Common HVAC Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain answers to the questions Memphis homeowners ask most. Can't find what you need? Call us β€” real people answer.

Costs & Pricing
How much does AC repair cost in Memphis?
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AC repair costs typically range from $150–$400 for common repairs (capacitors, contactors, thermostat issues) to $600–$1,200+ for compressors, refrigerant leaks, or evaporator coil replacements. We provide a firm, flat-rate quote before starting any work β€” no hourly surprises.

Do you charge extra for emergency or after-hours calls?
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No. This is one of our core commitments. When you call Memphis HVAC Heroes at midnight on a Sunday, you pay the same flat-rate price as a Tuesday morning call. No emergency surcharge, no after-hours fee, no holiday markup. The price is the price.

How much does a new AC system cost in Memphis?
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A new central AC system in Memphis typically costs $3,500–$8,000 fully installed, depending on the size of your home, the efficiency rating (SEER), and the brand. We offer financing options so you can get the right system without a large upfront payment. We'll give you a free in-home estimate with no obligation.

Do you offer financing for new systems?
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Yes. We offer financing on approved credit for new HVAC system installations. This lets you choose the right system β€” not just the cheapest one you can pay cash for β€” and manage payments over time. Ask about current financing options when you call.

Repairs & When to Call
My AC is running but not cooling. What could cause this?
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This is one of the most common calls we get in Memphis summers. Possible causes include: low refrigerant (often from a leak), a failing compressor, a clogged evaporator coil, a dirty air filter severely restricting airflow, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a blower motor issue. Many of these are same-day repairs once diagnosed properly.

Why is ice forming on my AC unit?
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Ice on your AC usually means one of two things: severely restricted airflow (typically a clogged filter or blocked vents) or low refrigerant causing the evaporator coil to get too cold. Turn the system to "fan only" to let it thaw, then call us. Running an iced AC in cooling mode can damage the compressor.

What does it mean when my furnace makes a banging noise at startup?
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A loud bang or boom when the furnace starts is often "delayed ignition" β€” gas builds up before igniting, creating a small explosion. Over time this can crack your heat exchanger, which is a serious carbon monoxide risk. Don't ignore this. Turn the furnace off and call us for an inspection before running it again.

Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
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We use a simple rule: multiply the repair cost by the system's age in years. If the result exceeds 5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense. For example, a $600 repair on a 10-year-old system = 6,000 β€” lean toward replacement. A $300 repair on a 5-year-old system = 1,500 β€” repair it. We'll walk through this honestly with you on-site.

My thermostat says it's cooling but the house isn't getting cold. Is it the thermostat?
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Possibly, but the thermostat is rarely the root cause. More often, the thermostat is calling correctly but there's an issue with the AC system itself β€” refrigerant, airflow, compressor. We'll diagnose the whole system, not just assume it's the easiest and cheapest thing to replace.

Maintenance & Efficiency
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
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Twice a year for most homes β€” once in spring to prepare for Memphis's intense cooling season, and once in fall before heating season. Homes in Memphis with high dust, pets, or anyone with respiratory issues may benefit from quarterly filter changes and annual duct inspections.

How often should I change my air filter?
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For a standard 1-inch filter: every 30–60 days during heavy use seasons (Memphis summers). For a 4–5 inch media filter: every 6–12 months. If you have pets, allergies, or run the system constantly, check monthly. A clogged filter is the #1 cause of avoidable HVAC problems in Memphis.

What temperature should I set my thermostat in a Memphis summer?
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The Department of Energy recommends 78Β°F when home, 85Β°F when away, and 82Β°F when sleeping. In Memphis's humidity, comfort depends on dehumidification as much as temperature β€” which is why a properly sized system matters. An oversized system cools too fast without removing enough humidity, leaving the house feeling clammy even at 76Β°F.

How long should an HVAC system last in Memphis?
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A well-maintained central AC system lasts 15–20 years in Memphis conditions. Furnaces can last 18–25 years. Heat pumps typically 15–18 years. Systems that are improperly sized, poorly installed, or neglected for maintenance often fail in 8–12 years. Regular tune-ups are the single best thing you can do to extend system life.

Service & Scheduling
Do you offer same-day HVAC service in Memphis?
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Yes, in most cases. We keep multiple technicians on call across the Memphis metro to handle same-day service requests. During the peak of Memphis summer (July–August), call as early in the day as possible to secure a same-day slot. Emergency calls are always prioritized regardless of timing.

What areas do you serve?
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We serve all of Memphis and Shelby County, including Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis, Whitehaven, Hickory Hill, Raleigh, Frayser, and surrounding communities. Call us if you're unsure whether we cover your specific location.

Do I need to be home during the service call?
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For repair and diagnostic calls, yes β€” someone 18 or older needs to be present to approve work and sign off on the repair. For regular maintenance visits if you're on a service plan, we can sometimes coordinate keypad or lockbox access. Talk to us when scheduling.

What brands of HVAC equipment do you work on?
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All major brands β€” Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, Ruud, York, Bryant, Amana, Daikin, Mitsubishi, and more. We also work on older and less common brands. If you're not sure, just call and tell us what you have β€” we'll let you know immediately if it's something we can service.

Is there a diagnostic fee?
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Yes, we charge a diagnostic fee to come out and identify the problem. This fee is typically waived or applied to the repair cost when you proceed with the work. We'll be transparent about this when you call β€” no surprise charges.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to talk through any HVAC question β€” no obligation, no pressure.

πŸ“ž Call 901-780-7349 Send a Message
Quick Info
πŸ“ Serving all of Memphis metro
⏰ Available 24/7 for emergencies
πŸ”§ All major brands serviced
πŸ’³ Financing available
βœ… Licensed & fully insured

Maintenance Plans

The best way to avoid emergency calls is regular maintenance. Plans start at $149/year.

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