Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We've got answers. Find the most common questions about our HVAC services below.
General
Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?
Yes. Air Surge provides 24/7 emergency HVAC service every day of the year, including holidays. Call (513) 500-3267 anytime — a live technician answers, not a voicemail. We prioritize same-day dispatch for heating failures in winter and cooling failures during Cincinnati and Dayton's hot summers, when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What areas do you serve?
Air Surge serves 57 cities across 7 Southwest Ohio counties: Warren, Clinton, Greene, Butler, Montgomery, Clermont, and Hamilton. Our primary service hub is Lebanon, OH, and we regularly work in Cincinnati, Dayton, Mason, Kettering, Springboro, Centerville, Beavercreek, Fairfield, Middletown, and surrounding communities. We also serve Northern Kentucky under KY HVAC License #HM06853.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Air Surge holds Ohio HVAC Contractor License #22147 and Kentucky HVAC License #HM06853. We are fully bonded and carry general liability and workers compensation insurance. We are also a York Certified Comfort Expert and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor — two factory-level certifications that require ongoing training and performance standards. BBB Accredited with an A+ rating since 2019.
Pricing & Payment
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Free no-obligation estimates are provided for all new system installations and replacements — including central AC, furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. Diagnostic service calls for repairs carry a standard fee, which is applied toward the repair cost if you proceed. We provide upfront, itemized quotes before any work begins.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Air Surge offers financing through Synchrony Bank with terms up to 132 months at 9.99% APR for qualified customers. This can bring a full system replacement — typically $4,000–$12,000 installed in the Cincinnati and Dayton area — down to a manageable monthly payment. Apply at mysynchrony.com/mmc/S6238309707 or ask your technician at the time of your estimate.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Financing through Synchrony Bank is available for installations and larger repairs. Payment is due upon completion of work.
Service & Repairs
How quickly can you come out for a repair?
Same-day service is available in most cases when you call before noon. For 24/7 emergencies — including complete heating or cooling failures — we dispatch as quickly as possible, typically within 2–4 hours for Warren, Clinton, and Butler County customers. Response times may vary during peak season (July–August for AC, December–January for furnaces) when call volume is highest.
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
Use the Rule of 5,000: multiply your system's age (in years) by the estimated repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement usually makes more financial sense. For example, a 12-year-old system with a $500 repair equals $6,000 — lean toward replacement. Systems over 15 years old running R-22 refrigerant (phased out in 2020) are almost always better replaced, since R-22 now costs $100–$150 per pound when available. A new 16 SEER2 system can cut cooling costs 30–40% compared to a 10 SEER unit from 2008. We provide honest recommendations — we won't push a $9,000 replacement when a $400 repair will solve the problem.
Do you service all brands?
Yes. Our factory-trained technicians service all major residential and commercial HVAC brands including York, Trane, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem, Ruud, Goodman, Amana, Bryant, American Standard, Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, and Bosch. As a York Certified Comfort Expert and Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, we have specialized training on those lines, but we work on whatever equipment is in your home or building.
Maintenance
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
Annual maintenance is the industry standard — an AC tune-up each spring (March–April) before Cincinnati's cooling season, and a furnace tune-up each fall (September–October) before heating season. Regular maintenance extends system life by an average of 3–5 years, keeps manufacturer warranties valid (most York warranties require annual professional service), and reduces the risk of mid-season breakdowns. Skipping maintenance is the most common reason systems fail prematurely.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes. Air Surge maintenance plan members receive two tune-ups per year (spring AC + fall furnace), priority scheduling ahead of non-members, and discounts on any repairs needed during the year. Members also receive a full system inspection report after each visit. Call (513) 500-3267 to ask about current plan pricing for Lebanon, Cincinnati, and Dayton area homes.
How often should I change my air filter?
It depends on the filter type: standard 1-inch filters (MERV 4–8) should be changed every 30–60 days. Thicker media filters (4–5 inch, MERV 11–13) typically last 6–12 months. Homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or high dust levels need more frequent changes. A clogged filter is one of the top causes of AC and furnace failures — it restricts airflow, causes the system to overheat or freeze up, and can lead to $300–$800 in avoidable repairs. When in doubt, check monthly and change when visibly gray.