Frequently Asked HVAC Questions

How Much Does AC Service Cost?

The cost of your AC repair or installation depends on many factors that are rarely, if ever, the same. Because we need to do an onsite assessment, we cannot provide quotes over the phone. Call us and we’ll get you scheduled to get a quote in the Front Royal and Winchester area.

How Long Will My AC Unit Last?

While the lifespan of a new AC unit varies based on make and model, most will last between 10 and 15 years. Some systems not subject to heavy, constant use can last over 20 years if properly maintained. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should wait for it to break. Old units are often inefficient and expensive to repair. Being proactive about AC replacement is a great way to save money on your utility bills.

Is There Anything I Should Check Prior to Calling?

Before contacting CW Mossor for furnace repair in the Winchester area, go through the basics. Make sure you don’t have a dead thermostat or a tripped breaker. Then, put in a new air filter and make sure you have the system set correctly. If none of these things are to blame, reach out to us for a furnace diagnostics check.

How Do I Know if My Furnace is Under Warranty

You'll want to start by finding out when your unit was produced. There's usually a visible production plate on the machine—the placement of it varies by brand and model. Once you have that, look up the manufacturer's warranty and see if yours falls within eligible dates. Note that some HVAC companies offer their own no-lemon and installation guarantees that go beyond what the factory offers.

How Often Should I Check My Air Filters?

You'd be amazed how many HVAC problems are caused by someone forgetting to change their air filter. If you use a 1-inch disposable filter, we suggest replacing those monthly. For people with a 4-inch media filter, two changes a year is often enough.

What Do I Do When My Air Conditioner or Furnace Quits?

If everything else in your home is working fine, it’s time to call Winchester’s HVAC experts—CW Mossor. If it’s an emergency, we’ll try our best to schedule service within 24 hours.

What's the Difference Between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump?

There's one main difference between these two pieces of cooling equipment. Unlike AC units, which need a furnace to provide year-round comfort, heat pumps can both heat and cool a home. Note, however, that they sometimes need to be paired with an electric heater in areas that see temperatures below freezing.

When Should I Have My Furnace or AC Serviced?

In the Winchester area, we recommend getting your HVAC equipment serviced before the start of each season. In other words, AC maintenance should be done at the beginning of spring, while furnace tune-ups are best done in the fall.

What are EERs and BTUs?

You might hear our HVAC technician use these acronyms and not know what they mean. A BTU—a British Thermal Unit—is a measurement of heat. An Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS), meanwhile, is a guideline used to represent the energy efficiency of an HVAC system.

My Air Conditioning Bills are High. Is There Something I Can Do?

Aside from replacing your air conditioner with a more efficient one, you can try installing blackout curtains, replacing old insulation, and sealing windows. Installing a whole-house or ceiling fan can also help reduce sticker shock. If you live in the Berryville area, we’re happy to provide a home performance evaluation.

Should I Cover My AC Unit in the Winter?

If you want to avoid leaves and debris inside your AC unit, you can purchase a cover through your brand’s dealer. This is not necessary for heat pumps, however.

Why Can’t You Just Refill My Freon?

Though your AC unit might work after a coolant refill, that’s a band-aid fix for a much larger problem. Because air conditioners are closed systems, any loss in refrigerant means there’s a leak somewhere. With many older systems using environmentally hazardous substances like R-410—which is now banned in new units and only available via reclamation—getting these refills can end up being more expensive than buying a new air conditioner that uses safer, lower-cost refrigerants.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Furnace?

A typical furnace replacement costs between $2000 and $4500. This number applies to an average-sized home. Though this may be steep, many HVAC companies offer discounts if you replace the AC unit at the same time. The cost of the equipment varies by brand, efficiency, equipped technology, and unit size.

How Long Do Furnaces Last?

Your typical furnace has a lifespan of roughly 20 years. How often the unit is used and the load put on it can impact this lifespan. Projected lifespan can be extended via annual preventive maintenance.

How Long Does Furnace Replacement Take?

A new furnace installation will take a skilled contractor between four and six hours. If you’re also replacing or installing an AC unit, the amount of time needed doubles. Most installations can be turned around the same day. If major rerouting of plumbing or electrical is required, this timeframe can be extended to days or a week.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Heating and Cooling Bills?

Heating and cooling your home is the biggest contributor to most electric bills. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep the prices down. These include: Keeping doors and windows closed Sealing leaks in your ducts and outer openings Scheduling annual furnace and AC tune-ups

When Should I Call for Furnace Repair?

If your furnace isn’t heating as well as it used to, making strange noises, or refusing to turn on, it’s time to call us. Our HVAC expert can quickly uncover what’s wrong and recommend a solution. Just call CW Mossor to get started.

How Many Types of Furnaces are There?

There are four main types of furnaces. These are sorted based on their fuel source and include: Electric Propane Oil Natural gas