Frequently asked questions

Washburn Air & HVAC FAQ

Have questions about HVAC? We have answers!

Providing the Best HVAC Services Since 1960

Whether you’re troubleshooting strange noises, researching energy efficiency ratings, or deciding between repair and replacement, this HVAC FAQ was built to help. At Washburn Air, we get daily questions from homeowners across Grapevine and the greater DFW area. Some are urgent, like why an AC leaks water or the airflow suddenly drops. Others are more technical, such as “What does SEER mean?” or “How long should a furnace last?” We’re here to explain all of it in plain English.

This page answers most HVAC questions, from system basics to maintenance timelines, filter sizes, emergency calls, and even how heat pumps work. You’ll also find helpful insight into HVAC efficiency ratings like SEER, HSPF, and AFUE, plus real-world explanations about indoor air quality and system longevity.

Our team believes in empowering customers with knowledge. Whether you’re facing a sudden AC outage or planning for a future upgrade, we want you to feel confident in your next step. That’s why we’ve organized the most common HVAC frequently asked questions in one convenient place, so you can skip the sales pitch and get right to the facts.

And if you don’t see your exact question here, don’t worry! We’re local, responsive, and always happy to help. Give us a call or send us a message, and we’ll get you the answers you need.

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Washburn Air HVAC FAQ

Commonly Asked Questions

Business FAQ

Yes, our technicians are all TDLR registered and EPA 608 Universally certified.

Yes, Washburn has General Liability, Automotive, Umbrella and Workers Compensation insurance.

All system replacements with Washburn Air come with a 10-year parts warranty and 1-year labor warranty.

We provide emergency weekend coverage when possible.

Yes, many days we can book same day appointments, but this is subject to availability.

HVAC General FAQ

Typically, it’s good practice to replace your filter every 90 days. However, this depends on the thickness of your filters, and how dirty the air is surrounding your unit.

Filter sizes are not standardized, and depend on the filter housing that goes with your unit. Common sizes are 20x25x1, 20x20x1, and 20x25x4.

Despite the name, heat pumps do not generate heat! Instead, they move heat from one place to another. Furnaces, on the other hand, create heat that is distributed throughout a home, but heat pumps absorb thermal energy from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and circulate it indoors.

A typical AC unit lasts 13-15 years. This estimate can increase or decrease depending on if the system was properly maintained.

Common HVAC Issues

There are several reasons why an AC system can leak water, but the most common are from clogged drain lines, dirty air filters, damaged drain pans, frozen evaporator coils or broken condensate pumps.

Air conditioners can freeze up due to dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, blocked vents, malfunctioning blower fans, thermostat settings or dirty evaporator coils.

Top factors that contribute to weak airflow are dirty air filters, blocked vents, leaky ducts, frozen evaporator coils or malfunctioning blowers.

HVAC System Ratings

The SEER rating is a unit of measurement used to assess the energy efficiency of an air conditioning unit.

The HSPF rating measures the energy efficiency of heat pumps. It is defined as the total heat output (in BTUs) during the season divided by the total electricity used (in watt-hours) to produce heat.

The AFUE rating measures the efficiency of furnaces and boilers in converting fuel to energy.

Energy Star Qualified items use less energy, save money on electricity, and help protect the environment. Without these qualifications, units cannot become Energy Star Certified.