Frequently Asked Questions About Your Heating & Cooling System

A good rule of thumb is to schedule routine HVAC maintenance at least once a year to ensure your system functions properly. For best results, you can schedule an AC maintenance appointment in the spring and a heating maintenance appointment in the fall just before winter. 

Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your entire system is working efficiently and that there aren’t any hidden issues. Even if it seems like your system is running fine, professional maintenance prevents problems before they happen. Our team will inspect your system and tune up faulty components so that everything works smoothly. We can also catch minor issues early before they escalate. 

Your HVAC filters accumulate dust, pet dander, and other particles over time. If neglected, clogged filters can diminish your system’s energy efficiency.

The exact timeline to change your filters varies depending on the type and size of the filters you use. In general, it’s best to replace disposable filters every 1 to 3 months, depending on your HVAC usage and indoor air quality.

With proper care, our high-quality HVAC systems can last for around 10 years. However, the average lifespan of an HVAC system can change depending on factors such as the type of system you have, the climate in your area, and your routine maintenance habits. 

The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the overall efficiency of your AC system or air-source heat pump. This rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output of your system over a particular season by the total energy usage during that period. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the system’s energy efficiency.

Knowing the signs of repair can help keep your system running properly so your home stays nice and cool when it matters. Common signs your air conditioner needs repairs include: 

• Warm Air From the Vents
• Poor Airflow
• Odd Noises or Odors
• A Sudden Increase in Energy Bills
• Refrigerant or Water Leaks
• Frequent Cycling
• System Not Turning On

If you notice that your AC system is not cooling your home properly or blowing warm air from your ducts, this could be a sign of several different problems. Some of the most common causes include clogged filters, issues with your ductwork, or low refrigerant levels. Our team will inspect your system and diagnose the problem quickly so your home stays cool.

A central AC system has a primary air conditioning unit that creates cold air and sends it through ducts to distribute throughout your home. A single unit cools your entire home. 

In comparison, a ductless AC system doesn’t use ducts. Rather than one central unit cooling the entire home, ductless AC systems connect to an exterior wall and pump cool air directly into the room. This allows customized temperature control from room to room.

If something goes wrong, sometimes a repair is all you need. A good rule of thumb is to repair your current AC system if the service cost equals less than half the price of a brand-new unit. 

If the repairs are extensive enough to cost MORE than half the price of a new unit, it may be time to invest in a new unit and schedule a replacement.

If you’re dealing with repeated furnace repairs that cost an arm and a leg, it may be time to replace your heating system. Other signs include a sudden increase in energy bills, odd noises or smells, and uneven heating in your home.

A furnace can last 10 to 15 years. Older units are at a greater risk of breakdowns and other problems. If your current furnace is more than 10 years old, a replacement may save you headaches and hassle in the long run. 

Furnaces, depending on the type of unit you have in your home, either burn gas or use electricity to create heat. In comparison, heat pumps pump warm air from one area to another. They can transfer warm air into your home to heat it or push warm air out to cool it, making them more versatile than furnaces. 

Gas furnaces burn fuel to create heat, distributing warm air throughout your home’s ductwork. Natural gas fuels a controlled burner flame that heats the air in the chamber before pushing it into your home. 

Electric furnaces, on the other hand, use your home’s electrical system to generate heat. The electricity heats the internal components, and that heat transfers into the nearby air before dispersal through your home.

Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, loud noises can point toward several potential issues. Common causes of loud noises include a dirty filter, loose components, a malfunctioning blower motor, or issues with the heat exchanger. 

Poor indoor air quality can negatively affect your health. If left untreated, it can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, coughing, sneezing, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and asthma flare-ups. 

You can schedule an appointment by calling (480) 899-0267 or visiting our website’s contact page. Our team is ready to help. 

Yes! Our team offers emergency HVAC services for urgent heating and cooling issues outside our regular business hours. We’ll take care of the problem promptly with no after-hours fees.