Home Air Systems FAQ

Yes—Home Air Systems offers 24/7 emergency repair for urgent heating, cooling, ventilation, and gas-related issues. If you’ve lost heat in winter, have a dangerous smell, or your system won’t run, contact us right away and we’ll prioritize dispatch.

An HVAC emergency is anything that risks safety, property damage, or loss of essential heat/cooling. Examples include no heat during cold weather, burning smells, electrical issues, water leaks, or suspected gas problems. If you’re unsure, call—better safe than sorry.

Response time depends on call volume, weather conditions, and your location. Emergency calls are prioritized, and we dispatch the next available technician as quickly as possible. When you call, we’ll give you a realistic ETA based on current demand.

Many emergency visits involve an after-hours rate or call-out fee. We’ll explain any applicable fees before dispatch so there are no surprises. You’ll also get clear options once we diagnose the problem.

If you smell gas, leave the building and call your gas utility from a safe location. If there’s water leaking, shut off the water supply if safe. For electrical burning smells, turn the system off at the thermostat and breaker if you can do so safely.

Common signs include weak heat, uneven temperatures, frequent cycling, strange noises, rising energy bills, or the furnace not turning on. If your thermostat is set correctly and the furnace still struggles, it’s time to book a diagnostic.

Cold air can happen if the thermostat fan is set to “On,” the filter is clogged, the pilot/ignition is failing, or the system is overheating and shutting down the burner. Turn the fan to “Auto” and check the filter—then call for service.

Short cycling is often caused by a dirty filter, airflow restrictions, overheating, thermostat issues, or a failing component like a flame sensor. Because short cycling can lead to bigger breakdowns, it’s best to have it inspected quickly.

Noises can point to loose panels, blower issues, worn bearings, or duct expansion. A sudden new noise usually means a component is failing or something is loose. Turn the system off if the noise is loud or worsening and schedule repair.

Repair is usually best if the unit is relatively new and the issue is minor. Replacement may make more sense if repairs are frequent, parts are failing repeatedly, or efficiency is poor. A technician can compare repair cost vs. replacement value after diagnosis.

Typical winter issues include icing, frequent defrost cycles, reduced heating output in extreme cold, airflow problems from dirty filters, or sensor/control faults. If your home isn’t staying warm or the unit ices heavily, it’s time for service.

Causes include low refrigerant, frozen outdoor coil, a faulty reversing valve, thermostat settings, or an issue with the backup heat. Check that the system is set to “Heat” and that filters are clean—then book a professional diagnostic.

Yes. In cold weather, heat pumps periodically run defrost mode to melt frost on the outdoor coil. You may notice temporary cooler air indoors during defrost. If it happens constantly or the unit never seems to recover, it may need repair.

Light frost is normal, but thick ice can mean airflow issues, a malfunctioning defrost control, blocked drainage, or refrigerant problems. Avoid chipping ice off—turn the unit off and call for service to prevent damage.

Consider replacement if the system has repeated breakdowns, major refrigerant or compressor issues, or can’t maintain comfort efficiently. After diagnosis, we can give a practical comparison between repair cost and the long-term value of upgrading.

An HRV transfers heat between outgoing and incoming air, while an ERV transfers heat and helps manage moisture. HRVs are common in colder climates; ERVs can help when indoor humidity control matters. We can confirm what you have during service.

Leaks are often caused by a blocked drain, improper slope on the drain line, frozen condensation, or a dirty core/filter. Because moisture can damage ceilings and walls, it’s best to address leaks quickly and verify the unit is draining properly.

Freezing can happen when airflow is restricted, the defrost cycle isn’t working properly, or outdoor temperatures are very low and the unit is out of balance. Cleaning filters can help, but persistent freezing usually needs a technician to correct airflow and controls.

Many homes benefit from checking filters every 1–3 months, especially during winter. Some filters can be washed, others replaced. A clean filter improves airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality, and helps prevent freezing and condensation issues.

It can help balance fresh air without wasting heat, but it doesn’t add moisture like a humidifier. If your home feels dry, the best solution may be adjusting ventilation settings and adding or servicing a whole-home humidifier.

Signs include inconsistent hot water, rumbling noises, rusty water, leaks, or a unit that can’t keep up with demand. Repairs are common for minor issues, but older tanks with leaks or heavy corrosion are often better replaced.

Common causes include thermostat problems, sediment buildup, a failing heating element (electric), burner issues (gas), or undersized capacity for your household. A service call can confirm the root cause and restore normal hot water performance.

Odours can be caused by bacteria reacting with the anode rod, while rusty water can indicate corrosion inside the tank or piping. Flushing, replacing the anode rod, or other targeted repairs often solve it—especially if caught early.

Turn off the water supply to the unit and power (gas control or breaker) if safe, then call for service. A leak may come from fittings or the tank itself. Tank leaks typically require replacement to prevent water damage.

