Big Time Comfort

This master FAQ page provides detailed, expert answers to the most common questions Maryland homeowners and commercial property managers ask about HVAC installation, repair, replacement, maintenance, emergency service, indoor air quality, and system performance. All answers are written by a Licensed Master HVAC technician with over 15 years of hands‑on experience serving Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding Maryland communities.

This page is designed to help homeowners, business owners, and facility managers understand their HVAC systems and make informed decisions.

General HVAC Questions

What HVAC services do you provide?
We provide full‑service residential and commercial heating and cooling solutions, including HVAC installation, HVAC repair, HVAC replacement, HVAC maintenance, emergency HVAC service, furnace installation, heat pump installation, mini split installation, AC installation, boiler installation and service, rooftop unit service, indoor air quality solutions, thermostat repair, ductwork evaluation, and complete system diagnostics.

What areas do you serve?
We serve Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding Maryland communities within approximately 60 miles. This includes Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Calvert County, Charles County, St. Mary’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Kent County, Talbot County, Caroline County, Dorchester County, and additional nearby areas.

Do you work with both residential and commercial HVAC systems?
Yes. We service single‑family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, offices, retail spaces, restaurants, warehouses, churches, schools, medical facilities, and multi‑unit commercial buildings.

How do I know if I need HVAC repair or replacement?
If your system is over 12 to 25 years old, requires frequent repairs, struggles to heat or cool your home or building, produces unusual noises, or causes rising energy bills, replacement may be the better long‑term option. Newer systems offer higher efficiency, quieter operation, improved comfort, and lower operating costs.

How long do HVAC systems last?
Most HVAC systems last 12 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Heat pumps and mini splits may last longer depending on usage, installation quality, and routine care. Commercial systems may have shorter or longer lifespans depending on load and operating hours.

What is the most efficient HVAC system for Maryland homes?
High‑efficiency heat pumps, variable‑speed furnaces, and inverter‑driven mini splits are among the most efficient options for Maryland’s climate, offering excellent performance in both hot summers and cold winters.

What is the most efficient HVAC system for commercial buildings?
Commercial heat pumps, VRF/VRV systems, rooftop units (RTUs), and high‑efficiency gas heating systems are common choices depending on building size, zoning needs, and usage patterns.

Furnace Installation and Heating Questions

How do I know if I need a new furnace?
You may need a new furnace if your system is 15 years old or older, produces uneven heat, makes unusual noises, requires frequent repairs, or struggles to keep up during cold Maryland winters.

What types of furnaces do you install?
We install gas furnaces, electric furnaces, propane furnaces, oil furnaces, high‑efficiency furnaces, two‑stage furnaces, and variable‑speed furnaces.

Do you install commercial heating systems?
Yes. We install commercial furnaces, rooftop units, heat pumps, boilers, and multi‑zone heating systems for offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and industrial buildings.

What is the best furnace for Maryland homes?
High‑efficiency gas furnaces are the most common and cost‑effective option for Maryland’s winter climate.

How long does furnace installation take?
Most furnace installations are completed within one day.

Do you repair all furnace brands?
Yes. We repair all major furnace brands and models, including older systems.

What are common furnace problems in Maryland?
Common issues include no heat, weak airflow, ignition failure, short cycling, blower motor problems, thermostat issues, and uneven heating.

Heat Pump Installation and Service Questions

Do heat pumps work well in Maryland?
Yes. Modern heat pumps perform reliably in Maryland’s climate, providing efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer.

What types of heat pumps do you install?
We install ducted heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, high‑efficiency heat pumps, cold‑climate heat pumps, and variable‑speed inverter systems.

Do you install commercial heat pumps?
Yes. We install commercial heat pumps, VRF/VRV systems, and multi‑zone heat pump systems for offices, retail spaces, and multi‑unit buildings.

Are heat pumps more efficient than furnaces?
In many cases, yes. Heat pumps use less energy and provide both heating and cooling in one system.

