Question 1

No heat? No cooling? Try this before you call.

Accepted Answer

If your system isn't working, here's a quick way to narrow down what's going on before you pick up the phone:No heat or no cooling at all:Check your thermostat first – is it set to "heat" or "cool" (not "off" or "fan only"), and is the set temperature actually above/below the current room temp?Check the batteries in your thermostat if the screen is blank or unresponsiveCheck your breaker panel for a tripped breaker, and check that any switch near your furnace or outdoor AC unit (they often look like a light switch) hasn't been bumped offCheck your air filter – a filter that's completely clogged can cause some systems to shut down as a safety measureSystem runs but doesn't seem to be heating or cooling well:Check if vents throughout the house are open and unblocked by furniture or rugsCheck your filter again, restricted airflow is one of the most common causes of poor performanceNote whether it's happening in the whole house or just one or two rooms, this helps us know if it's a system issue or a ductwork/airflow issueSystem is making noise, cycling on and off quickly, or won't stay running:Note what the noise sounds like (banging, squealing, clicking) and when it happens (starting up, running, shutting off), this detail helps us diagnose faster over the phone or when we arriveIf it's shutting off repeatedly and not restarting, don't keep resetting it repeatedly, that can be a safety feature protecting your system (or your home) from a real problemWhen to stop troubleshooting and call us right away:You smell gas, see a flame that looks off, or notice signs of a carbon monoxide issue, get everyone out and call 911 firstAnything involves opening the furnace cabinet, touching wiring, or messing with refrigerant linesYou've checked the basics above and nothing's changedEven if you can't fully diagnose the issue yourself, walking through this list gives us a head start when you do call, and sometimes it's something as simple as a breaker or a filter that saves you a service call altogether. Call us at 651-398-1100 with what you've found and we'll take it from there.

Question 2

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, standard 1-inch filters should be changed every 1-3 months, more often if you have pets, allergies, remodel projects or run your system constantly during peak season. Thicker 4-5 inch media filters can often go 6-12 months between changes. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and is one of the most common causes of service calls we see.

Question 3

Why is my furnace blowing cold air instead of heat?

Accepted Answer

Gas furnaces are notorious for blowing cool air, but in many cases, that's okay. The real question is: are your rooms cold, or is the thermostat's setting actually being met? Modern, high-efficiency furnaces heat differently than older units.If your rooms are reaching the temperature you set on the thermostat, there's nothing wrong. If you set it for 70 degrees and the room isn't reaching 70, that may be a sign of a problem. But if you set it to 70, the room reaches 70, and the furnace is still blowing air that feels cool, you likely have a high-efficiency furnace, and that's completely normal.Call us today at 651-398-1100 for more assistance or to schedule a service call.

Question 4

Why is my air conditioner not cooling my house properly?

Accepted Answer

There are many reasons a central air could loose capacity. First would be a dirty condensor. (the unit outside) Yard debris etc...can clog the fins of the condensor and make it have to work a lot harder. Second, the unit could be low on refrigerant. If that is the case the suction line (the big insulated copper line) will start to freeze up outside by the unit (if ran long enough). This too would require a service tech. ​ Third, check your furnace filters. This is something that should be replaced monthly. ​ Fourth, make sure ALL vents in the house are open. Even if you have a bedroom that no one uses. The heating/cooling system is designed to cool the whole house. Make sure furniture and rugs are not blocking any of the vents. ​ Fifth, it could be that the compressor is becoming weak. When this happens, high pressure will leak into the low pressure side of the air conditioner, causing the temperatures to rise. This will require a new compressor or new condensing unit. ​ Basically, if it is more than dirty air filters, your best bet would be to have us out to look your system over. ​ Call us today at 651-398-1100 for more assistance or to schedule a service call.

Question 5

Why does my HVAC system keep turning on and off (short cycling)?

Accepted Answer

Short cycling usually points to something making your system think it's done its job too soon, like a dirty air filter, a thermostat placed in the wrong spot, low refrigerant, or an oversized unit. It's hard on your equipment and can lead to bigger repairs down the road. Give us a call at 651-398-1100 and we'll track down the cause.

Question 6

Why is my furnace or AC making strange noises?

Accepted Answer

Banging, rattling, squealing, or clicking noises are your system's way of telling you something isn't right, loose parts, worn belts, or components that need attention. It's best not to ignore new or unusual noises. Call us at 651-398-1100 and we'll take a listen.

Question 7

Why is my thermostat not responding or showing the wrong temperature?

Accepted Answer

This could be as simple as dead batteries or a tripped breaker, or it could point to a wiring or system issue. Try replacing the batteries first. If that doesn't do it, call us at 651-398-1100 and we'll get it sorted out.

Question 8

Why do I smell something burning or unusual coming from my vents?

Accepted Answer

A slight burning smell when you first turn on your furnace for the season is often just dust burning off and usually clears up on its own. But a persistent or strong odor could mean something more serious. If the smell doesn't go away quickly, turn off your system and call us right away at 651-398-1100

Question 9

Why is my energy bill suddenly so much higher than usual?

Accepted Answer

A spike in your energy bill can mean your system is working harder than it should, often due to a dirty filter, leaky ductwork, low refrigerant, or an aging system nearing the end of its life. Regular maintenance can help catch these issues early. Call us at 651-398-1100 to schedule a check-up.

Question 10

Why is my furnace's pilot light or ignitor not staying lit?

