Question 1

How many cold air returns do I need?

Accepted Answer

Ideally you want a cold air return register in every major room in your home. This would not include bathrooms and closets, but bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Older homes might only have just one or two on each floor.

Question 2

Where are cold air returns located?

Accepted Answer

Cold air returns are located on interior walls in a home, typically close to the floor or low on the wall. You want to make sure that cold air return vents are not blocked or covered by furniture so that your home can get proper air circulation.

Question 3

Where is the cold air returning to on a furnace?

Accepted Answer

The cold air from the returning vents is cycled back into the furnace where it is heated and cycled back into the house.

Do you have questions about your heating system? Sears Heating & Cooling can help. We provide expert furnace repair and installation services. Contact us today to speak with one of our highly trained technicians!

Question 4

What happens when an AC contactor goes bad?

Accepted Answer

When an AC contactor goes bad, the unit will not be able to cool the home and will continue to run even when the thermostat is turned off. The contactor is like a gateway of electricity to your system. The contactor directs electricity to various parts of the system. When it starts to go bad, it will not send electricity to refrigerate the air, but it will probably still power the unit as a whole temporarily.

Question 5

How long do AC contactors last?

Accepted Answer

With the right maintenance, a good contactor will typically last between 5 – 10 years. During a maintenance service, the technician will check the contactor to make sure it is working properly. If it is starting to go bad, the technician will replace the part with little to no hassle to the homeowner.

Question 6

How much does it cost to replace an AC contactor?

Accepted Answer

On average, homeowners can anticipate paying between $100 – $400 to replace an AC contactor.

Do you suspect your AC contactor is going bad? Sears Heating & Cooling can help. We offer expert repair services on any problem with your unit, including contactors. Contact us now for a free estimate or to get on our schedule!

Question 7

Why does my pilot light on my furnace keep going out?

Accepted Answer

Your pilot light might be going out on your furnace because:

Your furnace’s thermocouple is dirty.
There is incorrect air flow to your furnace.
There is an issue with the gas connection.

When it comes to your furnace’s pilot light, there can be a variety of reasons that it goes out. If your furnace happens to be in an area that is exposed to strong gusts of wind, it can be blown out. To get your furnace repaired, call us today.

Question 8

Is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out in a furnace?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, if your furnace is less than 20 years old, it should not be dangerous if your pilot light goes out. Most furnaces now have a shut off valve that is triggered when the pilot light goes out. This shut off valve ensures that the gas flow is shut off when the pilot light goes out on your furnace. However, regardless of the age of your furnace, there is always a chance that the shut off valve can malfunction. To be on the safe side, you should never try to reignite the pilot light if you believe there is a chance that your shut off valve has malfunctioned or you think you smell gas coming from your furnace. Contact us today to get your furnace repaired.

Question 9

How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my furnace?

Accepted Answer

The biggest sign that your thermocouple is bad on your furnace is if your pilot will light, but does not remain lit. If your pilot light is lighting, but not staying lit, you can attempt to clean the pilot tube. If everything is clear of obstructions and your thermocouple is still not working properly, you should have an experienced HVAC technician inspect and repair your furnace for you. To find out more about getting your furnace repaired, give us a call today.

Question 10

Why does my furnace turn off after a few minutes?

Accepted Answer

Your furnace may turn off after a few minutes because:

Your flame sensor is malfunctioning.
Your pressure switch is broken.
Your furnace’s draft inducer motor is broken.

Your furnace has many components that will work in sync with one another to maintain the safety and operation of your unit. When one of the components breaks, this can cause your furnace to turn on for a few minutes and then turn off. To get your furnace repaired, contact us today.

Question 11

Why do I have to keep restarting my furnace?

Accepted Answer

A few reasons you may have to keep restarting your furnace include:

A blocked flue.
A dirty flame sensor.
A broken or faulty ignitor.

If you have to keep resetting your furnace, that indicates there is a deeper issue that is preventing your furnace from properly functioning. Give Sears Heating & Cooling a call today to get your furnace repaired.

Question 12

Can a bad thermostat cause a furnace to short cycle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a bad thermostat can cause a furnace to short cycle. Some reasons your thermostat may be causing your furnace to short cycle are:

Your thermostat is broken.
Your thermostat is placed in a location with too much direct sunlight.
Your thermostat is malfunctioning.

