Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend annual furnace maintenance before the heating season begins—ideally in late summer or early fall. This ensures your system is ready for winter demands and catches potential problems early. If your furnace is older than 15 years or showing signs of strain, twice-yearly checkups (spring and fall) may be beneficial. Regular maintenance can extend your furnace's lifespan by several years and improve efficiency by up to 30%.

Standard 1-inch filters typically need replacement every 1-3 months during heating season. Thicker 4-5 inch filters can last 6-12 months. However, you should check filters monthly—if they're visibly dirty, replace them regardless of the schedule. Homes with pets, allergies, or dusty conditions may need more frequent changes. A clogged filter forces your furnace to work harder, increasing energy costs and wear on components.

Watch for these warning signs: strange noises (banging, rattling, squealing), inconsistent heating between rooms, weak airflow from vents, frequent cycling on and off, unusually high energy bills, a yellow or flickering pilot light (for gas furnaces), and any unusual odors when the furnace runs. If you notice any of these issues, it's best to call for inspection before a complete breakdown occurs.

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair throughout our service area. When your heating fails unexpectedly—especially during extreme cold—our emergency team responds rapidly to restore warmth to your home. We maintain fully equipped service vehicles with common replacement parts, allowing us to complete most repairs on the first visit. Call our emergency line at (205) 556-8784 anytime you need urgent service.

Repair costs vary depending on the issue and parts needed. Our diagnostic fee is $79-99, which is waived if you proceed with repairs. Common repairs like thermostat replacement or minor electrical fixes typically range from $99-199. More complex repairs like blower motor replacement or gas valve repair generally range from $179-399. We always provide an upfront quote before starting any work, and our prices are competitive for the Tuscaloosa County area.

We serve Cottondale and all of Tuscaloosa County, including Tuscaloosa, Northport, Brookwood, Vance, Woodstock, and surrounding communities. We also provide service to parts of Greene, Hale, and Bibb counties. Our fully equipped service vehicles ensure we can handle most repairs on-site without requiring parts to be ordered. If you're outside our standard service area, give us a call and we'll do our best to help or refer you to a trusted partner.

Most furnaces last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Some high-quality systems can exceed 25 years. However, efficiency declines significantly after about 15 years—older furnaces may only achieve 60-70% efficiency compared to modern units at 90%+ efficiency. Regular maintenance is the single biggest factor in extending your furnace's lifespan. If your furnace is approaching 20 years and requires frequent repairs, replacement may be more cost-effective than continued maintenance.

Consider replacement if: your furnace is over 15 years old, repairs cost more than $1,000 annually, efficiency has dropped significantly, or you need frequent service calls. Consider repair if: your furnace is under 15 years old, the repair cost is under $1,000, it's a single component failure, and general condition is good. We provide honest assessments and never recommend unnecessary replacement. We'll explain your options and help you make the best decision for your situation and budget.

Our comprehensive furnace cleaning includes: removing and cleaning the blower assembly, cleaning burners and adjusting flame, inspecting and cleaning the heat exchanger, cleaning or replacing the filter, checking and lubricating moving parts, inspecting electrical connections, testing safety controls, checking thermostat operation, and checking airflow. For complete system cleaning, we also clean all accessible ductwork, registers, and vents throughout your home.

Yes! We offer two maintenance plans. The Standard Plan ($149/year) includes one annual tune-up, 15% discount on repairs, priority scheduling, and free filter changes. The Premium Plan ($249/year) includes two tune-ups per year, 20% discount on repairs, emergency priority, free filter changes (4/year), and no overtime charges. Both plans help extend equipment life, reduce emergency breakdowns, and save money over time.

Our technicians are trained on all major furnace brands including Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, American Standard, York, Bryant, and others. We have experience with both gas and electric systems, conventional and high-efficiency units, and systems from the 1980s through current models. No matter what brand or age your furnace is, we can diagnose and service it properly.

Regular maintenance is essential—schedule annual tune-ups and change filters monthly. Seal ductwork leaks and add insulation where needed. Install a programmable or smart thermostat and use setback temperatures. Keep vents unblocked and clean. Ensure your home is properly sealed around windows and doors to reduce heat loss. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace if your current unit is over 15 years old. These steps can reduce heating costs by 10-30%.

If you smell gas, take immediate action: turn off your furnace at the breaker, evacuate everyone from the home, open windows for ventilation, and call us from a safe location. Do not operate light switches, use electronics, or create any sparks. If the smell is strong or you feel dizzy, evacuate immediately and call 911. Gas leaks are serious safety hazards that require professional repair. Our technicians are trained to safely locate and fix gas leaks.