Home HVAC FAQs For Des Moines Homes: Heating, Cooling & Maintenance

Question 1

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Accepted Answer

Several different issues can cause your furnace to blow cold air, with the most common culprits being incorrect thermostat settings, a full filter and poorly insulated ductwork. A common winter heating tip for your thermostat to work with your furnace correctly is the temperature must be set higher than the ambient room temperature to trigger heat. The fan feature should also be set to auto rather than on, as on triggers continuous air flow. A dirty furnace filter limits air flow, potentially causing the furnace to overheat. When this happens, your furnace goes into protection mode, shutting off heat but continuing to blow air to help cool the furnace down. For ductwork lacking proper insulation, the cold outside air may infiltrate the home and mingle with the warm furnace air, causing it to feel cooler.

Question 2

Why Does My Furnace Keep Turning On & Off?

Accepted Answer

Known as short cycling, when a furnace continues to turn on and off in short intervals, the most likely causes are a dirty air filter, trouble with your thermostat, closed vents, a covered flame sensor or an improper fit for your home. Anything that restricts air flow, such as a dirty filter or closed vents, will cause your furnace to shut down each time it overheats. If a furnace is too big or small for your home, it may also enter this on-off cycle as it struggles to keep up with heating the entirety of your home. Miscommunication between your furnace and thermostat sensors is another common trigger of short cycling. Similarly, if your furnace’s flame sensor is dirty and unable to detect the flame, your furnace will shut off as the sensor fails. Short cycling must be fixed to prevent unpredictable energy bills and wear to your home HVAC system.

Question 3

What Should I Do If My Furnace Stops Working In The Middle Of The Night?

Accepted Answer

If your furnace suddenly stops working, first look for signs of a power outage or electrical malfunction. Sometimes the issue may be as simple as the breaker needing a reset. If the power is on and there are no other indicators of what caused your furnace to fail, contact a licensed HVAC professional for emergency repair. Please be aware that if your furnace stops working and there is an accompanying gas odor, you should move outside or to a ventilated area and call 911 or contact the emergency line for your gas utility provider.

Question 4

How Long Does A Furnace Last In Iowa?

Accepted Answer

The typical lifespan of a furnace in Iowa homes is 15 to 20 years, depending on how well it’s maintained over time. Iowa’s brutal cold spells take a toll on furnaces that must struggle to keep up with falling temperatures, but routine HVAC maintenance and adherence to common winter heating tips help ensure your home HVAC system lasts. In fact, seasonal tune-ups can add up to five years onto the life of your furnace.

Question 5

What Is The Best Energy-Efficient Furnace?

Accepted Answer

The best energy-efficient furnaces are modulating systems designed to operate with variable speed capabilities. Variable speed allows for better air quality, humidity control and heating consistency, and modulating units enable flexible temperature control and unparalleled energy efficiency. Products such as the Dave Lennox Signature collection are among the quietest and most efficient home HVAC systems available.

Question 6

Should I Repair Or Replace My Furnace?

Accepted Answer

If your furnace is losing its effectiveness and contributing to higher energy costs, a replacement is often the best option for your home’s HVAC system. Modern systems are more energy-efficient and can help reduce heating bills. This is especially true if your furnace is more than 15 years old or requires frequent repairs. Repair costs add up, while a new furnace is a predictable cost you can plan for and budget around.

Question 7

Why Is My A/C Running But Not Cooling My House?

Accepted Answer

An air conditioner that’s running but offering no relief from the heat could stem from a variety of issues, like dirty air filters, clogged coils, ice buildup or a refrigerant leak. Dirty filters and clogged condenser coils limit air flow and place strain on your HVAC system as it struggles to keep up. Replacing these parts and keeping them clean as needed is essential HVAC maintenance to avoid worsening issues. While it may seem counterintuitive, ice can build up around the evaporator coil and effectively freeze cool air flow. Frozen coils are another factor that may be preventing your unit from running properly.

Question 8

Why Is My Home Cooling System Freezing Up In The Summer?

