Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
40 answers covering everything you need to know before booking.
AC Repair
10How quickly can you get to my home for an emergency AC repair?
For emergency calls we target a 2-hour arrival window, 7 days a week including evenings and holidays. During peak summer heat waves demand spikes, but we always prioritize homes with elderly residents, young children, or medical equipment on file.
What does an AC repair typically cost?
Common repairs range from $150 for a capacitor swap up to $1,200 for a compressor repair. Our diagnostic fee is $79–$99 and is credited toward the repair if you book same day. We provide a written quote before touching anything.
Does homeowners insurance cover AC repairs?
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover mechanical breakdowns from normal wear and tear. However, if the failure was caused by a covered peril — such as a lightning strike or power surge — your claim may be valid. We provide detailed documentation to support insurance claims when applicable.
Can you repair my AC after hours or on weekends?
Yes. We offer after-hours and weekend service 365 days a year. After-hours calls carry a service fee premium of $50–$75 over standard rates, which is disclosed upfront before dispatch.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
Warm air usually means low refrigerant from a leak, a failed compressor, or a dirty evaporator coil blocking heat exchange. Running the system with low refrigerant can damage the compressor permanently. Call us before continuing to run the unit.
How long does a typical AC repair take?
Most repairs — capacitor swaps, refrigerant recharges, contactor replacements — take 1–2 hours. Compressor jobs may take 3–4 hours. Because we stock 200+ parts on each truck, the vast majority of repairs are completed in a single visit.
Do you service all AC brands?
We service all major residential and light-commercial AC brands including Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Rheem, Goodman, American Standard, Bryant, and York. Our technicians are NATE-certified and factory-trained on multiple platforms.
Is my AC repair covered under a home warranty?
Many home warranty plans cover AC repairs and replacements. We work with all major home warranty providers. Call your warranty company first to get an authorization number, then call us — we will coordinate directly with your provider to minimize your out-of-pocket cost.
What should I do while waiting for the technician to arrive?
Turn the thermostat to fan-only mode to circulate air without stressing the compressor. Close blinds on sun-facing windows, keep interior doors closed, and move to the coolest room in the house. If outdoor temperatures are extreme and you have vulnerable household members, let our dispatcher know so we can flag your call for priority routing.
Should I repair my old AC or replace it?
A good rule of thumb: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new system's price and the unit is over 10 years old, replacement often delivers better long-term value through energy savings and warranty coverage. Our technicians will give you an honest comparison — we do not push replacements when a repair makes financial sense.
My furnace stopped working at 2 AM — do you offer after-hours emergency repairs?
Yes. Our emergency heating line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. After-hours calls carry a transparent premium of $50–$75 over daytime rates. We will tell you the full cost before we dispatch anyone.
How much does furnace repair cost?
Repairs range from $150 for a simple igniter replacement to $1,500 for a complex circuit board or inducer motor job. Our diagnostic fee is $89 and is applied to the repair total if you proceed the same day. All pricing is provided in writing before any work begins.
Does my home warranty cover furnace repairs?
Most home warranty plans include furnace repair and replacement coverage. Call your warranty company first to get an authorization code, then call us. We work directly with all major home warranty providers to simplify the process and minimize your out-of-pocket expense.
Is a yellow furnace flame dangerous?
Yes. A healthy furnace flame is blue. A yellow, flickering, or split flame indicates incomplete combustion and a possible carbon monoxide leak. Shut the furnace off at the thermostat, open windows, evacuate the house, and call us immediately for an emergency safety inspection.
How long does furnace repair typically take?
Most repairs — igniter replacements, flame sensor cleanings, pressure switch fixes — take 1–2 hours. Circuit board or inducer motor jobs may run 2–3 hours. We stock the most common parts so the majority of repairs are completed in one visit.
What causes a furnace to short cycle?
Short cycling (rapid on/off) is usually caused by an overheating heat exchanger triggered by a clogged filter, blocked vents, or a failing blower motor. It can also indicate a cracked heat exchanger, which is a carbon monoxide risk. Do not ignore short cycling — call us for a diagnostic.
Will homeowners insurance cover my furnace repair?
Homeowners insurance generally does not cover mechanical wear-and-tear failures. Coverage may apply if the furnace was damaged by a covered event like a fire, flood, or power surge. We provide itemized repair documentation to support your insurance claim if applicable.
How do I know if I should repair or replace my furnace?
Consider replacement if the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new unit's price, the furnace is over 15 years old, or you are facing recurring breakdowns. We will give you an honest repair-vs-replace comparison with energy savings projections — no high-pressure sales tactics.
Do you service oil furnaces as well as gas furnaces?
Yes. Our technicians are certified to service gas, oil, and electric furnaces. Oil furnace calls may include nozzle cleaning, oil filter replacement, and combustion efficiency testing as part of the diagnostic.
Can I run a space heater safely while waiting for furnace repair?
A single 1,500W space heater can safely supplement heat in one room. Never use gas stoves, ovens, or unvented propane heaters to heat your home — these produce carbon monoxide. Keep the space heater away from flammable materials and never leave it unattended while sleeping.
