HVAC Frequently Asked
Questions
Your system may have ice on the coils or your drip pan may be overflowing because of a clogged condensate drain line. Prompt repairs can help keep the problem from getting worse and protect your home from water damage.
Another problem to be aware of is disturbing sounds coming from your heating system. Unusual squealing, rattling, popping, and roaring are usually signs that something is wrong with your heater. If those sounds are interrupting your peaceful home, don’t hesitate to schedule a heating replacement service appointment.
As mentioned earlier, these signs could alert you to the need for repairs or furnace replacement. Our HVAC service technicians are qualified to work with all types of heating systems, and we have extensive experience in our field. We’ll use our knowledge and tools to diagnose your heating issues and determine if heating replacement in Chesapeake is the right solution.
Rising gas, oil, and electricity prices can cause your heating expenses to grow over time. They may not be the only factors that are sending your utility bills through the roof, though. Heating systems are known to lose efficiency over time, so they eventually cost more to operate. If the cost of heating your home is unusually high this year, it may be time for heating replacement services.
Maybe you’ve noticed that your current heating system is breaking down more frequently than it should. Because of that, you need more heating repairs, and the cost of keeping the furnace going may be exceeding your budget. Constant malfunctions are certainly a warning sign that you’re going to need HVAC replacement soon. Purchasing a new furnace and having it installed will cost less over the long term than continually repairing the old one.
Furnaces should send heat throughout your home with each room being equally warm. If you’ve noticed certain rooms or areas of your house are warmer or cooler than others, an aging furnace may be to blame. The older a heating system is, the more it’s likely to struggle to produce consistent heat and distribute it as needed. If this has become a noticeable problem, you may soon need heating replacement services.
Heat pumps function as both an air conditioner and a home heating system. As these units often see use year-round, they experience more wear and tear. Don’t wait until a heating repair in Chesapeake or the surrounding areas becomes a necessity. Call for a heating tune up or heating maintenance service to prevent this from happening.
However, even with regular attention, your heat pump may fail. If your monthly energy bills are climbing, your unit might need attention. Call us for prompt heating and air conditioning repair in Chesapeake, VA and the surrounding areas. We will diagnose the problem and fix your unit in no time.
Call our skilled team for heating repair service when your furnace doesn’t operate as intended. While these heating devices qualify as some of the most reliable HVAC units offered today, when they break down, it’s important to call for emergency heating repair right away.
The problem could be electrical, or it might be a gas leak. Don’t wait to learn what the problem is, because doing so could be dangerous. If your heater isn’t operating efficiently, you hear unusual noises, or there is an unfamiliar smell coming from the unit, reach out. We’ll send an HVAC technician in Chesapeake to your property right away to determine the issue and resolve your heating furnace repair needs.
Air conditioning systems can last for 15 or 20 years with routine maintenance. If yours is more than 10 years old, be aware that the need for air conditioning and heating replacement could be drawing nigh. If you’re not sure how old your air conditioner is, it may be a good idea to start planning for a central air conditioner replacement now.
Increasing repair costs could mean it’s time for heating and cooling replacement as well. Breakdowns are going to happen, but they shouldn’t be a constant problem. If your AC seems to be broken down more often than it’s working correctly or the cost of repairs has gotten out of hand, the time has probably come for air conditioner replacement.
When an air conditioner is working properly, the system should start up and run until the temperature in the home matches your preset temperature on the thermostat. Then, it should shut down for a short break. If yours is running constantly and rarely shuts off it at all, AC replacement in Chesapeake and the surrounding areas may be necessary.
Short cycling could also indicate the need for central air conditioning replacement. That happens when an AC system starts up only to immediately shut down again. It’s a surefire sign that something’s not right, and it could mean the system needs to be replaced.
Another warning sign that you may soon need air conditioner replacement is a lack of cold air coming from the vents. If your AC system is producing warm air or doesn’t blow out air at all, it may be beyond hope. Contact us, and let our skilled technicians take a look at the system.
In some cases, a lack of cold air coming from an AC system can be resolved with repairs or a tune-up. This problem can stem from clogged filters, low coolant levels, damaged blower motors, and certain other malfunctions. Sometimes, though, central air conditioner replacement is the best or only solution.
One of the clearest indications that air conditioning replacement may be in order is increasing cooling costs. It’s normal for power bills to rise during the warmer months when the air conditioner runs more. They shouldn’t surge excessively, though.
If your electric bills are growing out of control, the air conditioner could be at fault. AC system efficiency decreases over time. That’s particularly true if routine maintenance has been ignored. Air conditioners end up having to work harder and run longer to keep a house cool. Even then, they may not be very effective. Higher cooling costs are definitive signs that it may be time for air conditioning and heating replacement.
If your air isn’t cold, we can check your evaporator coils, air filters, and thermostat to troubleshoot the problem and find the cause.
