Best heating and air conditioning pros near Fishersville, VA

To find a reputable HVAC company, start by researching providers in your area. Look for companies with mostly positive online reviews and check the Better Business Bureau’s website for customer complaints. Next, verify their credentials. Rule out any companies that aren’t licensed, as this is a requirement in some states and municipalities, and confirm they are insured. Once you have a shortlist, contact each professional to ask key questions: How many years of experience do you have? Do you hold any third-party certifications? Do you have experience working on my specific type of HVAC system or brand? Can you provide references? What is your per-hour pricing? Do you offer maintenance contracts for ongoing savings? Do you provide a warranty for your work?

There are plenty of different not-so-great sounds to hear from your air conditioning unit, like squealing, grinding, water running, excessive gurgling, banging, and clanking. Each of these sounds can indicate a different malfunction with your unit, so it’s important to have a professional assess the problem before it gets worse.

If possible, avoid placing furniture in front of a return air vent. A blocked air vent can cause your HVAC system to use more energy, which in turn can lower the life span of your unit and raise your energy bill. Furniture can also trap hot or cold air, damaging your furniture or appliances. 

Professional duct installers suggest leaving between six and 12 inches of space in front of an air return vent. If you must place furniture in front of a return air vent, try to aim for putting furniture over a floor vent instead of in front of a wall vent, and avoid draping curtains over any vent system.

AC capacitors have a wide lifespan, ranging from five to 20 years, with an average of about 10 years. Many capacitors will last for the entire life of the air conditioning unit, and most homeowners only need to replace one once. A capacitor should only be replaced if an HVAC professional diagnoses a problem with it. Premature failure can be caused by overheating, power surges, or short circuits. You can help extend the life of your AC capacitor by scheduling regular AC maintenance each year.