Question 1

What areas does Five Sons Heating & Cooling serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve homes and businesses throughout South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana — including Monee, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Joliet, Crown Point, and surrounding communities. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, give us a call and we'll let you know right away.

Question 2

What should I ask to verify licensing and insurance?

Accepted Answer

Before approving HVAC work, ask any contractor for current licensing or registration details and proof of insurance. Five Sons does not publish a license number on this site until it is verified for launch, so ask the office for current documentation before work begins.

Question 3

Are you a family-owned business?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and proud of it. Five Sons is led by owner Christopher Moyano, who built the company around 20+ years of hands-on HVAC experience. When you call Five Sons, you're working with an owner-led local company, not a call center. That means straight answers, fair pricing, and accountability on every job.

Question 4

Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your heat goes out in the middle of the night or your AC fails during a summer heat wave, call us — we answer. Availability may vary by season but we do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

Question 5

What brands or manufacturers do you service?

Accepted Answer

We service all major HVAC brands including Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, York, Bryant, and more. We also specialize in boiler systems and ductless mini-splits from brands like Mitsubishi and Daikin. If it heats or cools a building, we can service it.

Question 6

What type of heating systems do you install and repair?

Accepted Answer

We install and repair gas furnaces, electric furnaces, steam boilers, hydronic (hot water) boilers, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. Boiler work is one of our specialties — we're one of the few companies in the South Chicagoland area that still takes boiler jobs that others turn down.

Question 7

My furnace is blowing cold air — what could be wrong?

Accepted Answer

Several things can cause a furnace to blow cold air: a dirty or clogged filter restricting airflow, a tripped limit switch, an ignition failure, a gas supply issue, or a problem with the heat exchanger. Start by checking your filter and thermostat settings. If those are fine, call us — diagnosing ignition and heat exchanger problems requires a qualified technician.

Question 8

How long does a furnace typically last?

Accepted Answer

Most gas furnaces last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. If yours is approaching that age and is needing frequent repairs, it's often more cost-effective to replace it than to keep repairing it. We'll give you an honest assessment — we won't push a replacement if your system still has good years left.

Question 9

What is a boiler and how is it different from a furnace?

Accepted Answer

A furnace heats air and distributes it through ductwork. A boiler heats water, which then circulates through radiators, baseboard heaters, or radiant floor tubing. Boilers are common in older homes in the Chicagoland area and provide a very comfortable, consistent heat. They also tend to last longer than furnaces — often 20–30 years — but require specialized knowledge to service correctly.

Question 10

When should I replace my heating system rather than repair it?

Accepted Answer

Consider replacement when: your system is 15+ years old, repair costs exceed 50% of a new system's price, your energy bills are rising significantly without increased usage, or you're seeing frequent breakdowns. We use a straightforward cost-benefit analysis and will always give you both options with honest pricing before any work begins.

Question 11

My AC is running but not cooling — what's happening?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include: a dirty air filter blocking airflow, low refrigerant due to a leak, a frozen evaporator coil, a dirty condenser coil, or a failing compressor. First, replace your filter and make sure vents are open. If the problem continues, we'll diagnose the root cause and give you a clear explanation before any repairs.

Question 12

How often should I replace my air filter?

Accepted Answer

For standard 1-inch filters, every 30–90 days depending on usage and whether you have pets. Thicker media filters (4–5 inch) can last 6–12 months. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of AC problems, reduced efficiency, and premature system failure. When in doubt, check it monthly.

Question 13

What is a ductless mini-split and is it right for my home?

Accepted Answer

A ductless mini-split is a zoned heating and cooling system that doesn't require ductwork. It's ideal for home additions, garages, converted spaces, or any area where running new ductwork isn't practical. They're highly efficient and give you independent temperature control per zone. We carry and install units from top manufacturers and can assess whether it's the right fit for your space.

Question 14

What SEER rating should I look for in a new AC?

Accepted Answer

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency. Higher is better. New systems must be at least SEER2 14.3 in Illinois. We typically recommend 16–18 SEER for most homeowners — a good balance of upfront cost and long-term energy savings. We'll help you calculate the payback period so you can make an informed decision.

