Frequently Asked Questions

Start with these steps:

• Turn off the unit at the thermostat.
• Check the air filter and replace it if clogged.
• Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
• Replace thermostat batteries if needed.
• If it's still not running, call John at Blackbear Heating & Cooling and Boiler, we’ve got you covered.

Several issues can cause this:

• Low refrigerant (freon): Causes excessive expansion and freezing on the evaporator coil.
• Dirty evaporator coils: Restrict airflow and reduce performance.
• Clogged filters or bad blower motors: Limit airflow and may lead to freezing. Routine maintenance and filter changes prevent many of these issues.

Look for the manufacturer’s label on the exterior of your system. If it's less than five years old, it may still be covered. Contact the manufacturer or give us a call—we’ll help you figure it out.

It depends! Factors like home size, insulation, attic space, and layout all matter. A unit too small will run constantly (driving up energy costs), while one that's too large can lead to excess humidity. A qualified HVAC technician can assess your home and recommend the right size system.

There are several easy ways to cut costs:

• Install a programmable thermostat to avoid wasting energy while you're not home.
• Schedule seasonal HVAC maintenance. Cleaning coils, checking airflow, inspecting wiring, and tightening fittings all improve efficiency and reduce wear. We offer service agreements on gas furnaces, air conditioning systems (standard or inverter), geothermal units, radiant systems, and hot water boilers.
• In boiler and radiant systems, proper water quality is often overlooked, but essential.
• Seal windows and doors properly to prevent drafts and ease your system’s workload.

Usually, yes. Indoor and outdoor systems are designed to work together. Mismatched equipment may reduce efficiency and performance. Plus, if both units are the same age, your indoor unit may be nearing the end of its life too. Replacing both ensures better energy savings and avoids future breakdowns.

Pro Tip: Regular service significantly extends system life.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures air conditioning efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient your system. It's calculated by dividing annual cooling output (BTUs) by total energy usage (watt-hours).

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It shows how efficiently your furnace converts fuel into heat. A furnace with an 80% AFUE uses 80% of fuel for heating, while the rest is lost as exhaust. Higher AFUE = lower energy costs.

Here’s what can go wrong without one:

• Incorrect installation: Can lead to poor performance, high energy bills, and breakdowns.
• Wrong system sizing: Causes overwork, discomfort, and efficiency loss.
• Misdiagnosed problems: May lead to expensive and unnecessary repairs.
• Inefficiency: Missed opportunities to fine-tune energy use.
• Low-quality parts: Cheap components risk frequent failures and system damage.
• Neglected maintenance: Can cut system life short and raise bills.

Hiring a pro ensures accurate diagnostics, expert installations, and long-term savings. Your comfort and peace of mind are worth it.