Yes. We service both tank and tankless water heaters, including diagnosing heating issues, ignition faults, scaling, error codes, and leaks. We’ll recommend the most cost-effective fix based on the unit type and condition.

Key signs include no heat, water leaks, low pressure, loud banging/knocking, frequent resets, or radiators not heating evenly. If you smell gas or see signs of overheating, shut it down and call right away.

Pressure drops are often caused by leaks, a faulty pressure relief valve, air in the system, or expansion tank issues. Low pressure can prevent proper heating. A technician can find the cause and restore safe operating pressure.

Banging can be caused by trapped air, limescale buildup, pump problems, or water flow issues. Because these problems can worsen and reduce efficiency, it’s best to book service rather than ignore new or increasing noise.

Uneven heat is often caused by air in radiators, balancing issues, partially closed valves, circulation problems, or thermostat zoning faults. Bleeding radiators may help, but persistent uneven heating usually requires system balancing and inspection.

Replacement may make sense if the boiler is older, repairs are frequent, efficiency is poor, or major components are failing. After diagnosis, we can compare repair cost vs. the long-term reliability and efficiency gains of a new unit.

Yes—gas line work must be performed by properly licensed professionals. We handle gas line repairs, upgrades, and new runs for approved appliances, and we follow applicable safety requirements and testing procedures.

Leave the building immediately and avoid using switches, phones, or open flames inside. Once you’re safely outside, call your gas utility or emergency number, then contact a licensed gas technician. Do not re-enter until it’s confirmed safe.

Yes. We can test gas lines, locate leaks, and perform repairs or replacements as required. Because gas leaks are a safety risk, this is treated as urgent—call as soon as you suspect an issue.

Yes. We can size and install new gas lines for many common appliances, ensuring the total load and pressure requirements are correct. Proper sizing matters for safe performance and to prevent appliance issues.

Many gas installations and modifications require inspection and must meet code requirements. The exact requirements depend on the scope of work. We’ll explain what applies to your job and ensure the work is completed to standard.

Common causes include dirty filters, a frozen coil, low refrigerant, a failing capacitor, or thermostat issues. Check that the thermostat is set to “Cool” and replace the filter. If it still won’t cool, book a service call.

Freezing is often caused by restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked vents), low refrigerant, or blower problems. Turn the system off to thaw and replace the filter. If it freezes again, it needs professional diagnosis to prevent compressor damage.

Weak airflow can come from clogged filters, dirty coils, duct leaks, a failing blower motor, or blocked registers. Because airflow affects comfort and efficiency, fixing the cause early can reduce energy use and prevent breakdowns.

AC leaks are commonly caused by a clogged condensate drain, a cracked drain pan, frozen coil thawing, or improper drainage. Water leaks can damage ceilings and floors, so it’s best to shut the system off and book service.

Replacement may be the better choice when repairs are frequent, cooling performance is poor, or major components are failing. After diagnosis, we’ll give a clear repair quote and an honest recommendation based on cost and expected lifespan.

Yes. We service and install whole-home humidifiers connected to your HVAC system. If your home feels dry or your humidifier is leaking or not working, we can diagnose the issue and restore proper humidity control.

A common comfortable range is about 30–40% in winter, but it may need to be lower during colder spells to reduce window condensation. If you’re seeing moisture on windows, reduce the setting and consider a ventilation check.

Causes include a clogged water panel, closed saddle valve, incorrect settings, poor airflow, or a unit that’s undersized for the home. Servicing and replacing the pad often restores performance, especially before peak winter dryness.

Leaks often come from a clogged drain, cracked drain tube, misaligned water panel, or a stuck solenoid valve. Because leaks can cause water damage, it’s best to turn the humidifier off and schedule service promptly.

Many homes replace the water panel about once per heating season, depending on water hardness and usage. Regular replacement improves efficiency, prevents odours, and reduces the chance of clogs and leaking.

Yes. We diagnose common gas fireplace issues like ignition failures, pilot problems, shutdowns, and poor flame quality. If your fireplace is acting up or you’re concerned about safety, we can inspect and repair it.

A pilot that won’t stay lit is often caused by a dirty pilot assembly, a weak thermocouple/thermopile, airflow issues, or gas supply problems. Cleaning and testing the safety components usually resolves it.

This can be caused by a faulty sensor, overheating, venting issues, or a problem with the control module. Because repeated shutdowns can indicate a safety-related fault, it should be checked by a qualified technician.

Sooting or strong odours can be caused by improper combustion, dirty burners, log placement issues, or venting problems. Stop using the unit and schedule service, since poor combustion can create indoor air quality and safety concerns.

If your fireplace is behaving unusually—shutting off, producing soot, or smelling strongly—pause use and book an inspection. Gas appliances should operate cleanly and consistently. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your utility.