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How To Save Money On Air Conditioning In Omaha

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 20:56:17 GMT

By the time that late spring rolls around, a lot of homeowners and businesses are thinking about how to save money on air conditioning. After all, the average high temperature in Omaha starts to exceed 75° F in June, which is when people want to ensure they stay cool within their budget. Although OPPD’s rates are lower than the national average, it’s good to know where and how to reduce your energy costs.

The good news is that not everyone needs to install a brand-new, top-of-the-line air conditioning unit to save money. If you need a new AC unit, we can help. However, our customers have implemented simple energy-saving habits that help reduce their electricity bills. Our guide will provide simple tips and suggestions on how to save money on air conditioning.

Why Air Conditioning Costs So Much in Omaha

To start, why does air conditioning cost so much in Omaha if we aren’t even in the top 50 hottest cities in the United States in July? In a word: humidity. Long-time residents and visitors alike know that the feel-like temperature can be more important than the actual temperature. With that difference, your air conditioner has to do two major jobs to keep your home or office cool: remove heat and moisture from the air. Because it has those two jobs, your unit has to work harder.

Next, the age of your air conditioning unit increases expenses quickly. If your unit is over 20 years old, it’s not up to current energy standards, so it uses more energy than necessary to provide the same comfortable temperatures. Also, older thermostats or single thermostats in a space don’t work as well as newer ones. Throw in the dramatic temperature swings that cause units to switch between heating in the morning and cooling in the afternoon, and both your electric and gas bills start to add up.

Third, advances in technology have led to better refrigerants (commonly referred to by the brand name “Freon”) that absorb heat more efficiently and transfer it outside. Because of environmental regulations and efficiencies, the refrigerants in older units are no longer produced and therefore will need to be replaced. That replacement means completely new units.

So, why does air conditioning cost more for Omaha homes and businesses? Humidity, temperature swings, older units requiring more power to run, and the need to replace units due to new refrigerants can all drive up costs.

Tip #1: Set Your Thermostat the Smart Way

Plain and simple, your air conditioner will not turn on if the thermostat doesn’t tell it to. The thermostat is the brains behind the entire system. In an effort to help to control energy costs and reduce electricity demand, the Department of Energy suggests increasing your indoor temperature by 7° F - 10° F in the summer and lowering it in the winter can help you save up to 10% a year on energy bills.

Instead of an older, manual thermostat, opt for a programmable or smart thermostat. Having your air conditioner work less while you're asleep, away at work, or on vacation will reduce how much electricity your unit uses.

Tip #2: Make Easy, Low-Cost Home Fixes

While buying new windows, an air conditioning unit, or upgrading insulation in the home would help you save on your monthly gas and electric bills, those come with their own higher costs. For those looking to make small and intentional improvements, do the following:

Change your filter every one to two months. We’ll never tire of telling our friends and neighbors this. Air filters are the easiest, least expensive way to keep your air conditioning running. Clean filters help air flow more easily, are cleaner, and use less energy. You don’t need to be an HVAC technician to do it.
Don’t underestimate the power of good weatherstripping and caulk. Small gaps around windows and doors allow the comfortable air to leak out and the humid heat to leak in. Seal those gaps and the indoor air can stay cooler longer.
Instead of running your air conditioner at full blast, turn the temperature up a few degrees and place a small fan to blow on you. Airflow helps push your body’s heat away from your skin and reduces demand on your AC.
Since the sun’s radiation can heat a home like a greenhouse, try to close your blinds during the hottest time of the day, typically between 2PM and 6PM. Less thermal energy via the sun’s light means less heat your air conditioner needs to transfer outside.

Anyone in a home, office, or even apartment can do most of these within minutes. Small deliberate efforts like these will help reduce the load on your AC, how long it has to run, and will use less electricity.

Tip #3: AC Maintenance Keeps Costs Down

Just like regular exercise keeps medical bills down, routine maintenance on your air conditioner will keep costly repairs down. Not only do routine checks ensure everything is working properly, they’re a simple way to catch any issues before they cause your entire system to malfunction during the heat of the summer.

You can also do maintenance on your own. On your outdoor condenser, make sure to keep all debris and obstacles away from the unit. With Nebraska being the home of Arbor Day, it’s common for leaves to fall on the fans and clog airflow. Also, the impressive rainstorms and winds that blow can cause mud and dust to quickly seep into the coils and choke the system off from flowing air.

Inside, you can reduce the strain on your air conditioner by removing any blocks from the vents and air ducts. When looking at where to place furniture, try to keep it away from vent covers. If vents are on the wall, try not to place artwork in front of the covers. If you have little kids, regularly check that objects haven’t been dropped into the vents. Common items include crayons, LEGOs, AirPods, cut pieces of paper, paperclips, or anything young kids can get their hands on.

When a professional HVAC technician comes to maintain your unit, routine parts of the air conditioner are checked. First, we check refrigerant levels to ensure there is no leakage since it never needs to be refilled for any other reason. Second, we check that the coils are clean. Third, connections between the outdoor and indoor units are inspected to ensure the connections haven’t decayed, rusted, or broken down.

Tip #4: Upgrade When The Time Is Right

Eventually, repair costs become higher than the cost of buying a new unit. If your unit is at least 15 years old or older, chances are the electricity and repairs are costing more than payments for a new unit. Also, with refrigerant technology improving, there will come a point when older refrigerants are no longer manufactured, and you will have to get a new unit. It’s better to plan to replace your unit than to have it happen and for you to not be ready.

When looking at possible units to buy, it helps to have a professional HVAC technician to help you to walk through the process. Our technicians will look at the square footage of the space that needs to be cooled, the energy used (gas, electric), and which type of unit would help cool the space the best.

An additional benefit of upgrading to a new unit is discounts from power companies like OPPD and federal rebates for having an energy-efficient home. Other ways to afford new units include through financing and taking advantage of seasonal specials on HVAC equipment from manufacturers or HVAC technicians. Yes, there are a lot of upfront costs, but the long-term savings will more than pay for the costs.

TIp #5: Minimize Making Heat In The Home

Other than body heat, there are appliances and other parts of your home that either produce or pass heat into the home that can be minimized with a few easy steps:

1. If you need to run your clothes dryer, oven, stove, or other heat-producing appliances, try to do it before 9 AM so as not to push your air conditioning at the peak heat hours of the day.

2. Given that Nebraska is the home of Arbor Day, consider planting trees, especially on the south side of your home or where the largest windows are. Also consider adding curtains and blinds to block the sun during the peak hours of the day.

3. To keep the cool air in, look into improving the insulation in your attic. Given roofs are dark and absorb a lot of the sun's heat, attics can get hot quickly. Insulating this space prevents the heat from the roof from being trapped indoors.

While some of these steps are simple planning changes, others require a bit of investment. However, investing in your home and prolonging the life of your appliances helps you in the long run.

That’s How To Save Money On Air Conditioning

We just went over a few ways to save money on air conditioning. Some of the ideas are simple changes of habit while others require a bit of an investment. However, even little changes can really help save money when it matters..

If you need someone to check on your air conditioner, perform routine maintenance, and help you keep the air quality in your home at top-notch, Millard Heating and Cooling is here for all of the greater Omaha metro area. We’ll complete a free consultation to let you know the next steps on how to save money on air conditioning.

HVAC for Dummies: A Guide For Omaha

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:01:53 GMT

Here’s the guide that every home and business owner should have: HVAC for Dummies. Why did we decide to write this? Because many people don’t know the ins and outs of the HVAC industry, what it entails, and what matters. The last thing we’d want when our technicians arrive to help you out is for you not to know or not to understand what we’re doing. After all, we’re here to service your HVAC system in your home. So, we made this lighthearted HVAC for Dummies guide for all to understand the basics.

Since Omaha goes from well above 100° F in the summer to wind chills of below -30° F in the winter, you want to make sure the air pumping through your home or office shields you from the crazy weather outside. Like most people, we don't think about our HVAC systems until they stop working. Suddenly, we're scrambling to schedule repairs or find somewhere else to stay comfortably.

