Frequently Asked Questions

We offer free estimates in Yellowstone County and some surrounding areas for furnace and air conditioner installation. If you have a system that needs a repair, we do charge a diagnostic fee to come to your house and diagnose what is wrong with your system.Once we have determined what is wrong we will give you an estimate for repairs.

There are many factors that go into the pricing of residential heating and air conditioning equipment, including the size of the house, the brand of equipment, and who you choose to install it. Central Heating offers many system options ranging from $6,000 for smaller homes all the way up to $20,000 or more per system for larger homes.Pricing can vary from home to home, which is why we offer free in-home estimates so that we can help you choose the system and price that is best for you.

Yes, we offer financing through several third-party companies. Throughout the year there are some great financing promotions for new equipment. We can also finance equipment repairs if needed. Click here for more information.

Most of the training our technicians receive is on the job, passed down from Journeyman to Apprentice. All Apprentices also receive 5 weeks of training per year for 4 years at the Sheet Metal Workers training facility in Butte.Journeymen receive continuing education training throughout the year. This training facility is the only one of its kind in Montana.

All technicians receive specific training from our manufacturers at our shop and at their training facilities.

A furnace can continue running without warming the house properly when it cannot produce or distribute enough heat. Common causes include a dirty filter, blocked return vents, a malfunctioning thermostat, an ignition problem, a weak blower motor, leaking ductwork, or a furnace that is not properly sized for the home.Montana cold snaps can also expose problems that were less noticeable during milder weather. A furnace may appear to work normally in the fall but struggle once outdoor temperatures drop and the system must run for longer periods.

Check that the thermostat is set to heat, replace a visibly dirty filter, and make sure supply and return vents are open. If the air coming from the vents is cool, airflow is weak, or the furnace runs almost continuously without reaching the thermostat setting, schedule a professional inspection. Continuing to operate a struggling furnace can increase energy use and place additional stress on its components.

Learn more about heating services in Billings.

A furnace that starts and stops every few minutes is short-cycling. This may happen because of restricted airflow, an overheating furnace, a dirty flame sensor, thermostat problems, an oversized heating system, or another component that is causing the system’s safety controls to shut it down.Start by checking the air filter and confirming that furniture, rugs, or other objects are not blocking the return vents. You should also make sure the thermostat is not located near a heat-producing appliance or exposed to direct sunlight, since an inaccurate temperature reading can cause irregular cycling.

If changing the filter does not correct the problem, the furnace should be inspected. Short-cycling increases wear on motors, switches, and ignition components while preventing the home from heating evenly. It can also raise heating costs because the furnace repeatedly goes through its startup cycle without completing a normal heating cycle.

A furnace does not need to be silent, but new, loud, or persistent noises should not be ignored. Rattling may indicate a loose panel or component. Squealing can come from a worn belt, bearing, or blower motor. Scraping may mean that moving parts are making contact. Repeated clicking can point to an ignition or electrical problem.A loud bang at startup deserves prompt attention. It may be caused by expanding ductwork, but it can also occur when ignition is delayed and gas briefly accumulates before lighting. Turn the furnace off and request service if you hear an explosion-like sound, smell gas, notice smoke, or see scorch marks around the equipment.

Pay attention to when the noise occurs and whether it is accompanied by weak airflow, unusual odors, uneven heating, or frequent shutdowns. Those details can help the technician diagnose the problem more efficiently.

The right choice depends on more than the furnace’s age. Consider how often it needs repairs, whether replacement parts are readily available, how evenly it heats the home, and whether heating bills have increased even though your thermostat habits have stayed the same.Repair may make sense when the problem is isolated, the furnace has otherwise been reliable, and the expected repair cost is reasonable. Replacement may provide better long-term value when the system needs repeated repairs, has a damaged heat exchanger, struggles throughout cold weather, or requires an expensive major component.

It is usually better to evaluate a questionable furnace before winter rather than waiting for a complete breakdown during freezing weather. A professional assessment can compare the repair cost, expected remaining life, current efficiency, safety, and comfort improvements available with newer equipment.

Central Heating & Air Conditioning can help with furnace repair and replacement options.

