HVAC FAQs for Cincinnati & South Dayton
Are you available for emergencies?
Yes! For emergency service or immediate scheduling with a live operator, please call us at 513-547-5777. Our technicians are available for emergency service 7 days a week.
Which brands of heating and air equipment do you service?
Hauser Air services most major heating and air conditioning brands, including Carrier, Tempstar, Mitsubishi, Aprilaire, Goodman, Amana, Bryant, Trane, York, Rheem, and more.
Don't see your brand listed? Call 513-547-5777 to confirm that we can service your equipment.
What areas does Hauser Air serve?
Hauser Air serves homeowners and businesses throughout Greater Cincinnati and South Dayton, including communities such as Blue Ash, Mason, West Chester, Loveland, Hamilton, Milford, Centerville, Beavercreek, Kettering, Springboro, West Carrollton, and surrounding areas.
Visit our Service Areas page for our current coverage, or call 513-547-5777 to confirm service at your address.
Do you provide financing to purchase new heating and cooling equipment?
Yes. Hauser Air has partnered with GoodLeap to offer flexible financing options for qualifying HVAC projects. Financing is subject to approval and can help make unexpected repairs or new heating and cooling equipment more manageable.
Visit our Financing page to learn more and get started.
What is the average life expectancy of heating & air conditioning equipment?
Most heating and cooling systems last approximately 10 to 20 years, although actual equipment life depends on the type of system, installation quality, maintenance, operating conditions, and how heavily the equipment is used.
As your system gets older, more frequent repairs, rising energy use, unusual noises, or difficulty keeping your home comfortable may be signs that it's time to compare repair and replacement options.
Can I just replace the outdoor unit on an older system to save money?
It depends on the age, condition, and compatibility of your existing HVAC equipment. The indoor and outdoor components need to work together properly to deliver the system's expected performance and efficiency.
When replacing an older outdoor unit, a Hauser Air technician can evaluate your indoor coil and other components to determine whether they are compatible with the new equipment or whether replacing the matched system is the better option.
Is a bigger HVAC system better?
No. Bigger is not automatically better when it comes to heating and cooling equipment.
An oversized air conditioner may cool your home too quickly, resulting in short operating cycles and poor humidity control. Oversized equipment can also cycle on and off more frequently, affecting comfort and efficiency.
The best HVAC system is one that is properly sized for your home. Factors such as square footage, insulation, windows, layout, and air leakage should be considered when selecting equipment.
How often should I change my air filter?
How often you should change your HVAC filter depends on the type and size of the filter, your heating and cooling system, how often the system runs, and household factors such as pets and dust levels.
Check the filter regularly and follow the filter manufacturer's replacement recommendations. If you're unsure which filter or replacement schedule is right for your system, Hauser can help.
Should I use a higher-efficiency HVAC filter?
Higher-efficiency HVAC filters can capture smaller airborne particles, but the highest-rated filter isn't automatically the best choice for every system.
Filters that create too much airflow resistance can affect HVAC performance if the system isn't designed for them. A Hauser Ar technician can help you choose a filter that balances filtration with the airflow requirements of your equipment.
Hauser Air offers Pro Service Plans to help you take the guesswork out of heating and cooling system maintenance. Call us to learn more or schedule a tune-up now.
Should I have my furnace and air conditioner serviced every year?
Yes. Regular professional HVAC maintenance can help your heating and cooling equipment operate efficiently and reliably while giving a technician an opportunity to identify developing problems before they lead to more expensive repairs or breakdowns.
Seasonal maintenance is especially helpful before your furnace or air conditioner enters its heaviest period of use.
What are the benefits of Hauser Air's Pro Service Plan?
Hauser Air's Pro Service Plan is designed to make routine HVAC maintenance easier while providing members with additional service benefits.
Current member benefits include preventive maintenance visits, priority service, and exclusive discounts. Visit our Pro Service Plan page for current plan details and benefits.
How can I reduce allergens and improve the air quality in my home?
Improving indoor air quality starts with identifying what is affecting the air in your home. Depending on your needs, solutions may include improved HVAC filtration, air cleaners, humidity control, ventilation, UV equipment, and regular heating and cooling system maintenance.
Because every home is different, Hauser Air can evaluate your HVAC system and recommend indoor air quality solutions based on your home's specific conditions.
Can my HVAC system contribute to mold growth?
Moisture around HVAC components can contribute to conditions that allow mold to grow. Common problem areas can include cooling coils, drain pans, and condensate lines if water is not draining properly.
If you notice persistent moisture, musty odors, or suspected growth around your HVAC equipment, have the system inspected. Addressing the underlying moisture problem is an important part of preventing the issue from returning.
You can do 3 things to prevent mold growth in your system:
Preventative maintenance will ensure that the collection pan under the indoor coil stays clean and clog-free.
Install ultraviolet lights next to the cooling coils to kill any mold or bacteria growing on the coils or collection pan. Click here to view the UV lights we offer.
Keep your ductwork clean by using our duct cleaning service and use a high-efficiency filtration system to keep your entire HVAC system clean.
When should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Air ducts do not necessarily need to be cleaned on a fixed schedule. Duct cleaning may be worth considering when an inspection finds excessive dust or debris, evidence of pests, or certain moisture or mold-related conditions inside the duct system.
If you're concerned about your ductwork, Hauser Air can inspect the system and help determine whether duct cleaning is appropriate.