That's why we've created this guide to help you understand the basics of HVAC before you find yourself dealing with an emergency.

The term "HVAC" gets thrown around a lot, but what does it mean? It stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Your HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and maintaining proper airflow throughout. So, your system in the basement that is connected to a lot of air ducts and the unit outside of your home that runs when it gets hot- that’s all your HVAC system.

So, there are many parts that are inside and connected to the main unit, either in your basement, on your roof, or mounted on your wall. This guide will give you a basic overview of each part, aspect, function, and other details that will help you navigate a repair, replacement, or inspection. Be sure to save this for later in case you have a heating or cooling issue.

The Main Parts In HVAC and What They Do

So, you’ve probably seen images of HVAC systems and probably felt like a deer in the headlights. There’s always something out there that confuses us all. Not understanding the main components before trying to understand the details will confuse and frustrate you. So, here are the main parts of your HVAC system.

Furnace

Often referred to as your heater or the heater, your furnace is what warms your home when it gets too cold. In Nebraska, the main way homes are heated is through burning natural gas, which heats up the air in your furnace and gets blown throughout your home or office. If you’ve recently purchased a furnace and notice unusual smells, be sure to consult your new furnace smells guide .

Air Conditioner

Opposite of your furnace, your air conditioner is responsible for cooling the air inside your home and office. Like most air conditioners in cars and refrigerators, the system uses a refrigerant to cool. The indoor air passes through the refrigerant, gets colder, and that air is distributed to your home or office.

Condenser Unit

One of the most recognizable parts of an air conditioning system is the outdoor condenser unit. It's the large, cube-shaped unit outside your home or office that turns on whenever your air conditioner is running. Its job is to release heat from inside your home to the outside.

Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil, also part of the air conditioning system, is located on the inside of the HVAC unit inside the home or office. It is what absorbs the heat inside. Air is blown through it; the refrigerant inside the coil removes the heat and humidity from the air, and the heat is transferred to the condenser unit, where it is blown outside.

AC Compressor

The compressor is in the condenser unit outside. It is what pressurises the refrigerant and circulates it between the condenser unit outside and your main HVAC system inside. It’s often referred to as the heart of the AC system. Like a heart, it is what moves the refrigerant (like blood in the veins) and, without it, no heat is moved outside, and no air is cooled inside.

Refrigerant

This is a liquid and gas often called “Freon”. Its job is to carry the heat from inside a home or office and transfer that heat to the outside of the home. This miracle compound cools the environment around it when it is warmed. Unless there is a leak in the air conditioning system, this compound never needs to be refilled.

Thermostat

This is the sensor in your home or office that detects when the indoor air temperature either gets too high or too low, depending on your settings. Often called the brain of your HVAC system, it’s what tells either your heater or air conditioning to turn on and for how long. Having multiple smart thermostats can help each area of your home or office stay at the right temperature.

Ductwork

Ductwork, often called air ducts, is the enclosed space connected to your HVAC system where the air travels from the system to each room. Sometimes connected via duct tape (air duct, duct tape), these metal channels ensure that air is delivered to the HVAC system and from it to each room or office space.

Vents

Vents are where the ductwork ends and prevent larger objects from falling in. Vents are found on the floor, ceiling, and walls. Vents are simple in that they help direct the airflow into the room, can be closed, and come in various designs. They can be and are the stylish face of where the air enters the room.

Blower

Inside the HVAC unit is the main blower that pushes the heated or cooled air into every room. Just like most fans, it sucks air in from an air intake, through the air filter, and blows the air out. Without the blower, the heated or cooled air would sit around the HVAC unit.

Cycle

HVAC technicians use this term to mean everything that happens, or the sequence of events, from when the system turns on, heats or cools the air, pushes the air out, and then turns off. If it doesn’t run a complete cycle, that’s called a short cycle.

Types of HVAC Systems

So, now that we know the basic components of an HVAC system, there are different configurations and setups of units that service different interior area sizes and ways to save space where it’s needed. Knowing which type you have can help you know what repairs, upgrades, or replacements may be needed.

Central Split System

In Omaha, this is the most popular system configuration. The outdoor condenser unit is the part of your air conditioning system that most people recognize. It contains the compressor and condenser coil, which work together to release heat from your home. The indoor HVAC unit, located inside your home, contains the furnace and evaporator coil. Together, these components heat your home and help cool the air during the summer. This system is what is used for central air. This system uses ductwork and vents.

Hybrid Or Dual-Fuel System

DThis system pairs a gas furnace with a heat pump. A heat pump is a system that moves the heat from outside to inside, and vice versa. A gas furnace in Omaha typically uses natural gas that it ignites, and the flames heat the air. Having a hybrid system is where the heat pump does the cooling and most of the heating if the temperature is moderate. However, when it gets extremely cold outside, that’s when the gas furnace turns on. It’s a good way to minimise utility bills.

Ductless Mini-Split

This unit is popular for small areas, like a garage or converted office space. The unit is a rectangular shape mounted on the wall and doesn’t require any air ducts. The unit blows air right into the room where it’s installed. Just like a central split system, it has an outdoor unit to export heat and is both a heater and an air conditioner.

Mini-Splits are not connected to the main HVAC system at all. Each wall unit runs independently, so it's good for spaces that don't need climate control all of the time or don't need to match the temperature in the rest of the home or office.

Packaged Unit

Unlike the prior units mentioned, the packaged unit is an all-in-one unit that is packaged together in one big unit. These are usually found on the roof or near a building’s foundation. When indoor office space is limited, these are a great option and only need ductwork and vents to deliver the climate-controlled air.

Heat Pumps

It can be part of the dual-fuel system or stand alone. The primary difference is moving heat rather than generating it, like with a furnace. The U.S. Department of Energy states that heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient, but are most effective in moderate climates (not Omaha).

Geothermal

A system using a mix of electrical and natural elements. Pipe loops are buried underground, where the temperature stays relatively constant year-round. During the winter, the system pulls heat from the ground and transfers it into your home. As it gets hot outside, cooler underground temperatures help cool homes and offices. This system has a lot of upfront costs but doesn’t require burning gas and is more environmentally friendly.

Easy Maintenance and Warning Signs

This HVAC for dummies guide has gone over the basic parts and the different types of systems. Now, let’s dive into when to help out your HVAC system and when to call in a professional. As a note, unless some catastrophic weather event or physical damage from an internal source occurs, the majority of professional calls come from people who have not kept up with regular system maintenance. Here’s how to save money and prevent costly repairs.

Change Your Air Filter

If there’s one takeaway from this HVAC for dummies guide, it’s to change your air filter regularly. As the “A” in HVAC stands for “air”, your system will not function properly without airflow. Your air filter is intentionally placed in the airflow to prevent pollutants and particles from entering your HVAC system and causing damage.

The recommendation is to change it every 1-3 months. Failure to do so can cause poor indoor air quality and is usually part of the problem when we fix or repair HVAC systems in Omaha.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean

Since your outdoor unit is exposed to the wonderful Nebraska elements, a lot of things can get into it, like leaves, sticks, snow, cut grass, mud, dust, and more. If next to where rainwater splashes, mud can get into the coil guard and prevent airflow. Debris will make the entire system work harder and wear out faster.

Schedule Regular HVAC Appointments

Scheduling HVAC maintenance each spring and fall helps ensure your system is ready for the heat of summer and the cold of an Omaha winter. Identifying minor issues early can help you avoid expensive repairs or unexpected breakdowns when you need your system most.

