FAQs

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. It generally includes your furnace or heat pump for heating, the air?conditioner for cooling (or a combined heat/cool system), ductwork or airflow paths, a thermostat/control system, and ventilation that brings fresh air in or circulates air through filters.

The lifespan depends on the type of equipment, how it’s maintained, how heavily it’s used, and local climate. As a general guideline, many systems last around 10?15 years, though with excellent maintenance you might see longer.

A yearly professional inspection and tune?up is recommended. For example, one service in spring for cooling equipment and one in fall for heating if you have separate systems. Regular maintenance helps with efficiency, reliability and longevity.

High bills can result from a number of issues: dirty filters or coils restricting airflow, low refrigerant, leaky ductwork, poor insulation, or an older/inefficient system. It’s worth having a technician inspect the system to find the root cause.

System sizing isn’t just “bigger is better.” A proper size is determined by factors such as your home’s square footage, number of rooms, insulation level, window types, local climate, and your usage patterns. We’ll perform a “load calculation” to determine the right size so the system can operate efficiently—oversized or undersized systems both create problems.

When choosing a system, you’ll want to review the brand’s reliability, the efficiency ratings (SEER for cooling, AFUE for heating), warranty terms, and how it fits your budget and long?term plans. More efficient equipment can cost more upfront but save you money over time.

If your system is older, requiring frequent major repairs, has inefficient performance, uneven heating/cooling, or uses outdated refrigerant, replacement may make more sense. By contrast, if the system is relatively new, well?maintained and just needs a moderate fix, repair is likely the right path.

Several things: change or clean your air filter regularly (typically every 1?3 months depending on filter type and your home), keep vents clear of furniture or blockages, ensure the outdoor unit is free of debris/leaves, and consider sealing or insulating your ducts or attic space. These actions help your system run more efficiently.

A good estimate will list equipment costs (unit, condenser, etc.), labor, materials (ductwork, wiring), permits, disposal of old equipment, and any additional fees. You should also clear up what brand/model is being installed and what the warranty covers for both parts and labor.

Choose a company with proper licensing, strong reviews/references, transparent estimates, clear explanations of your options, and a willingness to answer your questions. You should feel confident they’re recommending what you need, not just what upsells best.