Question 1

How much does it cost to have a technician come to my home?

Accepted Answer

We charge an $89 diagnostic fee, which is applied toward the cost of your repair. There are no hidden charges — you always know what to expect before any work begins.

Question 2

How soon can I book a service visit if my system stops working?

Accepted Answer

We often schedule same-day appointments. During peak summer and winter months, it may be the next business day. Call us and we will get you taken care of as fast as possible.

Question 3

Are your technicians certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our technicians hold NATE certifications and undergo ongoing training. We can service any make or model of HVAC system, including Trane, Goodman, Mitsubishi, and Bosch.

Question 4

How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?

Accepted Answer

We recommend maintenance twice a year: once before the cooling season (March–April) and once before the heating season (October–November). Regular tune-ups extend equipment life, improve efficiency, and catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.

Question 5

Is there a warranty on repair work or parts?

Accepted Answer

Standard repairs include a 1-year parts warranty and a 1-month labor warranty. Service Membership members receive an extended 2-year parts and labor warranty, plus priority scheduling and discounts.

Question 6

How is a system inspection different from a tune-up?

Accepted Answer

A system inspection is a written evaluation of your HVAC system's condition — ideal for homebuyers, sellers, or insurance purposes. A tune-up is focused on improving system performance through cleaning, calibration, and preventive adjustments. No repairs are included with either service.

Question 7

What makes Alpha Mechanical different from other HVAC companies?

Accepted Answer

We're family-owned with NATE-certified technicians and 15+ years serving Fair Oaks and Sacramento. We offer honest assessments and won't upsell if your system can be repaired. Our 10-year worry-free guarantee, lowest price guarantee, and property protection guarantee set us apart.

Question 8

Do you offer financing for HVAC installations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer flexible financing options with competitive rates and manageable monthly payments. We also help you navigate available rebates including SMUD incentives, federal tax credits, and Energy Upgrade California programs to maximize your savings.

Question 9

How long does a typical HVAC installation take?

Accepted Answer

A standard residential replacement typically takes 1–2 days. New construction or complex installations may take longer depending on ductwork and system requirements. We provide a detailed timeline during your free consultation.

Question 10

What signs indicate that my HVAC system needs repair?

Accepted Answer

Watch for unusual noises (banging, squealing, rattling), inconsistent room temperatures, higher-than-normal energy bills, frequent on/off cycling, weak airflow, or strange odors from your vents. If you notice any of these, schedule a diagnostic before the problem gets worse.

Question 11

My furnace is on, but there is no warm air. What should I check?

Accepted Answer

Start by checking your thermostat batteries — most thermostats use AA batteries that should be replaced annually. Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT mode and the temperature is set above the current room temperature (we recommend 70°F in winter). If the display is blank or unresponsive, fresh batteries often solve the problem.

Question 12

My furnace is running, but some rooms are still cold. Why?

Accepted Answer

Your ductwork is designed for average conditions, so some rooms may need register adjustments. Partially close registers in comfortable rooms to redirect airflow to colder ones. In two-story homes, close some upstairs registers to push more heat downstairs, since heat naturally rises. Avoid closing too many registers at once — this can strain your system.

Question 13

How can I make sure my furnace works properly before winter?

Accepted Answer

Run a pre-season check each September or October: set the thermostat to HEAT and raise the temperature 5°F above room temp. The blower may take up to 3 minutes to kick in. Let it run for 30 minutes and check that warm air reaches every register. If anything seems off, schedule a heating tune-up before the cold weather arrives.

Question 14

There is smoke or a burning smell coming from my vents when I first turn on the heater.

Accepted Answer

A brief burning smell when first using your furnace each season is normal — it's dust that accumulated on the heat exchanger burning off. This should clear within 15–30 minutes. If the smell is strong, persists for more than an hour, or you see visible smoke, turn the system off and call us for a safety inspection.

Question 15

My furnace turned off, but the fan is still running. Is something wrong?

Accepted Answer

This is normal. Your furnace blower fan continues running for 3–5 minutes after the heating cycle ends. This pushes the remaining warm air from the ducts into your home, improving efficiency. If the fan runs continuously without stopping, check that your thermostat fan setting is on AUTO (not ON).

Question 16

Should I turn my heater off when I leave the house during winter?