Blocked Vents

Vents are found at least once in every room, and their job is to cover the ductwork, as mentioned before. They deliver the air. So, if they’re blocked, the air won’t flow like it should, thus making the blower work harder than it’s designed to. Here are things to notice to figure out if you have a blocked vent:

If rooms in the home or office aren’t the same temperature.
Not enough air is blowing into the room
You’re unable to find the vent covers
Furniture is placed in front of vents

Things To Look Out For

While this HVAC for Dummies guide is not an exhaustive list, the following are definitely some things that you should listen to or watch out for:

Unusual sounds like clicking, squeaking, tapping, or banging.
Your HVAC system doesn’t run for more than a couple of minutes
If your home has unusual smells, like something is burning, a chemical smell, or dust blowing through the vents
The air isn’t getting hot or cold enough
Your system is running for hours on end
Your energy bills suddenly increase without you knowing why

Quick HVAC For Dummies Cheat Sheet

That was a lot of basic information for you to know. This is why we recommend referring back to this guide when you need it. However, if you need all of it at a glance, here is the condensed version below.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Core parts of an HVAC system are the furnace, air conditioner, AC compressor, refrigerant, thermostat, ductwork, vents, blower, and cycle.s
System types i nclude central split, hybrid or dual-fuel, ductless mini-split, packaged, heat pumps, and geothermal.
Basic Maintenance : Change your air filter, keep outdoor units clean, schedule regular HVAC appointments, and don't block vents.
Warning Signs : Unusual sounds, short run times, odd smells, not cooling or heating enough, running for hours, or energy bills spike unexpectedly.

Why We Made This HVAC For Dummies Guide

At Millard Heating and Cooling, we’re here to help you in every way possible. We will respond to every call for our neighbors and friends who need an installation, replacement, or repair. However, we want you and yours to stay comfortable in your office or home. While we are here to run a business and make money, we want your system to run for the long haul and not break down during severe weather. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way.

Don't forget to save this HVAC for Dummies guide so you know what’s going on when you need it. When you do need help, contact Millard Heating and Cooling for all your HVAC needs..

Can I Be Allergic To Air Conditioning?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:20:40 GMT

During the warmer months in Nebraska when the air conditioning is running, and you start sneezing, you may wonder if you’re allergic to air conditioning. Can those itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and runny nose really be caused by your air conditioner? The short answer is it's rarely the air conditioner itself. Most of the time, your body reacts to allergens in the air the HVAC system circulates. Those allergens include mold, pollen, dust, and pet dander.

However, in extremely rare cases, the cold air can cause a true allergic reaction. However, with professional assistance, nearly all of the triggers and allergens can be removed. Since we’ve served the greater Omaha area exclusively for over 25 years, we can tell you exactly why people think they’re allergic to air conditioning and how to fix it.

Key Takeaways:

You’re not allergic to air conditioning, but what’s circulating.
What you’re reacting to is possibly mildew, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and even VOCs.
Since AC air is dry, it can mimic allergies (non-allergic rhinitis).
You could be reacting to cold air (Cold urticaria)
Controlling humidity, clean filters, and maintenance can solve most issues.

So, Can You Actually Be Allergic to Air Conditioning?

Before you blame your air conditioner and start looking for different AC brands online, let’s review how your cooling system actually works and what it does. When your thermostat detects that the air in your home or office has hit the threshold you set, your system turns on.

When the AC starts, the motor sucks in existing air from your home or office. That air is filtered and cooled, and that cooled air gets delivered back into the home or office through the vents. So, other than the filter catching some allergens, the air you’re breathing is the same air that you have already been breathing.

Having the right air filter is what can make a big difference. If the air filter is clean and is the right size and grade, then the amount of allergens in the air is greatly reduced. Higher-end HEPA-certified filters can provide an extra layer of protection. You can also install air purifiers in the air ducts and plug-in purifiers.

So, even with filtration, the air can still carry allergens. However, there’s a difference between actual allergies and allergy-like symptoms. Allergic reactions are caused by something specific, while symptoms can also be caused by dirty air. To clarify, the air conditioner itself is not an allergen. It is a collection of metal and electronic components that helps your home or office stay cool.

Since there are older homes in Omaha, especially in Dundee, Benson, and around downtown, the aging ductwork can hold years of dust and possibly mold due to antiquated weatherproofing.

What's Really Causing Your Symptoms: 6 Hidden Culprit

So, now that we know that it’s the stuff in the air that is causing you to sneeze and you’re not actually allergic to air conditioning machinery, let’s go through the five most common causes of your allergies:

Mildew is a surface fungus that is white, gray, or yellow. It grows in moist areas, such as the drain pan, ductwork, or water-damaged walls . Humidity can be the moisture needed to keep it growing, but it can be washed away.
Mold is also a fungus, but it penetrates and grows inside substances such as wet drywall or moist carpet . Humidity can cause this as well, and infected walls and carpet have to be replaced.
Dust is a dry allergen that can breed dust mites. Outdoor dust or dead skin cells can attract dust mites . The allergen is the waste and organic materials from dust mites themselves. These materials can be moved through your air conditioner.
Pollen flies around a lot during the warmer months in Nebraska. Given that this is where Eastern US plants end, and Western US plants begin, the mixture of that and farming makes this very prevalent. Pollen easily attaches to clothes and shoes and can come in through an open window or door. Your air conditioner then recirculates pollen through the home or office.
Pet dander happens when your pet sheds dead skin cells. Anywhere your pet goes or anywhere you go after coming in contact with your pet, moves that dander. That gets sucked into your air conditioner, is cooled, and distributed throughout the home or office.
VOCs are volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals emitted from furniture, carpet, air sprays, and other manufactured items. Without fresh air coming in, those compounds recirculate with other allergens.

What Feels Like Allergies, But Aren’t

So, we’ve talked about what’s in the air that can cause irritated eyes, runny noses, coughing, and other respiratory issues. Remember, allergies are reacting to what’s in the air, not the air itself. However, other factors in air-conditioned air can make you think you’re allergic to air conditioning, but you actually are reacting to cold air.

Air that is cooled and dehumidified can cause dry-air irritation. Ask anyone in western Nebraska about dry air, and they’ll tell you that the lack of moisture can dry out nasal passages. Since your body is mostly water, anything that gets dried out (skin, nose, mouth, etc.) causes a reaction where the body pushes moisture back in (sweat, mucus, saliva). That influx of moisture can cause sneezing, a runny nose, or congestion.

This phenomenon is called non-allergic rhinitis, or vasomotor rhinitis . Medicine won’t help. What you need to do is humidify the air in your home or office to a maximum of 50%.

In rare circumstances, you can actually be allergic to the cold itself in a condition called cold urticaria . Typically, the reactions include swelling, itching, and hives in the skin. In extremely rare cases, it can cause trouble breathing.

Prevent Feeling Like You’re Allergic To Air Conditioning

Luckily, the best way to alleviate feeling like you're allergic to air conditioning can be done in a few very simple steps. If you follow these, you should feel a dramatic change.

Change your air filter . You’d be surprised how many issues result from not having clean air filters. If there’s anything you take away from this blog, it’s change your air filter frequently.
If changing your air filter doesn't work, upgrade your air filter . Check the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating on your filter and get one with a higher rating. That rating tells how effective the filter is at catching smaller molecules. The higher the rating, the more fine particles the filter catches.
Keep your humidity levels between 30-50%. If your humidity level is too low, we recommend an in-duct humidifier. If your home is too humid, we recommend an in-duct dehumidifier. This will reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth while also protecting your belongings.
Call an HVAC technician to check your air conditioner. They can clean the coils and drain pan, check the ductwork, and look for any moisture buildup.
Install an air purifier . These can be purchased at major retailers. However, for professional-grade and ones that will clean all the air in your home, we recommend in-duct air purifiers .

When to Call a Doctor vs. When to Call Us

We are not medical doctors, nor do we profess to be. Always seek medical attention if you’re consistently feeling sick or if your symptoms get worse. However, you can call us when you see mold, dust, feel gross anytime you feel your air conditioning running, or if you haven’t serviced your HVAC system in more than six months.

After serving Omaha for over two decades, we’ve seen all the above and much more. While regular maintenance can prevent or delay many issues, eventually furnaces need the care of expert furnace repair technicians. If you need a furnace fixed, replaced, or maintained, Millard Heating & Cooling is here to help you. Contact us today!