Uneven heating may be caused by closed vents, restricted return airflow, duct leaks, poor insulation, an unbalanced duct system, or a furnace that cannot deliver the correct amount of heated air to every part of the home. Rooms above garages, additions, basements, and spaces farthest from the furnace are often the first places homeowners notice a difference.Keeping every supply vent fully open is generally better than closing vents in warmer rooms. Closing too many vents can increase pressure inside the duct system and may reduce overall airflow rather than directing heat where you want it.

A technician can measure airflow and temperature differences throughout the home to determine whether the cause is the furnace, ductwork, thermostat location, building envelope, or a combination of factors. In some homes, duct modifications, zoning, insulation improvements, or a ductless system for a difficult room may provide a more effective solution than simply raising the thermostat.

An air conditioner may run without cooling effectively when airflow or heat transfer is restricted. Possible causes include a dirty filter, a clogged outdoor coil, a frozen evaporator coil, low refrigerant, a malfunctioning compressor, thermostat trouble, or ductwork that is losing cooled air before it reaches the rooms.Confirm that the thermostat is set to cooling and that the outdoor unit is operating. Replace a dirty filter and remove grass, leaves, or other loose debris from around the outdoor unit, but do not open the equipment or attempt to clean internal components yourself.

If the system blows warm air, develops ice, makes unusual noises, or runs continuously without lowering the indoor temperature, turn it off and schedule service. Running a frozen or malfunctioning AC can worsen the original problem and may lead to damage to the compressor or other expensive components.

Learn more about air conditioning repair in Billings.

An air conditioner can freeze even when it is hot outside. Ice forms when the evaporator coil becomes too cold and moisture in the surrounding air freezes on its surface. Restricted airflow from a dirty filter, blocked return vent, dirty coil, or failing blower is a common cause. Low refrigerant or another mechanical problem can also reduce the coil temperature enough to create ice.If you see ice on the indoor coil or refrigerant line, turn the cooling system off. You may set the thermostat fan to “on” to help circulate room-temperature air while the ice melts, provided there are no electrical problems, burning odors, or unusual noises.

Do not continue running the AC or try to chip the ice away. Once thawed, the system still needs to be evaluated if it freezes again. Ice is a symptom of another issue, and allowing the system to repeatedly freeze can reduce cooling and damage important components.

Start by reducing unnecessary heat gain and helping the AC move air efficiently. Keep blinds or curtains closed on windows receiving direct afternoon sun, use ceiling fans in occupied rooms, replace dirty filters, and avoid blocking supply or return vents. Fans improve how the room feels but do not lower its actual temperature, so turn them off when the room is empty.A programmable or smart thermostat can reduce cooling while the house is unoccupied without requiring constant manual adjustments. Avoid making extreme thermostat changes because an air conditioner cools at roughly the same rate regardless of how low the setting is.

If cooling costs suddenly rise, the cause may not be your thermostat setting. Dirty coils, damaged ductwork, low refrigerant, weak airflow, or aging components can make the system run longer. Professional maintenance can identify efficiency losses and help determine whether repairs, duct improvements, or equipment replacement would provide meaningful savings.

An undersized air conditioner may run nearly nonstop on hot days, take a long time to reach the thermostat setting, and still leave parts of the house uncomfortable. However, those symptoms do not automatically mean the unit is too small. Restricted airflow, dirty coils, duct leakage, poor insulation, or equipment problems can produce similar results.AC size should not be determined only by square footage or by matching the capacity of the old system. A proper evaluation considers the home’s layout, insulation, windows, orientation, air leakage, ceiling height, occupancy, and other sources of heat gain.

Installing a larger unit without calculating the home’s cooling needs can create different problems. An oversized AC may turn on and off too quickly, create uneven temperatures, and provide poor moisture removal. Before replacing the system, have the existing equipment and ductwork inspected and ask how the recommended capacity was calculated.

Longer cooling cycles can be normal during unusually hot afternoons, especially when the temperature outdoors is much higher than the temperature you are trying to maintain indoors. A properly operating air conditioner may run for extended periods to remove heat steadily and keep the home comfortable.Continuous operation becomes more concerning when the indoor temperature keeps rising, the air from the vents is not cool, airflow is weak, or the system continues running through the night after outdoor temperatures have dropped. A sudden change from its normal operation is also worth investigating.

