Frequently Asked Questions

Cooling & Air Conditioning FAQ

Why is my air conditioner running but not cooling my house?

This usually points to one of a few culprits: a dirty air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant from a leak, a frozen evaporator coil, or a failing capacitor.

In Westerville's humid summers, we also see condensate lines clog more often, which can trip a safety switch and cause a system shutdown.

If your filter is clean and the thermostat is set correctly, it's time to call us for a diagnostic.

Why does my AC unit have ice on it?

A frozen coil typically means airflow is restricted (often a dirty filter) or refrigerant levels are low. Running the system with ice on it can damage the compressor, so we recommend turning the unit off, letting it thaw, and calling us before running it again.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside my house?

Leaking water is usually due to a clogged or cracked condensate drain line. We see this a lot in Westerville homes near Alum Creek and Hoover Reservoir, where higher humidity means your AC pulls more moisture out of the air, and that line clogs faster with algae and sediment.

You can check for obvious blockage at the drain outlet, but if the system has shut off, water is backing up, or you’re unsure where the drain terminates, schedule service before water damage occurs.

How often should I change my air filter?

Most filters should be checked monthly and changed every 1–3 months depending on filter type, pets, dust, allergies, and system runtime. During heavy cooling or heating seasons, monthly checks are recommended.

Why is my AC turning on and off repeatedly?

Short cycling is often caused by an oversized unit, a dirty filter, low refrigerant, or electrical issues. It puts a lot of stress on your compressor and drives up energy bills, so it shouldn't be ignored.

What temperature should I set my thermostat to in summer?

We typically recommend 75-78°F when you're home and a few degrees warmer when you're away, to balance comfort and energy costs. Given how humid Central Ohio summers get, a programmable or smart thermostat can help your system run more efficiently without you having to think about it.

How long should an air conditioner last?

Most AC units last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. If your unit is approaching that age and needs a costly repair, we'll walk you through whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.

Heating & Furnaces FAQ

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

This can mean a dirty filter, a pilot light or ignition issue, a tripped limit switch, or thermostat settings on "fan" instead of "auto." We see ignition failures spike here in late fall when temperatures swing dramatically from day to day, which stresses igniters and inducer motors.

Why is my furnace making a loud banging or popping noise?

A bang on startup is often delayed ignition from a dirty burner. Popping noises from ductwork are usually metal expanding and contracting as it heats up, which is common in older Westerville homes with original ductwork. Either way, it's worth having us take a look.

Why does my furnace keep shutting off?

This is often caused by a dirty flame sensor, clogged filter, or overheating from restricted airflow. Furnaces in two-story colonials sometimes also struggle with uneven heating, which can trigger safety shutoffs in certain zones.

How often should I have my furnace serviced?

We recommend once a year, ideally in late summer or early fall before the heating season hits. Ohio winters push furnaces hard for months, and getting ahead of the rush means you're not waiting in line during the first cold snap.

How long does a furnace last?

With regular maintenance, furnaces typically last 15-20 years, sometimes longer. We can check the age of your unit from the serial number and give you a read on whether repair or replacement makes sense.

Why is one room in my house always colder than the rest?

Uneven heating is extremely common in Westerville's older two-story homes and colonials, often due to ductwork design, insulation gaps, or a thermostat that isn't reading the whole house accurately. Zoning systems or duct adjustments can usually even things out.

Indoor Air Quality FAQ

Can my HVAC system affect the air quality in my home?

Yes. Your HVAC filter and system affect indoor air quality. Routine filter changes can make a noticeable difference; duct cleaning is usually considered only when there is visible mold, vermin, heavy debris, or particles blowing from registers.

Should I get a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier?

In Central Ohio, many homes benefit from dehumidification in summer and added humidity in winter, but the right solution depends on measured indoor humidity. A common comfort range is about 30–50% RH; too much winter humidity can cause window condensation and mold risk.

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General Maintenance & System Care FAQ

How often should I get HVAC maintenance?

We recommend maintenance twice a year; a cooling tune-up in spring and a heating tune-up in fall. This keeps your system ready for Westerville's big swings between humid summers and freezing winters, and it's the single biggest thing you can do to avoid mid-season breakdowns.

Is HVAC maintenance worth the cost?

Yes. Maintenance helps systems run more efficiently, protects equipment life, and can prevent airflow, coil, refrigerant, and electrical issues that increase energy use. Savings vary by system condition.

What does a professional HVAC tune-up include?

A tune-up may include checking thermostat operation, electrical connections, safety controls, condensate drainage, airflow, burners/heat exchanger for heating systems, and refrigerant charge, coils, and blower components for cooling systems

Do I need a HVAC maintenance plan?

Many of our clients find a service agreement pays for itself. You get your two seasonal visits, priority scheduling during heat waves or cold snaps, and discounted repairs, which adds up over a year.

How do I know if I need a repair or a whole new system?

We look at the age of your equipment, frequency of past repairs, and the cost of the current issue. As a rule of thumb, if your system is over 12 years old and a repair would cost more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the smarter move.

Why do older homes seem to have more HVAC issues?

Many homes in established Westerville neighborhoods were built before modern vapor barrier and insulation standards, which can lead to ductwork moisture issues and uneven temperatures between floors. We're familiar with these older systems and how to retrofit solutions that work with the existing structure.

What's the biggest seasonal HVAC issue you see in Westerville?

In fall, it's furnace ignition failures driven by sudden temperature swings. In spring and summer, it's condensate drain clogs and frozen coils caused by humidity and pollen, especially in neighborhoods with mature tree canopies. Knowing this pattern is part of why we recommend a fall furnace check and a spring AC check every year.

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