or cooled air evenly through your space, eliminating hot and cold spots as well.

Ductless Is Quiet And Energy Efficient

One of the great things about ductless systems is that they act as heating and air conditioning. And unlike window air conditioners, these systems are whisper-quiet- only 15 db. That means you’ll barely notice anything but the comfort when the system turns on.

Mitsubishi ductless systems are up to 70% more efficient than electric baseboard heating and up to 30% more efficient than window air conditioners, meaning the family will spend MUCH less on energy bills every month, no matter what the weather is outside! The systems have inverters and are able to use the smallest amount of energy needed to keep your home consistently comfortable- kind of like cruise control on your car. This means using less energy for more comfort, and this variable speed option is something you only see on expensive higher end heating and AC systems for homes with ductwork.

Rebates For Efficiency

Mitsubishi ductless systems are so efficient that they qualify for rebates through your local energy company and while in effect, tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, making installing these systems even more affordable.

Our homeowners got a system that not only drastically lowered their monthly energy bills, but added air conditioning as well, and allowed them to get rid of their old window AC units. And best of all, the home now has better comfort throughout.

Flexible HVAC Options For Homes

If you are spending more than you want on your energy bills, give us a call here at Complete Comfort. We’ll be happy to take a look at your system and see whether an energy-efficient heat pump system will work for you. And because of the modular nature of Mitsubishi ductless systems, they also do a great job at heating and cooling the problem areas of your home- sun rooms, garages, bonus rooms and the like- spaces where you want more comfort but can be hard to heat and cool.

Give us a call at (276) 690-9222 and we’ll be happy to help you get the Complete Comfort you deserve!