Is HVAC slow in the winter?

Yes, the HVAC industry generally experiences a "slow season" in winter (and also fall/spring), especially for cooling-focused companies, as demand for AC repairs drops and people don't realize their heating system issues until it gets truly cold, shifting the peak to the transition months like October/November, though some commercial/boiler work remains steady, leading to seasonal drops in residential service calls.

What is the $5000 rule for HVAC?

The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.

What should HVAC be set at in winter?

For winter, set your thermostat to around 68°F (20°C) when you're home and awake for a balance of comfort and energy savings, lowering it to 60-62°F (15-17°C) when sleeping or away to save energy, but never below 55°F (13°C) to prevent pipes from freezing. Using a programmable or smart thermostat helps automate these adjustments for maximum efficiency.
 

What is the shoulder season for HVAC?

In the energy world, shoulder season refers to the stretch between peak heating and cooling times… mainly spring and fall. These are the months when you don't need your AC or heater working full-time. The weather's mild, and utility demand is lower across the board.

Why is the HVAC industry so slow right now?

Weak demand, refrigerant shortages, and excess inventory drag down the year. MORE REPAIRS: HVAC sales are slowing as more homeowners are opting to repair their systems rather than replace them.

Generate TONS of HVAC sales in the slow seasons!

Are HVAC units going up in 2025?

TL;DR: With new government regulations phasing down R410A refrigerant, HVAC systems using this refrigerant are being discontinued, and new, more eco-friendly equipment (with A2L refrigerant) is coming. These changes are leading to price increases around 10 – 15% for new systems.

What is the 3 minute rule for AC?

The 3-minute rule for air conditioners is a guideline to wait at least three minutes after turning your AC off before turning it back on, allowing refrigerant pressure to equalize and preventing serious strain and potential damage to the compressor from hard restarts, which can save you costly repairs and extend the unit's life. This crucial pause ensures the compressor doesn't have to fight against high internal pressure, a common cause of failure, though many newer units have built-in timers (anti-short-cycle) to handle this automatically. 

What is the slowest month for HVAC?

In North America, the HVAC slow season is in the months from September through to March each year. This 7 month stretch can be a very tough time to get through for HVAC contractors as the need for HVAC service calls dwindles.

What are the 3 R's of HVAC?

Section 608 regulations. Substitute refrigerants and oils. Refrigeration. The Three R's: Recover, Recycle, Reclaim.

Is it normal for AC to struggle in 100 degree weather?

Efficiency Drops in Extreme Heat:Your AC unit is designed to cool your home to a certain extent below the outdoor temperature, usually around 20 degrees cooler. So, if it's 100 degrees outside, your AC might struggle to get your home below 80 degrees. This is normal and expected.

Why is my AC set at 74 but reads 78?

Clean the Thermostat

Sometimes, when the room temperature doesn't match the thermostat setting, the problem could be dirt buildup on its interior parts. A dirt coating around the inner components may create excess heat and cause the thermostat to give the wrong readings.

Is it okay my house is set at 65 in the winter?

Is 65 too cold for a house? According to the National Library of Medicine, it is recommended that indoor housing temperatures should be set above 64.4 degrees Fahrenheit to protect residents from the harmful effects of cold.

How long does it take to heat a house from 50 to 70?

Heating a house from 50°F to 70°F (a 20-degree increase) generally takes 2 to 4 hours, but it can vary widely from 1 hour to over 6 hours, depending on insulation, outside temperature, furnace size, and house air leakage; expect about 1-3 degrees Fahrenheit per hour for a well-insulated home with a good furnace. 

Is a new HVAC system tax deductible in 2025?

If you make qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through December 31, 2025. For improvements installed in 2022 or earlier: Use previous versions of Form 5695.

What is the average lifespan of an HVAC?

HVAC systems generally last 10 to 20 years, with specific components varying: central ACs around 12-17 years, furnaces 15-20 years, and heat pumps 10-15 years, though geothermal systems can last 25+ years. Lifespan depends heavily on regular maintenance, usage intensity, and climate, with hotter or more humid areas potentially shortening life. 

How much does a new HVAC system cost for 1500 square feet?

Replacing an air conditioning and gas furnace system in a 1,500-square-foot home averages $8,180, with total costs ranging from $5,547 for a 12.4 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) model to $14,489 for a 16.1 SEER2 system.

What will replace 410A in 2025?

Starting in January 2025, the production and import of R-410A for use in new HVAC systems will be prohibited. This means that all new commercial and industrial air conditioning units must utilize alternative refrigerants with lower environmental impact, such as A2L refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B.

How do I tell if my AC is low on refrigerant?

Here are 4 signs.

1. You're uncomfortable at home. If you're low on refrigerant, you should notice that your air conditioner runs constantly, struggling to reach your temperature setting—or it may never reach it at all. ...
2. Higher than normal electric bills. ...
3. Ice buildup on air conditioner. ...
4. You hear a hissing or bubbling noise.

Which is safer R-410A or R32?

In contrast, R32 is a more environmentally responsible choice because of its significantly lower GWP of 675. Although it has the same ODP of zero as R410A, it is a safer choice for the environment due to its lower impact on global warming.

Are HVAC prices going up in 2025?

Yes, HVAC prices are going up in 2025 due to new EPA regulations phasing out older refrigerants (like R-410A) for more eco-friendly options (A2L refrigerants), leading to higher manufacturing, equipment, and installation costs, with experts predicting increases from 10% to 30% or more for new systems. Rising material costs and labor shortages also contribute, making early replacement potentially cheaper than waiting. 

What do HVAC guys do in the winter?

Heating System Maintenance: Tuning up furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps ensure they're ready to operate efficiently and safely throughout the winter. Inspections: Checking for leaks, wear, and malfunctions in heating systems helps prevent breakdowns during the colder months.

How much does it cost to put AC in a 2000 sq ft house?

For a 2,000 sq ft home, a new central air conditioner (AC) system typically costs $7,000 to $10,000 for a standard setup, but can range from $4,500 to over $20,000, depending heavily on whether you need new ductwork, your desired energy efficiency (SEER rating), brand, and if you're replacing just the AC or the entire HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) system. Adding ductwork or opting for premium systems (like heat pumps) significantly increases costs, while replacing just the unit or choosing basic models is less expensive.
 

What is the $5000 AC rule?

The Rule of 5000 Rule is simple: Multiply the cost of the needed repair by the age of your air conditioner. If the result is greater than 5000, AC replacement is generally the smarter choice. If it's less than 5000, a repair might still be worth the investment.

Why is my AC set to 72 but reads 78?

Make sure your air filters are good. Also hovering around the thermostat can cause a false reading as your body heat will make the thermostat think it's hotter than it actually is. If it keeps acting up feel free to reach out to us.

Why do AC trips after 5 minutes?

Your AC can trip the breaker after five minutes due to various factors, including: Electrical overload. Dirty air filters that restrict airflow. Refrigerant leaks that cause the compressor to overheat.