Accepted Answer

We recommend lowering the thermostat by 5–8°F rather than turning it off completely. Your heating system is designed to maintain temperature, not recover from extreme cold. If the house gets too cold, it takes a long time and a lot of energy to bring it back up. A programmable or smart thermostat can automate this for maximum savings.

Question 17

My thermostat is set to 75°F but my house won't get cooler than 83°F. Is my AC broken?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. When outdoor temperatures exceed 100°F, your system may not achieve the desired indoor temperature. AC systems are designed to maintain roughly an 18–20°F differential from outdoor temps. On a 105°F day, an indoor temp of 83–85°F may be the system's maximum capacity. Older homes with poor insulation, leaky ducts, or single-pane windows will struggle more.

Question 18

My AC is on but there is very little airflow. What's wrong?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause is a dirty or clogged air filter. A restricted filter starves the system of airflow, reduces cooling capacity, and can damage components — similar to blocking a car radiator. Replace your filter every 30–60 days (every 30 days if you have pets). Also check that all return air grilles and registers are unobstructed by furniture or curtains.

Question 19

My air conditioning system won't turn on at all.

Accepted Answer

Before calling for service, check your circuit breakers and fuses — a tripped breaker is the most common reason for a no-start. Locate the AC breaker in your main electrical panel and switch it fully OFF, then back ON. If your outdoor unit uses fuses (in the disconnect box), they may need replacement with the same size time-delay fuse. Also verify your thermostat has fresh batteries and is set to COOL.

Question 20

Why does my central AC unit keep freezing over?

Accepted Answer

AC freeze-ups are typically caused by restricted airflow across the indoor coil (usually a dirty filter or blocked return vent) or low refrigerant levels from a leak. Turn the system off and let it thaw completely before restarting. If it freezes again after replacing the filter, you likely have a refrigerant issue that requires professional diagnosis.

Question 21

My AC is running but some rooms are still hot. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Adjust your registers to redirect airflow — partially close vents in cooler rooms to push more air to warmer ones. South and west-facing rooms naturally run 1–4°F warmer due to sun exposure. In two-story homes, close some downstairs registers to force cool air upstairs where heat accumulates. If the problem persists, your ductwork may need inspection for leaks or damage.

Question 22

How do I prepare my AC for the Sacramento summer?

Accepted Answer

Run a pre-season check each April or May: set the thermostat to COOL and lower the temperature 10°F below room temp. Verify the outdoor unit turns on, then let it run for 30 minutes while checking for cool air at every register. Clear any debris, leaves, or vegetation from around the outdoor condenser. Schedule a professional AC tune-up if it's been more than a year.

Question 23

Will I save energy by turning off my AC when nobody is home?

Accepted Answer

Your AC is designed to maintain temperature, not recover from extreme heat. On a 100°F+ day, if you let the house reach 90°F+, the system won't be able to cool it back down quickly because of the stored heat in walls, floors, and furniture. Instead, raise the thermostat 5–8°F when you leave, or use a programmable thermostat to start cooling before you return.

Question 24

How do I know when it's time to replace my HVAC system instead of repairing it?

Accepted Answer

Consider replacement if your system is 15+ years old, requires frequent repairs, uses R-22 refrigerant (phased out), or your energy bills are steadily increasing. We always give an honest assessment — if a repair makes more sense, we'll tell you. We never upsell replacement when your system can be fixed.

Question 25

What size HVAC system do I need for my home?

Accepted Answer

Proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation that factors in your home's square footage, insulation, window types, orientation, and local climate. An oversized system short-cycles and wastes energy; an undersized one can't keep up on extreme days. We perform this calculation during every free in-home consultation to ensure the right fit.

Question 26

What are the benefits of a heat pump over a traditional furnace and AC?

Accepted Answer

Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling from a single system, making them highly efficient — especially in Sacramento's mild winters. They use electricity instead of natural gas, qualify for significant federal tax credits and SMUD rebates, and can lower your overall energy costs. We install heat pump systems from Trane, Bosch, and Mitsubishi.

Question 27

Are there rebates or tax credits available for a new HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. California homeowners can take advantage of SMUD rebates, federal energy efficiency tax credits (up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps), and Energy Upgrade California programs. The available incentives change periodically — we stay current on all programs and help you maximize your savings during your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting

Common Questions

Heating Season Troubleshooting

Cooling Season Troubleshooting

Replacement & Installation

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