Question 1

How often should I change my air filter?

Accepted Answer

Check your filter every month and clean or replace it whenever it looks dirty. ENERGY STAR recommends inspecting, cleaning or changing filters once a month in a central air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, and the Department of Energy says to clean or replace air conditioner filters every month or two during the cooling season. Homes with pets, dust or heavy use usually need changes on the shorter end. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter can lower an air conditioner's energy use by 5 to 15 percent, according to DOE.

Question 2

What does SEER2 mean?

Accepted Answer

SEER2 is the seasonal cooling efficiency rating used for residential air conditioners and heat pumps since January 1, 2023. It replaced SEER and comes from a newer federal test procedure (Appendix M1) that uses up to five times more external static pressure to better reflect real ductwork. Because the test is tougher, SEER2 numbers are lower than old SEER numbers for the same unit, so the two should not be compared directly. Heating efficiency for heat pumps is now rated as HSPF2, and steady state cooling efficiency as EER2.

Question 3

How often should my HVAC system be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Plan on a professional checkup twice a year: the cooling system in spring and the heating system in fall. ENERGY STAR recommends this seasonal schedule and suggests tying it to the time changes so it is easy to remember. EPA also recommends that a trained professional inspect, clean and tune up central heating systems, including furnaces, flues and chimneys, every year.

Question 4

What is included in an HVAC tune-up?

Accepted Answer

A good tune-up checks the parts that affect safety, efficiency and reliability. ENERGY STAR's checklist includes checking thermostat settings, tightening electrical connections and measuring voltage and current on motors, checking the air conditioner's refrigerant level, and inspecting the condensate drain. DOE adds checking the evaporator coil every year and cleaning it as needed, since a clogged drain or dirty coil reduces the system's ability to cool and remove humidity.

Question 5

When should I replace my air conditioner or furnace?

Accepted Answer

Have your system evaluated by a professional if it is more than 10 years old or no longer keeps the house comfortable. That is ENERGY STAR's guidance, and age alone does not mean a system must be replaced. When you do replace, installation quality matters as much as the equipment: ENERGY STAR notes improper installation can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent.

Question 6

Does turning the thermostat back really save money?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. A programmable or smart thermostat makes this automatic while you sleep or are away.

Question 7

Do leaky ducts really matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes, leaky ducts are one of the biggest hidden energy losses in a home. ENERGY STAR estimates that about 20 to 30 percent of the air moving through a typical duct system is lost to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts. That leads to higher utility bills and rooms that are hard to keep comfortable, so duct sealing is worth checking before assuming the equipment is the problem.

Question 8

Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm if I have a gas furnace?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every home with fuel burning appliances should have carbon monoxide alarms. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, as cited by EPA, recommends CO alarms on each level of the home and outside each sleeping area. EPA also recommends a yearly professional inspection of furnaces, flues and chimneys so leaks are caught early.

Question 9

How does a heat pump heat a house?

Accepted Answer

A heat pump moves heat instead of making it. The Department of Energy explains that heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat from a cooler space to a warmer one, much like a refrigerator works in reverse, which is why they can heat and cool efficiently. In summer the same system runs the other direction to move heat out of the house.

Question 10

Is EPA 608 certification required to work on HVAC systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes, technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. There are three types plus Universal: Type I covers small appliances, Type II covers high and very high pressure appliances, and Type III covers low pressure appliances. Most residential split system work falls under Type II, and Universal covers all three. EPA states that Section 608 certifications do not expire. State and local licensing rules are separate and vary.

Question 11

What is happening with R-410A refrigerant?

Accepted Answer

New residential air conditioners and heat pumps are moving to lower global warming potential refrigerants under EPA's Technology Transitions program. In September 2025 EPA proposed removing the installation compliance date for residential and light commercial AC and heat pump systems manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025, which would let existing R-410A inventory continue to be installed. Because this was a proposal, check EPA for the current status before planning stock or quotes around it.

Question 12

How should an HVAC company price a maintenance agreement?

Accepted Answer

Build the price from what each visit actually costs you, then add the margin and the benefits that make the plan worth keeping. Start with labor time per visit, drive time, filters and other included materials, and the number of visits per year, usually one cooling and one heating check. Then decide on member benefits such as priority scheduling or a repair discount, and price the plan so it stays profitable even when a member uses every benefit. Pricing varies widely by market, equipment count and job mix, so test it against your own numbers rather than a competitor's.

HVAC FAQ: Answers for Homeowners and Contractors