Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common HVAC questions from ARP Heat And Air. Can't find your answer? Call us at (405) 413-0583.
Pricing & Estimates
How much does AC repair cost in Oklahoma?
AC repair typically costs $150-$600 depending on the issue. Common repairs: capacitor replacement ($150-$250), refrigerant leak repair ($300-$600), blower motor issues ($200-$550), frozen coil diagnosis ($180-$400), contactor failure ($180-$280). We waive the $89 service fee with completed repairs.
How much does a new AC installation cost?
Complete AC installations run $4,500-$9,500. A 2.5-3 ton 14 SEER2 replacement is around $4,500-$6,000. Larger homes needing 4-5 ton systems or higher-efficiency 16+ SEER2 units run $7,000-$9,500. Free estimates with no pressure.
How much does a new furnace cost?
New gas furnaces cost $3,800-$7,500 installed. An 80% AFUE basic furnace is $3,800-$5,000. A high-efficiency 95%+ condensing furnace is $5,500-$7,500. Free estimates include load calculation and ductwork inspection.
Do you charge for estimates?
Estimates on new installations (AC, furnace, heat pump) are always free and in-home. For diagnostic calls (something's broken, need to figure out what), we charge $89 — but that's waived when you approve the repair. No hidden fees.
Service & Response Times
Do you offer emergency service?
Yes — true 24/7 emergency HVAC service, nights, weekends, and holidays. Charlie personally answers many calls. For no-heat in freezing temps, no-AC in 100°+ heat, gas smell, or CO alarms: call immediately. Response time is typically 30-90 minutes depending on location.
How fast can you arrive?
Same-day response is standard in Edmond (our home base) and typically available across the OKC metro during business hours. Farther cities (Blanchard, Newcastle, Tuttle) are often next-day during peak season. Call us and we'll give you our current response time.
What areas do you serve?
We serve 19 cities across the OKC metro: Edmond, Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Yukon, Mustang, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, Bethany, Piedmont, The Village, Nichols Hills, Warr Acres, Spencer, Harrah, Newcastle, Blanchard, and Tuttle. See our service areas page for details.
Do you service commercial properties?
Yes. We do residential and light commercial HVAC — offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and small businesses. For large industrial or very large commercial systems (chillers, multi-unit rooftops over 20 tons), we'll refer you to a specialist.
Licensing, Insurance & Credentials
Are you licensed?
Yes. We hold Oklahoma Construction Industries Board License #00125054 — verifiable at cib.ok.gov. Oklahoma requires HVAC contractors to pass journeyman and master exams plus document 4+ years of field experience. Never hire an unlicensed HVAC contractor in Oklahoma — it's illegal and voids manufacturer warranties.
Are you insured?
Yes — fully insured with general liability and workers' compensation. Ask to see certificates anytime. Unlicensed or uninsured contractors are a risk to your home and your liability if something goes wrong.
How long have you been in business?
ARP Heat And Air has been serving the Oklahoma City metro since 2011. We're independently owned by Charlie — not a franchise, not part of a national chain. That means every decision about your service is made locally, by people who live in the same metro you do.
Brands & Equipment
What brands of HVAC do you service?
All major brands: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, Amana, York, Bryant, American Standard, Heil, Ruud, Payne, Comfortmaker, and more. We're brand-agnostic on repair — we'll service whatever you have.
What brand do you recommend for new installations?
For most Oklahoma homes, we recommend Trane or Carrier (premium), or Goodman (strong value). Rheem and Lennox are also excellent. The "best" brand depends on your budget, home size, and priorities. We'll quote 2-3 options and let you decide.
Do you install mini splits (ductless systems)?
Yes — Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, LG, and Gree. Mini splits are ideal for additions, garages, bonus rooms, workshops, and homes without ductwork. See our mini split page for details.
Maintenance & Lifespan
How often should I have my HVAC serviced?
Twice a year is the industry standard: once in spring for AC (before cooling season) and once in fall for furnace (before heating season). Annual maintenance extends system life by 5-10 years and keeps manufacturer warranties valid.
How long does an HVAC system last?
AC systems last 12-18 years with good maintenance (10-14 without). Gas furnaces last 15-25 years. Heat pumps last 12-18 years. Mini splits last 15-20 years. Oklahoma's hot summers stress AC systems more than milder climates, so we often see the low end of those ranges without maintenance.
How often should I change my air filter?
Every 1-3 months depending on filter type and home conditions. Basic 1" filters: monthly. 4-5" media filters: every 6-12 months. More often if you have pets, allergies, or live on a dirt road (a lot of Oklahoma homes do).
Heat Pump & System-Specific Questions
Are heat pumps worth it in Oklahoma?
Yes, in most cases. Oklahoma's mild winters make heat pumps very efficient — they can heat effectively down to ~25°F. For the coldest snaps, a dual-fuel setup (heat pump + gas furnace backup) gives you efficiency in mild weather plus reliable heat in extreme cold. Federal tax credits apply to high-efficiency heat pumps.
What's the best thermostat setting for Oklahoma?
Summer: 74-78°F when home, 80-82°F when away. Winter: 68-70°F when home, 62-65°F when away or sleeping. Every degree change affects your bill 3-5%. Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee) automate this and typically save 10-15% on energy costs.
Can I still use R-22 refrigerant?
R-22 is no longer manufactured in the US (banned as of 2020) and is becoming very expensive. Existing systems can still be recharged with recycled R-22, but cost has reached $100-$150/lb. If your system uses R-22 and has a significant leak, replacement usually makes more sense than repair.
Should I Repair or Replace?
When should I replace my AC or furnace?
Simple rule: if your system is 15+ years old AND the repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost, replace it. If it's under 10 years old, repair almost always makes sense. In the 10-15 year grey zone, we look at refrigerant type (R-22 systems favor replacement), repair history (multiple recent failures favor replacement), and efficiency (old 10 SEER vs new 16 SEER2 means big summer savings).
How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?
Signs include: soot around the furnace, unusual rust patterns, a yellow or wavering flame instead of blue, carbon monoxide detector alarms, or the smell of "chemicals" near the furnace. If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, shut the furnace off and call us immediately. This is a safety issue, not a comfort issue.
Still Have Questions?
Call (405) 413-0583 — we answer questions over the phone even if you're not booking service. Text us, or book online. You can also visit our blog for detailed guides on specific HVAC topics.