Too often, home and business owners wait for their existing HVAC system to give out before investing in something new. But waiting too long could leave you without AC or heat at the worst possible moment.

Today’s cutting-edge systems are energy efficient and built to last. Trade up, and you’ll instantly be spending less on heating and cooling over time, helping you recoup your purchase quickly and easily. Get in touch for a free assessment, and our HVAC services experts will recommend HVAC systems that align with your space, your budget and your goals.

Learn More About Our Air Conditioning Installation Services

When your HVAC system isn’t performing, don’t go it alone. DIY options can often leave you with less heat, less air and more headaches, plus a hefty air conditioning repair bill at the end of the day.

Whether your HVAC system isn’t functioning or, simply, its performance has declined over time, get in touch. With a quick service visit, our technicians can diagnose any issues, recommending comprehensive, affordable next steps, including repairs, basic maintenance or new models. Plus, with preventative options, our team can keep tabs on your HVAC systems, preventing future issues and helping maintain the quality and efficiency of your heating and AC.

Learn More About Our Air Conditioning Repair Services

Whether it’s a new build or a top-down renovation, a high-quality, well-matched HVAC system is critical to your space. Contact us for a free consultation.

During your assessment, Choate’s factory-trained technicians will walk the construction, determine your HVAC needs and, from there, make customized recommendations that sync with your space, your timeline and your budget. From there, we’ll manage all of the heavy lifting from purchasing to installation to preventative maintenance, so you can focus on everything else.

Learn More About Our New Construction Air Conditioning Services

Thinking about going duct-free? These mini-split systems are a popular choice for homeowners, offering efficiency and consistent climate control from room to room. Ideal for new additions or spaces that currently rely on window units or baseboard heating, ductless HVAC systems only require a small hole, curbing the risk of leaks or security issues. And, because they’re less visible and much quieter than traditional window and baseboard units, duct-free systems can easily be integrated into any room of your home.

We know HVAC systems are a big investment -- but we also know they’re critical to the comfort and livability of your home or office. To help our customers get the systems they need when they need them, Choate’s offers comprehensive financing solutions for customers with approved credit. Contact us to learn more and to upgrade your HVAC system with affordable monthly payments.

Get in touch to learn more about our HVAC upgrade, repair and maintenance options. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full replacement, our expert team can assist in getting you the service and solutions you need, on time and on budget.

HVAC FAQs: Expert Answers To Your Heating And Cooling Questions

Understanding your home's heating and cooling system shouldn't require an engineering degree. Homeowners throughout Memphis and the Mid-South face unique climate challenges—sweltering summers with high humidity and cold winter months that demand reliable heating. This guide answers the most frequently asked HVAC questions based on over 65 years of service experience in this region, helping you make informed decisions about system maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

What Is HVAC And Why Does It Matter?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—the complete system that keeps your home comfortable year-round. Each component plays a specific role in creating the indoor environment you depend on daily. When these systems work together properly, you enjoy consistent temperatures, controlled humidity levels, and clean indoor air.

The three main components include heating (furnaces, heat pumps, or boilers), ventilation (ductwork and fans), and air conditioning (units that cool and dehumidify). Memphis homeowners face particularly demanding conditions that stress HVAC systems more than moderate climates. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with humidity levels above 70%, requiring air conditioners to run 8-12 hours daily during peak months. Winter lows can drop into the 20s, demanding reliable heating. A properly functioning system directly affects your monthly energy bills, your family's comfort, and indoor air quality. Learning common HVAC terms helps you recognize when something isn't working correctly and when professional service becomes necessary.

How Often Should You Service Your System?

Professional HVAC maintenance should occur twice per year—once in spring for your cooling system and once in fall for your heating system. This seasonal timing prevents mid-season failures when you need your system most. During our 65+ years serving Memphis, we've found that homeowners who skip annual maintenance experience three times as many emergency breakdowns in July and January, when systems work hardest.

Regular service prevents efficiency losses of 15% or more that accumulate as components wear and dirt builds up. Most manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep warranties valid, which means skipping service could leave you paying full price for covered repairs that would otherwise cost nothing. Systems older than 10 years typically need more frequent attention because wear accelerates as components age. Memphis's temperature extremes and high humidity stress HVAC systems more than milder climates—we see outdoor condensers fail prematurely when coils corrode from humidity exposure without regular cleaning.

How Often Should You Change Air Filters?

Check your air filter monthly and replace it every 1 to 3 months, though your household may require more frequent changes. Pets shed dander and hair, which can accumulate rapidly in filters, often requiring monthly replacement. Active households with kids generate more dust from constant activity. Family members with respiratory sensitivities need cleaner filters changed more frequently to maintain air quality.

Dirty filters cause efficiency losses of 15% or more and can lead to complete system failure. When airflow becomes restricted, your system works harder to circulate air, components overheat, and expensive repairs become necessary. We've responded to hundreds of emergency calls in Memphis, where homeowners discovered their compressors had failed because a $15 filter hadn't been changed in 6 months. Understanding how air filters affect your HVAC system helps you avoid these preventable problems. Check whether a filter needs replacement by holding it up to light—if you cannot see through the filter material, it's time for a new one.

