Common Issues

Q: Why is my AC not blowing cold air?

A: This may be due to a dirty or clogged air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant levels, a frozen evaporator coil, or a dirty outdoor condenser unit.

Q: Why is my AC unit freezing up?

A: Ice can accumulate on your indoor and outdoor coils due to restricted airflow from dirty filters, low refrigerant, or dirty coils.

Q: Why is water leaking from my indoor AC unit?

A: Typical causes are clogged condensate drain line (algae/mold buildup), frozen coils that melt and overflow, or a dirty filter reducing airflow.

Q: Why is my AC not working and my thermostat is blank?

A: Typical causes include: dead batteries, tripped circuit breaker, clogged condensate drain line causing a safety shutdown, or a faulty air handler component.

Q: Why is my AC running constantly but not reaching the set temperature?

A: The system may be low on refrigerant, have dirty coils/filters, or suffer from duct leaks/poor insulation.

Q: Why is my outdoor AC unit not turning on?

A: Causes could include a tripped breaker, blown fuse, faulty contactor, bad capacitor, or the unit going into safety shutdown due to low refrigerant or overheating.

Q: Why does my AC keep tripping the circuit breaker?

A: This usually indicates an electrical issue such as a failing compressor, bad capacitor, shorted wiring, or the unit pulling too much power due to dirty components.

Q: Why does my AC smell musty or bad when running?

A: Musty smells usually indicate mold or mildew growth in the coils, drain pan, or ductwork.

Q: Why is my AC system making a strange noise?

A: Some cause can be: loose parts (banging); restricted airflow (whistling or popping sound); failing motor.

Q: How often should I change my HVAC filters?

A: Standard filters should be changed every 30 days. With a pleated filter with a MERV rating of 6 to 10 you can go up to 60 days between changes. If you have an upgraded Media filter typically you can go 6-12 months between changes.

Q: Is HVAC maintenance necessary?

A: Yes, it reduces costly repairs, increases the life of the unit and helps reduce energy bills.

We recommend maintenance 2 times per year once in the spring/summer and once in fall/winter. We offer 3 different plans from a once a year visit to a twice a year visit that will include a years supply of 1" HVAC filters, coil cleaning and a 45 point inspection to make sure your system is in tip top shape for the coming season.

Q: Is getting my HVAC outdoor coils cleaned important?

A: Yes, cleaning coils at least once a year is crucial. The outdoor condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from your home. Over time your coils collect dirt, pollen, grass clippings, leaves, dust, and even mold causing your unit to lose efficiency and shorten its life.

Q: Should I clean out the debris in and around my outdoor unit?

A: Yes, you should regularly clean debris from in and around your outdoor AC unit to ensure optimal efficiency, prevent airflow obstruction, and avoid costly repairs. We recommend a mesh cover for your outdoor unit to prevent leaves and pine needles from getting into your system.

Q: How long does an AC system last?

A: An AC system typically lasts 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance. Not properly maintained system typically have a short life.

Q: What are the signs my AC needs repair?

A: Typically unusually noises, uneven temperatures, short cycling, higher than normal energy bills might be an indication that your unit is in need of service.

Q: What is the best temperature to set my thermostat on in summer?

A: Best temperatures for the summer are: 72-75°F (when home); 74-76°F (when away). According to TVA by raising the temperature just one degree you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs.

Q: Do smart thermostats save money?

A: Yes, they have an annual estimated savings of 8% or higher on your heating/cooling bill. With features like automatic scheduling, remote access, geofencing, and learning occupant patterns, they optimize HVAC operation to prevent energy waste when homes are unoccupied. They usually pay for themselves within a year or two. When selecting a thermostat please make sure it is designed to work with your specific unit and not just your brand as an improperly matched thermostat can cause issues.

Q: Will weatherizing save me money?

A: Using weatherstripping to seal leaks around doors and windows will prevent cool air from escaping. We also recommend an energy audit of your home. This can be preformed for free by TVA or A1 Certified Service and will give you a list of issues that can be corrected to save you more money on your energy bill. Check out our Home performance FAQ's for more options to save money on your power bill.