Accepted Answer

Even on the hottest summer days, leaky refrigerants and restricted air flow can cause your A/C’s evaporator coil to freeze, resulting in visible frost on your unit indoors. This can result in long-term damage and wear to your home cooling system, so you should try to preserve air flow by regularly changing dirty filters. Professional tune-ups performed seasonally are also a smart way to ensure parts are working properly and no leaks or other issues are present.

Question 9

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Accepted Answer

Air conditioners are designed to direct naturally occurring condensation away from the system through a drain. If critical components like the condensate drain or pump are blocked or broken, the trapped water will leak out of the unit. If unchecked, leaks can escalate to cause water damage, air quality concerns and mold growth.

Question 10

Why Is My A/C Running Constantly During Hot Weather?

Accepted Answer

Your A/C unit may run constantly on particularly hot days as your home’s cooling system works to keep your home consistently cool. However, if outdoor temperatures are more manageable and your A/C continues to run, this may indicate the system is not working efficiently. Clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks and poorly sized units can all place unnecessary strain on your system. Open or improperly sealed doors or windows may also burden your A/C as hot air enters the home and signals to your thermostat that it must remain on to keep the temperature down.

Question 11

How Often Should I Service My Air Conditioner In Iowa?

Accepted Answer

To ensure your air conditioner is prepared for hot Iowa summers, an annual tune-up or inspection is ideal in the spring. Working with HVAC professionals helps spot issues early to save money on repairs and avoid emergencies. In addition to professional service, routine HVAC maintenance tasks at home like replacing the air filter help your A/C remain in good shape.

Question 12

How Long Does An Air Conditioner Last In Iowa?

Accepted Answer

On average, air conditioners in Iowa last between 10 to 15 years, so long as they receive proper HVAC maintenance. Because Iowa summers reach high temperatures and humidity levels, maintenance is essential to get the most out of your unit year after year.

Question 13

Should I Repair Or Replace My Air Conditioner?

Accepted Answer

If your A/C unit is in its second decade of life and frequently in need of repair, a replacement often makes more sense to ensure reliable cooling going forward. You may also consider replacement if your energy bills are rising and you want a more modern, energy-efficient system. Modern systems also use recommended A2L refrigerants to minimize environmental impact. However, if A/C repair needs are infrequent and you’re generally satisfied with your home cooling, a repair can resolve the problem.

Question 14

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need For My Home?

Accepted Answer

Sizing an air conditioner for your home’s HVAC system can generally follow what’s known as the Manual J load calculation, which is the industry standard for determining unit capacity needs based on certain factors. This equation takes square footage, insulation, temperatures, humidity, number of doors and windows and number of occupants into consideration to ensure a unit is just right

Question 15

How Often Should I Schedule HVAC System Tune-Ups?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners should ideally request an HVAC tune-up at least once a year, though bi-annually is often recommended: once in the spring for your A/C and once in the fall for your furnace. Keep in mind other HVAC maintenance may be required throughout the year, such as changing out a full filter, but a professional tune-up ensures all parts are functioning properly.

Question 16

Is HVAC Maintenance Really Necessary Every Year?

Accepted Answer

HVAC maintenance is often required to remain eligible for manufacturer warranties, so scheduling routine tune-ups protects your investment. Even if your system is not under warranty, annual or bi-annual maintenance helps promote system longevity and safety, ensure energy efficiency and prevent more expensive repairs. A timely tune-up can minimize repair needs, support system lifespan and reduce energy costs.

Question 17

What Happens During An HVAC Tune-Up?

Accepted Answer

A tune-up provides thorough HVAC maintenance for your A/C or furnace, including a visual inspection of controls and wiring, replacing the filter as needed, cleaning the drain line, testing refrigerant levels, calibrating the thermostat, running the system to test its performance and documenting all of the above. You may then keep this information on record to comply with product warranties or to plan ahead for potential parts replacement or repair needs.

Question 18

What Are The Top HVAC Maintenance Plans Available In Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

HVAC maintenance plans typically include seasonal tune-ups and may offer additional benefits such as priority scheduling or reduced service fees. The right plan depends on your system age, usage patterns and service preferences.

Question 19

How Much Does HVAC Maintenance Cost In Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

HVAC maintenance costs vary based on the provider and what is included in the service. Pricing may differ for one-time tune-ups compared to bundled maintenance plans that include multiple seasonal visits.