Question 15

How long does a central AC system last?

Accepted Answer

Typically 12–17 years with regular maintenance. Systems that are neglected or improperly sized tend to fail earlier. Regular tune-ups can significantly extend the life of your equipment and keep it running at peak efficiency.

Question 16

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

Accepted Answer

We recommend once a year at minimum — ideally twice (spring for your AC, fall for your heating system). Regular tune-ups catch small issues before they become expensive failures, improve efficiency, and keep your manufacturer's warranty valid. Our Comfort Plan members get two tune-ups per year plus priority scheduling.

Question 17

What does a tune-up or maintenance visit include?

Accepted Answer

A typical HVAC tune-up includes: inspecting and cleaning the heat exchanger or evaporator/condenser coils, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, testing controls and safety switches, inspecting electrical connections, checking airflow, and replacing the filter. We also give you a written report of the system's condition and any concerns.

Question 18

What is the Five Sons Comfort Plan?

Accepted Answer

Our Comfort Plan is a $18/month residential maintenance membership that includes two professional tune-ups per year (one heating, one cooling), priority scheduling, member discounts on repairs, and a 24/7 emergency contact. It's the best way to protect your investment and ensure your system is ready for every season.

Question 19

Can I do any HVAC maintenance myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there are things homeowners should do regularly: replace your air filter every 1–3 months, keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris, make sure vents and registers are open and unblocked, and listen for unusual sounds. Beyond that, internal components — refrigerant, electrical, heat exchangers — should be handled by a qualified technician.

Question 20

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for system replacements and new installations. For diagnostic service calls, there is a trip charge that is applied toward the cost of any repair completed that day. We'll always give you a clear price before we begin any work.

Question 21

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Financing is available for qualifying installations. Because the partner, rates, terms, and application URL are not published in the verified site config yet, call us to confirm current options before making a decision.

Question 22

Do you offer any discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer discounts for military veterans, senior citizens, and new customers. We also have a referral program — when someone you refer completes a paid service, you receive a $50 credit toward your next visit. Discounts cannot be stacked unless otherwise noted.

Question 23

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, checks, and cash. Financing is also available for qualifying installations. We'll confirm payment options when scheduling your appointment.

Question 24

What is your service area response time?

Accepted Answer

For scheduled maintenance and non-emergency service calls, we typically schedule within 1–3 business days. For emergency calls — no heat in winter, no AC in a heat wave — we respond as quickly as possible, often same-day. We'll give you an honest ETA when you call.

Question 25

What should I do if I smell gas near my furnace?

Accepted Answer

Leave the building immediately. Do not turn any lights or switches on or off. Do not use your phone inside. Once you're outside and a safe distance away, call your gas utility's emergency line and 911. Do not re-enter until cleared by emergency personnel. After the situation is resolved, call us to inspect your heating system before restarting it.

Question 26

How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?

Accepted Answer

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious safety issue — it can allow carbon monoxide to enter your living space. Warning signs include: a burning smell when the furnace runs, soot around the furnace, headaches or flu-like symptoms in the home, or your system short-cycling. If you suspect a cracked heat exchanger, turn off the furnace and call us. We'll inspect it and give you an honest assessment.

Question 27

What can I do to improve indoor air quality?

Accepted Answer

Start with a high-quality air filter and change it regularly. From there, options include whole-home air purifiers, UV germicidal lights installed in the ductwork, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, and duct sealing to prevent unfiltered air from entering. We can assess your current system and recommend solutions based on your home's specific needs.

Question 28

Do you recommend carbon monoxide detectors?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Every home with a gas appliance, attached garage, or any type of combustion equipment should have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. Illinois law requires them in homes with attached garages. We can advise on placement, but you can purchase detectors at any hardware store. Replace the batteries annually and replace the unit every 5–7 years.

Frequently Asked
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About Five Sons

Frequently AskedQuestions

About Five Sons

Frequently Asked
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