If you believe that your thermostat is the cause of your furnace short cycling, you should look inside your thermostat to check if there is dust, dirt or loose wires. To get your furnace working again, call us today.

Question 13

Why is my furnace blowing cold air near Columbus, OH?

Accepted Answer

Your furnace may be blowing cold air in Columbus, OH because:

Your thermostat is set incorrectly.
Your air filters are dirty or blocked.
Your furnace has a faulty flame sensor.

Some of these issues can be easily solved on your own. However, sometimes your furnace may not be blowing cold air because of a deeper issue with your HVAC system that requires specific HVAC knowledge that most homeowners do not have. Call us today to get your furnace repaired.

Question 14

What should I do if my home HVAC system is not heating my Columbus area home?

Accepted Answer

If your home HVAC system is not heating your Columbus, OH home, you should:

Check the thermostat to ensure that it is set to AUTO not ON.
Replace your air filters.
Check to make sure your HVAC system’s capacitor is not broken.

If you discover that your HVAC system is not heating your home due to dirty air filters or an improperly set thermostat, then you should be able to easily fix the issue on your own. However, if the issue is more severe, you should get an HVAC technician to repair your HVAC system. Contact us today to get your HVAC system repaired.

Question 15

How much does a furnace inspection cost near Columbus, OH?

Accepted Answer

A furnace inspection costs around $75-$150 in Columbus, OH. Some things a furnace inspection will include are:

A check of your vents and air filters.
Tests and lubrication of moving parts.
A thorough inspection of your furnace’s components.

It is important to have your furnace inspected at least once a year. Having it regularly checked allows you to spot any issues that may become unexpected repairs in the future. To get your furnace inspected, give us a call today.

Question 16

How often should a home AC unit be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Your air conditioner should be serviced once a year, in the spring. This is done to verify that it is clean, that its parts are in good condition and that it is running as efficiently as possible. The reason HVAC specialists plan air conditioner tune-ups in the spring after the weather has warmed up is so they are ready for the heat in the summer.

Question 17

What maintenance does an air conditioner need?

Accepted Answer

Air conditioners need to be cleaned regularly to stay in peak condition. The most crucial thing you can do to ensure your air conditioner is clean and performing well is change its filters on a regular basis. Filters that are clogged or filthy restrict the quantity of airflow and, as a result, the efficiency of the system. You can also hose down your outdoor unit every couple months to wash away the built up dirt and dust within, as well as make sure there’s no debris within three feet of the unit. Mechanical maintenance tasks should always be done by an HVAC professional.

Question 18

What happens when my home AC system is not serviced?

Accepted Answer

Neglecting HVAC maintenance may result in an inefficient system that raises energy costs and causes frequent breakdowns. Additionally, skipping your annual AC maintenance can void your manufacturer’s warranty. Set up a schedule or sign up for services with your chosen HVAC firm, and their personnel will notify you when it is time for servicing.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Your air conditioner may be running but not cooling your house because:

Your air filters are dirty.
Your condenser coil is clogged.
Your evaporator coil is dirty or frozen.
Your AC unit has a refrigerant leak.

If your air filters are dirty, then replacing them is an easy fix to get your air conditioner cooling your home again. If you are experiencing any of the other issues, then you will need an HVAC technician to repair your air conditioner. Call us today to get your air conditioner repaired.

Question 20

What to do if your AC is not blowing cold air?

Accepted Answer

If your AC is not blowing cold air, you should:

Set your thermostat to COOL and AUTO.
Replace your air filters.
Clean your AC unit’s drain lines.

Another thing you can do if your AC is not blowing cold air is to clean your compressor. You should always ensure that the unit is off before you attempt to clean it. Additionally, it is recommended that you have an HVAC technician clean it to make sure that it is cleaned effectively. To get your air conditioner repaired, give us a call today.

Question 21

How do you troubleshoot an AC unit?

Accepted Answer

To troubleshoot an AC unit you should shut off the power to your AC unit and then check:

Your AC unit for dirt and debris.
The fuses in your AC unit.
Your AC unit for frayed or broken wires.
The start capacitor and the AC contactor.