So, Can I Be Allergic To Air Conditioning?

Most of the time, the answer is no. The air conditioner is a piece of machinery that cools air. What’s in the air is what’s causing either allergic or allergic-like reactions. If you’re like most people in the greater Omaha area and you don’t have the time or skill set to maintain your air conditioning system on your own, schedule an appointment with Millard Heating & Cooling so we can find out what’s really in your air.

How Long Should A Furnace Run In Omaha?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:04:36 GMT

A question that we get is, “How long should a furnace run?” So, if you’ve wondered this, you're not alone. For a generic answer, a working furnace should run for about 10 to 15 minutes when it runs, and can run up to three times an hour. Making sure your furnace fits within those timeframes is good to know so that, if it tends to run drastically differently, it might be an indicator that something is wrong.

Other than keeping your furnace running, knowing the runtimes of a furnace can help you manage the comfort in your own home, what to expect with monthly bills, and the longevity of the system you currently have. We’ve put together this guide to help out further explain how long a furnace should run, what can affect the frequency, and when to know there might be a problem.

The Short Answer: What's Normal?

So, the average furnace in Nebraska should run anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes while running, and can run two to three times per hour. However, five key factors will change the frequency and runtime: outdoor temperatures, the insulation in your home, your air filter, where your thermostat is located, and how big your furnace is.

Just like most of us, furnaces don’t want to work harder than they have to. So, if there are problems with the furnace, the flames won’t ignite, or if it overheats, there are safety measures that trigger and cause the unit to turn off. After all, it’s better to be a little cold than to cause permanent damage.

Basics of A Furnace Cycle

So, before we go any further, let’s talk about what a furnace cycle actually is. A furnace cycle refers to your furnace starting up, heating, and turning off. Your thermostat sends a signal to your furnace when the temperature goes below the minimum you set. That signal tells the furnace to turn on, heat up, and blow that heated air into your home and office until it reaches the maximum temperature wanted. Once heated, the furnace turns off.

When the furnace is between cycles, it gives the system a chance to cool down and for the newly heated air to even out in the spaces it was delivered to. Also, think of your furnace like a car. If you were to drive your car at full speed nonstop, it would wear out a lot faster, causing costly repairs. Like a car, your furnace is a machine that needs to have breaks to not wear out.

Now that you know what a furnace cycle is, let’s get into those five main factors that affect furnace cycle frequencies and length.

Five Key Factors Affecting Furnace Run Times

Now that we have the basic answer for “how long should a furnace run”, let’s talk about the five usual culprits that change those run times. Keep in mind, these aren’t the only five, but these are the most common.

A. Outdoor Temperature

During the spring and fall in Omaha, we get some interesting fluctuations in temperatures that can swing by up to 50 degrees in a 24-hour timeframe. Because of drastic changes and preferred temperature settings, those shifts can cause your furnace to work harder to keep the inside of your home or office comfortable.

Needless to say that, when it’s -30 degrees outside, your furnace may run longer. Just like your own body, it takes more energy to stay warm when it’s cold outside. It’s because warm air can escape through windows, doors, and walls.

B. Insulation Quality

Depending on the year your home or office building was built can affect how well insulated your walls are. As technology gets better, our ability as humans to find materials to prevent the transfer of heat through wall materials has improved. However, a small hole or crack can send that comfortable air leaking outside or allow cold air to seep inside.

Quick Tip : Because doors and windows are where most heat energy transfer occurs, check your windows and doors to see if you can feel air movement when your furnace isn’t running, and get those gaps sealed. You may also want to upgrade or replace your doors or windows if the materials are made of metal.

C. Air Filter Condition

We’re going to sound like a broken record, but you would be surprised how many furnaces we service that are caused or accelerated by people having dirty air filters. Think about it: if your furnace doesn’t get enough air through the filter, then it will have to work harder and longer to warm your home or office. It’s like trying to breathe with a thick mask on.

Also, dirty air filters are one of the leading factors in poor indoor air quality . Please change your air filter every one to three months, or when it gets dirty. Both your furnace and your wallet will thank you.

Quick Tip : When shopping for air filters, get the ones that have about an inch between the pleats.

D. Thermostat Placement and Function

To get the most accurate reading of the air temperature in your home or office, your thermostat should be installed on an interior wall. The thermostat should not be above a vent, next to a window, in a kitchen, bathroom, or any area that would produce heat.

If not in the right spot, your home or office will know that the area it’s located in is nice and warm, but your family or coworkers could be freezing and wrapped up tightly in blankets and coats.

Quick Tip : Check the batteries in your thermostat every three months. Also, consider having an HVAC unit where multiple thermostats can help with zone heating to keep the entire home or office evenly heated.

E. Furnace Sizes Matter s

If your furnace is too small for your space, it’ll be overworked, the furnace cycles will last forever, and your unit will literally burn out quickly. Transversely, if the furnace in your home or office is way bigger than needed, the air will be heated too quickly and not finish a regular cycle (this is called a short cycle). Having your furnace too big or too small results in not running the way they were made to run and ultimately will cost more in repairs.

Quick Tip : The furnace you need depends on the climate zone, square footage, and insulation quality.

Common Causes of Irregular Cycles

So, now that we know how long a normal run time for your furnace is, what a furnace cycle is, and the five key factors that affect run times, let’s talk about irregular cycles. There are a lot of reasons why a furnace can malfunction or not run cycles properly. Here are some common causes why your furnace may malfunction and not run proper cycles:

1. Failure To Ignite

Most homes and businesses in Omaha run on natural gas. As a quick lesson, the gas comes into the home through a pipe, gets fed into the system, burns, and the heat generated warms the air that gets blown into the spaces to heat. As with any fire, the three elements that are needed are air, fuel, and ignition.

Gas furnaces ignite either from a spark or a metal heated extremely hot to cause the gas to combust. If your igniter isn’t receiving the right signal from the motherboard, the gap in the igniter is too big, or if somehow it was disconnected, the gas will automatically turn off, and your furnace will short-cycle and blow cold air.

2. Lack of Electrical Supply

Even though the furnace uses gas to burn and warm the air, the entire process is controlled by a motherboard that connects to all sorts of sensors in your HVAC unit. If there’s too much gas during the cycle, the motherboard will shut the entire furnace off to prevent a buildup that could cause an explosion.

As a safety measure, if the motherboard isn’t getting the electricity it needs to run properly, your furnace will not cycle. So, if it’s getting colder and you haven’t heard the furnace turn on, check the circuit board and the power switch on your furnace to ensure both are turned on.

3. Debris In The Ducts

Whether it’s a malfunction of the furnace itself or someone has put objects in your ductwork, having objects in there can cause many issues. If the items are in the intake, they can get into the furnace, block airflow, and combust.

If items are near the vents (kids love putting toys and random objects in the vents), then those items can melt or burn and cause bad odors in the home. Also, a large buildup of debris can cause the furnace to work harder to warm the air. To prevent this, you should clean your air ducts often .

4. Thermostat Malfunction

A properly functioning furnace will only run on the information that is given to it by the thermostat. If the bimetallic strips or mercury-filled glass bulbs in older thermostats have become worn out or broken, then they can’t read the temperature properly

For newer thermostats, if the power to them has been disrupted, a virus has caused the electronics to malfunction, or if it was damaged by water, then the computer inside will not produce accurate signals to the furnace.

5. Dirty Air Filters

Seriously, change your air filters. Keep them clean.

So, How Long Should A Furance Run?

A normal Omaha furnace should run two to three times an hour, with each cycle lasting up to fifteen minutes. These cycles can be irregular due to dirty air filters, thermostat malfunctions, debris, electrical supply problems, or an ignition failure. Common reasons for furnaces to run shorter or longer are due to the size of the furnace, where the thermostat is, the quality of the insulation, outdoor temperatures, and the air filter.

