Frequently Asked Questions Your HVAC Questions Answered

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It's the technology and systems that provide indoor environmental comfort, including temperature control, air quality management, and proper ventilation. A well-designed HVAC system ensures your home stays comfortable year-round while maintaining good indoor air quality.

We recommend annual professional maintenance for most HVAC systems. Ideally, you should have your air conditioning serviced in spring before hot weather arrives, and your heating system serviced in fall before cold weather sets in. If you have a heat pump system that provides both heating and cooling, biannual service is optimal. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, extends equipment life, and maintains energy efficiency.

System sizing depends on several factors: your home's square footage, insulation levels, number of windows, ceiling height, local climate, and number of occupants. We perform a detailed load calculation called a Manual J to determine the exact heating and cooling loads for your specific home. This ensures optimal comfort and energy efficiency while avoiding the common mistakes of oversizing or undersizing.

With proper maintenance, most HVAC systems last 15-20 years. Air conditioners typically last 12-15 years, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, and heat pumps around 14-16 years. Regular maintenance is the single most important factor in extending your system's life. Environmental factors like extreme weather, high usage, and proper installation also affect longevity.

Several issues can cause poor AC performance: dirty air filters restricting airflow, low refrigerant levels, frozen evaporator coils, blocked condenser unit, thermostat problems, or ductwork issues. We recommend starting with filter replacement, then checking for ice on the unit. If problems persist, professional diagnosis is needed to identify the specific issue and prevent further damage.

Standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage, air quality, and whether you have pets. During heavy usage seasons (summer), check monthly. Higher efficiency filters (HEPA, pleated) may last 6-12 months. Check the filter's recommended replacement schedule and your manufacturer's guidelines for specific recommendations.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently your air conditioner uses electricity. Higher SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency and lower operating costs. The minimum SEER is 13, but modern systems can achieve 16-25 SEER. While higher efficiency units cost more upfront, they typically pay for themselves through lower energy bills over time.

No, freezing is not normal and indicates problems. Common causes include low refrigerant, dirty air filters, blocked airflow, or faulty blower motors. Turn off your system and allow it to thaw completely before checking the filter. If ice recurs, contact a professional immediately to prevent compressor damage and identify the root cause.

Furnace ignition problems can be caused by dirty flame sensors, faulty igniters, gas valve issues, or thermostat malfunctions. This can be dangerous if gas is present but not igniting. Do not attempt to diagnose or fix gas-related issues yourself. Turn off your system and call a professional immediately for safe diagnosis and repair.

Heating costs vary widely based on your home's size, insulation, system efficiency, and fuel type. Natural gas typically costs less than electricity or oil. Budget 5-10% of your home's value annually for heating and cooling combined. An energy-efficient system, proper insulation, and regular maintenance can significantly reduce these costs.

Furnaces generate heat by burning fuel (gas, oil, or electricity), while heat pumps transfer heat from outside air or ground. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient in moderate climates but may need backup heating in extreme cold. Furnaces typically last longer and provide more consistent heating in very cold regions.

Consider replacement if repairs cost more than 50% of replacement cost, your system is over 15 years old, energy bills are rising, or you need frequent repairs. Newer systems are more efficient and can reduce energy costs by 20-40%. We can help you evaluate the cost-benefit of repair vs. replacement for your specific situation.

You can safely change air filters, clean around outdoor units, keep vents unblocked, and program your thermostat. However, refrigerant handling, electrical work, gas line repairs, and complex system diagnostics require licensed professionals. DIY maintenance can void warranties or cause safety issues if done incorrectly.

Professional maintenance typically costs $100-$300 per visit, depending on system type and services included. Our maintenance plans start at $149/year for basic service, with options up to $299/year for comprehensive care. Regular maintenance usually pays for itself through lower energy bills and reduced repair costs.

Yes, studies show that regular maintenance can reduce energy costs by 5-15% and prevent 80% of major breakdowns. It also extends equipment life by 50% and helps maintain manufacturer warranties. The cost of a maintenance plan is typically recovered through energy savings and avoided emergency repairs.

Before winter: schedule professional heating maintenance, replace air filters, seal air leaks around windows and doors, insulate exposed ducts, test your carbon monoxide detectors, and ensure clear access to your outdoor unit. Also check that all vents are open and unblocked, and consider a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one.

True emergencies include: no heat during extreme cold weather, no AC during heat waves, gas leaks, carbon monoxide alarms, electrical burning smells, or water leaks from your HVAC system. If elderly residents, infants, or people with health conditions are affected by temperature extremes, this also constitutes an emergency.

We guarantee response within 2 hours for emergency calls during business hours, and within 4 hours for after-hours emergencies. Our emergency technicians are on call 24/7, 365 days a year. Response times may vary during extreme weather when demand is high, but we prioritize the most urgent situations.

This is a life-threatening emergency! Do not use electrical switches, lighters, or phones. Evacuate everyone from the building immediately and call 911, then call us. Gas leaks require immediate professional attention and should never be ignored or addressed without proper training and equipment.

Emergency service calls are $150-$250, with after-hours surcharges of $75 and weekend/holiday surcharges of $100. While this is higher than scheduled service, the cost of extensive damage from a broken system far exceeds the emergency service fee. Many issues can be prevented with regular maintenance.