You may find that your system is not working because it is blocked by dirt or debris. However, sometimes your AC unit may need a repair that requires extensive HVAC knowledge that not all homeowners have. If you are not familiar with HVAC systems or you lack the tools to repair your air conditioner yourself, you should have an HVAC technician repair your AC unit. Call us today to get your AC unit repaired.

Question 22

Why does my HVAC system keep tripping the circuit breaker?

Accepted Answer

Your HVAC system may keep tripping the circuit breaker because:

Your air filters are clogged.
Your HVAC system has a refrigerant leak.
Your HVAC’s capacitor or motor is broken.
Your HVAC system’s wiring is loose or worn out.

If your HVAC system keeps tripping the circuit breaker, you should identify what issue is causing it and have it addressed right away. Allowing the process to persist can pose a threat to the operation of your HVAC system as well as lead to further damage. Call us today to get your HVAC system repaired.

Question 23

What would cause a furnace not to kick in?

Accepted Answer

Some things that may cause a furnace to not turn on include:

The air filters are dirty or clogged.
The thermostat is not set correctly.
The ignitor sensor is dirty.

Sometimes, the reason behind your furnace not starting is simple and easy to fix. Although, other times it may require a bigger repair. If your furnace is not kicking on and you have determined it is not due to one of the issues above, you should have an HVAC technician repair your furnace. Contact us today to have your furnace repaired.

Question 24

Can a bad thermostat cause the furnace not to work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a bad thermostat can cause your furnace not to work. When your thermostat is unable to properly register the temperature in your home, it fails to communicate with your furnace to turn it on. If you believe your thermostat is the reason your furnace is not working, you should check the power supply to the thermostat and inside the thermostat to check for dirt, dust, loose screws or loose wires. To get your furnace working again, call Sears Heating & Cooling today.

Question 25

Why won't my air conditioner turn on?

Accepted Answer

A few reasons your air conditioner may not be turning on are:

Your thermostat is not set correctly.
Your air filters are dirty or clogged.
The circuit to your AC has tripped.
Your evaporator coils are frozen or dirty.

If it is one of the first three issues, then you may be able to solve the problem yourself. However, if your evaporator coil or another part of your AC system is broken, then you should have an HVAC technician repair your air conditioner. To get your air conditioner fixed, contact us today.

Question 26

How do I reset my air conditioning unit?

Accepted Answer

To reset your air conditioning unit, you should:

Locate the reset button on your unit.
Unplug your unit for 15 seconds or more and then plug it back in.
Press the reset button for 3 seconds.
If it still does not turn on, repeat this process.

If it is still not turning on, locate the electrical panel and flip the switch that powers your AC unit. Some systems do not have a reset button and will require you to manually reset them. To get help resetting your air conditioning unit, give us a call today.

Question 27

How do you fix an air conditioner that won't turn on?

Accepted Answer

To fix an air conditioner that won’t turn on you should try:

Setting your thermostat to COOL and AUTO.
Replacing or cleaning your air filters.
Resetting your AC unit’s power from the electrical panel if it has tripped.
Pressing the reset button.

If none of these solutions work, you can try to identify the issue by looking at your system’s components and switches to see if you notice any inconsistencies or problems. If you are still unable to determine the issue, you should get an HVAC technician to repair it for you. To get your air conditioner repaired, call Sears Heating & Cooling today.

Question 28

How do you tell if the gas valve is bad on a furnace?

Accepted Answer

To tell if the gas valve to your furnace is bad, you can do the following:

Turn off your furnace’s gas supply, turn the thermostat up and check to see if there is no flame.
Check the pilot light to see if there is gas flowing to it, set the thermostat to below room temperature and wait a minute to see if there is a flame.
Set the gas knob to “ON” if the burner doesn’t turn on, set the thermostat above room temperature and perform a voltage test.

If you do not have the correct furnace knowledge or tools, you may want to have an HVAC technician perform these tests for you to determine if the gas valve on your furnace is bad and needs to be replaced. To get your furnace repaired, call us today.

Question 29

What happens when my gas regulator fails?

Accepted Answer

If your gas regulator fails, it can lead to an excess of gas inside your home. Gas regulators are designed to identify when your furnace is lit to either enable or halt the supply of gas. If your furnace’s gas regulator fails, it can lead to a health and safety risk. To ensure that your gas regulator does not fail unexpectedly, you should have your furnace regularly inspected and maintained. To learn more about getting your furnace’s gas regulator inspected or repaired, contact us today.