After serving Omaha for over two decades, we’ve seen all the above and much more. While regular maintenance can prevent or delay many issues, eventually furnaces need the care of expert furnace repair technicians. If you need a furnace fixed, replaced, or maintained, Millard Heating & Cooling is here to help you. Contact us today!

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:22:22 GMT

How often should you clean your air ducts? The answer isn’t simply when it smells dirty. Unlike the visible cleaning chores in your home, like vacuuming, dusting, or scrubbing, air ducts are often forgotten. But these hidden areas need cleaning, too.

One quick reminder is when that musty or dusty smell engulfs your home once you turn on the heater or air conditioning. Other signs are seeing dust or other particles floating around the vents, and if allergies get really bad, once your HVAC system turns on.

This guide is written with over 25 years' worth of experience in cleaning air ducts in the greater Omaha area. From the many homes we’ve cleaned, it’s amazing how proper air duct maintenance can transform indoor air quality. You’ll learn in this guide what air ducts are, how often you should clean your ducts, signs that you need to get them cleaned now, and our final thoughts.

The Basics Of Air Duct Cleaning

To answer “how often should you clean your air ducts”, we’re going to explain the role of your duct system and why it’s important to keep it clean.

What Ducts Do For Your Home’s Air

An easy analogy for your HVAC system would be to think of your home as a body. The HVAC unit is the heart, and the ducts are the veins. They deliver oxygen (or air) to the right places in the body (or, your home). Without any obstructions or buildup in those passages, the air flows smoothly and quickly. However, when impeded by debris or other materials, the entire system has to work harder and wears out more quickly.

Just like a person’s liver and kidneys filter out imperfections in the body, your HVAC system uses air filters to catch dust and other contaminants, but they’re not 100% perfect at trapping everything. So, naturally, there will be an eventual buildup in the ducts, and your system will have to work harder to get the home to the right temperature. More strain = shorter lifespan and more repair costs.

Common Contaminants in Your Ducts

So, if only air usually runs through the ducts, then what contaminants could get in there? Well, if you have kids, you’re well aware that they have and often do remove the vent covers and shove toys, crayons, paper, and almost anything they can get their hands on. Other than toddlers, the list of what can get in there may be surprising. Naturally, dead skin cells, or dust, are the most obvious ones, as any home that’s lived in has them.

Next on the list is pet dander. For those that don’t know, pet dander is the dead skin cells of animals and is the primary source of pet allergies. They can carry proteins from the animal’s drool, pee, and skin glands. So, if you have a pet, that’s in the air. Spring in Nebraska brings a lot of pollen, and fall brings a lot of dust as farmers till their crops and other plants dry up and crumble like leaves off a tree. Then, because of how humid it gets in the summer, mold spores can land and grow in the ducts if the ventilation is poor or there’s a lack of humidity control.

Dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold accumulate in ducts and recirculate with every HVAC cycle. These contaminants remain in the air you breathe, which may aggravate allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues, and even affect those without health concerns.

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

Now that we know what the function of the air ducts is and some of the common irritants in the air (don’t forget cigarette smoke for those who smoke), let’s answer the question, “How often should you clean your air ducts?” Each home and situation is different, but we’ll first give you the general guidelines.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

To help, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), formed in 1989, says that most homes need their entire HVAC system cleaned every 4-5 years , which includes air ducts. Keep in mind that the recommendation is under normal conditions. What would not be considered normal conditions are pets, smokers, or ongoing construction in or near the home. So, if your home is normal under these parameters, every 4-5 years could be right for you.

Now, cleaning the entire system is more difficult and evasive, so getting at least the ducts clean is better than nothing at all. That being said, the EPA’s recommendation is to clean your ducts whenever you see signs of mold, pest infestations, dust, or any other pollutant in the air. This is general advice and doesn’t apply to every home’s specific needs.

Some factors that reduce the time needed between duct cleaning include the number and type of pets, the number and health needs of the people living in the home, the environmental factors outside of the home, home improvements, and air filters.

Personalized Schedule Tips

So, how often should you clean your air ducts in your specific home? Here’s an easy list to go through to think about. If the recommendation is, let’s say, five years, then each of the factors below would hypothetically shorten the time between cleanings by six months to a year.

Pets : for each short-haired pet or bird that doesn’t shed that often, consider reducing the gap by six months. If the pet sheds more frequently, consider cleaning at a minimum of every four years. Just like the drains in a shower, longer hair needs to be cleaned up more frequently than short hair. The number of pets you have also increases the cleaning frequency needed. Since fur and pet dander accumulate quickly in air ducts. If you have more than one pet, consider duct cleanings every 2-3 years.
People : The more people that live in a home, the more dust and debris are created. People also bring in more dust from the outside, young kids can leave doors and windows open longer than intended, and overall, more particles are circulating in the air. The health needs of people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory ailments should also be considered. If a person smokes, that increases the contaminants in the air. For families of four or more, consider cleaning your ducts every 3-4 years. If respiratory or smoking is involved, perhaps clean every 2-3 years.
Environment : Before the rains come in the spring, and especially in the fall when things typically dry out, it gets dusty. Also, homes in new developments or near farmland also experienced increased dust and pollen. Humidity, especially in the spring to fall months in Nebraska, means your HVAC system is working with air that can grow mold. So, increasing cleaning frequency just due to the climate in and around Omaha is a good idea.
Home Improvements : Renovations in the home can create an excessive amount of dust, especially when drywall (or sheetrock) is involved. Passageways and doors are left wide open, letting unfiltered air in and all the dust from activity outside. Even though wood, tile, drywall, and dumpsters are outside, the air has easy access inside.
Air Filters : This is an easy one that homeowners constantly misunderstand or completely forget. The air filter is your duct’s main line of defense to catch airborne debris, dust, and contaminants. We recommend changing an air filter anytime it looks dirty, or every three months of use. Not doing this releases what’s caught and can promote buildup in your ducts.

So, those five factors above can reduce the time between cleanings in your ducts. If your home has pets, a larger family, is prone to a lot of dust, has recently had home improvements, and you don’t change your air filters, you may need a cleaning soon, if not now.

Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning Now

If you have all those factors above, we’d recommend getting a cleaning now. Other than those listed above, there are other things to look for to know if you need a cleaning as soon as possible. Here’s a personal checklist to go through.

Visible Inspection

Take a minute and look at your vents. Is there any dust or debris that has built up on or around the vent covers? Then, take off the vent covers and use either the flashlight on your phone or an actual flashlight and look into the ducts as far as you can to see if Airflowthere is anything stuck on or building up on the inside. If not, get them cleaned.

Airflow

When you walk into each room, do you notice a major shift in the temperature or how much air is flowing in the rooms? Naturally, larger rooms get the flow dispersed a bit faster, but there shouldn’t be a major change.

Odors

Your nose is fantastic at noticing changes. If you are noticing something wrong and smells are changing, that could be due to debris collecting and reacting with your HVAC unit. Note: If you just installed a new furnace , there are some smells that come with it. If you’re not sure, go outside for a few minutes, then re-enter your home to prevent nose blindness (when your nose no longer smells an odor because it’s always present). You can also ask friends or family when they visit if they smell anything that is off.

Your Health

Listen to your body. If you are sneezing more than normal, your allergies get worse, or you are having a persistent cough, this can be from dirty air ducts and poor indoor air quality . One easy way to know is if you always feel ill when at home but feel better when you are outside, in another building, or someone else’s home.

Energy Bills

If you have buildup, debris, or mold reducing the air flow in your ducts, then your HVAC system has to work harder to either warm or cool your home. The harder it works, the more energy it needs. That energy comes from gas or electricity. So, if your bills have risen dramatically when the weather outside hasn’t changed much, your ducts could be clogged.

Keeping Your Air Ducts Clean

So, after all the information above, how often should you clean your air ducts? The short and sweet is about every three to five years for homes under normal conditions. If there are pets, bigger families, external environmental factors, home renovations, and dirty air filters, clean them more frequently. If you see buildup, airflow is down, something smells, your health declines, or energy bills have risen dramatically, get them cleaned soon.

