Frequently Asked Questions

Your HVAC Questions Answered

Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or a new heating and cooling system, we’re here to help. Below are answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask.

General HVAC Questions

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

We recommend scheduling professional maintenance twice a year—once in the spring for your air conditioner and once in the fall for your heating system. Regular maintenance improves efficiency, extends equipment life, and helps prevent costly breakdowns.

How long does an HVAC system typically last?

With proper maintenance, your HVAC system will usually last the following amount of time:

Air Conditioners: 15-20 years
Furnaces: 15–20 years
Heat Pumps: 10–15 years
Mini-Splits: 10-15 years

Routine maintenance can help maximize the lifespan of your equipment.

How often should I replace my air filter?

How often you should replace your filter depends on several factors. Most importantly, the size of the filters.

Different widths of filters need to be changed at different intervals.

1 inch filters: 1-3 months
2 inch filters: 4-6 months
4 & 5 inch filters: 6-12 months.

If you are unsure if your filter needs to be changed, try holding it up to a light source. You should be able to easily see light through the filter. If you can’t, replace the filter as soon as possible.

What kind of filter should I get?

There are lots of different types of filters available. It’s important to remember that a filter’s main purpose is to protect your HVAC system from dust and anything else that has made its way into your ductwork. It is not an air purifier.

Avoid filters with a MERV rating higher than 13, as well as charcoal and HEPA filters. These filters can cause unnecessary strain on your system.

What size HVAC system do I need?

The correct size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, layout, climate, and a variety of other factors. We perform a professional load calculation to ensure you receive a properly sized system—not simply replacing your old unit with the same size.

Air Conditioning FAQs

Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling?

Common causes include:

Dirty air filter
Low refrigerant
Dirty condenser (outdoor unit)
Thermostat issues

Before requesting a diagnosis, it’s always a good idea to check the following:

Your filter has been changed recently.
Your thermostat has new batteries (not all thermostats have batteries)
The outdoor unit is clean.

Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?

If your system is over 10–15 years old, and requires a major repair, replacement may be the most cost-effective option. We’ll provide honest recommendations based on your system’s condition.

How can I lower my cooling bills?

You can improve efficiency by:

Replacing air filters regularly
Scheduling annual maintenance
Installing a programmable thermostat
Sealing air leaks
Keeping outdoor units clean
Upgrading to a high-efficiency system

Heating FAQs

Why isn’t my furnace producing heat?

Common reasons include:

Dirty filter
Thermostat issues
Ignition problems
Blower motor failure
Safety switch activation

If your furnace isn’t heating properly, contact us for a professional inspection.

Is it normal for my furnace to make noise?

Some noise is expected, but loud banging, screeching, rattling, or grinding sounds often indicate a problem that should be inspected before it worsens.

What temperature should I set on my thermostat in winter?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends around 68°F while you’re home and lowering it when you’re asleep or away to improve energy savings.

Heat Pump FAQs

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump transfers heat rather than creating it. It cools your home in summer and efficiently heats it during winter, making it an energy-efficient year-round solution.

Heat pumps are not the best system, or the most energy efficient option in every case. It’s important to talk to your technician about what is the best for your household.

Do heat pumps work in cold climates?

Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps perform well even in freezing temperatures and are an excellent option for many regions. However, it’s important to keep in mind that all heat pumps will lose efficiency as outdoor temperatures drop. In most cases, some sort of back-up heat source will be necessary to heat your home on the coldest days.

Mini Split FAQs

What is a mini split system?

A mini split is a ductless heating and cooling system that provides efficient, year-round comfort without the need for ductwork. It consists of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units, allowing you to control the temperature in individual rooms or zones.

Mini splits are often referred to as ductless heat pumps.

Are mini splits energy efficient?

Yes! Mini splits are among the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available. Because they don’t lose energy through ductwork and use inverter technology, they adjust their output to maintain a consistent temperature while using less energy than a traditional AC system.

Can a mini split heat my home in the winter?

Absolutely. Modern heat pump mini splits can provide reliable heating even in cold temperatures, making them a great year-round comfort solution for many homes in the Portland metro area.

