Frequently asked questions
Most-common questions we get over the phone.
How fast can you get to me on a hot day?
On a 100°F+ day in summer, dispatch in major metros is 75-180 minutes. Smaller cities and rural areas: 2-4 hours. We prioritize no-cool emergencies on hot days; we'll move slower on heating calls in summer when the cool calls back up.
Do you charge a diagnostic fee?
Yes. $89-129 depending on region. Waived if you accept the repair quote. We need a fee for the diagnostic visit because it takes a real tech 30-60 minutes to properly diagnose an HVAC system, and that time costs us.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Most likely: low refrigerant (slow leak), failed capacitor, dirty condenser coil, or failed contactor. Less common: failed compressor, blower motor issue, ductwork failure. Our tech runs a 6-point diagnostic to pinpoint the exact cause before quoting.
What's the average lifespan of an AC unit?
12-18 years for residential central AC depending on climate and maintenance. Sun belt systems run more annual hours than northern systems, so they age faster — expect 10-15 years in Phoenix and Texas vs. 15-20 in northern climates.
What's the $5,000 rule for HVAC?
Multiply your AC unit's age by the repair quote. If the result is over $5,000, replacement makes more financial sense than repair. Example: 12-year-old unit needs $600 repair → 12 × 600 = $7,200 → consider replacement. The math gets cleaner past about year 10.
Do you do same-day install?
On standard residential central AC, yes — most major brands and capacities (1.5-5 ton). Tankless gas furnaces, geothermal, and full ductwork rebuilds typically take 2-3 days because of permitting and ductwork modifications.
Do you do mini-split installs?
Yes. Single-zone, multi-zone, and ducted mini-split systems. Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, Pioneer. We size, install, and commission. Permits handled by us when required.
Do you do commercial work?
Restaurants, retail, small office buildings — yes. Industrial-scale plants and hospital HVAC require specialty firms; we'll handle the immediate fix and refer you for the long-term contract.
What about heat pumps?
Heat pumps are increasingly the standard for sun belt installs because of efficiency and dual-mode operation. We service all common heat pump brands. Cold-climate heat pumps work down to -15°F, regular heat pumps lose efficiency below 30°F. We size properly for your specific climate zone.
My home warranty company sent a tech who said it's fine — should I get a second opinion?
Yes, often. Home warranty companies pay their contractors flat reimbursement rates that incentivize quick visits and minimum repairs. If your AC isn't working right after a warranty visit, second opinions are worth the diagnostic fee.
What about ductwork?
Yes. Duct sealing, replacement, redesign, and zoning. About 25-30% of HVAC inefficiency comes from leaky ductwork. We do blower-door tests and Manual J calculations on full retrofits.
Do you finance?
Yes. Most full-system replacements (typically $7,000-$18,000) are financed through one of three lender networks. Rates depend on credit but typically 0% promotional for 12-18 months on qualified buyers, 7-12% standard.