the latest from Pointer HVAC

the latest from Pointer

Welcome to our News & Insights page at Pointer! Here, we share the latest updates, tips, and trends in the heating and cooling industry. Our blog is a treasure trove of information designed to help you make the most of your HVAC systems.

Technician removing an air filter from a home furnace to check furnace filter sizes and proper fit.

Most homeowners try to choose the right furnace filter, yet the process often feels confusing. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we hear this every season. People want healthier air, fewer allergy triggers, and better airflow, but they aren’t always sure where to begin. Because the market offers so many furnace filter sizes, it helps to understand what each option means before you buy. When you know how sizing works, you protect your system, improve comfort, and avoid the airflow issues

Technician showing how to change furnace filter for better airflow and indoor air quality

When homeowners ask how often to change a furnace filter, I have a good idea of what’s going on in their home. Airflow feels weaker. Dust shows up faster. Sometimes the house just feels a little stale. I’ve seen this pattern many times during service calls for Pointer Cooling & Heating, and the truth is simple: your furnace filter does more for your home than most people realize. It protects your air, your comfort, and your HVAC system. Why Furnace

Whole-house humidifier installed on HVAC ductwork, used to explain how humidifiers cause mold when moisture isn’t controlled properly

When homeowners ask “do humidifiers cause mold?”, they’ve noticed moisture on windows, a musty odor, or a patch of discoloration they swear wasn’t there last week. I’ve seen this situation many times during service calls. Humidifiers make dry air more comfortable, but when the moisture isn’t controlled, problems start. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we explain this a lot because the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on how the humidifier is used, how the home handles

Carbon monoxide detector on a ceiling inside a home, used to detect CO levels when a carbon monoxide detector is beeping

When you hear your carbon monoxide detector beeping, your stomach usually drops for a second. I get it. I’ve been inside plenty of homes where that alarm sends everyone into a panic. And honestly? It should get your attention. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we’ve seen how fast carbon monoxide (CO) issues can escalate. The important thing is knowing what the beeping means, what you should check first, and when to get professional help. But before we dive in, just

HVAC technician inspecting the inside of a furnace for possible cracked heat exchanger issues

When a cracked heat exchanger goes unnoticed, it’s not just a comfort issue—it can be a serious safety risk. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we’ve seen firsthand how a small crack in this component can cause major issues, from reduced efficiency to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. The good news? With a little awareness, you can spot the warning signs early and prevent a serious safety hazard. What Does a Heat Exchanger Do? Think of the heat exchanger as the heart

HVAC technician performing furnace capacitor maintenance inside a heating system

When your heating system suddenly stops blowing warm air, the problem often traces back to one small but crucial part — the furnace capacitor. This tiny component stores and releases energy to help your blower motor start and keep running smoothly. Without it, the system can’t move air properly, leaving your home cold and uncomfortable. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we’ve replaced countless capacitors over the years, and believe me — they fail more often than you might think. What

Family relaxing in a bright living room with clean indoor air from whole-home air purifier and humidifier systems

If you’ve ever dealt with dry air or constant sneezing, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Which one helps more—an air purifier or a humidifier? At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we hear it all the time. And honestly, it’s a good question. The truth is, both devices improve indoor comfort, but they do it in totally different ways. Let’s clear the air (literally) and break down the air purifier vs humidifier debate so you can decide which one fits your

Close-up of UV-C light used in HVAC system to kill mold and improve indoor air quality.

If you’ve ever dealt with that stubborn musty smell coming from your HVAC system or noticed mold near your vents, you’ve probably wondered — does UV light kill mold? As someone who’s worked with countless heating and cooling systems here at Pointer Cooling & Heating, I can tell you this question comes up all the time. The short answer? Yes, UV light can kill mold — but how well it works depends on how and where it’s used. Let’s break

Clean and dirty HVAC air filters showing how buildup affects airflow, efficiency, and overall air filter MERV rating performance.

If you’ve ever shopped for an air filter and felt lost staring at all those numbers and ratings, you’re not alone. Most homeowners just want cleaner air and a system that runs efficiently—but that’s where understanding your air filter MERV rating makes all the difference. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we’ve spent years helping people figure out which filters actually make sense for their home instead of just buying whatever looks “premium” on the box. What Does the Air Filter

Digital thermostat showing cool or heat mode switch for seasonal comfort in a home

If you’ve ever stared at your thermostat wondering whether to set it to cool or heat, you’re definitely not alone. Every year, when the seasons shift, homeowners everywhere find themselves asking the same thing. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we’ve helped plenty of folks figure out that sweet spot between comfort and efficiency. The trick isn’t just flipping a switch—it’s knowing when and how to make the transition. Understanding When to Use Cool or Heat Let’s start with the basics.

Modern furnace and duct system installed in attic space showing proper airflow and insulation

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “how long does a furnace last?” you’re not alone. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we hear that question all the time—usually right when the weather starts cooling off and people are wondering whether their system can make it through another season. The answer depends on a few things: maintenance, usage, and the quality of the unit itself. But there are some clear signs that can help you figure out if it’s time to plan

HVAC tech opening a furnace panel to diagnose why the furnace is blowing cold air

If you’ve ever stood in front of a vent wondering, “Why is my furnace blowing cold air?”—you’re definitely not alone. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we hear that question all the time, especially when temperatures drop and people expect a wave of warmth instead of a blast of cold. While it’s easy to assume your furnace has completely failed, the truth is that most causes are simple and fixable once you know what to check. Common Reasons for a Furnace

Pointer - What Is CFM? Why Airflow Matters in Your HVAC System

If you’ve ever wondered, “what is CFM?” you’re in good company. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we get that question more often than you might think — usually from homeowners who want to understand how their HVAC system really works. In the simplest terms, CFM means cubic feet per minute, a measure of how much air your system moves. It sounds technical, but once you understand it, you’ll see how much it impacts your comfort, efficiency, and energy bills. I

Pointer Cooling and Heating - What Is Forced Air Heating

If you’ve ever asked yourself what is forced air heating and why it’s so common, you’re not alone. Here at Pointer Cooling and Heating, we hear that question all the time—and honestly, it makes sense. It’s one of the most reliable and efficient ways to heat a home, yet also one of the most misunderstood. Homeowners hear terms like “forced air,” “central heat,” and “HVAC” and wonder what’s actually happening behind the vents. Let’s walk through how it works—no confusing

Pointer Cooling and Heating - Auxiliary Heat vs Emergency Heat

When “AUX” lights up for auxiliary heat, don’t panic. It’s your heat pump asking for a brief assist—not sounding an alarm. Emergency heat sits beside it on the thermostat, but it’s a different tool entirely. AUX is automatic support, while emergency heat is a manual backup. At Pointer Cooling and Heating, we walk homeowners through this difference every winter. Let’s set expectations now to keep comfort high—and the bill in check. Auxiliary Heat: What It Is and Why You See

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