Check the filter, thermostat settings, vents, doors, and windows. If those are not the cause, the system may have dirty coils, a refrigerant issue, duct leakage, a failing component, or insufficient capacity for the home. An inspection can determine whether the AC is responding normally to the weather or struggling because of a performance problem.

This depends on location, such as dusty roads, nearby construction, or farming. The number of children and pets in the home is also a factor. During the most extreme months of the year such as December, January, and February we recommend changing your filter once a month if you are using 1” filters. They can last longer during more mild temperatures, but don’t forget that your blower is running when your air conditioner is on, so you should also be changing your filter during the summer.If you are using 4” or 5” filters, they should be checked at 6 months, but can last as long as 12 months. If you run your furnace fan continuously you’ll need to change your filter more often.

Generally speaking, no. If you have been doing a good job of keeping your filter clean and are using a quality filter with a quality filter rack, duct cleaning is not something that you would need to have done. However, if you have a new house and your contractor used your new furnace for heating during construction, (voiding the manufacturer warranty) you will most likely need a duct cleaning and a furnace and air conditioner evaporator coil cleaning.If you have been doing some remodeling, have an older house, or have just moved to a new house where the previous owners didn’t keep the filters clean, you may want to consider a duct cleaning as well as a thorough furnace cleaning. Learn more about indoor air quality.

Fast dust buildup does not always mean the air ducts need to be cleaned. Dust can enter through gaps around doors and windows, attach to clothing and pets, or be pulled into the HVAC system through leaks on the return side of the ductwork. An improperly fitted filter or filter rack can also allow particles to bypass the filter.Check that the filter is the correct size and fits securely without gaps. Higher filtration is not automatically better; a filter that is too restrictive for the system can reduce airflow. The filter should be selected based on both particle capture and what the HVAC equipment can safely accommodate.

If dust appears near specific vents or returns shortly after cleaning, an indoor air quality evaluation can look at filtration, duct leakage, airflow, humidity, and possible particle sources. The best solution may involve sealing air leaks, improving the filter setup, adding whole-home air cleaning, or addressing the source rather than cleaning the ducts alone.

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A whole-home humidifier can help when winter air inside the home becomes uncomfortably dry. Common signs include dry skin, irritated sinuses, frequent static electricity, shrinking wood floors, cracking furniture, or a home that feels cooler than the thermostat reading suggests.Unlike a portable humidifier that serves one room and requires frequent refilling, a whole-home unit works with the heating system to distribute moisture through the ductwork. Its output can be controlled according to indoor conditions and the outdoor temperature.

Humidity must still be managed carefully. Too much moisture can cause condensation on windows and cold surfaces, which may contribute to odors, staining, or microbial growth. The appropriate setting changes with weather conditions and the construction of the home. A professional can determine whether the home is genuinely too dry and recommend a humidifier that is compatible with the HVAC system.

A standard furnace filter primarily protects the heating and cooling equipment by capturing particles before they collect on the blower, coil, and other components. It can also reduce some airborne dust, but its effectiveness depends on the filter design, fit, and the amount of air passing through it.A whole-home air purifier or air cleaner is designed to provide more extensive treatment of the air circulating through the HVAC system. Depending on the product, it may capture smaller particles or address contaminants that a basic filter is not designed to manage.

The best option depends on the problem you are trying to solve. Visible dust, pet dander, smoke particles, odors, and allergy concerns may require different approaches. It is also important to make sure added filtration does not restrict airflow. Central Heating & Air Conditioning can evaluate the HVAC system and recommend an option that balances air cleaning with proper equipment performance.

A musty odor at startup often means moisture and organic material are present somewhere in or near the HVAC system. Possible sources include a wet filter, a clogged condensate drain, standing water near the indoor coil, debris inside the equipment, damp duct insulation, or excess moisture elsewhere in the home.Replacing the filter may help if it is dirty or damp, but sprays and scented products generally mask the odor rather than correcting the cause. Because moisture can damage equipment and contribute to indoor air quality problems, recurring musty smells should be investigated.

