FAQs

Have questions about furnace and air conditioning solutions? Official Heating & Cooling is here to answer your heating and cooling questions! Please scroll below to find answers to our customers frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question listed? Give us a call at (815) 220-5125.

Heating FAQs

How much does a new furnace replacement cost near me?

The cost of a new furnace for your home will vary based on the BTU capacity and the AFUE rating, and the size of your home. There are many factors to consider that may effect not only the price of your new HVAC system, but the cost of utilities to operate the HVAC system in the years to come. Schedule a free in-home consultation to determine the proper size furnace for your home. Ask about our high-efficient 2-stage or variable-stage furnace models to make your home “smarter, healthier, and more efficient”.

 

How often should I change my furnace air filter?

This is a trick question. If your home is normally very clean, without animals or kids running around, chances are, your air filter will last a little longer. But it also depends on the filter you’ve chosen. We recommend using the cheapest “low MERV, white, pleated air filter” you can find. NOT the fiberglass air filters that  you can see through. They don’t catch enough dust. While some high MERV air filters may restrict too much air flow.

Ultimately, a dirty air filter can cause many problems, including making your HVAC system to work overtime to provide the desired temperature. It also lowers the indoor air quality of your home. We recommend you change your furnace filter every three months, (or whenever it’s dirty), though in peak summer or winter months when your hvac unit is working hard. It may require monthly changes during peak months. We also highly recommend installing a 4″ Media Filter like the Honeywell or Aprilaire 4″ filter kits. They provide better air flow, and do a much better job of trapping airborne allergens and particulates that cause illness and discomfort.

 

How often should I service my furnace?

It’s important to schedule regular annual furnace maintenance to ensure your system is keeping you warm during the cold winter months in Illinois. But remember, that your furnace also blows the cooler air in the hot summer months. So you should do maintenance in both the spring and fall seasons, to insure that it will operate for you, and avoid those untimely faiures when you least expect it. Manufactures recommend annual maintenance to keep your equipment running at factory specifications. You can SAVE BIG, by joining 1 of our 3 “Rock*Star Maintenance Plans“. It will also help you save on any repairs, upgrade accessories, even credit toward new furnace and A/C equipment replacement.

 

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

There can be many reasons that your furnace is not working properly. If your heating unit is showing any of the below symptoms, it’s time to call our certified HVAC technicians for prompt furnace repair.

  • Furnace making loud noise
  • Water leaking from furnace
  • Furnace blowing cold air
  • Short cycling
  • Failing to start-up

 

What size furnace do I need?

The proper performance of your furnace system is based on the BTU “load capacity” and the AFUE rating, in combination with the furnace blower motor size and speeds. Schedule a free in-home consultation to determine the proper size Furnace replacement for your home. When replacing that furnace, you should also consider replacing the A/C unit and coil (on top of the furnace) at the same time.

*Ask about more high-efficient options like 2-Stage or Variable-Stage Furnace and A/C options.  They even come with utility rebates.

Request an appointment

Cooling FAQs

How much does a new a/c unit cost to replace near me?

The cost of a new furnace or air conditioner for your home will vary based on the BTU capacity and the SEER rating, based on the size of the home, and the goals you have for personal comfort. Schedule a free in-home consultation to determine the proper size Furnace and A/C replacement for your home.

Remember that your furnace blower motor what blows that cool air through your home and returns the hot, humid air. So when replacing that A/C unit and coil (on top of the furnace), you should consider replacing the furnace at the same time.  Ask about more high-efficient options like 2-Stage or Variable-Stage Furnace and A/C options.  They even come with utility rebates.

 

How long should my air conditioner last?

Typically, the original Furnace and A/C units can last 15-20 years, though there are benefits to replacing both your air conditioner and furnace before it breaks down. Older air conditioners and furnaces are FAR less efficient than current models, causing your electric bill to be higher. We often see the A/C coil start to fail, leaking water onto the furnace, causing rust and cracks. So its best to have them looked at every year to get a good status report. For a free in-home evaluation on a new high-efficiency unit, request an appointment. Also ask about our “Rock*Star Maintenance Plan” to save on those service calls, parts, accessories, and even earn credit toward new equipment purchases.

 

How often should I schedule air conditioner maintenance?

Seasonal maintenance is critical for your furnace and air conditioning units to perform properly during the peak months. We recommend servicing your HVAC system at least once a year in the early spring to prepare for the hot summer months ahead, as well as every fall to prepare for winter. Manufactures recommend annual A/C maintenance and annual furnace maintenance to keep your equipment running at factory specifications, run more efficiently, and catch any potential failures before they happen. *Save BIG on annual maintenance by joining 1 of our 3 “Rock*Star Maintenance Plans“.

 

What size A/C unit do I need?

The proper performance of your air conditioning system is based on the BTU “load capacity” and the SEER rating, in combination with the furnace blower motor size and speeds. Schedule a free in-home consultation to determine the proper size A/C and Furnace motor replacement for your home. When replacing that A/C unit and coil (on top of the furnace), you should consider replacing the furnace at the same time.

*Ask about more high-efficient options like 2-Stage or Variable-Stage Furnace and A/C options.  They even come with utility rebates.

Request an appointment

 

Why is my air conditioner not working?

There can be many reasons that your air conditioner is not working properly. When was your last “Clean & Check“? This annual ac maintenance is essential in checking the electronic components that often fail in air conditioners after 5 years of installation. If your A/C unit is showing any of the below symptoms, it’s time to call our certified technicians for prompt air conditioning repair.

  • Noisy air conditioner
  • Ice on A/C coil unit (inside)
  • Water around the furnace (inside)
  • Air conditioner is leaking (outside)
  • Strange sounds during operation
  • A/C is blowing hot air through the vents of the home
  • Condenser or compressor struggles to start-up
  • Short cycling (turning off quickly)

General HVAC FAQs

Do you offer HVAC financing options?

Yes! We offer many programs for all needs. For more information on our financing options, please view our HVAC Financing page. Or we can set you up with one of our project managers to choose the right plan for you. Example: Get 6-months “Same as Cash”. Install a new Furnace + A/C today, pay 0 interest, and make 0 payments for 6 months. No pre-payment penalty either, so pay it off in 6 months and save big.

 

Are HVAC service contracts worth it?

We think so. That’s why we offer THREE of them, to fit the age of your HVAC system. Just like us having to visit the doctor more often as WE get older, we should be looking at your HVAC system more as IT gets older. Being proactive about your HVAC service maintenance ensures that your hvac equipment is running properly all year around. Benefits of our famous “Rock*Star” HVAC Maintenance agreements include:

  • Priority service if your equipment is down.
  • Maintain peak efficiency.
  • Extend lifespan of equipment.
  • Peace of mind knowing your equipment is covered 24/7.
  • Validate manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Monthly payments as low as $15

Learn more about our RockStar Maintenance Program to explore all of the great benefits.

 

Are Official Heating & Cooling HVAC technicians certified?

Our HVAC technicians are all certified. Continued education for all installers, service technicians, and office staff is also provided. As HVAC technology changes, we all stay up to date. The industry is constantly changing… so we’re constantly changing to stay ahead of the curve. We want to do our best to always provide the best customer service at the best price, while helping make your home or office “Smarter, Healthier, and More Efficient”.

 

What are your HVAC coupons?

View our HVAC specials page to save money on select equipment and services.

 

How do I schedule an appointment with Official Heating & Cooling?

Request an appointment online or call our office at (815) 220-5125 and talk with our friendly staff!