You Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
We’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners across Jackson, Michigan and the surrounding area. Whether you’re trying to figure out why your furnace is acting up, wondering if it’s time for a new AC, or just want to know more about what we do, you will find it here.
Heating F.A.Q's
How do I Know if My Furnace Needs Repair?
Watch for things like uneven heating throughout your home, unusual noises (banging, rattling, squealing), a furnace that keeps cycling on and off, or energy bills that are suddenly higher than normal. Any of those are signs something’s off. The sooner you get it checked out, the better — small problems tend to get more expensive when they sit.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years with regular maintenance. If yours is in that range and you’re dealing with more frequent breakdowns or rising energy costs, it’s worth having a tech come take a look and give you an honest take on whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace?
A good rule of thumb: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new system and your furnace is already 10+ years old, replacement usually wins out in the long run. We’ll always give you a straight answer on both options — no pressure either way.
For more information, head on over to our blog: How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
What is a Boiler & How is it Different From a Furnace?
A furnace heats air and distributes it through ductwork. A boiler heats water and distributes that heat through radiators, baseboards, or in-floor radiant systems. Boilers are common in older Michigan homes and can be very efficient when properly maintained. We service and install both.
For more information, head on over to our blog: Boiler vs. Furnace – How to Choose the Right System.
What Types of Heating Systems Do You Service?
We service and install furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, geothermal systems, in-floor radiant heat, and more. We work on all major brands including Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, Amana, York, and many others.
How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?
Generally every one to three months, depending on the type of filter you’re using and how dusty your home tends to get. Homes with pets or anyone with allergies usually benefit from changing them on the more frequent end. It’s one of the easiest things you can do to keep your system running efficiently.
What is a Heat Pump & How is it Different From a Furnace?
A furnace burns fuel to create heat. A heat pump moves heat from the outside air into your home instead of generating it, which makes it more energy-efficient in moderate climates. In Michigan winters, heat pumps are typically paired with a backup heat source since they’re less effective when temps drop really low. We can help you figure out if one makes sense for your home.
Can I Do Anything to Lower My Heating Bills in the Winter?
A few things actually move the needle: keeping up with filter changes, getting an annual tune-up, sealing drafts around windows and doors, and bumping your thermostat down a few degrees when you’re asleep or away from home. If your system is older, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace or a smart thermostat can also make a noticeable difference in your monthly bills.
Cooling F.A.Q's
How do I Know if My AC Needs Repair?
The most common signs are warm air coming from the vents, the unit running constantly without cooling your home down, strange noises, ice forming on the unit, or a spike in your electric bill. If you’re noticing any of those, it’s worth getting it looked at before the problem gets worse, especially heading into summer.
For more information, check out our blog: How Do I Know if My A/C Needs Repair?
How Long Does a Central Air Conditioning System Last?
Most AC units last 15 to 20 years. If yours is getting up there in age and starting to need repairs more frequently, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to keep putting money into it. We can walk you through the numbers so you can make the call that makes the most sense for your situation.
What is a Ductless Mini Split & is it a Good Option for My Home?
A ductless mini split is a heating and cooling system that doesn’t require ductwork. It uses an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers. It’s a great option for older homes without existing ductwork, home additions, garages, or any space where running ducts would be difficult or costly.
How Often Should I Have My AC Serviced?
Once a year is the standard recommendation — ideally in the spring before you need it. Regular tune-ups help the system run more efficiently, catch small issues early, and extend the life of the equipment. Comfort Club members get this taken care of automatically as part of their plan.
Do You Service All AC Brands?
Yes, we work on all major brands including Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Goodman, Amana, American Standard, and more. If you’re not sure whether we service your unit, just give us a call and we’ll let you know.
Why is My AC Running But Not Cooling My Home Down?
That’s usually a sign of one of a few things: a dirty filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant, a frozen evaporator coil, or an issue with the compressor. It could also just mean the system is undersized for your home. Any of those are worth getting looked at before you’re stuck in the heat. Give us a call and we can get a tech out to diagnose it
How Long Does it Take to Install a New Air Conditioning System?
Most standard AC installations take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, so you’re typically looking at a one-day job. The exact time depends on the type of system, whether any modifications need to be made to your existing setup, and the condition of your ductwork. We’ll give you a clear timeline before we start so you know what to expect. Schedule a free estimate here.
What Should I Do Before Turning My AC on for the First Time in the Spring?