If you’re ready to breathe easier, schedule a professional air duct inspection and cleaning with us today. As certified HVAC technicians here in the greater Omaha area, we can help you to breathe easier.

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality In Omaha

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:58:09 GMT

If you’re like most people, you may not have the time or training to know the signs of poor indoor air quality. They’re easy to dismiss, especially during the winter when everyone is cooped up inside anyway. To start, do you constantly sneeze at home, but you have no other symptoms of a cold? Another question to ask yourself is if you’re constantly tired or sluggish at your work desk, but an outdoor walk makes you feel a lot better.

Many people with poor indoor air quality don’t know. For us, that comes as no surprise. We’ve seen how poor indoor air quality affects families, business owners, and employees in the greater Omaha metro. Since we spend about 90% of our time indoors (according to the EPA ), the air we breathe has a huge impact on our overall health.

Another factor to consider is that, especially in Omaha, we experience major weather swings from the 70s and comfortable to below freezing in just a day. Due to dramatic temperature swings, our HVAC systems are under significant strain to maintain comfortable indoor climates. If that stress wears out your unit and it malfunctions, the air you breathe suffers in quality.

We’ve put together this guide to help you identify the warning signs of poor indoor air quality so you don’t have to keep guessing. We’ll explain what causes many air quality problems, the warning signs, and what you can do to fix them. By learning the symptoms, you can reduce the likelihood of serious health issues.

Why Should You Care About Indoor Air Quality?

To start, indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air you breathe inside your home, office, or other indoor spaces. The air we breathe includes many particles and parts, including but not limited to:

Oxygen
Dust
Pollen
Humidity
Nitrogen
Chemical fumes
Carbon Dioxide
Pet fur

Since we take over 20,000 breaths a day , it’s easy to forget about what is going into our lungs until we feel the warning signs that something is off. It’s easy to see dust through sunlight or smell something musty in the basement, but the extreme health risks are often overlooked or not noticed until the issue has been airborne for a while.

As the primary system responsible for air circulation and conditioning, your heating and cooling system plays a central role in controlling and improving indoor air quality. Every time your heater or air conditioner cycles, it’s either circulating fresh air or spreading pollutants indoors. This is why we always stress the importance of scheduled maintenance and proper ventilation.

To further emphasize the seriousness of poor indoor air quality, some World Health Organization (WHO) experts believe that upwards of 30% of buildings may have excessive indoor air quality complaints. So, if one-third of the world’s indoor areas can have excessive air quality issues, chances are you’ve been in one of those buildings.

So, how can you tell if your building or home is one of those 30%? Some of the ways to protect yourself include recognizing and understanding:

Physical signs of poor indoor air quality
Mental signs of poor indoor air quality
Red flags to look out for
What you should do now to protect yourself

Physical Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Respiratory Symptoms

To get the air outside into your bloodstream, your body transfers the air through your nose or mouth to your lungs. If irritants or impurities are in the air, your body will naturally induce a reaction, including sneezing and coughing, to reject the bad air. So, if you’re sneezing and coughing without having other illness symptoms, that’s a red flag. You could also experience shortness of breath, a sore throat, or a dry cough.

Airborne impurities that can cause these symptoms include pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander. These should be removed through the air filter in your HVAC system. However, if there’s a malfunction or a dirty air filter, those irritants circulate unimpeded, and your lungs notice.

Eye, Nose & Throat Irritation

Other body parts that are sensitive to air quality conditions include your eyes, nose, and throat. Exposure to dry or impure air can cause your eyes to burn or water quickly. Irritants in the air cause your nose to stuff up or run as the mucus collects the irritants and wants you to sneeze them out. Your throat can also become dry and itchy.

While many environmental factors can cause stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and a sore throat, you can track how you feel indoors and outdoors and see if you feel different after getting fresh outdoor air.

Headaches & Fatigue

Headaches are a clear sign from your body that something is wrong. Getting them occasionally is normal. However, experiencing frequent headaches without constant extraneous exertion is not normal. If you also get a full night of rest and you’re still feeling sluggish, that can be a sign of poor indoor air quality. Also, look out for dizziness or being light-headed, and pay particular attention to feelings of nausea.

Specific factors that can cause those symptoms are high levels of carbon dioxide, or CO₂. If the CO₂ levels get too high, it can even be fatal. Levels can increase due to heavy breathing without being replaced with fresh outdoor air. Because having a tightly sealed home or office reduces energy bills, improperly working HVAC systems can cause CO₂ buildup.

Skin & Humidity-Related Issues

As temperatures drop outside, homes rely more on heated air indoors. When air is heated, the moisture naturally gets removed. Because of the lack of natural humidity, Omaha residents often complain about:

Dry, itchy skin
Static electricity shocks
Dry eyes
Worse eczema
Psoriasis

When humidity drops below 30%, these symptoms often indicate poor indoor air quality, though proper humidity control can help reduce them.

Mental Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Reduced Focus & Brain Fog

Proper oxygen flow helps the brain function optimally. In fact, your brain uses 20% of all the oxygen your body uses. Interestingly, oxygen levels in the air are commonly around the 20% mark as well. Reduced oxygen levels in the brain can make it harder to concentrate, cause memory problems, make it difficult to finish sentences, slow down work tasks, and make decision-making more difficult.

The indoor spaces people spend the most time in are homes, workplaces, and schools. The lack of oxygen in these spaces affects loved ones, students, teachers, and employees. These are the people who need to be operating at their peak cognitive level.

Irritability & Mood Changes

First, people may become irritable or experience mood changes for many reasons, such as watching their favorite sports team lose, receiving a bad grade, or natural hormonal changes. However, just like brain fog, not having clean air going to your brain has been linked to people feeling unusually cranky, getting mad at small inconveniences, reduced motivation, or feelings of being overwhelmed.

Being grumpy or on edge not only reduces your productivity, but it can also damage relationships and your overall life. Constantly being on edge isn’t healthy because that heightened level of awareness can exhaust the body more quickly.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Many people outside the HVAC or health fields may not be familiar with sick building syndrome. This term describes situations where people experience multiple symptoms indoors that improve or disappear when they leave the building. In other words, you feel sick inside, feel better outside, but get sick again inside.

In addition to the symptoms listed above, sick building syndrome (SBS) can also include sensitive skin, muscle pain, and odor sensitivity. Although sick building syndrome is more common in offices and schools, it can also affect homes. So what causes SBS? Poor ventilation, improper humidity levels, and a source of pollution.

It’s important to note that sick building syndrome isn’t an official disease like eczema, but a term used to describe symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality and signals that indoor conditions need improvement. The best way to improve those conditions is through a complete inspection by a licensed HVAC technician.

The Red Flags To Look For

Signs in Your Home

In your home, the signs of poor indoor air quality are easy to see.

First , look out for dust that accumulates quickly after the surface has been cleaned. Dust naturally occurs from dead skin cells, but takes time to accumulate.

Second, check if there are rooms that are constantly colder or warmer than the average temperature of the home. That could indicate blocked ducts.

Third , be aware of musty or moldy odors coming from your vents. If this is happening, there is moisture in your home that shouldn’t be there.

Fourth , look at your vents when your HVAC system is running to see if any dust is blowing out. Your air filter should be filtering the dust.

Fifth , check your windows for condensation, which may indicate poor ventilation, unsealed windows, or excessive indoor humidity.

Signs in Your Office or Business

Unlike homes, businesses have many more people to help you to know when things are going well, and when things are not. So, if multiple employees come to a boss and report feeling similar symptoms, leadership needs to take note. Signs of poor indoor air quality in the workplace include:

When employees feel sick in a specific part of the building
Symptoms go away on the weekends.
The air smells stale despite professional cleanings.
People keep asking to open the windows for fresh air.
High turnover rates
Increase in employee sick days.
A reduction in productivity

If you don’t take care of your employees, expenses rise, and money earned from production falls.

