Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC Questions? We've Got Answers.

We get a lot of the same questions from homeowners in Baldwin County. Here are the answers — no sales pitch, just straight talk.

General Questions

How quickly can you get to my house?

Same-day service is usually available. When you call, we'll give you a time window — and we'll actually show up during that window. If your heat or AC is completely out, we prioritize those calls.

📞 Call (251) 751-9908 to schedule.

What areas do you serve?

We serve all of Baldwin County including:

Spanish Fort
Daphne
Fairhope
Malbis
Point Clear
Loxley
Bay Minette
Robertsdale

We also serve Mobile County. If you're not sure if you're in our service area, just call — we'll let you know.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. We're fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Alabama. We're happy to provide proof if you need it for your records.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, we offer financing options for larger purchases like system replacements. Ask us about current options when you call.

Repair Questions

How much does an AC repair cost?

It depends on what's wrong, but here's a general idea:

Repair Type	Typical Range
Diagnostic fee	$75-100
Capacitor replacement	$150-300
Refrigerant recharge	$200-400
Blower motor	$300-600
Compressor	$800-1,500

We'll always tell you the price before we do any work. No surprises.

How do I know if I need a repair or a replacement?

General rule of thumb:

If your system is under 10 years old and the repair is less than $500, repair is usually the better call.
If your system is over 15 years old and needs a major repair, it might be time to talk about replacement.
If you're facing a repair that costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement often makes more sense.

We'll give you an honest recommendation. We don't push replacements when a repair will work.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

Common causes:

Dirty air filter — Check this first. A clogged filter restricts airflow.
Low refrigerant — Usually means there's a leak somewhere.
Frozen evaporator coil — Often caused by airflow issues or low refrigerant.
Faulty capacitor — The part that helps the compressor start.
Thermostat issues — Sometimes it's as simple as dead batteries.

If checking the filter doesn't help, give us a call.

Why is my heater blowing cold air?

Possible reasons:

Thermostat set wrong — Make sure it's on "Heat" not "Cool" and the fan is on "Auto" not "On."
Pilot light out — For gas furnaces, the pilot may need to be relit.
Dirty filter — Can cause the system to overheat and shut off.
Heat pump in defrost mode — Heat pumps occasionally blow cool air during defrost cycles. This is normal.
Ignition problems — For gas furnaces, the ignitor may need replacement.

How often should I change my air filter?

Every 1-3 months, depending on:

How much you run your system
Whether you have pets
Allergies in your household
Type of filter you use

In Baldwin County's humid climate with lots of AC use, we recommend checking monthly and changing when it looks dirty.

Maintenance Questions

Do I really need annual maintenance?

Short answer: Yes.

Regular maintenance:

Catches small problems before they become expensive repairs
Keeps your system running efficiently (lower energy bills)
Extends the life of your equipment
Maintains your warranty (many manufacturers require it)

Think of it like oil changes for your car. Skip them long enough and you'll have a much bigger problem.

What's included in a maintenance visit?

Our tune-ups include:

Inspect and clean condenser coils
Check refrigerant levels
Test electrical connections
Lubricate moving parts
Check thermostat calibration
Inspect ductwork connections
Test system controls
Check safety devices
Replace air filter (if needed)

We'll also let you know if we spot anything that needs attention.

What's a maintenance plan and is it worth it?

Our maintenance plan includes:

Two tune-ups per year (spring AC + fall heating)
Priority scheduling — Skip the line during busy season
15% off all repairs
No overtime charges — Ever

Most customers save more than the plan costs within the first year. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing your system is being looked after.

Cost Questions

How much does a new AC system cost?

Typical range: $4,000 – $12,000 installed, depending on:

Size of your home
Type of system (standard AC, heat pump, high-efficiency)
Ductwork condition
Brand preference

We provide free estimates with no pressure. We'll explain all your options and help you find the best fit for your budget.

Why are HVAC repairs so expensive?

A few reasons:

Parts aren't cheap — Compressors, motors, and coils are expensive components.
It's skilled work — HVAC techs need years of training and certification.
Specialized tools — We bring thousands of dollars in equipment to every job.
Liability — We're insured, licensed, and stand behind our work.

That said, we keep our prices fair. We're not the cheapest, but we're not trying to rip anyone off either.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes — for system replacements and larger projects, we provide free, no-obligation estimates.

For repairs, there's a diagnostic fee (typically $75-100) that covers the visit and diagnosis. If you proceed with the repair, we often apply that fee toward the work.

Emergency Questions

Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?

We offer extended hours and prioritize emergencies. If your system is completely out during extreme weather, call us and we'll do our best to get to you as quickly as possible.

What should I do while waiting for a repair?

If your AC is out:

Close blinds and curtains
Use fans to circulate air
Stay hydrated
Consider going somewhere cool if it's dangerously hot

If your heat is out:

Layer up with blankets and warm clothes
Use space heaters safely (away from flammable items)
Open curtains during sunny hours
If you have a fireplace, use it
If pipes might freeze, let faucets drip slightly

About Aim

Are you a family business?

Yes. Aim Heating & Cooling is family-owned and operated right here in Baldwin County. We're not a franchise or a big corporation — when you call us, you're supporting a local family.

Why should I choose Aim over the big companies?

We don't upsell. If a repair will work, we'll tell you. We won't push a $5,000 replacement when a $300 fix will do.
Same-day service. We answer our phones and show up fast.
Fair pricing. We're not the cheapest, but we're not gouging anyone either.
We explain everything. No jargon, no confusion. You'll understand what's wrong and what we're doing to fix it.
We stand behind our work. If something's not right, we'll make it right.

How do I leave a review?

We'd really appreciate it! You can leave us a Google review here:
Leave a Review

Your feedback helps other Baldwin County homeowners find honest, reliable service.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to help. Give us a call at (251) 751-9908 or send us a message through our website.

No question is too small — we'd rather you ask than guess.

SEO Meta Data

Title Tag: HVAC FAQ | Common AC & Heating Questions | Aim Heating & Cooling

Meta Description: Get answers to common HVAC questions from Baldwin County's trusted family-owned company. AC repair costs, maintenance tips, and more. Call (251) 751-9908.

URL Slug: /faq

Schema Markup (For Developer)

Add FAQPage schema to help these appear in Google's "People Also Ask" section:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How much does an AC repair cost?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "AC repair costs vary depending on the issue. Common repairs range from $150-600, while major repairs like compressor replacement can cost $800-1,500. We always provide the price before starting work."
      }
    }
  ]
}

(Add each Q&A pair to the schema for maximum SEO benefit)