A few quick things: swap out the filter, make sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear of debris from winter, and check that your vents inside are open and unblocked. Better yet, schedule a spring tune-up with us before the warm weather hits so we can make sure everything is in good shape before you actually need it.
Indoor Air Quality F.A.Q's
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Matter?
The air inside your home can actually be more polluted than outdoor air. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, VOCs from cleaning products, and other contaminants can build up over time and affect how you feel day to day, especially for anyone in your home dealing with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
How Can I Improve the Air Quality in My Home?
A few things make a big difference: changing your air filter regularly, adding a whole-home air purifier or filtration system, keeping humidity levels in a healthy range, and making sure your ductwork is clean. We can assess your home and recommend the right combination of solutions based on what you’re dealing with.
What is the Right Humidity Level for My Home?
Most homes are most comfortable and healthiest somewhere between 30% and 50% relative humidity. Too dry and you’ll notice static, dry skin, and irritated sinuses. Too humid and you risk mold growth and that stuffy, heavy feeling. A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier can help keep things in that sweet spot year-round.
Do You Offer Duct Cleaning Services?
Yes we do! Over time, dust, debris, and other contaminants can build up in your ductwork and get recirculated through your home every time your system runs. Duct cleaning is a good idea if you’ve never had it done, if you’ve recently done renovations, or if you’ve noticed more dust buildup than usual. Learn more about our duct cleaning services here.
What Air Quality Products Do You Install?
We install whole-home air purifiers, air filtration systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, UV light systems, and ventilation solutions. We work with top brands and can recommend the right fit based on your home’s size and your specific concerns.
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter?
Every one to three months is a good general rule. Homes with pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers should lean toward the more frequent end of that range. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and lets more particles circulate through your air, so it’s a small habit that makes a real difference.
Is a Whole-Home Air Purifier Worth it?
For most homeowners, yes — especially if anyone in your home has allergies, asthma, or just seems to get sick more often than they should. Unlike portable units that only treat one room, a whole-home system works with your existing HVAC to filter and purify the air throughout your entire house every time the system runs. We can walk you through the options and help you figure out what makes sense for your home and budget.
How Do I Know if I Have Mold or Air Quality Issues in My Ductwork?
A few things to look out for: a musty smell when your system runs, visible dust buildup around vents, or allergy symptoms that seem worse when you’re inside than outside. If you’re noticing any of those, it’s a good idea to have your ductwork inspected. We can take a look and let you know if cleaning or any other service makes sense.
About Us F.A.Q's
How Long Has Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Been in Business?
We’ve been serving the Jackson, Michigan area since 1981 — over 40 years of heating and cooling experience. We’re locally and family owned and operated, and a lot of the families we work with today are ones we’ve been taking care of for decades.
What Areas Do You Serve?
We’re based in Jackson, Michigan and serve all of Jackson County plus large portions of Ingham, Eaton, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Lenawee, and Washtenaw counties. Check out our full service area here.
Are You Available for Emergency HVAC Service?
Yes, we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your heat goes out in the middle of the night, call us at (517) 879-2049 and we’ll get someone out to you.
Is Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning Licensed & Insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. Our technicians are trained and certified to work on all major HVAC systems and brands, and we back our work with performance and satisfaction guarantees.
Do You Offer Financing?
We do. We have several financing options including low-interest plans and 0% interest for up to 12 months (subject to credit approval). You can apply online and typically get approved in just a few minutes. See our financing options here.
What is the Comfort Clubhouse?
The Comfort Clubhouse is our home maintenance membership program. Members get annual heating and cooling tune-ups, 15% off all services, no standard diagnostic fees, and priority scheduling. Comfort club plans start at $20/month and basically pay for themselves. Learn more here.
Do You Offer Free Estimates on Installations?
Yes, we offer free estimates on all new heating and cooling installations. One of our techs will come out, take a look at your home, and give you a detailed recommendation with no obligation. Schedule yours here.
Do You Offer Any Guarantees on Your Work?
Yes. We stand behind everything we do with performance and satisfaction guarantees. We’ve built our reputation in the Jackson area over 40+ years by doing the job right the first time, and we take that seriously. If something isn’t right, we make it right.
Aspen One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
- 4131 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49202
- Phone: (517) 879-2049
- Fax: (517) 750-0900
- Available 24/7
Contact Us
Reach out using the form below and a member of our team will follow up within one business day. For immediate support, contact us at (517) 879-2049. We look forward to speaking with you soon!
"*" indicates required fields
