Frequently Asked Questions

An HVAC system, short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, keeps your home comfortable by regulating temperature, airflow, and indoor air quality. For details on what we do, see our Furnace Installation & Replacement and Furnace Repair pages, as well as Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement and AC Repair.

We handle heating, air conditioning, heat pumps, water heaters, plumbing, and electrical services for homes in and around San Jose, CA. You can call us at (408) 317 3901 or contact us online.

We serve cities in California, specifically Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda counties.You can find a full list of cities on the "Areas We Serve" page.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is around 15-20 years, but factors such as maintenance, usage, system type, and equipment quality can shorten or extend it. Regular maintenance can significantly extend the system's lifespan

Start with a professional diagnostic, then compare the repair cost to a replacement quote. If your system is relatively new and the issue is minor with no history of frequent breakdowns, a repair makes sense. If it’s around 10–15 years old, needs a major component replacement, breaks often, or your bills and comfort are deteriorating, replacement is typically the smarter long-term choice.

Have an IRBIS professional perform a Manual J load calculation during an in-home evaluation. It factors in square footage, insulation, windows, air leakage, duct capacity, and local climate to determine the precise capacity for your home and maximize comfort and efficiency.

Yes, we provide same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency support for HVAC issues in the San Jose area.

Plan for at least one maintenance visit per year — cooling in spring, heating in fall. Regular tune-ups improve reliability, efficiency, and safety, and keep warranties valid. Our Home Care Plan makes it easy to stay on schedule, with all seasonal maintenance handled automatically.

Check filters monthly and replace them every 1 to 3 months. If you have pets, allergies, heavy system use, or it’s peak season, consider changing them more frequently, such as every month.

Schedule maintenance twice a year — a cooling tune-up in spring and a heating tune-up in fall. At a minimum, service each system annually or whenever you notice higher bills, reduced airflow, unusual noises, or poor performance. If you’re part of our Home Care Plan, these seasonal tune-ups are already included, so you never have to worry about missing a service.

This could be due to a dirty air filter, a low refrigerant charge, or a problem with the fan or compressor. Start by checking the filter.

This can be caused by poor ductwork design, lack of insulation, or other airflow issues. An IRBIS specialist can diagnose and fix the problem.

Unusual noises can be a sign of a loose part, a failing motor, or an airflow issue. It's best to have an IRBIS technician inspect the unit.

Watch for higher energy bills, uneven room temperatures, longer run times, or frequent cycling, as well as unusual noises or weak airflow, which are common signs of reduced efficiency.If you notice any of these, schedule a professional furnace maintenance so a technician can inspect, clean, and adjust components and keep your system running efficiently.

We start with an in-home evaluation and load-based sizing, then help you choose the right equipment and handle permits as needed. Licensed IRBIS technicians perform the installation to our safety and quality standards, make any required duct or electrical adjustments, and fully test and commission the system. Afterward, you receive a detailed completion report with photos, plus guidance on rebates, financing options, and operating your new system.

Two-stage heating refers to equipment with two levels of heat output: a lower stage for most mild days and a higher stage for colder weather, which helps maintain steadier temperatures, quieter operation, and better efficiency than single-stage systems.

A thermostat is the control center of your HVAC system that lets you set the desired temperature and tells your heating or cooling equipment when to run to maintain comfort. IRBIS installs and replaces standard and smart thermostats, including options with app-based control to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for homes without existing ductwork or for homeowners who want efficient zoning. They pair an outdoor compressor with one or more indoor units to improve energy savings and give you independent temperature control in each room.