FAQ

Why don’t you offer online pricing for new HVAC systems?

Every home is unique, and so are your comfort needs. Online pricing tools may give you a quick “ballpark” number, but they can’t account for important details like your home’s layout, insulation, ductwork, and the condition of your existing system. Those details make a big difference in performance, efficiency, and long-term comfort. By having one of our system design specialists visit your home, we can carefully evaluate these factors, answer your questions, and provide an accurate proposal with no hidden costs or surprises. This helps ensure you get the right system the first time, tailored to your home, your budget, and your family’s comfort.

What brand of equipment is the best?

There is no single HVAC brand that is best for every home. Proper system sizing, equipment selection, installation quality, warranty support, replacement part availability, and ongoing maintenance are all important.

McClintock primarily installs Trane and Mitsubishi systems because of their proven reliability, performance, efficiency options, and manufacturer support. However, we also install Carrier, Lennox, and other trusted brands when a different product is better suited to a home’s specific requirements. Our system design specialists evaluate each home, application, and comfort need before recommending the equipment and options that provide the best overall fit.

How do I know whether to repair or replace my HVAC system?

The right decision depends on the system’s age, condition, repair history, efficiency, comfort performance, and the cost of the proposed repair. We evaluate the equipment and explain the available options so you can make an informed decision.

If replacement appears appropriate, one of our system design specialists can provide an in-home consultation and customized proposal.

What is the life expectancy of my system?

Your HVAC system’s life expectancy varies depending on the equipment type, installation quality, usage, maintenance, climate, and system sizing. As a general planning guideline, central air conditioners and heat pumps may last approximately 10 to 15 years, while gas furnaces may last approximately 15 to 20 years. Air handlers are often expected to last approximately 10 to 15 years.

These are general ranges, not guarantees. Heat pumps may experience more operating hours because they provide both heating and cooling. High-efficiency systems also contain more advanced components and controls, which can affect repair decisions as the equipment ages. Proper sizing, quality installation, and regular maintenance all play an important role in system reliability and service life.

Some older systems remain operational well beyond these ranges, but continued operation does not necessarily mean the system is efficient, reliable, or economical to repair. A professional evaluation can help determine whether continued repair or replacement makes the most sense.

What time of year is a good time to replace my system?

Spring and fall can be convenient times to consider HVAC replacement because temperatures are typically moderate. However, the best time to begin planning is before an aging or unreliable system fails. Planning ahead gives you more time to compare equipment, evaluate efficiency options, explore available rebates or financing, and make an informed decision without the pressure of an emergency.

Do your research, ask neighbors for recommendations, and have a qualified contractor analyze the heating and cooling needs in your home.

Choose a properly licensed and insured contractor with an established reputation. Your contractor should explain the permitting process and include it in the project.

Do HVAC system replacements require a permit?

Yes. With very limited exceptions, HVAC system replacements require permits and applicable inspections under state law and adopted building codes in both North Carolina and South Carolina. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is installed safely, meets current mechanical and electrical codes, and complies with applicable local requirements.

McClintock obtains the required permits and coordinates applicable inspections for our HVAC replacement projects. Homeowners should be cautious of any contractor who suggests that a required permit can be skipped, because unpermitted work can create safety, code-compliance, insurance, and future property-sale concerns.

Do you service HVAC systems that McClintock did not install?

Yes. Our technicians service and maintain all major brands of residential heating and cooling equipment, including systems installed by other companies. The availability of certain parts and repairs may depend on the equipment’s age, condition, and manufacturer support.

Are McClintock’s HVAC technicians licensed and insured?

McClintock is fully licensed and insured to provide HVAC service and installation in North Carolina and South Carolina. Our technicians receive ongoing training and follow applicable safety, permitting, and installation requirements. Our licenses include North Carolina HVAC License #20254, H2-H3; South Carolina Mechanical Contractor License #112469; and South Carolina Residential HVAC License #38778.

What areas do you serve for HVAC repair and installation?