Question 30

Can a furnace gas valve be repaired?

Accepted Answer

In some instances you can repair a gas valve on a furnace depending on what is causing it to not work properly. However, repairing your gas valve is not usually the most cost effective option since it can be just as expensive to have your gas valve repaired as it would be to have your entire gas valve replaced. Replacing your gas valve will also ensure that your gas valve doesn’t malfunction again later on. To find out more about getting your furnace repaired, give us a call today.

Question 31

Which refrigerants are being phased out?

Accepted Answer

As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 was banned in the United States. Those who have existing air conditioning units that take R22 can still use and purchase the refrigerant, but the price is much more expensive as it is hard to find.

Question 32

What is the difference between R22 and R410A regrigerants?

Accepted Answer

The biggest difference between R22 and R410A refrigerants is the fact that R410A is much better for the environment than R22. R22 has been proven to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer.

R410A has shown to be a better option for air conditioners for performance reasons also as it is more energy efficient and helps the unit to run better with fewer repairs.

Question 33

Can I replace R22 with R410a?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not advised that you replace R22 with R410A for a few reasons:

Most older systems that use R22 also employ a mineral oil that does not work well with any other type of refrigerant.
The condensing unit and cooling coil in your unit are most likely not suited to the high pressure R410A refrigerant.
Using R410A as a drop in solution to recharge a R22 unit has been shown to cause a complete failure of the entire system.

To learn more about the R22 phase out, contact Sears Heating & Cooling today!

Question 34

Is a whole house humidifier a good idea for my Columbus area home?

Accepted Answer

A whole house humidifier can be good for your Columbus, OH home. It is a good way to control the humidity level of your house to protect against allergies and health issues related to dry air. It is a common misconception that humidity is a bad thing. High humidity levels can be bad, but so can low humidity levels. Having your house set to 35-50% humidity is the best setting to optimize the health of your indoor air. To find out more about getting a whole house humidifier installed, contact us today.

Question 35

Do humidifiers kill airborne viruses near Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Humidifiers can help kill airborne viruses that thrive in dry climates. It has been proven that homes with higher humidity levels have less traces of airborne viruses as well as a reduced amount of viruses on hard surfaces like doorknobs and desks. Humidity levels of 40-50% make it harder for viruses to survive and are also beneficial to your health. To learn more about getting a whole house humidifier for your home, give Sears Heating & Cooling a call today.

Question 36

What are the benefits of a home humidifier near Columbus?

Accepted Answer

Some of the benefits of a home humidifier in Columbus, OH are:

It allows you to control the humidity level of your home.
It helps preserve your wooden floors and furniture.
It helps save you money on your heating bill in the winter.

Additionally, it helps promote better indoor air quality in your home by maintaining healthy levels of humidity that protect against viruses, allergens and dry air. When your home has too low of humidity levels, you can experience uncomfortable health issues like dry eyes, allergies and nosebleeds. Call us today to learn more about getting a whole home humidifier in your home.

Question 37

How much does it cost to run an air conditioning unit?

Accepted Answer

While all homes and usages are different, on average the US Department of Energy estimates that the typical family in the US spends about half of its annual energy bill on heating and cooling. The average electric bill is around $180 a month, and if you use half of that on heating and cooling alone, that means we are spending on average over $1,100 a year on simply heating and cooling our homes.

Question 38

Do air conditioners use a lot of electricity?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, it could definitely use up a lot of electricity. Some studies have estimated that in the hot summer months, using an older non-energy efficient cooling system could generate between 60% – 70% of your electricity bill.

If you keep noticing high energy bills and your AC running constantly, it may be time to consider replacing your old unit. While a large financial investment upfront, the US Department of Energy estimates that the switch to a high-efficiency unit coupled with regular maintenance could reduce the energy an AC uses by 20% – 50%.

To learn more about air conditioner replacements, we are here to help. Contact Sears Heating & Cooling for a free estimate on a new unit!

Question 39

Is it cheaper to run AC all the time?

Accepted Answer

While it seems like you would save a bunch of money by turning your AC off while you are not home, it actually doesn’t work out that way. Air conditioners work better when they are running constantly, not being repeatedly turned on and off.

