Frequently Asked Questions — HVAC

On average, HVAC systems last 15 to 20 years. The style and quality of HVAC you choose will play a role in how long the unit lasts. Routine inspections and maintenance also play a major role in extending the life of the system.

No matter the make or model of your HVAC system, the unit should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year. To ensure the system works properly year-round, have the heating system checked each fall and the air conditioning checked each spring.

The annual inspection of your HVAC unit should be performed by a trained and licensed professional. Yearly inspection and thorough cleaning is a small investment to extend the life of your entire system. If you want to check the unit between annual checkups, use this checklist:

• Confirm the thermostat is working properly.
• Flip the circuit breaker to the HVAC unit.
• Check the condensate drain for clogs.
• Visually inspect for debris or rust.
• If your home uses gas, smell for possible gas leaks.
• Vacuum HVAC coils to remove dirt and dust.
• Turn the circuit breakers back on.
• Listen for squeaking or other noises when operating.

If age is finally taking its toll on the aging furnace in the basement or you’ve just purchased a historic home and it’s time to bring the HVAC system into this century, you have several HVAC options to choose from.

You can use standard heating options like a boiler or furnace or create a smart home with solar heat. Our experienced technicians can help you decide on the best option.

While the emergency heat setting on your thermostat may suggest it’s the heat source that will work during an emergency, it actually suggests something else. Emergency heat is the heat source your home uses when it’s too cold for the heat pump to operate alone.

Your home may use gas, oil, or electricity. If you have any questions about emergency heat, it’s always beneficial to call your local experts at Clark’s Heating & Air.

The thermostat emergency heat light could indicate your HVAC system needs to be serviced. Check if the light is on because you have the thermostat set to “emergency heat.” If not, there may be an issue with your heat pump. It’s best to have the unit inspected by a professional if that’s the case.

The ideal comfort of your home greatly depends on having the correct HVAC unit size installed. If the AC is too large, it will kick on and off constantly because it can’t cool the space quickly. A large unit will also leave your home feeling humid.

If your HVAC is too small, it will run continuously because it can never heat or cool the space adequately. Both scenarios will cost you greatly each month in your utility bill.

The size of the HVAC unit you need depends on the house size, style, and regional climate. In most scenarios, a 1,500-square-foot home will operate well off a 2.5–3 ton HVAC unit.

Many people suffer from allergies. Whether it’s the family pet, pollen, bacteria, or dust mites, the smallest of irritants can wreak havoc on your sinuses. Having your home’s air ducts cleaned regularly will greatly improve the air quality in your home.

Our duct cleaning services will provide cleaner, healthier indoor air for you and your family. You get the cooling you need in a comfortable environment that’s conducive to work, play, and living.

The professionals with Clark’s Heating & Air recommend you check your air filter each month. Some filters claim to clean the air for 30 days, while others claim air maintenance for 90 days. By monitoring the air filter, you can see how often you need to change the filter based on the air quality in your home.

What are the signs that it’s time for a new AC? Ensuring your home stays safe and comfortable for your family takes constant maintenance. One of the largest investments you’ll make is a new HVAC unit. We know you want to get the most out of any appliance in your home. If the AC is over a decade old and needs yearly repairs, it’s time to invest in a new system.

If you notice your energy bills steadily climbing each month and the age of your AC is a factor, replacing the unit is better than numerous repairs.

Routine maintenance of your heating and cooling system will help identify when small issues need to be repaired before they turn into major challenges. Plan for an annual inspection of your:

• Blowers
• Boiler
• Chimney
• Ductwork
• Fuel lines
• Furnace
• Heat pump
• Pipes
• Pumps
• Radiators

If your AC isn’t producing cool air, doesn’t shut off, or the cool air is distributed unevenly, a small problem could be to blame. A malfunctioning AC doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time for a replacement.

Some of the most common problems the Clark’s Heating & Air team remedies include:

• Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant leaks are a leading cause of AC issues. For your air to cool quickly, your AC uses a chemical process. The system releases a balanced dose of refrigerant to chill the air fast.
• Compressor & fan controls: Air compressor and fan controls can wear out and need replacement. The controls may become unresponsive to the signals sent from the unit. If your compressor and fan controls seem to have fallen asleep, it’s likely this is the case.
• Dirty filters: It’s important to replace air filters every month, three months, or half-year based on the quality of filter you own. If your filter is a lower grade, replace it monthly. If your filter is of average make, replace it every 90 days. If you own a premium filter, replace it every half year. Air filters can become a fire hazard if they’re not cleaned or replaced.

To prevent small heating issues from becoming costly repairs, it’s important to call Clark’s Heating & Air as soon as you notice something is wrong with your system. Seemingly small issues can have a major impact on how your entire heating unit operates.

Some of the most common warning signs that an inspection and maintenance are needed include:

• Squealing or squeaking sounds: If your heater makes a squealing or squeaking noise when it turns off and on, there could be an issue with the blower belt. It must be free of wear and tear and have appropriate tension to function properly. If you notice a squeak, your blower belt could be on the verge of complete breakage.
• Frequent cycling: The filter may be clogged if your heater turns off and on too frequently. Frequent cycling in heaters is a sign of an airflow blockage, most often resulting from a filter that’s oversaturated with dust.
• Scraping sounds: Call us immediately if you hear scraping sounds from your heating unit. This often indicates a ball bearing in your furnace has worn and needs replacement. If left untreated, this problem could become a dangerous fire hazard.
• Dirty filters: It’s important to replace air filters every month, three months, or half-year based on the quality of filter you own. 

Just because your current heating and cooling system is operable doesn’t mean it’s working at optimal capacity. For units that are over 12 years old, a system replacement could mean you save up to 50% on energy costs. You’ll also save money on system repairs and experience a more efficient degree of comfort in your home.

Clark’s Heating & Air knows HVAC problems don’t just happen during business hours. Our dedicated team will help evaluate and resolve your heating and air conditioning problems with Hoschton, Georgia, emergency HVAC services. Whether you need a repair or complete installation, holidays and weekends won’t stop us from offering the highest quality service to you and your family.

If you have an uneven air balance throughout the home, it could mean your current air conditioning unit isn’t installed properly. Several smaller issues could also be at play. Ensure all windows are closed, vents are clear of furniture, and blinds or drapes are used in south-facing rooms to minimize the sun’s heat.

If the air still doesn’t distribute evenly, call Clark’s Heating & Air for an air duct inspection. A leak could cause cold air to be lost in the attic or walls of your home.

Installing a new heating or cooling system in your home is an investment. Clark’s Heating & Air works with customers to ensure they have the opportunity to pay for the unit and keep their family comfortable.

Our team offers some fantastic financing options to make this process convenient and easy for our customers. From a reduced interest rate to extended financing, we work with a finance partner that can make your payments as affordable as possible.

Each unit is different. Our technicians will properly inspect the unit to help you decide if a repair is needed or if the entire unit should be replaced. The cost of HVAC installation will depend on the size of unit you need and the model you choose.

Clark’s Heating & Air offers transparent pricing and service. We’ll provide a free estimate for the work so you know what to expect before we get started.