What Size Cooling System Do You Need?

Proper system sizing requires professional calculations based on your home's specific characteristics—guessing leads to costly problems. Oversized systems cool quickly but shut off before removing humidity, creating a clammy environment that Memphis homeowners find particularly uncomfortable, given our naturally high humidity. Undersized systems run constantly without reaching the desired temperature, especially during peak summer heat when outdoor temperatures exceed 95°F for days at a time.

We've measured homes throughout the Memphis area and found that square footage alone can vary by 1.5 tons in required cooling capacity depending on insulation quality, window orientation, and shade coverage. Professionals evaluate square footage, ceiling height, number and orientation of windows, insulation quality, condition of ductwork, and local climate. Memphis heat and humidity require systems sized for local conditions, not national averages—homes here typically need 15-20% more capacity than identical homes in moderate climates. Professional HVAC contractors use Manual J load calculations—the industry standard method that accounts for all these variables. Choate's performs detailed assessments before recommending equipment to verify you get the right capacity for your specific home.

Why Is My AC Not Cooling Properly?

Air conditioning problems are among the most common reasons homeowners call for service. A dirty air filter restricting airflow tops the list because it's easily overlooked but dramatically affects performance. Your thermostat set incorrectly or is malfunctioning, preventing the system from running properly. Refrigerant leaks reduce cooling capacity—air conditioners don't "use up" refrigerant, so low levels always indicate damage somewhere in the sealed system.

A frozen evaporator coil often results from airflow problems caused by dirty filters or blocked vents. We see this frequently in Memphis during June and July when systems run continuously and minor airflow restrictions cause ice buildup within hours. Dirty condenser coils on your outdoor unit prevent heat from dissipating properly—cottonwood seeds and grass clippings common in this area create dense mats on coils that block airflow. Before calling for service, check that your thermostat is set to "cool" with the temperature below the current room temperature, replace dirty filters, and inspect your outdoor unit for debris or vegetation blocking airflow. If these steps don't resolve the issue within a few hours, a professional diagnosis becomes necessary to prevent compressor damage.

When Should Your Furnace Or AC Be Replaced?

Deciding between repair and replacement affects both your immediate budget and long-term costs. Furnaces last 15-20 years under normal conditions with proper maintenance. Air conditioners typically last 10-15 years before efficiency declines and repairs become more frequent. Heat pumps generally last 10-15 years because they work year-round. These lifespans assume regular maintenance—we've seen well-maintained systems reach 20+ years while neglected systems fail at 8-10 years.

The 50% rule helps you make informed decisions: if repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost AND your system has passed 60% of its expected lifespan, replacement usually makes more financial sense. A $1,800 compressor replacement on a 13-year-old air conditioner means investing heavily in equipment that may fail again within 1-3 years. Older air conditioners often rate 8-10 SEER, while current minimum federal standards require 14 SEER. High-efficiency systems reach 16-20+ SEER, cutting cooling costs by 30-40% compared to older equipment. For a typical 2,000-square-foot Memphis home, upgrading from 10 SEER to 16 SEER saves approximately $400-600 annually on cooling costs.

Watch for rising energy bills (20-30% increase signals declining performance), frequent repairs (twice or more per year indicates overall deterioration), and uneven comfort throughout your home (hot and cold spots mean the system can't keep up with demand).

What Is SEER And Why Is It Important?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio—it measures how efficiently your air conditioner or heat pump cools your home throughout a typical cooling season. The calculation divides BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling output by watt-hours of electricity used. Higher SEER numbers mean lower operating costs for the same amount of cooling.

Current minimum federal standards require 14 SEER as of 2023. Older systems installed before 2006 often rate 8-10 SEER and waste significant energy. A 16 SEER system uses approximately 37.5% less energy than a 10 SEER system to produce the same cooling. For Memphis homeowners who run air conditioners from April through October—roughly seven months—that efficiency gap translates to $300-600 in annual savings on utility bills, depending on home size and usage patterns. SEER matters more in hot climates because efficiency gains compound with extended usage. The higher upfront cost of efficient systems ($800-1,500 more for 16 SEER versus 14 SEER) typically pays back within 3-5 years through lower operating costs.

Get Reliable HVAC Help In The Mid-South

HVAC systems involve complex mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration principles that homeowners cannot be expected to master. Choate's has served Memphis and the Mid-South since 1958, building expertise across HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and generator services through three generations of family ownership. Our technicians have an average of 12+ years of field experience and complete ongoing training on new equipment and technologies. We provide honest assessments of system condition and explain repair versus replacement options with clear cost projections—not every problem requires replacement, and we'll tell you when a $300 repair makes more sense than a $5,000 system.

Financing options make equipment replacement affordable by spreading costs over manageable monthly payments. Membership plans provide ongoing maintenance with scheduled tune-ups, priority service scheduling, and discounts on repairs for a flat annual fee. Schedule a service appointment online or call us today. We treat every home like our own, delivering reliable care that protects your comfort and investment for years to come.