What To Do If You See The Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Preventative Measures

The best defense is a great offense. Don’t wait to see the signs of poor indoor air quality. Rather, take steps to prevent your air from getting to that point, such as:

Change your air filter every one to three months.
Schedule annual and regular HVAC maintenance.
In Omaha, test for radon.
Control the humidity levels.
Clean out your vents, ducts, and registers.
Move obstructions away from vents and registers.
Fix water leaks.
Following building codes for exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

Conduct A Self-Assessment

You are responsible for your own health. A self-evaluation is one of the quickest ways to recognize the signs of poor indoor air quality. Go through the following checklist:

When's the last time I changed my air filter?
Are my vents dirty?
Do I see or smell any mold or water stains?
Does it feel too humid or dry?
Are there any odd smells?

It’s a good rule of thumb to always track how you’re feeling and notice patterns. Also, paying attention to how coworkers or loved ones feel while visiting your home can help confirm or rule out your suspicions.

When to Call a Professional

So, having a periodic headache, smelling something off, or just having a few moments of brain fog can and do happen to everyone. However, if any of the red flags or symptoms above persist, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC professional to come and inspect your space. A locally-owned Omaha HVAC company not only understands what your home and office need, but is also able to respond quickly to any weather or climate changes.

Final Thoughts About The Signs Of Poor Indoor Air Quality

The signs of poor indoor air quality are not commonly discussed. However, having the right air in your home or office affects not only your health, but your productivity and quality of life. Because symptoms can have many different causes, it’s important to stay in tune with your body and pay attention to any patterns you notice.

We’ve not only created the guide above to help you know what symptoms and red flags to notice, but we are also able to come into your indoor space and check to see what the quality of your air is , what may be causing the poor indoor air quality, and steps to take to get it fixed.

IYou breathe about 20,000 times a day. Make sure every breath counts by contacting us for a free indoor air quality assessment.

Understanding New Furnace Smells: A Guide for Homeowners

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:17:40 GMT

So, what’s up with the new furnace smell? You’ve just spent thousands of dollars on a new HVAC system, you turn it on, and immediately you’re second-guessing your life decisions because an odd smell comes out of what’s supposed to be a brand new furnace. Well, you’re not the first. As HVAC professionals who have installed new furnaces for small businesses and homes all around the Omaha metro, we hear this a lot. The good news is that most smells that new furnaces make are to be expected and are short-lived. However, not all smells are harmless. It’s good for you to know what harmless new furnace odors are and what smells should be a red flag.

This guide is where we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about new furnace smells, what causes those odors, and when you should be concerned.

What Is "New Furnace Smell" and Is It Normal?

To start, most new furnace smells are harmless and short-lived. During the manufacture of furnaces, some materials stay on the furnace and remain there until you turn on the unit for the first time. Those materials burning off are the smell that you smell. Most of the time, any odors will dissipate and no longer be detectable within less than a month of normal furnace use. Once the furnace has run and broken in (like you would a new pair of shoes), the smells go away.

However, to put your mind at ease, we’re going to dive into what those manufactured materials are and why their odor is harmless.

The Five Sources of New Furnace Smell

Alright, here is the list of what is being burned off or what materials are causing the new furnace smell:

1. Adhesives and Sealants

This may come as no surprise, but furnaces are made of many different parts and need to be bound together to make a complete unit, so furnace manufacturers use adhesives and sealants to connect metal parts and secure them in place. When you turn on your furnace, these bonding agents release fumes, but this is normal. As the parts break-in and function repeatedly, any odor will go away.

2. Protective Oils on Metal Parts

To prevent the furnace unit from corroding, rusting, or becoming less efficient from the time it’s made to the time it’s used, protective oils are used to cover metal parts, like the heat exchanger. It’s rare for a furnace to go into service within days of manufacture. Given the fact that the average timespan between manufacture and first use is between six months and a year, the manufacturing company needs to ensure its product doesn’t break down before its first use.

Those oils stay in place until a buyer has the unit installed and turns it on for the first time. The oils will safely burn off, pose no health issues, and dissipate after continuous normal use.

3. Heat Exchanger Insulation

Within the furnace is what’s called the heat exchanger, where the heat is transferred from the inside of the unit to the air that ultimately warms up your home. To prevent heat from leaking out of the furnace and not blowing into all the rooms of a house, there’s insulation that goes around the heat exchanger. Since the insulation is new, it will release some chemicals when heated. Just like the oils and adhesives, the smell is temporary and harmless.

4. Trapped Manufacturing Odors

Just like the furnace, ductwork can retain residual odors from when it was manufactured. As the air warms up and is pushed through the ductwork for the first time, those odors will get blown into the home and will be prominent at first, but will dissipate as more and more fresh air moves through the system.

5. Burning Dust, Debris, and Insulation

Manufacturers make furnaces in large plants with a lot of automation. Just like most manufacturing operations that don’t involve food, it’s natural to get some dust and other particles into the furnace parts as they’re assembled and sealed together. When you heat the furnace, some of that dust and particles burn off. These odors will go away within the first day of operation.

Identifying Different Smells

So now that we know what causes the different smells, how can you know if what you’re smelling is one of those “don’t worry about it” smells? We’ll look at the short list below.

Burning or chemical odor : This is the typical break-in smell from protective coatings and manufacturing materials.
Oil or burned dust scent : Expected from accumulated dust burning off.
Hair dryer-like smell : Common with new heating systems as components heat up for the first time.

Timeline : Expect these smells to fade within 1-4 weeks of regular operation.

Tips To Lessen Those New Smells

Even though these smells are normal and safe, it doesn’t mean they are fun to have. So, here’s a quick list of what you can do to air out your home:

Depending on the weather, try cracking open a few windows to let fresh air circulate through the new furnace.
To break in the furnace, let it run for a few hours without interruption to circulate the air.
Remember to replace the air filters after the first 3-6 months of use to take out impurities.
Schedule regular maintenance to ensure proper function and reduce dust accumulation.

Warning Signs: Smells That Demand Immediate Action

We’ve covered what new furnace smells are, where they come from, what they smell like, and how to reduce the overall smell in your home. Now onto the smells that you should not smell, and if you do, call Millard Heating & Cooling immediately:

Burning Plastic or Rubber

Where It’s Coming From : insulation melting, or electrical wiring getting too hot.

What It Means : The motor is running too hot, the blower motor isn’t running as it should, or other electrical problems.

What To Do : Turn off your furnace and call us immediately.

Why It’s Important : If the electrical parts of your furnace are too hot or getting warmer than they should, it could cause an electrical fire, which could spread to the structure of your home.

Gas or Rotten Egg Odor

Where It’s Coming From : Leaking gas, such as natural gas or propane.

Why It Smells : Odorless gases can leak and cause health issues, so gas companies add mercaptan to the gas to produce that smell so you can smell any leaks.

What To Do : Get out of your home quickly and safely and call 911. Do not turn on any appliances, make any sparks, or rub cloth, causing static electricity.

Why It’s Important : This is the most dangerous smell that can come from your furnace. Gases like natural gas and propane are pressurized and need to be contained. Any spark or ignition could cause an explosion, resulting in significant property damage or injury.

Gas Smell Outside

What It Means : Your furnace isn’t burning the gas correctly (improper combustion) and is venting through the exhaust outside.

What To Do : Turn off your furnace’s gas and electrical supply, then call Millard Heating & Air immediately

Why It’s Important : Anytime there’s a gas leak, unintentional sparks can happen, causing a fire where they shouldn’t be. Also, any fire not in intended locations produces carbon monoxide, which is toxic to breathe.

Musty or Muddy Smell

What It Means : You have a buildup of materials in your ductwork or furnace that shouldn’t be there. Some materials include mold, mildew, dirt, or debris.

Where It’s Coming From : Water leaking into the ducts from an external source, such as excessive moisture from humidifiers , rain/melting snow dripping into the exhaust stack, a clogged drain, or waterlines in the home near the ducts or furnace.

What To Do : Call your HVAC technician to get your ductwork looked at and cleaned.

