Common Issues

Q: Why is my furnance not turning on?

A: Possible causes are no power, bad thermostat, clogged filter, or safety switch is tripped.

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

A: Possible causes are: clogged air filter, leaky or damaged ductwork, low refrigerant, failed components or thermostat issues.

Q: Why is my gas heating system blowing cold air?

A: Common causes are dirty flame sensor, igniter issues, clogged air filter, switch failure, or improper thermostat settings.

Q: Why is my electric heat pump heating system blowing cold air?

A: Some possible issues are a stuck reversing valve, low refrigerant, clogged air filter, failed auxiliary heat, outdoor unit blocked by snow/ice, or thermostat issues.

Q: Why does my heat pump blow cold airfor a while and then it starts blowing warm air?

A: This is due to what is know as start-up lag or a timing delay. When the heat pump first turns on in heating mode, the refrigerant needs time to circulate, build pressure, and transfer heat. The indoor coil starts cooler, so the blower pushes out relatively cold air for the first few minutes (sometimes up to 5–10+ minutes) until the system “ramps up.” Once hot refrigerant reaches the indoor coil, the air warms up. This is normal, especially in cooler weather.

Q: Why when it is really cold outside the air coming out of my vents are not that warm?

A: A heat pump system typically generates heat 55 degrees warmer than the outdoor air temperature. If it is 20 degrees outside the air coming out of the register will be about 75 degrees. It may feel cool but it is operating within the normal parameters. Modern heat pump inverter systems handle colder temperature much better than standard heat pump systems.

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

A: Some cause can be: loose parts (banging); restricted airflow (whistling or popping sound); failing motor, or cavitating returns due to static pressure issue.

Q: Why does my outdoor unit have steam coming off of it in the winter?

A: This is typically due to the unit going into defrost mode. When frost builds up on the outdoor unit, the system switches to air conditioning mode briefly to melt it, sending colder air inside,. This can lasts for 5 to 15 minutes and can be very loud.

Heating Maintenance

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 getting my HVAC indoor coils cleaned important?

A: Yes, cleaning your indoor coils at least once a year is crucial. Over time your coils collect dirt, pollen, dust, and even mold causing your unit to lose efficiency and shorten its life.

Q: How long does a heating system last?

A: Your heating system typically lasts 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Not properly maintained system typically have a short life span.

Q: Should I get my unit serviced before it gets cold?

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 basic plan, up 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.

How can i save money on my energy bill?

Q: What is the best temperature to set my thermostate on in winter?

A: Best temperatures for the winter are: 68-72°F. According to TVA by lowering the temperature just one degree you can save up to 3% on your heating 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 caulking around windows will prevent warm 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 heating bill.