Frequently Asked Questions

We serve Bastrop County and surrounding areas including Bastrop, Rosanky, Smithville, Paige, and neighboring communities in Central Texas.

Yes! We understand HVAC emergencies can't wait. Call us at (512) 924-9744 for fast emergency service when you need immediate assistance with your heating or cooling system.

Yes, String Prairie Heating & Air is fully licensed and insured. We are a professional HVAC mechanical contractor specializing in both residential and commercial services.

HVAC costs vary based on the service needed. Diagnostic service calls typically range from $75-$125. Repairs range from $150-$2,500 depending on parts needed. New system installations range from $3,500-$15,000 depending on size and efficiency. We provide upfront pricing before any work begins.

Absolutely! We proudly serve all of Bastrop County including rural areas around Rosanky, Paige, Red Rock, Cedar Creek, and other communities. We're familiar with the unique needs of country properties and well-water homes.

String Prairie Heating & Air is a family-owned business with deep roots in Bastrop County. We're your neighbors, and our reputation in this community matters to us. We treat every customer like family.

We recommend having your HVAC system serviced twice a year - once in spring before cooling season and once in fall before heating season. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improves efficiency, and extends the life of your system.

Our comprehensive maintenance service includes filter replacement, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, testing safety controls, measuring airflow, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring your system is running at peak efficiency.

Consider replacement if your system is 10-15 years old, requires frequent repairs, causes high energy bills, or can't maintain comfortable temperatures. Our technicians will provide honest assessments and help you make the best decision for your situation and budget.

Common causes include dirty air filters, low refrigerant, frozen evaporator coils, thermostat issues, or a failing compressor. We recommend scheduling a service call so our technicians can diagnose and fix the problem.

Most residential HVAC installations take 1-2 days depending on the complexity of the job. We'll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation and work efficiently to minimize disruption to your home.

The right size depends on factors like your home's square footage, insulation, ceiling height, windows, and climate. Our technicians perform detailed load calculations to ensure you get a properly sized system for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Yes, we offer financing options to make HVAC installations and major repairs more affordable. Contact us to learn about our current financing programs.

We work with top-quality HVAC brands known for reliability and efficiency. During your consultation, we'll recommend the best options for your needs and budget.

Key steps include: regular maintenance, replacing filters monthly, using a programmable thermostat, sealing ductwork, improving insulation, and upgrading to an energy-efficient system. Even small changes can lead to significant savings.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures air conditioning efficiency. Higher SEER ratings mean greater efficiency and lower energy costs. Modern systems typically range from 14-25 SEER, with higher ratings providing better energy savings.

Smart thermostats can save 10-30% on heating and cooling costs through automatic temperature adjustments, remote control, and energy usage insights. They're a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.

Standard 1-inch filters should be changed every 1-3 months depending on usage, pets, and allergies. Thicker filters (4-5 inches) can last 6-12 months. Check filters monthly and replace when visibly dirty.

Spring preparation includes: replacing filters, cleaning the outdoor unit, checking refrigerant levels, testing the thermostat, ensuring proper airflow, and scheduling professional maintenance. This prevents breakdowns during peak heat.

Fall preparation includes: replacing filters, testing your heating system early, checking for carbon monoxide leaks, inspecting ductwork, programming your thermostat, and scheduling professional maintenance before cold weather arrives.

You don't need to cover the entire unit, as they're designed to withstand weather. However, you can place a board or cover on top to prevent debris from falling in. Never completely wrap the unit as it needs ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Bastrop County regularly sees summer temperatures exceeding 100°F. Most homes need 1 ton of cooling per 400-500 square feet, but factors like insulation, ceiling height, and window exposure affect sizing. We perform Manual J load calculations to ensure proper sizing for our Texas climate.

Both work well in our climate. Heat pumps are highly efficient for our mild winters and provide both heating and cooling. Gas furnaces heat quickly during cold snaps. Many Bastrop County homes use heat pumps with gas furnace backup (dual fuel systems) for optimal efficiency year-round.