Frequently Asked Questions

Most homes should replace their air filter every 1–3 months, or monthly if you have pets or allergies. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, raising energy bills and increasing the risk of a breakdown.

This is usually caused by low refrigerant, a dirty filter, a failing compressor, or a thermostat set incorrectly. If your filter is clean and the thermostat is set to “cool,” it’s best to have a technician check the refrigerant level and compressor before the problem worsens.

We recommend professional maintenance twice a year – once in spring for your AC and once in fall for your heating system. Regular tune-ups catch small issues before they become expensive repairs and keep your system running efficiently.

A well-maintained furnace lasts 15–20 years, and a well-maintained AC unit lasts 12–15 years. Age, along with rising repair costs and declining efficiency, are the best signs it’s time to consider replacement.

A spike in your energy bill is often a sign your HVAC system is working harder than it should, due to a dirty filter, low refrigerant, leaky ductwork, or an aging unit losing efficiency. A quick inspection can usually identify the cause.

As a general rule, if a repair costs more than 50% of a replacement, or your unit is over 10–15 years old and needs frequent repairs, replacement is usually the better long-term investment. A technician can give you a cost comparison specific to your unit.

This is usually caused by dead batteries, a tripped breaker, or a miscommunication between the thermostat and the system’s wiring. If replacing the batteries and checking the breaker doesn’t fix it, the thermostat itself or its wiring may need to be inspected by a technician.

An AC unit typically freezes due to restricted airflow from a dirty filter, low refrigerant, or a dirty evaporator coil. Running a frozen unit can damage the compressor, so it’s best to turn the system off and let it thaw before calling a technician.

The right size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, ceiling height, and window exposure – not just square footage alone – so a “bigger is better” approach can actually hurt efficiency and comfort. A technician performs a load calculation to recommend the correct size for your specific home.

A slight burning smell in the first few minutes is usually just dust burning off the heat exchanger after months of disuse and should clear within 15–20 minutes. If the smell persists, gets stronger, or smells like gas, turn off the system and call a technician right away.