Answers to Common HVAC Questions

Check the following

• Is there power to the outside unit?
• Is there power to the inside unit?
• Is the outside condensing unit clean and free of debris?
• Does the filter need to be replaced?
• Does the thermostat need batteries replaced?

Check the following

• Is there power to the unit?
• Is the venting unobstructed? (During heavy snowfall, accumulating snow can block the venting.)
• Does the filter need to be replaced?
• Does the thermostat need new batteries?
• You may try to power cycle (turn it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on) to see if the operation kicks back in. This can be a temporary solution.

Many local energy companies offer rebates for the installation of high efficiency equipment. We will do the research for you and in most cases will submit the rebate application/s electronically on your behalf when the project is complete.

The Residential Energy Credit offering a tax credit to homeowners for the installation of high efficiency equipment expired on December 31, 2025. Historically, residential energy credits were reported on IRS Tax Form 5695.

We offer the industry standard 2 years parts and labor for all residential installations. Additionally, we will register the equipment with the manufacturer on your behalf upon completion of the project. Registration of equipment extends the manufacturer warranty from 5 to 10 years. Your warranty may be specific to your installation, so ask us more when we provide the proposal. You can also find additional details about warranty on manufacturer websites.

Unfortunately, we do not have 24 hour emergency service. We do have employees on call for emergency services outside of regular business hours during the heating season.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. MERV ratings run from 1 to 16. For most homes, the relevant range is MERV 8 through MERV 13.

MERV 1 to 7 — Basic filtration. Captures large particles like lint and dust. Protects your HVAC equipment but does very little for air quality.

MERV 8 to 10 — The standard for residential and commercial use. Captures pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. A meaningful step up for anyone with allergies or air quality concerns.

MERV 11 to 12 — Higher performance. Captures finer particles including some bacteria and auto emissions. A good choice for households with asthma, pets, or heightened sensitivity.

MERV 13 to 16 — Hospital and clean room grade. Captures very fine particles including smoke and some viruses. Generally not needed in residential settings and can restrict airflow in systems not designed for it.

If you are concerned about air quality, you may also want to consider a whole home air purification system.

Unlike other contractors who may require a maintenance contract for a warranty to be valid, we do not require our clients to hire us to perform maintenance. Plenty of our clients prefer to take care of routine maintenance on their own. However, someone does need to maintain the equipment. Failure to maintain the equipment may result in poor performance and could ultimately result in voiding a manufacturer’s warranty.

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We are a small business and do not offer financing at this time. We can work with you to settle payment terms reasonable for both parties.

We accept credit card payment without fee for $1000 or less. We accept ACH payment without fee for $3000 or less. Payments above these thresholds are subject to 3% convenience fee for credit card payments and $25 flat fee (collected by Quickbooks) for ACH payments.

While we do not typically INSTALL kitchen hoods, we do vent them and we also run gas lines for ranges. Keep in mind kitchen hoods with greater than 300 CFMs may need heated make up air which will lead to additional expense.

HVAC contractors are required to hold a mechanical bond with the State of Minnesota. Licensure is at the municipal level. If your city requires a license for mechanical contractors, then we have one. Not all cities have this requirement.

Replace or clean your filter every 30 to 90 days. Change it every 30 days if you have pets, allergies, or heavy dust.

4” filters can typically provide filtration for a longer period of time. We suggest changing 4” filters every 6 months.

Schedule professional maintenance twice a year—once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your heater.

A slight burning smell is normal the first time you use the heater as it burns off accumulated summer dust.

We expect central air conditioners and heat pumps to last about 10-15 years, while gas furnaces last about 15-20 years.

If your system is over 10 to 15 years old and needs an expensive fix (like a new compressor or heat exchanger), replacement is often more cost-effective. We’ll be sure to explain your options so that you are able to make a fully informed decision.