How long do heat pumps last?
Most heat pumps last 12 to 25 years with proper maintenance.

Do heat pumps qualify for rebates?
Many Maryland homeowners qualify for incentives that reduce installation costs.

Mini Split Installation and Service Questions

What is a ductless mini split?
A mini split is a high‑efficiency heating and cooling system that does not require ductwork. It is ideal for additions, older homes, and rooms that need targeted comfort.

Where can mini splits be installed?
Mini splits can be installed in bedrooms, basements, garages, sunrooms, additions, offices, man caves, she sheds, and any space without ductwork.

Are mini splits efficient?
Yes. Mini splits use inverter technology to deliver extremely efficient, quiet, and consistent heating and cooling.

Do you repair mini splits?
Yes. We repair and install all major ductless mini split brands and systems.

Do you install commercial mini split systems?
Yes. Mini splits and multi‑zone ductless systems are common in offices, server rooms, retail spaces, and commercial additions.

Air Conditioning Installation and Cooling Questions

How do I know if I need a new air conditioner?
You may need AC replacement if your system is over 12 years old, uses R‑22 refrigerant, struggles to cool your home, or causes high energy bills.

What types of AC systems do you install?
We install central air conditioners, high‑efficiency AC systems, variable‑speed AC units, and ductless cooling systems.

Do you install commercial AC systems?
Yes. We install rooftop units (RTUs), split systems, VRF/VRV cooling systems, and commercial AC units for all building types.

How long does AC installation take?
Most AC installations are completed in one day.

Do you offer AC repair?
Yes. We provide AC repair, AC diagnostics, refrigerant leak detection, thermostat repair, and emergency AC service.

Emergency HVAC Service Questions

What qualifies as an HVAC emergency?
No heat during freezing temperatures, no cooling during extreme heat, burning smells, electrical issues, loud noises, system failure, thermostat failure, or any situation where your home or building becomes unsafe or unlivable.

Do you offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service?
Yes. We provide fast, reliable emergency HVAC repair for heating and cooling systems.

What systems do you repair during emergencies?
We repair furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, mini splits, thermostats, blower motors, air handlers, rooftop units, and HVAC electrical components.

How fast can you arrive?
We prioritize emergency calls and respond as quickly as possible based on location and availability.

HVAC Maintenance Questions

How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?
Heating and cooling systems should be serviced once per year. Heat pumps and mini splits benefit from twice‑yearly maintenance. Commercial systems may require quarterly service depending on usage.

What does HVAC maintenance include?
Maintenance includes system inspection, cleaning, safety checks, airflow testing, electrical checks, refrigerant checks, burner cleaning, blower motor testing, and efficiency optimization.

Do maintenance plans help prevent emergencies?
Yes. Regular maintenance reduces breakdowns, improves efficiency, and extends system lifespan for both residential and commercial systems.

Indoor Air Quality Questions

What indoor air quality products do you offer?
We install whole‑home humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, media filters, UV lights, and ventilation solutions.

How do I know if my home has poor indoor air quality?
Signs include allergies, dust buildup, dry air, humidity problems, odors, and inconsistent comfort.

Can IAQ products work with my existing HVAC system?
Yes. Most IAQ products integrate with existing heating and cooling systems.

Do you offer commercial indoor air quality solutions?
Yes. We install commercial air cleaners, ventilation systems, humidity control systems, and filtration upgrades for offices, retail spaces, and multi‑unit buildings.

Installation, Pricing, and Warranty Questions

Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. We offer clear, upfront estimates for HVAC installation and replacement.

Do you offer financing?
Financing options may be available depending on the project and equipment.

Do your installations include a warranty?
Yes. All installations include manufacturer warranties and our workmanship guarantee.

How long does HVAC installation take?
Most installations are completed in one day, depending on system type and home or building layout.

Do you provide commercial HVAC estimates?
Yes. We provide detailed commercial HVAC proposals, load calculations, and system recommendations.