How much does a new HVAC system cost installed?
A new central AC runs $4,500–$8,000 installed. A full furnace and AC combination is $6,500–$12,000. Heat pump systems range $5,500–$14,000 depending on efficiency. Every quote is itemized with equipment, labor, and permit costs broken out separately.
How long does HVAC installation take?
Most whole-home replacements are completed in 6–10 hours — one full day. Multi-zone or new-construction installs may take 2–3 days. We schedule a fixed start time and give you a completion estimate before work begins so you can plan your day.
Do I need a permit for a new HVAC installation?
In most municipalities, yes — a mechanical permit is required for new HVAC installation and must be inspected before the system is commissioned. We handle permit applications, scheduling inspections, and final sign-off as part of every installation. You do not need to manage any of this.
What HVAC brands do you install?
We are authorized dealers for Carrier, Lennox, and Trane — consistently ranked among the top three brands for reliability, efficiency, and warranty coverage. We also install Rheem and American Standard systems based on your budget and preference.
Can I get financing for a new HVAC system?
Yes. We offer multiple financing options including 0% interest for 18 months, and longer-term plans at competitive rates for larger investments. We can usually get you a credit decision within minutes during your estimate appointment.
What is a Manual J load calculation and why does it matter?
Manual J is the ACCA-approved engineering calculation that determines the exact heating and cooling capacity your home needs. An oversized system short-cycles, fails prematurely, and leaves your home humid. An undersized one runs constantly and struggles on extreme days. We measure your home precisely rather than guessing by square footage.
Will a new HVAC system really lower my energy bills?
Modern 16–18 SEER2 systems use 30–50% less electricity than a 10-year-old 10 SEER system. Most homeowners recoup the efficiency premium in 4–7 years through energy savings, and enjoy improved comfort and lower maintenance costs throughout the system's 15–20 year life.
Does homeowners insurance cover HVAC replacement?
Standard homeowners policies cover HVAC systems damaged by covered perils like fire, lightning, or hail — but not mechanical failure from age or wear. If you are filing an insurance claim for storm damage, we provide detailed replacement cost documentation and work directly with adjusters.
Is a heat pump better than a gas furnace and AC?
In moderate climates, a heat pump is more efficient and often cheaper to operate than a separate gas furnace and AC. In regions with extreme winters (below -10°F regularly), a dual-fuel heat pump paired with a gas furnace backup typically delivers the best efficiency and cold-weather performance.
Do you offer expedited installation when my system fails completely?
Yes. Emergency replacement calls — when your system has failed and your home is uninhabitable — are prioritized. We can often mobilize an installation crew within 24–48 hours including on weekends, and will bring temporary cooling or heating equipment if the wait exceeds one night.
How much does an HVAC maintenance plan cost?
Our Comfort Club plans start at $149/year for a single system and $249/year for a dual AC-and-furnace plan. That works out to under $21/month — typically less than the cost of a single emergency dispatch fee. Monthly billing is available with no markup.
What does an HVAC maintenance tune-up include?
Each visit covers 21 inspection and service points: refrigerant level check, coil cleaning, drain line flush and treatment, electrical connection tightening, capacitor and contactor testing, blower motor amp draw, thermostat calibration, and a written inspection report. Filter replacement is included if you provide the filter; we supply filters at cost.
Does skipping maintenance void my HVAC warranty?
Yes, for most manufacturers. Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Rheem all include documented annual maintenance as a condition of their 10-year parts warranties. Our written inspection reports serve as the documentation your warranty requires, and we store copies in your account.
Can I schedule maintenance visits after hours or on weekends?
Tune-up visits are available Monday through Saturday with early morning 7 AM start times for customers who need to be at work during the day. Emergency repairs for plan members are available 24/7 with priority dispatch.
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
Twice per year is the industry standard: once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. This timing ensures the system is clean and fully functional when demand peaks — the exact conditions when deferred problems turn into failures.
Will maintenance improve my energy bills?
Yes. A properly maintained system with clean coils and correct refrigerant charge runs 10–15% more efficiently than a neglected one. Most homeowners see annual energy savings that cover a significant portion of the maintenance plan cost.
Does homeowners insurance relate to my HVAC maintenance?
Homeowners insurance does not cover preventable mechanical failures, but documented maintenance history strengthens your position if you ever need to file a manufacturer warranty claim or dispute a home warranty denial based on lack of maintenance.
What areas do you serve for HVAC maintenance plans?
We offer maintenance plans across our full service area. Plan members in outlying areas receive the same priority dispatch as local customers — our routing software ensures the nearest available technician is dispatched, not just the nearest office-based one.
Can I pause or cancel my maintenance plan?
Yes. You can cancel at any time. If you cancel before completing your scheduled visits for the year, we issue a pro-rated refund for unused visits. There are no cancellation penalties or fees.
What happens if a problem is found during a maintenance visit?
The technician will explain the finding, show you the evidence, and provide a written repair quote on the spot. As a member, you receive 15% off that repair if you authorize it the same day. You are never obligated to proceed — but most members appreciate catching problems before they become emergencies.