Why It’s Important : Extra pollutants in the air can cause respiratory health issues. Additionally, excess water or buildup may enter the furnace, leading to malfunctions, costly component damage, or electrocution in extreme circumstances.

Long-lasting Burning Plastic Smell

Where It’s Coming From : The furnace is overheating or malfunctioning.

What It Means : On the first day of use of a new furnace, nothing. If longer than the first day, something is wrong.

What To Do : Call your HVAC technician to take a look and find out why it’s happening.

Final Thoughts About New Furnace Smells

It’s ok to have those new furnace smells for the first little while. Like anything new, there’s a short break-in period while the system adjusts and the parts begin working together. Due to the manufacturing process, packaging, and storage, certain elements and chemicals are used as part of the process. But, after running the new furnace for a few days to weeks, those smells will go away. Those are not dangerous, even if they’re a bit unexpected.

However, if you're smelling something different from the normal new furnace smells (burning or chemical odor, oil or burned dust scent, or hair dryer-like smell), call your HVAC technician immediately. Also, cutting corners and trying to install a new furnace yourself is a bad idea. There are too many things that can go wrong.

If you need a new furnace installed, inspected, or help with any home or small business heating and cooling needs, call Millard Heating and Cooling for professional HVAC service.

Guide to Controlling Home Humidity in Winter

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:18:13 GMT

In addition to staying warm and sheltered from the cold, maintaining proper home humidity in winter plays a crucial role in maintaining comfort and health. Due to harsh Nebraska winters that can require furnaces to run nonstop, especially during winter vortexes, we’ve seen that indoor humidity isn’t necessarily a priority for homeowners. However, it is crucial for comfort, health, and protecting your home.

Why Home Humidity in Winter Matters More Than You Think

During the winter, furnaces run nonstop, warming the air to keep homeowners sheltered from the elements. But most people don’t realize that the warm air you’re paying to heat is unusually dry. Home humidity in winter is a balancing act between staying warm and avoiding dehumidification that can affect your family and your home’s structure.

Maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level promotes better respiratory health, helps protect wood furniture and flooring from damage, and also helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. Low humidity levels can lead to cracking wooden floors, respiratory illnesses, and an uncomfortable home.

Understanding Relative Humidity: The Science Made Simple

To start, homeowners need to understand what relative humidity, or RH, is. RH is the percent of moisture in the air compared to the total amount the air can hold, depending on the temperature. Warmer air is able to hold a lot more moisture, while colder air isn’t able to hold as much.

So, the percentages on the RH scale run from measuring bone dry air at 0% to air completely full of moisture, indicated by 100%. The reason this matters to Nebraska homeowners is that cold, winter air is naturally unable to hold moisture, so it is drier by default. When that cold, dry air goes through a furnace to warm a home, the air becomes even drier.

Because dry cold air is what most homes heat up, the air needs to be humidified to maintain a healthy RH level of between 40% - 60% as recommended by the CDC . Having the right humidity level will provide better health and comfort for you and your family.

The Ideal Humidity Range for Winter Months

Now that you know the ideal home humidity in the winter months is 40%-60%, the challenge is maintaining those levels, which is difficult to do. Older homes that lack modern air sealing often leak air, allowing humid indoor air to escape into the colder outdoor environment. Unless your home is newer with tight seals and modern HVAC systems, maintaining a humidity level above 40% could require a humidifier to consistantly run. However, old homes can have condensation when the air touches cold windows.

Although people have different comfort levels when it comes to humidity, we recommend purchasing an inexpensive hygrometer, or humidity gauge, to see what the moisture levels are in your home and to see what your comfort level is.

The Health and Home Dangers of Low Humidity

While different people have different comfort levels, there’s a reason why the CDC and others recommend specific indoor humidity levels, as your body has basic environmental needs to thrive. If humidity levels drop below 30%, both you and your home will start to show the effects.

Health Problems from Dry Air

Often, being stuck indoors during cold winters with the furnace constantly running is associated with getting a dry and irritated nose and throat. Your respiratory system, including your nasal passages and throat, uses moisture to trap viruses, bacteria, and other particles in the air that you breathe. Air that is too dry can lead to the following issues:

Membranes in the nose and throat crack and dry.
Flu, sinus infections, and the common cold
Airways that become irritated
Chapped lips
Dry skin that cracks
Frequent nosebleeds
Persistent coughs
Scratchy throat
Dry uncomfortable eyes

There’s a reason that all these symptoms are associated with winter because most homes in Nebraska don’t maintain the right humidity level in their homes. Yes, everyone is stuck indoors getting less fresh air and sunlight, but humidity is also a major factor of health.

Property Damage from Insufficient Humidity

Not only can your physical health be affected, but your home can also feel the lack of moisture in the air. Given that most homes are made from a wooden structure, changes in humidity levels cause expansion and contraction. If the air in the home is too dry, some problems you could see include:

Hardwood floors are cracking or developing gaps.
The joints in wooden furniture are splitting or loosening.
The window trim is separating from the walls.
Gaps in door frames
Paint on the walls is cracking.
Artwork flaking or cracking
Pages in books become more brittle.

Although these problems may seem superficial, having to replace or repair any of the items on the list above can become expensive or result in the loss of irreplaceable cherished goods.

Problems of High Humidity

Now that we have a grasp on what too little moisture in the indoor air can cause, the other extreme can cause a completely different set of problems. Humidity levels above 50% provide an opportunity for new things to grow and thrive inside your home.

Health Risks from Excess Moisture

High levels of moisture in the air are perfect for growing allergens and pathogens:

Mold and mildew can develop in walls, ceilings, and hard-to-reach spaces.
Dust mites reproduce at high humidity levels.
Increased bacterial growth
Asthma attacks from mold spores
Discomfort from saturated air

Property Damage from Too Much Humidity

Your home will feel the effects of too much moisture, causing expensive damage:

Damage to electronics from water exposure
Paint is loose on the walls.
Mold is growing on the pages of books.
Expansion in wood is causing doors not to close.
Wood rot
Window frame rot
Dripping water from condensation on pipes
Musty smell

If the humidity in your home is too high, that’s typically due to overuse of humidifiers, having humidifiers that are too big for the space, bad ventilation, leaking pipes, or water leaking into the home, all of which need to be addressed immediately.

When to Call an HVAC Professional

Knowing when to call in professional help takes some awareness on the homeowner’s part. First, try either reducing or increasing the use of humidifiers to alleviate the problems you’re experiencing. If that doesn’t work, check areas around doors and windows to ensure proper sealing and insulation.

If problems continue despite your best efforts, there could be underlying issues. Hidden air leakage from your home or ductwork problems are real issues that need professional tools to find and fix.

HVAC experts can properly integrate humidifiers into your heating and air systems without jeopardizing system performance. Humidifiers that are too big or installed incorrectly can cause condensation, molding, and electrical failure.

For humidifiers to work correctly for your entire home, professionals need to assess your home to ensure the humid air is being distributed evenly. Assessments include complete home evaluations. Key factors during those evaluations include duct placement, HVAC system capacity, overall air sealing, and humidifier compatibility.

Additionally, having a licensed professional take a look around your home allows them to see into areas that you normally don’t access, and can find unknown leaks or problems.

Taking Control of Home Humidity in Winter

During the winter, it’s easy to be caught up in holiday celebrations, drinking hot cocoa, going sledding, or cuddling up in a warm blanket. Despite how great those things are, it’s important to remember to care for those in your home. Healthy indoor RH levels improve respiratory health and prevent physical damage to your possessions.

You can start monitoring your home’s humidity levels by purchasing a hygrometer and a personal humidifier. If the levels aren’t where you’d like to be or your entire home needs to have a more stable humidity level, our team at Millard Heating & Cooling can come evaluate your home and get your RH levels where they need to be. Take control of your home humidity in winter by scheduling a professional indoor air quality evaluation with us today.

Make the most of the season by following these simple guidelines

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 18:59:04 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.