FAQs

Air Shield Heating & Cooling LLC recommends to inspect your air filters on a monthly basis to ensure optimal performance of your HVAC system.

An HVAC system typically has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, this can vary based on factors such as regular maintenance, frequency of use, the size of the system, and the specific technologies employed in the equipment.

The ideal indoor humidity level is generally around 55%. However, it's important to note that this can fluctuate depending on various environmental and personal factors.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently your air conditioner or heat pump cools your home. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy your system uses — which means lower energy bills, improved comfort, and a smaller environmental impact.

Your HVAC system is just like a car — it needs regular care to perform at its best. Preventive maintenance helps extend the life of your system, reduce breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and keep your warranty valid. We recommend maintenance twice a year: once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your heating system.

Smart and programmable thermostats make it easy to save money while keeping your home comfortable. With these thermostats you can: - Control your home’s temperature from your phone. - Create schedules to reduce energy use when you’re away. - Monitor usage and get alerts if something is wrong with your system. They’re simple upgrades that can pay for themselves in energy savings.

Heat Pump: Provides both heating and cooling by moving heat in or out of your home. It’s very energy-efficient and ideal for climates like North Carolina. Furnace: Generates heat using gas or electricity and is paired with an air conditioner for cooling. Furnaces deliver powerful heat in colder temperatures.

No. It’s better to adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer or lower in winter instead of shutting it off completely. Turning it off forces your system to work harder and use more energy when you return. A programmable or smart thermostat can handle this automatically for better comfort and savings.

A heat pump doesn’t create heat — it moves it. In summer, it removes heat from your home and releases it outside. In winter, it reverses the process, pulling heat from the outdoor air and moving it indoors. This makes it an energy-efficient option year-round.

A furnace generates heat by burning natural gas, propane, or using electricity. The heated air is then blown through ductwork to warm your home. Furnaces provide strong, consistent heating, especially in colder weather.

Burning smell: dust burning off or possible electrical issues. Musty smell: mold or drainage problems. Rotten egg smell: possible gas leak — leave your home immediately and call your gas company. If you notice an unusual odor, turn off your system and call a professional technician for a safe inspection.

Air conditioners naturally produce condensation, but it should drain properly. If water is leaking, it may be due to a clogged drain line, frozen coil, or cracked drain pan. This should be repaired quickly to prevent water damage in your home.

If your AC is blowing warm instead of cold, the cause may be low refrigerant, a dirty filter, frozen coils, or a failing compressor. A professional inspection can quickly pinpoint the issue and get your cooling restored.

A furnace blowing cold air could mean: - The pilot light went out. - The filter is clogged. - The blower is running before the air heats up. - Or there may be a larger mechanical issue. If it doesn’t fix itself quickly, schedule a furnace repair to prevent further problems.

It’s normal for a heat pump to frost up in cold weather, but it should enter a defrost cycle to clear the ice. If it stays frozen, it may be caused by low refrigerant, airflow restrictions, or a defrost control issue. A technician should inspect it to prevent damage.

At Air Shield Heating & Cooling, we believe in flat-rate, transparent pricing — no surprises, no hidden fees. While exact prices vary depending on the repair, every repair is structured around three things: 1. Parts: We use high-quality parts at the best possible prices thanks to strong vendor relationships. 2. Professional Service: Your cost covers the time, skills, and expertise of our trained technicians, as well as the benefits that help us hire and keep the best people. 3. Business Support & Longevity: A portion ensures we can keep serving our community by covering essentials like customer support, scheduling, warranties, fuel, insurance, and licensing. This ensures a fair price for both you and our business, allowing us to stay in business long-term and continue serving our community with integrity.

Every home is unique, and so is every HVAC installation. At Air Shield Heating & Cooling, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all pricing. Instead, we provide flat-rate, transparent estimates tailored to your home, family, and comfort needs. What we can promise is this: 1. Equipment & Parts: We work with trusted vendors to provide top-quality, high-efficiency systems at the best value. 2. Professional Installation: An HVAC system is a major investment, and installation quality matters just as much as the equipment itself. We only hire and train the best installers, and we make sure the job is done right — the first time. Proper installation protects your system’s longevity, efficiency, and comfort. 3. Business Support & Longevity: A portion of pricing ensures that the people who handle calls, scheduling, permits, ordering, and warranties are taken care of, along with fuel, insurance, and licensing. This keeps us in business long-term so we can stand behind our work. We are not a “fly-by-night” company — we’re in this for the long run. Your family, home, and comfort are our top priorities. That’s why we pull permits on every installation to make sure everything is code-compliant and worry-free for you. When you choose Air Shield Heating & Cooling, you’re not just buying a new AC or heating system — you’re investing in a professional installation backed by integrity, accountability, and long-term peace of mind.