Notice whether the odor comes from every vent or only one area, whether it occurs during heating or cooling, and whether you have seen water near the indoor equipment. A technician can inspect the coil, drain system, blower compartment, filtration, and accessible ductwork to locate the source and recommend the appropriate cleaning, repair, or humidity-control solution.

Your HVAC system may help reduce indoor smoke particles when it uses an effective, properly fitted filter and circulates air through that filter. During smoky conditions, keep windows and exterior doors closed as much as practical and set the HVAC fan to circulate air if the system and filter are designed for extended operation.Do not automatically install the highest-rated filter you can find. A filter that creates too much resistance can reduce airflow and cause heating or cooling problems. The right filtration level depends on the blower, duct system, filter cabinet, and equipment specifications.

Whole-home air cleaning may provide additional filtration for households frequently affected by smoke, but no HVAC accessory can make a home completely smoke-free. Outdoor air can still enter through gaps in the building. An indoor air quality assessment can help identify appropriate filtration, air-cleaning, and air-sealing measures for the home.

Some ductless heat pumps are designed to operate at low outdoor temperatures, but their winter performance depends on the specific model, equipment size, home construction, and local conditions. A system that works well in moderate weather may provide less heating capacity as the outdoor temperature drops.A ductless system may serve as the primary heat source in a properly insulated home when it is specifically selected for cold-climate operation. In other homes, it may work better as supplemental heat for an addition, upstairs room, finished basement, workshop, or area that the main furnace does not heat evenly.

Before choosing a mini-split for winter heating, ask for a load calculation and performance data at low temperatures—not just the unit’s maximum advertised capacity. The installation plan should also address outdoor-unit placement, snow accumulation, drainage during defrost cycles, and whether backup heat is advisable.

Learn more about ductless systems in Billings.

A single indoor mini-split unit is normally best suited to one open area or a group of spaces with few barriers between them. It will not reliably push conditioned air through closed doors, around multiple corners, or between separate floors.A multi-zone system can connect several indoor units to one outdoor unit, allowing different rooms or areas to have their own temperature controls. The number of zones a home needs depends on its layout, room usage, insulation, sun exposure, and heating and cooling loads.

More indoor units are not always better. Each zone must be sized correctly, and the combined system must match the outdoor unit’s operating range. A professional design should identify where air can circulate naturally, which rooms need individual units, and whether a combination of ductless and central HVAC would provide better comfort and efficiency.

During cooling, a mini-split removes moisture from the indoor air and sends that water outside through a condensate drain. Water leaking from the indoor unit may indicate a clogged, disconnected, damaged, or improperly sloped drain line. A dirty filter, frozen coil, cracked drain pan, or installation problem can also cause leakage.Turn the system off if water is running down the wall or approaching an electrical outlet. Wipe up accessible water to limit damage, but do not open the indoor unit or insert objects into the drain line unless you are trained to service the equipment.

Even a small recurring drip should be corrected. Moisture can damage drywall, paint, flooring, and the mini-split itself. A technician can clear and test the drainage system, inspect the coil and blower, verify that the unit is level, and determine whether a deeper airflow or refrigerant problem caused the leak.

Mini-splits move room air directly across an indoor coil, blower wheel, and filter. Dust, moisture, pet hair, cooking residue, or other material can collect inside the unit and create a sour, musty, or stale odor when the fan runs.Wash or replace the user-serviceable filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the smell remains, the coil, blower wheel, drain pan, and condensate line may need professional cleaning. Simply spraying fragrance or household cleaner into the unit can damage components and does not remove contamination hidden inside the equipment.

A burning or electrical smell requires a different response. Turn the system off and arrange for prompt service, especially if the unit is making unusual noises, tripping a breaker, or showing an error code. The type of odor and when it occurs can help distinguish a cleaning issue from an electrical or mechanical problem.

Ductless systems are often a practical choice for spaces that are not connected to the home’s existing ductwork. They can provide independent temperature control without extending ducts through finished walls, ceilings, or areas where there is little room available.The space still needs to be evaluated carefully. Garages may have significant air leakage and limited insulation. Additions can have large windows or different sun exposure than the original home. Basements may need moisture control in addition to heating and cooling. Those conditions affect the equipment capacity and placement.

