Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend annual furnace maintenance, ideally in early fall before the heating season begins. Regular maintenance helps ensure safe operation, maintains efficiency, extends equipment life, and can prevent costly breakdowns. During a maintenance visit, we clean components, check safety systems, test performance, and identify potential issues before they become major problems.

High heating bills can result from several factors: an inefficient or aging system, dirty air filters, leaky ductwork, poor insulation, or a system that's improperly sized for your home. We can perform an energy efficiency assessment to identify specific issues and recommend solutions that could significantly reduce your heating costs.

With proper maintenance, a furnace typically lasts 15-20 years, while air conditioning systems last 12-15 years. Heat pumps generally last 10-15 years. The lifespan depends on factors like usage, maintenance, installation quality, and local climate conditions. Regular professional maintenance can help maximize your system's lifespan and performance.

Basic 1-inch filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage and home conditions. Homes with pets, smokers, or family members with allergies may need more frequent changes. Thicker 4-5 inch filters typically last 6-12 months. A dirty filter reduces efficiency, increases energy costs, and can damage your system over time.

Proper system sizing requires a detailed load calculation that considers your home's square footage, ceiling height, insulation, windows, orientation, and local climate. An oversized system will cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort. An undersized system will run constantly and struggle to maintain temperature. We perform thorough load calculations to ensure proper sizing.

Different noises indicate different issues: banging could mean delayed ignition or ductwork expansion, whistling might indicate airflow restrictions, rattling could be loose components, and grinding suggests motor problems. While some noises are normal, unusual or loud sounds warrant professional inspection to prevent more serious damage.

Generally, no. Your HVAC system is designed to heat or cool your entire home, and closing vents can create pressure imbalances that reduce efficiency and potentially damage equipment. It's better to maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. If you want to control temperatures in specific areas, consider a zoning system with motorized dampers.

A furnace burns fuel (gas, oil, or propane) or uses electricity to generate heat directly. A heat pump moves existing heat from outside air into your home, making it very efficient in moderate climates. Heat pumps can also provide cooling in summer. In Idaho's cold climate, heat pumps often require backup heating for very cold days.

Several steps can improve efficiency: regular filter changes, annual professional maintenance, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, adding insulation, installing a programmable thermostat, cleaning ductwork, and upgrading to a high-efficiency system. We can assess your home and prioritize improvements based on potential energy savings.

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency heating services throughout Idaho. We understand that heating failures can be dangerous and uncomfortable, especially during Idaho winters. Our emergency service covers no-heat situations, gas leaks, carbon monoxide concerns, and other urgent safety issues. Call (208) 437-0174 for immediate assistance.

First, check your thermostat settings and ensure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Check that your air filter isn't completely blocked. If the pilot light is out on a gas furnace, you can try relighting it following manufacturer instructions. If these steps don't resolve the issue, or if you smell gas, call us immediately for professional diagnosis and repair.

Installation costs vary based on system type, efficiency rating, home size, existing ductwork condition, and installation complexity. Our complete installations typically range from $3,500 to $8,500. We provide detailed written estimates that include all equipment, labor, permits, and warranties. Financing options are available to help make your investment more affordable.