Straight Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners across East-Central Illinois.
014 Questions
Service & Coverage
01What areas do you serve?+
We're based in Melvin, IL and serve homeowners across Gibson City, Melvin, Onarga, Gilman, Watseka, Milford, Manteno, Kankakee, Bradley, Bourbonnais, Peotone, Buckingham, Ashkum, Cullom. If you're nearby and not sure whether you're in our area, just call (217) 379-7162 and we'll let you know.
02What kind of properties do you service?+
We focus on residential heating and cooling — single-family homes, farmhouses, and the kind of mechanical systems you find in a home.
03How do I schedule service?+
The fastest way is to call (217) 379-7162. You can also use the contact form on this site or the chat widget. We don't run a separate online booking system — scheduling is handled directly so we can ask the right questions up front.
04What are your hours?+
We work by appointment and offer 24/7 emergency service. If you have a no-heat or cooling emergency outside normal hours, call us anytime — we'll take care of you.
023 Questions
Pricing & Estimates
01Do you charge for estimates?+
The diagnostic estimate is free — we come out, diagnose exactly what's going on, and give you the number before any repair work begins. Repairs themselves are charged as straightforward labor with clear, upfront pricing, so you always know the cost before we start.
02How do you price your work?+
We give you a clear, written quote before any work starts — the price you approve is the price you pay. No surprise fees at the door, and no commissioned sales rep pushing add-ons.
03Do you offer financing on new equipment?+
For larger installs like a full system replacement, ask us about financing options when you call. We'll walk through what's available so you can decide what fits your budget.
035 Questions
Repairs & Equipment
01What brands of equipment do you work on?+
We service and install all major residential HVAC brands. As an Amana® dealer we install Amana® heating and air conditioning equipment, but we're happy to work on whatever brand you already have.
02Do you offer emergency service?+
Yes — we offer 24/7 emergency service. If your furnace quits in the middle of an Illinois winter or your AC goes down in a heat wave, call us anytime, day or night, and we'll get you taken care of.
03Should I repair or replace my old system?+
It depends on the age of the equipment, the cost of the repair, and how reliably it's been running. We'll give you an honest assessment — including when a repair makes more sense than a replacement — rather than pushing a new system you don't need.
04Can you help with ductwork and airflow problems?+
Yes — this is a core part of what we do. As a sheet metal craftsman, we fabricate custom transitions, expand undersized returns, install MERV13 filter racks, and bring static pressure down so your system runs quietly and efficiently.
05My furnace is making a strange noise. Is that dangerous?+
Some noises are harmless; others can point to a failing component or, in rare cases, a safety issue. If you hear banging, scraping, or a loud rumble — or if you suspect any combustion problem — turn the unit off and call us before running it again.
045 Questions
Efficiency & Comfort
01Do you install heat pumps and dual-fuel systems?+
We do. Modern cold-climate heat pumps can handle both cooling and much of your heating load, and pairing them with a gas furnace backup (dual-fuel) can cut propane and natural gas bills. We size systems properly with a Manual J load calculation.
02What is a SEER2 rating and why does it matter?+
SEER2 is the current efficiency standard for air conditioning — the higher the number, the less electricity the system uses to cool your home. We help you compare options so you balance upfront cost against long-term energy savings.
03What is AFUE and how does it affect my heating bills?+
AFUE measures how much of the fuel your furnace actually turns into heat — an 80% AFUE unit wastes 20%, while a 96%+ AFUE high-efficiency furnace wastes far less. Higher AFUE generally means lower monthly gas or propane bills.
04Can a new thermostat really lower my bills?+
A properly installed and programmed smart thermostat can trim real money off your bills — but only if it's wired and set up correctly for your specific system. We install, program, and walk you through the controls so you actually use them.
05How can I improve my indoor air quality?+
Tight modern homes trap dust, pollen, and indoor pollutants. We upgrade filtration (MERV13+ media cabinets), add UV treatment where it makes sense, and balance ventilation so the air your family breathes is genuinely cleaner — not just temperature-controlled.
054 Questions
Maintenance & Safety
01Do you offer a maintenance plan?+
Yes — we offer an F5 maintenance plan that keeps your heating and cooling equipment running reliably year-round. See our Maintenance page for what's included and how to enroll.
02How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?+
Most systems benefit from a cooling check in the spring and a heating check in the fall. Regular tune-ups catch small issues before they become breakdowns and help your equipment run at its rated efficiency.
03Do you test for carbon monoxide?+
Yes. As part of a heating inspection we can run a combustion analysis, check flue draft, and test for carbon monoxide so you know your equipment is venting safely — not just that it's running.
04How often should I change my filter?+
It depends on the filter type and your home, but a standard 1-inch filter usually needs changing every 1–3 months, while a thicker media filter lasts longer. We'll tell you the right interval for your specific setup.
Still have a question?
We're happy to talk it through.
Small Town Values · Five-Star Comfort
Ready for Honest Heating & Cooling Service?
Call F5 Heating and Cooling for accurate diagnostics and dependable repairs across East-Central Illinois. No pushy sales commissions — just straight answers, fair quotes, and true sheet metal craft.
Direct Line(217) 379-7162
By Appointment · 24/7 Emergency Service
Upfront written quotes · No commissioned upsells
Gibson City · Melvin · Onarga · Gilman · Watseka · Milford · Manteno · Kankakee · Bradley · Bourbonnais · Peotone · Buckingham · Ashkum · Cullom