However, when running in heat mode, all mini splits will lose efficiency as outdoor temperatures drop. Generally, you can expect a drop in heating performance when outdoor temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Because of this, it is important to have a back-up heating source if you are going to be relying on your mini-split to be a primary heat source.

How many rooms can one mini split system heat and cool?

An indoor mini split unit is only designed to heat and cool the room that it is in. Multi-zone mini split systems have multiple indoor units connected to the same outdoor unit. These units can be placed in different rooms.

Where are mini splits commonly installed?

Mini splits are perfect for:

Bedrooms
Home offices
Garages and workshops
Home additions
Finished basements
Sunrooms
Older homes without ductwork

Do mini splits require maintenance?

Yes. Like any HVAC system, mini splits should receive annual professional maintenance. Homeowners should also clean the air filters every few weeks to keep the system running efficiently.

Are mini splits expensive to operate?

No. Because they’re highly efficient and allow you to heat or cool only the rooms you’re using, many homeowners see lower monthly energy bills compared to traditional systems.

How long do mini splits last?

With proper maintenance, a quality mini split system typically lasts 10-15 years.

Are mini splits noisy?

Not at all. Indoor units are designed to operate very quietly—often quieter than a traditional central air system. Since mini splits are inverter systems, the outdoor unit is also much quieter than many traditional AC systems.

How long does installation take?

Most single-zone mini split installations can be completed in one day. Larger multi-zone systems may take longer depending on the size of the project.

Can I control my mini split with my phone?

Many modern mini split systems include Wi-Fi capability or can be upgraded with smart controls, allowing you to adjust temperatures from your smartphone.

How do I know if a mini split is right for my home?

Mini splits are an excellent option if you:

Want to add heating and cooling to a room without ductwork
Have hot or cold spots in your home
Are finishing a garage, basement, or addition
Want greater control over individual room temperatures
Are looking for an energy-efficient comfort solution

Indoor Air Quality FAQs

Why is my home so dusty?

Dust may be caused by:

Dirty air filters
Leaky ductwork
Poor filtration
Low-quality filters
Lack of routine maintenance

We can evaluate your home’s indoor air quality and recommend solutions.

Maintenance FAQs

Is HVAC maintenance worth it?

Absolutely. Preventive maintenance helps:

Reduce energy bills
Prevent unexpected breakdowns
Extend equipment life
Maintain manufacturer warranties
Improve indoor comfort

What’s included in a maintenance visit?

Maintenance varies based on what kind of HVAC system you have in your home. Typical maintenance includes:

Cleaning coils
Checking refrigerant levels
Inspecting electrical connections
Testing safety controls
Cleaning drains
Changing or inspecting filters
Testing system performance

Emergency Service FAQs

Do you offer emergency HVAC service?

Yes. We provide emergency HVAC repair services when your heating or cooling system unexpectedly stops working.

What should I do if my system stops working?

Before calling:

Check your thermostat settings.
Replace or inspect the air filter.
Verify the breaker hasn’t tripped.
Make sure all vents are open.

If the issue persists, give us a call.

Installation FAQs

How long does it take to install a new HVAC system?

Most residential installations can be completed in one to two days, though larger or more complex projects may require additional time.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We offer financing options for qualified homeowners to help make replacing your HVAC system more affordable.

Which HVAC brands do you install?

We install trusted, high-quality HVAC equipment from leading manufacturers.

Brands we install:

Mitsubishi
Trane
RunTru

During your consultation, we’ll recommend systems that best fit your home’s needs and budget.

Smart Thermostat FAQs

Is a smart thermostat worth it?

Yes. Smart thermostats help improve comfort, reduce energy usage, and allow you to control your home’s temperature from your smartphone.

Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

Some models are DIY-friendly, but professional installation ensures compatibility with your HVAC system and proper setup.

Still Have Questions?

Our knowledgeable HVAC team is happy to help. Whether you need advice, repairs, maintenance, or a free estimate on a new system, contact us today and we’ll help you find the right solution for your home.

Call today or schedule your appointment online.