What areas do you serve?
Arab Sheet Metal serves all of Marshall County — including Arab, Guntersville, Grant, Boaz, Albertville, and surrounding communities — plus parts of Madison County and other nearby areas. We travel farther depending on the job. Call us at 256-586-4000 to confirm we serve your location.
My air conditioner is running but not cooling. What could be wrong?
Several things can cause an AC to run without cooling your home: a dirty air filter restricting airflow, a refrigerant problem, a frozen evaporator coil, a failed capacitor, or a failing compressor. The right answer depends on what we find when we look at your system. Call us at 256-586-4000 to schedule a service visit.
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
Most manufacturers and HVAC technicians recommend having your system inspected once a year — your cooling system in the spring before heavy use, and your heating system in the fall. Regular maintenance helps catch small problems before they become expensive repairs.
What is the difference between R-410A and R-454B refrigerant?
R-410A has been the standard residential refrigerant for many years. R-454B (sold under the Puron Advance name by some manufacturers) is a newer refrigerant with a lower global warming potential that newer equipment is being designed to use. The refrigerant your system uses depends on the equipment and when it was manufactured. Refrigerants are not interchangeable — never let anyone add a different refrigerant to your system.
Should I repair my old system or replace it?
The answer depends on the age of the equipment, the cost of the needed repair, and how well the system has been maintained. A good rule of thumb: if the equipment is 12 to 15 years old and the repair cost is more than half the cost of a new system, replacement often makes more sense. We can give you an honest assessment when we look at your situation.
What brands of HVAC equipment do you service?
We service most major residential heating and cooling brands. If you have a question about your specific equipment, call us at 256-586-4000.
My heat pump is not heating in winter. What should I check first?
Check your air filter first — a clogged filter is a common cause of poor heating performance. Make sure your thermostat is set to heat mode and the temperature setting is above the current room temperature. If the outdoor unit is covered in ice, that can also prevent heating. If those basics don't solve it, call us for a service visit.
How long does a residential HVAC system typically last?
A well-maintained central air conditioning system typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Gas furnaces can last 20 years or more. Heat pumps generally last 12 to 15 years because they work year-round as both a heater and a cooler. Regular maintenance helps reach the top end of those ranges.
What should I do while waiting for a service technician?
If your AC is out in summer, close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows to reduce heat gain. Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise (summer mode) to create a cooling effect. If your heat is out in winter, close off rooms you are not using and keep interior doors closed to retain warmth. Do not run portable gas heaters indoors.
What information should I have ready when I call for service?
It helps to know the make and model of your equipment (usually on a label on the unit), the approximate age of the system, and a description of what the system is doing — or not doing. If you can tell us whether the outdoor unit is running and whether you hear any unusual sounds, that helps us prepare for the visit.
