Frequently Asked Questions

Most HVAC systems benefit from professional maintenance twice a year—once before cooling season and once before heating season. Regular maintenance includes refrigerant refill, lubrication, coil cleaning, thermostat calibration, and ventilation inspection to extend system life. At Richards Mechanical, we recommend scheduling preventive visits in spring and fall for optimal performance.

A comprehensive maintenance visit includes refrigerant refill, lubrication of moving parts, coil cleaning, thermostat calibration, and ventilation inspection. These services help extend your system's lifespan and maintain efficient operation. At Richards Mechanical, our preventive maintenance programs address all essential components to keep your heating and cooling systems running reliably.

A heat pump provides both heating and cooling by transferring heat rather than generating it, making it more energy-efficient in moderate climates. Traditional HVAC systems use separate furnace and air conditioner units. Heat pumps work well in Portage's climate and can significantly reduce energy costs compared to conventional systems.

If your system is over 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or struggles to maintain comfort, replacement is often more cost-effective than continued repairs. Newer systems offer improved energy efficiency and reliability. At Richards Mechanical, we help residential and commercial customers evaluate whether repair or replacement makes the most financial sense.

Proper thermostat calibration ensures your system accurately reads indoor temperatures and cycles on and off at the right times. Miscalibrated thermostats cause uneven heating or cooling and waste energy. Regular calibration during maintenance visits helps maintain consistent comfort and reduces unnecessary system wear.

Regular maintenance of walk-in coolers, ice machines, and freezer units prevents costly breakdowns and food spoilage while extending equipment life. Routine service includes coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and component inspection. At Richards Mechanical, we provide preventive care for commercial refrigeration systems to minimize business losses.

Restaurant range hoods and exhaust fans require professional installation and maintenance to meet health codes and ensure proper air quality. Poorly functioning ventilation systems create safety hazards and uncomfortable working conditions. At Richards Mechanical, we install and repair commercial ventilation systems including air make-up units for optimal performance.

Installation costs depend on the number of indoor units, system capacity, installation complexity, and electrical requirements. Mini splits offer flexible zoning and high efficiency but require proper sizing and placement. At Richards Mechanical, we install mini split systems for both residential and commercial properties in Portage and surrounding areas.

Emergency HVAC service prioritizes rapid response to minimize discomfort and business losses. Repair time depends on the specific failure and parts availability, but most common issues can be resolved within hours. At Richards Mechanical, we provide prompt emergency repair services for heating and cooling system failures throughout the year.

Skipping regular preventive maintenance is the most common mistake, leading to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and premature system failure. Many people only call for service after a breakdown occurs. Scheduled maintenance visits catch small issues before they become expensive repairs and extend your system's lifespan significantly.