Heating & cooling questions, answered
Straight answers about our service, plus the questions homeowners in Nixa, Ozark and Springfield ask us most.
Pricing, hours & booking
How much does a service call cost?
Our trip fee is $95. If you go ahead with the repair the same day, the $95 goes toward the repair.
What are your hours?
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. We're closed Saturday and Sunday. You can book online any time and we'll call or text to confirm.
What areas do you serve?
We're based at 825 Kenneth St in Nixa, Missouri, and serve Nixa, Ozark, Springfield, Republic, Battlefield, Sparta, Clever and nearby areas. If your town isn't listed, call us at (417) 225-0095.
Can I schedule a repair or tune-up online?
Yes. Use Schedule Service for repairs or Book a Tune-Up for maintenance. Pick a weekday and time window, or tell us a time that works for you, and we'll confirm by phone or text.
How much does a new furnace or AC cost?
It depends on your home's size, the efficiency level you choose, and your ductwork. Our Instant Quote shows a price range in about a minute. We confirm the final price in writing after a quick visit to your home, before any work starts.
Should I repair or replace my system?
If your system can be repaired and maintained at a fair cost, we'll tell you, even when a new one would be a bigger sale. Many of our customers keep a quality older system running for years with repairs and regular tune-ups.
Do you work on heat pumps?
Yes. We repair and service heat pumps and install new heat pump systems.
How often should I get a tune-up?
Once a year per system is a good rule: the furnace in the fall and the AC in the spring. A heat pump runs all year, so a yearly check matters even more.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the house right away and don't flip any light switches. Call 911 or your gas company from outside.
Your system, explained
General advice. Every home is different, so call us if you're not sure.
How long does a furnace last?
Most gas furnaces last about 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Signs it may be near the end: repair bills that keep coming, uneven heat, rising gas bills, or a system over 15 years old. A quality older furnace can often keep running with the right repairs, so ask before you replace.
How long does a central air conditioner last?
Usually about 12 to 15 years. Yearly cleaning of the outdoor coil and a check of the electrical parts help it last longer and run cheaper.
What size AC or heat pump do I need?
Air conditioners and heat pumps are sized in tons. A rough rule is about one ton for every 500 to 600 square feet, but insulation, windows, sun exposure and ductwork all change the answer. A system that's too big or too small wastes energy and wears out faster, so we confirm the size at your home. Our Instant Quote gives a starting estimate.
What does SEER2 mean?
SEER2 is the efficiency rating for air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the number, the less electricity it uses to cool your home. Systems sold since 2023 are rated in SEER2.
What does AFUE mean on a furnace?
AFUE is the share of the gas that becomes heat in your home. An 80% AFUE furnace turns 80 cents of every gas dollar into heat. A 96% AFUE furnace turns 96 cents into heat, so it costs less to run.
How often should I change my air filter?
Every 1 to 3 months for a standard 1-inch filter, and more often with pets, allergies or construction dust. Thicker 4- to 5-inch media filters usually last 6 to 12 months. A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of breakdowns.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Common causes are a dirty filter, a frozen indoor coil, a dirty outdoor unit, a failed capacitor, or low refrigerant from a leak. See the AC not cooling checklist for safe things to try, and turn the system off if you see ice.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Often it's the thermostat setting, a tripped breaker or switch, a clogged filter, or a dirty flame sensor or worn igniter. The No heat checklist walks through what to check first.
Why is water leaking around my furnace or AC?
Usually a clogged condensate drain line, a full condensate pump, or a frozen coil melting. Turn the system off to prevent water damage, then see the Water leaking checklist.
Are heat pumps a good choice in southwest Missouri?
Modern heat pumps heat efficiently through most Ozarks winter weather and cool in summer with one system. For the coldest nights, many homes pair a heat pump with a gas furnace or electric backup heat. Whether it makes sense depends on your home and energy costs, and we'll tell you honestly.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to?
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests about 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer while you're home, and turning it back while you're asleep or away. A smart thermostat can do this on a schedule.
Should I cover my outdoor AC unit in winter?
Generally no. Full covers trap moisture and give mice a place to nest. A cover over just the top to keep leaves out is fine. Never cover a heat pump, because it runs all winter.
Why are some rooms hotter or colder than others?
Usually airflow: closed or blocked vents, leaky or disconnected ducts, or a dirty filter. Insulation, windows and system size play a part too. See Ductwork for how we fix it.
How can I lower my heating and cooling bills?
Change the filter on schedule, set the thermostat fan to AUTO instead of ON, use a temperature schedule, keep the outdoor unit clear, and get a yearly tune-up. Leaky ducts can waste a lot of heated and cooled air too.
Is a burning smell normal when the heat first comes on?
A light dusty smell the first time the heat runs each season is normal and should fade within an hour. An electrical or burning-plastic smell is not normal: turn the system off and call. A rotten-egg smell could be gas, so leave the house and call 911 or your gas company.
What's the difference between a repair visit and a tune-up?
A repair visit is for when something isn't working. It has a $95 trip fee, credited if we repair it the same day. A tune-up is planned maintenance on a system that's running, to keep it efficient and catch problems early. Book repairs on Schedule Service and maintenance on Book a Tune-Up.