A lack of airflow often indicates a problem with your system. You may have problems with your ductwork or the unit itself. If your vents are fully opened and you’re still noticing a problem, contact us for repair services.
If you notice ice anywhere on your system, you may have a dirty filter, low refrigerant levels, or a broken blower fan. Call us for service.
Simply put, an air conditioner moves heat from inside your home to the outside. Excess heat is absorbed by refrigerant and pumped through a system of pipes to an outside coil, where a fan transfers the heat into the outdoor air. With the heat removed, the indoor air is cooled.
it’s important to keep track of how old your heater and air conditioner are. HVAC systems can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The type of system you have, its quality, attention to routine maintenance, and many other factors can add to or detract from its lifespan and determine when you’ll need a heater or air conditioner replacement.
Noticing a lack of efficiency and effectiveness in your unit is common and completely natural. Heating and AC units are bound to lose efficiency over time as their parts wear out and debris builds up in the system. A lack of preventative maintenance could be a culprit to the decreased inefficiency. Although this may not be the case, many times we can perform a tune-up to recover some effectiveness. At the same time, some small problems may be developing in your system. Our techs will determine if a Repair or replacement is the best option.
One of the most common HVAC issues is a lack of warm or cool air coming from the vents. If a heater or air conditioner fails to do its job, you may start wondering if the time has come for HVAC replacement, but this problem could be caused by clogged air filters. Damaged ductwork may also be to blame. A malfunctioning blower motor could be the culprit as well. With AC units, low coolant levels may cause the system to blow out warm air instead of cool. Listed above are a few solutions to the problem which can be easily resolved on your own, although, you may benefit better a replacement service.
If everyone in your home seems to be getting sick more frequently with minor colds, allergies, or respiratory concerns, it could be because of your HVAC system. When you call us, a member of our team can check the air quality in your home and provide suggestions for how to improve it and keep everyone breathing easier.
If your HVAC system is not turning on or if it’s producing warm air during the summer or cold air during the winter, it might be a good idea to call us for emergency HVAC repair. This is a sign that something has gone wrong, and the temperature can quickly get too low or too high in your home if it’s not fixed right away. While a little bit of fluctuation may not be too bad, extreme temperatures inside your home can be dangerous.
Odd sounds or smells can indicate worn-out parts or be a sign that something far more serious is wrong. It can be difficult for homeowners to decipher where the sound or smell is coming from on their own and figure out what needs to be fixed to prevent further issues. Luckily, a professional HVAC service technician on our team can determine where the sounds or smells are coming from, and then make sure the parts are fixed fast to keep your HVAC system working as it should.
If your electric bill is much higher than usual and there isn’t an obvious cause, it’s time to call for HVAC system repair. The increased electric bill is a sign that something isn’t working right, which could be causing your system to cycle more frequently or run longer to try to keep your home comfortable. This not only increases your bill but can cause excess wear and tear on the system, leading to it breaking down more frequently. Once the issue is fixed, your energy costs should return to normal.
Not a good idea. Today’s cooling systems are much more complicated than they were. Without proper training you could cause serious damage to your unit or yourself. Federal regulations also require specific ways to dispose of excess refrigerants. You should trust only an EPA-certified technician at the first sign of trouble.
It’s often a judgment call. Like a car, once repairs aren’t cost-effective to make then it’s probably time to consider purchasing a new system. Pay particular attention to your compressor — once it starts to go, you might be better off buying a new unit than trying to repair the old one. We will give you options for both if it is in your best interest. If your ac system is over a decade old, a new system will certainly save you more money on your utility bill. You will recoup your investment within a few years depending on usage.
Standard replaceable filters should be changed every month or less depending on usage. Cutting Edge Total Comfort recommends you change your filters often to improve performance and avoid excess dirt build up. Spending a few dollars every month on quality filters will save you much more than the cost of a coil cleaning or coil replacement.
Leaks generally occur when the evaporator coil drain line becomes clogged, and moisture removed from the air during the cooling process backs up and overflows. Because the evaporator coil is normally located in a closet or attic, leaks aren’t always discovered right away. Drain line clogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including algae build-up, crimped drain lines, airborne debris, attic insulation, house settling, and the actions of rodents, snakes or other animals.
Most air conditioning systems produce 5-9 gallons of water per day. The exact amount varies based on several factors, including outdoor humidity levels and thermostat settings. If this excess water doesn’t drain normally, you could face major damage to your air conditioning system — and even worse, your home.
If the system isn’t running at all, it could be something as simple as a blown fuse, or an improperly set thermostat, or as major as a broken compressor. If the system is running but not cooling the air properly, the problem might be a low refrigerant level. If you hear odd noises, your compressor might be going out. A certified technician should be able to quickly diagnose the problem.
Our team of expert hvac contractors are ready to meet your needs and provide heating services, ensuring that your comfort remains our top priority.