For instance, if you leave your AC off for eight hours in the summer during the hottest part of the day, when you come home it has to play catch up and crank out a lot of cool air to reach its temperature goal. The catching up the AC has to do uses a lot of energy and you will notice that you are paying for it on your next power bill.

Ideally, the best way to save money on your AC costs is to use a programmable thermostat. During the hours when you are not at home, you can program it to run a few degrees warmer. Then, you’re using less energy while away from how, but when you come back home your unit doesn’t have to work very hard to play catch up because your home is still relatively cool and comfortable.

Question 40

How does a gravity furnace work?

Accepted Answer

A gravity furnace works similarly to a large stove. The gravity furnace has a chamber that burns fuel to generate heat that is then transferred through your air ducts to heat your home. Since heat rises, gravity furnaces are usually installed in basements to get the best air flow. Gravity furnaces are less common now since they are not as efficient as newer heating systems. Additionally, gravity furnaces are also harder to repair since they aren’t as common as standard furnaces. To find out more about heating systems, call us today.

Question 41

Are gravity furnaces safe?

Accepted Answer

Gravity furnaces are usually just as safe as a standard furnace made today. However, the main cause for concern is the material your gravity furnace is made out of. Most gravity furnaces contain asbestos, primarily in the insulation inside your air ducts, posing a health risk if the asbestos is disrupted. In some instances, you may be able to have the parts containing asbestos removed and replaced, but you will have to hire a specialized technician to perform the job in a manner that effectively and safely removes the asbestos. To learn more about heating systems, contact us today.

Question 42

Why do furnaces need to be replaced?

Accepted Answer

A few reasons you may want to replace your furnace include:

Your furnace is over 15 years old.
Your energy bills have increased drastically.
Your furnace breaks down often.

Another reason you may want to replace your furnace is if it no longer heats your home effectively. Having your furnace replaced with a newer and more efficient furnace will save you money on energy and repair costs. To get your furnace replaced, give us a call today.

Question 43

Why is the second floor of my house cold in the winter and hot in the summer?

Accepted Answer

The second floor of your house may be cold in the winter and hot in the summer because:

There is a leak in your air ducts.

Your attic needs to be insulated.

You need a zoned system.

Getting your HVAC system replaced with a ductless mini-split system is a great way to gain more control over the temperature of individual rooms. To find out more about getting a zoned system installed, call us today.

Question 44

Why is my room so hot compared to the rest of the house?

Accepted Answer

Your room may be hotter compared to the rest of your house because:

Your air vents are closed.

Your air ducts have leaks.

Your air filter is clogged.

A good way to get control of the temperature of each of your home’s rooms is to get a zoned ductless mini-split system. To get a ductless mini-split installed, contact us today.

Question 45

How do I even out the temperature in my house?

Accepted Answer

To even out the temperature in your house, you should:

Get your air ducts repaired and insulated.

Have a ductless mini-split installed.

Get your home’s attic insulated.

Having a zoned ductless system installed in your home is a great way to even out the temperature amongst your home’s rooms. To get a ductless system installed, give us a call today.

Question 46

Why isn't my furnace warming up my house near West Jefferson?

Accepted Answer

Verify your thermostat's settings, whether your air filter is dirty, and whether you need to replace the battery in your thermostat. When the furnace first turns on, the air coming out of your vents may feel cold, but it should quickly warm up. If none of the aforementioned fixes were successful, you may be facing a problem that needs to be fixed by a professional.

Question 47

How often should I tune up my HVAC system near West Jefferson?

Accepted Answer

Once a year is the standard recommendation for the frequency of AC tune-ups. However, if your home has an older unit, we advise getting a tune-up twice a year. If you want your unit to last you through the hot summer months and cold winter nights, it needs more love and care the older it is.

Question 48

How much does a new home heating and cooling system cost near West Jefferson?

Accepted Answer

The national average for replacing an entire HVAC system is $7,000, and costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000. This equals between $25 and $60 per square foot. The size and brand of the HVAC system, the size of the house, the length of the ductwork, and the efficiency rating of the new unit all affect prices. You can anticipate paying between $1,500 and $12,50 for new installations. Average labor costs for HVAC installations range from $500 to $2,000.

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