A mini-split should be sized for the actual heating and cooling load rather than selected according to room size alone. The installation must also account for electrical service, condensate drainage, outdoor-unit clearance, snow, and a location that can distribute air effectively throughout the space.

Central Heating and equipment manufacturers recommend getting your system serviced twice a year. Once for the furnace and once for the air conditioner. If your system is still under parts or labor warranty this is a requirement both from the manufacturer and Central Heating. Well-maintained equipment is more efficient, requires fewer repairs, lasts longer, and provides better comfort and peace of mind.Central Heating provides a maintenance program to help you save money and comes with a semi-annual reminder so you won’t have to worry about remembering when to service your equipment. Need maintenance? Find out more here.

A maintenance plan is intended to keep a working system reliable rather than wait for it to fail. During a maintenance visit, the technician can identify wear, airflow restrictions, electrical problems, drainage issues, or declining performance before they cause a loss of heating or cooling.The value is often greatest for homeowners who want predictable reminders, seasonal preparation, documented service history, and fewer surprises during extreme weather. Maintenance may also help preserve applicable manufacturer warranty coverage when the warranty terms require evidence of regular professional service.

A plan cannot prevent every breakdown, and it does not make an aging system new again. However, it can give you a clearer picture of the equipment’s condition and more time to plan for repairs or replacement. Review what the plan includes, how often visits occur, and which discounts or priority-service benefits apply before enrolling.

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A professional tune-up should involve more than changing the filter and briefly turning the system on. The exact tasks vary by equipment, but the technician should inspect operating controls, electrical connections, safety devices, airflow, motors, burners or coils, drainage components, and the thermostat.Heating maintenance may include checking ignition, combustion, venting, temperature rise, and carbon monoxide safety. Cooling maintenance may include inspecting coils, refrigerant performance, electrical components, condensate drainage, and the temperature difference between return and supply air.

At the end of the visit, you should receive a clear explanation of the system’s condition, any measurements that were outside the expected range, and which recommendations are urgent versus optional. Maintenance should provide useful information about reliability and safety, not simply produce a list of upgrades without explaining why they are needed.

No maintenance program can guarantee that equipment will never break down. Parts can fail unexpectedly, electrical problems can develop between visits, and older systems naturally become more vulnerable to mechanical wear.Maintenance can reduce preventable problems and improve the chances of finding developing issues early. Loose electrical connections, dirty coils, restricted filters, blocked drains, worn belts, weak capacitors, and combustion concerns may be detected before they cause a larger failure.

Regular service also establishes a performance history. When a technician has previous measurements and inspection notes, it becomes easier to identify meaningful changes in airflow, temperature, electrical operation, or equipment condition. That information can help you make repair and replacement decisions before an emergency leaves the home without heating or cooling.

Many HVAC warranties require the homeowner to operate and maintain the equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If a covered part fails, the manufacturer or installing contractor may request service records showing that the system received appropriate maintenance.The exact requirements differ by manufacturer, model, installation date, and type of warranty. Maintenance does not guarantee that every repair will be covered, and warranties usually do not cover neglect, dirty filters, improper operation, labor, or unrelated system problems unless those items are specifically included.

Keep invoices, tune-up reports, model and serial numbers, installation documents, and warranty registration information together. A maintenance plan can make recordkeeping easier by creating a consistent service history. Review the written warranty rather than relying on a general assumption about what is covered.

Maintenance is most useful before the equipment enters its heaviest period of use. Scheduling cooling maintenance in spring allows time to identify AC problems before hot weather arrives. Scheduling heating maintenance in fall helps prepare the furnace or heat pump before prolonged winter operation.Waiting until you notice a problem changes the visit from preventive maintenance to diagnosis and repair. Symptoms such as unusual noises, odors, weak airflow, frequent cycling, water leaks, rising utility use, or difficulty reaching the thermostat setting should be addressed when they appear rather than postponed until the next tune-up.

Seasonal service can also be easier to schedule before severe weather creates a surge in emergency calls. For homes with both heating and central air conditioning, separate seasonal inspections allow the technician to test each system under conditions closer to when it will be used.