What do SEER2, HSPF2 and AFUE ratings mean?
SEER2, HSPF2, and AFUE are ratings used to help consumers compare the energy efficiency of heating and cooling equipment.
SEER2 measures cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. HSPF2 measures the heating efficiency of heat pumps. AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures how efficiently a furnace or other fuel-burning heating system converts fuel into usable heat.
In general, higher efficiency ratings indicate more efficient equipment, but proper system sizing and installation also play an important role in performance.
How can I reduce my energy costs?
Cooling
There are several ways to help reduce the amount of energy your heating and cooling system uses. Start by keeping your HVAC equipment properly maintained, replacing dirty filters, keeping supply and return vents unobstructed, and using thermostat schedules that avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when you're away.
Energy use can also be affected by duct leakage, insulation, air sealing, equipment efficiency, and whether your HVAC system is properly sized for your home.
If your heating or cooling costs have increased unexpectedly, an HVAC inspection can help identify possible equipment or airflow problems.
What does ENERGY STAR mean for HVAC equipment?
ENERGY STAR certified HVAC equipment meets energy-efficiency criteria established through the federal ENERGY STAR program and is independently certified for energy performance.
ENERGY STAR certification can help you identify more efficient equipment, but choosing the right system also involves proper sizing, professional installation, and selecting equipment that meets your home's heating and cooling needs.
What is a heat pump, and is it a good option for an Ohio home?
A heat pump is an HVAC system that can provide both heating and cooling. During warmer months, it moves heat out of your home. During colder months, the process is reversed to bring heat into the home.
Heat pumps can be a good option for many Cincinnati and South Dayton homeowners. The right system depends on factors such as your home's heating needs, insulation, existing ductwork, electrical service, and whether supplemental or dual-fuel heating is appropriate.
Hauser Air can evaluate your home and help determine whether a heat pump is the right heating and cooling solution for your needs.
What is a dual-fuel or hybrid heating system?
A dual-fuel, or hybrid, heating system combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. The system can use the heat pump when conditions are suitable and switch to the gas furnace when needed. This gives homeowners two heating sources in one system while also providing air conditioning during warmer weather.
Hauser Air can evaluate your home and determine whether a dual-fuel system makes sense for your heating and cooling needs.
What is a geothermal HVAC system?
A geothermal HVAC system, also called a ground-source heat pump, uses the relatively stable temperature underground to help heat and cool your home.
Instead of relying primarily on outdoor air to exchange heat, a geothermal system uses underground piping or ground loops. Geothermal systems can provide highly efficient heating and cooling, although installation requirements and upfront costs differ from conventional HVAC equipment.
At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
Normal cooling settings are 75 degrees – 80 degrees. Normal heating settings are 68 degrees – 72 degrees. You should always set your thermostat to the highest possible setting that is comfortable for you in the summer, and the lowest comfortable setting in the winter. Setting your thermostat in this way will maximize your energy savings. If you're unsure how to program your thermostat for your particular HVAC system, Hauser Air can help.
Why are some rooms hotter or colder than others?
Uneven temperatures can be caused by several issues, including restricted airflow, ductwork problems, insulation or air-leakage issues, sun exposure, improper HVAC sizing, or the layout of a multi-story home.
Because there are several possible causes, the best solution usually begins with an evaluation of the HVAC system and the rooms that are experiencing comfort problems. Call 513-547-5777 to have Hauser Air evaluate uneven heating or cooling in your home.
Why is my outdoor air conditioner so loud?
Some sound from an outdoor air conditioner or heat pump is normal, but new or unusually loud noises may indicate a problem.
Rattling, grinding, buzzing, squealing, or other changes in sound can be caused by issues with components such as the fan, motor, compressor, or loose parts. If your system suddenly becomes louder than usual, schedule an inspection.
If outdoor noise is an important consideration when replacing your system, Hauser Air can also help you compare the sound ratings of available equipment.
What should I do if my carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, go outside to fresh air immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Do not ignore the alarm or re-enter the home until emergency professionals say it is safe.
Carbon monoxide can be produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, or wood do not burn completely. Working carbon monoxide alarms are especially important in homes with fuel-burning appliances.
What should I do if I smell gas in my home?
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave the building immediately. Do not turn lights or electrical equipment on or off, use an open flame, start a vehicle, or do anything else that could create a spark.
Once you are safely away from the area, call 911 and your gas utility or propane supplier. Do not return to the building until you have been told it is safe.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Hauser Air offers free in-home estimates for homeowners interested in purchasing a new heating or air conditioning system.
To request an estimate, call 513-547-5777 or schedule an appointment online.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
The right choice depends on the age and condition of your equipment, the cost of the repair, how frequently the system has needed repairs, its energy efficiency, and how well it is keeping your home comfortable.
A relatively new system with a minor problem may make sense to repair. If an older system requires frequent or expensive repairs or is struggling to heat or cool your home, replacement may be worth considering.
Hauser Air can inspect your system and help you compare your repair and replacement options.
Are HVAC rebates or special offers available?
HVAC rebates, manufacturer promotions, and special offers can change throughout the year. Eligibility may depend on the equipment you purchase, where you live, and the requirements of the specific program.
Visit Hauser Air's Specials page or call 513-547-5777 to ask about current offers that may be available for your project.