McClintock provides residential HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation throughout the greater Charlotte area, including Matthews and Indian Trail, as well as surrounding communities in North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. 

Does McClintock also provide plumbing and electrical services?

• Yes. In addition to heating and cooling services, McClintock provides residential plumbing services and electrical services throughout the greater Charlotte area and surrounding communities. Our licensed and insured company offers plumbing repairs, water heater services, electrical repairs, panel services, whole-home generators, and other solutions for essential home systems. 

What can I do before calling for service?

• Check your thermostat setting. Make sure that you have it set in the proper mode and the temperature is set properly.
• Check or change your air filter. A clogged filter can cause any number of problems.
• Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. You may reset it once, but if it trips again, leave it off and contact a qualified technician. Repeated breaker trips may indicate an electrical or equipment problem.
• If you smell gas, leave the area without operating electrical switches or equipment and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location. If you notice smoke, burning odors, or water near electrical equipment, avoid the affected equipment and call for professional assistance.
• Check whether your utility company has installed a load-control device on your AC system. This information may appear on your power bill. If you participate in a load-control program, contact the utility company to determine whether the device is currently affecting system operation.
• When calling for service, you need to be able to describe what your system is or is not doing. Is it making any noise outside? Is there air coming out of the registers? Does the fan operate when the thermostat is set to the fan “on” position?

How often should I have my system checked or serviced?

We recommend professional HVAC maintenance twice a year, with visits scheduled approximately six months apart. This allows the system to be inspected regularly and helps address both heating and cooling operation over the course of the year.

Regular maintenance can help identify developing problems, support efficient operation, improve equipment reliability, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. Some equipment warranties may also require proper maintenance or documentation of service, so homeowners should review the terms of their specific warranty.

Preventive maintenance may include inspecting and cleaning applicable components, checking electrical connections, testing system operation, checking refrigerant levels when appropriate, inspecting drain lines, evaluating airflow and temperature performance, and reviewing the condition of the thermostat and ductwork.

Our preventive maintenance agreements remove the guesswork by scheduling two visits per year, approximately six months apart, to help keep your system operating reliably throughout the year.

How often should I replace or clean my filters, and where are they located?

Most standard HVAC filters should be checked monthly and replaced every one to three months. Homes with pets, allergies, heavy system use, or certain filter types may require more frequent replacement. Use the correct filter size and a type appropriate for your equipment. If you are unsure which filter to use, consult the equipment instructions or ask one of our technicians.

If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.

If you are concerned that your current filtration is not adequate, ask one of our technicians to evaluate the filter and system. We offer filtration options that may help reduce certain airborne particles when properly selected, installed, and maintained.

Depending on the system, the filter may be located in the blower compartment, in an attached filter cabinet, or behind one or more return-air grilles.

If you cannot find your air filter, contact our office to schedule a technician to help find the filter and evaluate the current state of your system.

Should I cover my outdoor AC unit in the wintertime?

Central air-conditioning and heat-pump outdoor units are designed to remain outdoors throughout the year and generally should not be completely covered. A full cover can trap moisture and provide shelter for pests. Keep leaves, branches, and other debris away from the unit, and follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

Heat pumps operate during winter and should never be covered while in use.

I’ve heard a lot about indoor air quality (IAQ). What is it, and how does it affect my home and family?

Indoor air quality refers to the condition of the air inside a home and how it may affect occupants’ comfort and well-being. Common indoor pollutants may include dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, volatile organic compounds, radon, carbon monoxide, and airborne particles associated with microbial or biological growth.

The primary approaches to improving indoor air quality are source control, ventilation, and filtration. Source control means reducing or eliminating the cause of a pollutant. Ventilation introduces outdoor air and removes stale indoor air. Filtration can help capture airborne particles, but the filter or air cleaner must be properly selected for the home and HVAC system.

McClintock can evaluate HVAC-related factors such as filtration, humidity, ventilation, and duct-system conditions. Specialized remediation, radon testing, asbestos-related concerns, and other environmental issues may require an appropriately qualified professional.