Accepted Answer

Older furnaces use a small standing pilot light, while most modern furnaces use an electronic ignitor instead. Either way, if it won't stay lit, it usually comes down to a dirty flame sensor, a weak or failing thermocouple (on older units), a faulty ignitor, a draft blowing the flame out, or dust buildup around the burner assembly.If the pilot light goes out as soon as you release the button, that typically points to a faulty thermocouple. It's a more involved repair that requires special tools, so we strongly recommend hiring a professional. If the pilot light won't even start while you're holding the button down, the issue is likely gas not reaching the furnace, sometimes just an air bubble in the line that clears if you hold the button long enough, but it's hard to know that for sure, and it could also be a damaged supply line. Either way, this is a job for a professional.Because this involves gas and combustion, it's not something we recommend troubleshooting yourself. A furnace that keeps shutting off its flame is doing exactly what it's designed to do for safety, but it also means your home isn't getting heat until the issue is fixed. Call us at 651-398-1100 and we'll safely diagnose and repair it so your furnace is reliably heating your home again.

Question 11

Why is there ice or frost on my air conditioner?

Accepted Answer

A frozen AC unit is one of the more common issues we see, and it almost always points back to one of two things: restricted airflow or low refrigerant.Restricted airflow can happen for a lot of reasons, a dirty air filter, blocked or closed vents, a dirty evaporator coil, or a struggling blower motor. When your system can't pull in enough warm air, the coil gets too cold and moisture in the air starts to freeze on it instead of draining away normally. Low refrigerant causes a similar problem: without the right amount of refrigerant, pressure in the system drops and the coil can get cold enough to freeze even with good airflow.The good news is a simple fix, like swapping a dirty filter, can sometimes solve it. But running your system while it's frozen can make things worse, ice can damage the compressor and other components, turning a small issue into an expensive repair. If you notice ice or frost building up, turn your system off, let it thaw completely (this can take several hours), and give us a call at 651-398-1100. We'll find the root cause and get your AC running safely again.

Question 12

How do I know whether to repair or replace my system?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb is the 50% rule: if the repair cost is 50% or more of what a new system would cost, replacement usually makes more sense. Age matters too. Furnaces typically last 15-20 years and air conditioners 12-15 years, so if your system is getting up there in age and needs a costly repair, that's often a sign it's time to consider replacing rather than reinvesting in an older unit.A few other things worth factoring:Frequency of repairs – if you're calling us more than once a year, ongoing repair costs can add up fastEnergy bills – older, less efficient systems often cost more to run, so a new system can pay off over time in savingsComfort – if certain rooms are never quite right no matter what we fix, it may point to a system that's not the right fit for your homeThere's no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why we offer a free, in-home, no-obligation estimate. We'll look at your system's age, condition, and repair history, and give you honest options so you can decide what's right for your home and budget. Call us at 651-398-1100 and we'll help you figure it out.

Question 13

What does it mean if my AC is running constantly?

Accepted Answer

An AC that never cycles off is often either undersized for the home, low on refrigerant, or dealing with a dirty condenser coil restricting heat transfer. Constant running drives up energy bills and adds wear to the compressor, the most expensive component to replace.

Question 14

Is it normal for a new high-efficiency furnace to look like it's "smoking" outside when it starts?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in cold weather, high-efficiency furnaces can produce visible plumes of water vapor from their exhaust vent since they extract more heat from the combustion gases, leaving mostly water vapor behind. This is different from smoke and is a sign of a properly working high-efficiency system.

Question 15

Why does my furnace run constantly when it's extremely cold outside?

Accepted Answer

This is often normal. The colder it gets outside, the harder your furnace has to work to maintain your set temperature, so longer or near-constant run times during a deep cold snap aren't necessarily a problem. That said, if your home still isn't reaching temperature or the furnace never seems to catch up, it's worth having it checked.

Question 16

Why is there ice buildup around my furnace's exhaust vent?

Accepted Answer

It's common for high-efficiency furnaces to develop some frost or ice around the intake and exhaust pipes during extreme cold since they vent water vapor as part of normal operation. However, if ice is fully blocking the vent, it can cause the furnace to shut down for safety. Clear visible snow or ice away from the vent pipes after storms, and call us if the furnace won't restart.

Question 17

Do I need to worry about carbon monoxide more in winter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As homes stay sealed up tight during Minnesota winters, proper furnace venting becomes even more important since exhaust gases have less chance to escape naturally. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors, and if your furnace hasn't been inspected recently, it's worth having the venting, gas pressure, and CO levels checked, especially before the coldest months hit.
Safety note: Install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms, and test them regularly, just like smoke detectors, they need fresh batteries and shouldn't be older than 5-7 years. Never run a generator, grill, or other fuel-burning equipment in a garage or enclosed space, even with the door open. Don't ignore warning signs like headaches, dizziness, or nausea that improve when you leave the house, these can be early symptoms of CO exposure. If you ever suspect a CO leak, get everyone outside immediately and call 911, then reach out to us at 651-398-1100 once it's safe to do so.

Question 18

Will you sell HVAC parts directly to me?

Accepted Answer

No, at this time we don't sell parts, we're a service-based company, not a parts retailer. If your system needs a repair, our technicians bring what's needed to diagnose and fix the problem as part of the service call, sourcing and installing the right parts for your specific equipment. Call us at 651-398-1100 and we'll get a technician out to take care of it for you.

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