Common Questions
Straight answers about heating, cooling, and heat pumps in the mountains — no jargon.
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
For most homes, twice a year is ideal — a cooling tune-up in spring and a heating tune-up in fall. At a minimum, have your system professionally serviced once a year. Regular maintenance keeps efficiency up, catches small problems before they become no-heat or no-cool emergencies, and is often required to keep your manufacturer's warranty valid. Between visits, change or clean your air filter every 1–3 months.
Why is my heat pump icing up in the winter?
A light coating of frost on your outdoor heat pump is normal in cold, damp weather — the unit runs a defrost cycle every so often to melt it off. It becomes a problem when the coil is encased in thick ice, the unit stays frozen for hours, or it never seems to defrost. That usually points to a stuck defrost control, low refrigerant, or restricted airflow, and it's worth a service call before it damages the compressor.
My heat pump is blowing cool air in heating mode — is it broken?
Not necessarily. Heat pumps deliver heat at a lower, steadier temperature than a gas furnace, so the air from your vents can feel cool to your hand even though it's warmer than room temperature and is heating the house. If the air feels genuinely cold, the system runs constantly without keeping up, or your backup/auxiliary heat never engages on very cold days, that's worth having checked.
Are heat pumps a good choice at our elevation and in cold weather?
Yes — modern cold-climate heat pumps work well in the High Country when they're the right unit and set up correctly. They're one of the most efficient ways to heat a mountain home. The keys are choosing a model rated for low temperatures, sizing it properly, and making sure the backup heat is configured to take over during the coldest stretches. A system that's undersized or set up for a milder climate is where people run into trouble.
What size air conditioner or heat pump do I need?
It should be calculated, not guessed. Bigger is not better — an oversized system short-cycles, wastes energy, and does a poor job controlling humidity, while an undersized one can't keep up. The right way is a load calculation (Manual J) that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation, windows, and layout. We size every install this way so your system runs efficiently and comfortably.
How long does an HVAC system usually last?
With regular maintenance, most air conditioners and heat pumps last roughly 12–17 years, and furnaces often 15–20 years. Lifespan depends heavily on upkeep, run time, and installation quality. If your system is in that age range and needing frequent repairs, it's usually worth comparing repair costs against the efficiency of a new unit before you invest in a big fix.
Do you offer emergency service?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency service for no-heat and no-cool situations, because a heating failure in a High Country winter isn't something that can wait. Calling is the fastest way to reach us for an emergency.
How much does a new system cost?
It depends on the size of your home, the type and efficiency of the system, and what your existing ductwork and electrical need. Rather than quote a number that may not fit your situation, we'll look at your home, size the system properly, and give you clear, upfront pricing with options at different price points so you can choose what makes sense for you.
Still have a question? We're happy to talk it through.