FAQs

If your system is experiencing frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, or uneven cooling, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning can assess your system and provide honest guidance on whether repair or replacement is the best option.

Yes. Our certified HVAC technicians repair, maintain, and replace air conditioning systems of all makes and models. This includes central AC systems, ductless systems, and heat pumps commonly found in Staten Island homes.

Most air conditioning systems should be professionally maintained annually, ideally before the cooling season begins. Routine maintenance helps improve efficiency, reduce breakdowns, and extend system lifespan.

Same-day emergency service means we prioritize urgent cooling issues and respond as quickly as possible during normal service hours. Availability depends on call timing and demand—calls before 3 p.m. from customers with memberships—but we work hard to restore comfort without unnecessary delays.

Yes. Routine maintenance allows technicians to identify worn parts, airflow issues, and efficiency problems early. Addressing these concerns proactively helps reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns during peak summer months.

If your heating system stops working, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible rather than attempting DIY fixes. Prompt service helps prevent further damage and restores safe, reliable heat more quickly during cold weather.

If your system is frequently breaking down, struggling to heat your home evenly, or causing rising energy bills, it may need professional attention. A qualified technician can evaluate the system’s condition and help determine whether repair or replacement is the better long-term option.

Most heating systems should be maintained annually, ideally before the cold season begins. Annual maintenance helps improve efficiency, reduce breakdown risk, and ensure safe, reliable operation throughout winter.

Our certified HVAC technicians service furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and ductless heating systems. We work with systems of all makes and models commonly found in Staten Island homes.

Same-day emergency service is available for urgent heating issues for members who call before 3 p.m. Availability depends on call timing and demand, but emergency requests are prioritized whenever possible to restore heat quickly.

Yes. A properly maintained heating system runs more efficiently, reducing energy use and helping control monthly heating expenses. Maintenance also helps prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs.

Replacing an aging system can improve comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency. Newer systems often provide more consistent heat and lower operating costs when properly selected and professionally installed.

A ductless system uses individual indoor units connected to an outdoor unit to provide heating and cooling without ductwork. Each indoor unit delivers comfort directly to a specific room or area, allowing for more precise temperature control.

Yes. Many ductless systems provide both heating and cooling, making them a year-round comfort solution. They are designed to efficiently handle temperature changes while maintaining consistent comfort in each space.

No. While ductless systems work well for additions, garages, and older homes, they can also be used throughout an entire house. Systems can be designed with multiple indoor units to serve several rooms or zones.

Installation typically requires minimal construction compared to traditional ducted systems. Small wall openings are used to connect indoor and outdoor components, reducing disruption to the home.

DIY installation isn’t recommended. Proper sizing, placement, refrigerant handling, and electrical connections are critical for performance and efficiency, and mistakes can lead to poor comfort, higher energy costs, or system damage. Professional installation ensures the system operates safely, efficiently, and as designed.

Ductless systems are known for high efficiency because they avoid energy loss through ductwork. Their ability to heat or cool specific areas also helps reduce unnecessary energy use.

Yes. Routine professional maintenance helps keep ductless systems operating efficiently and reliably. Maintenance supports system performance, helps prevent breakdowns, and extends equipment lifespan.

Indoor air quality refers to the cleanliness and health of the air inside your home. It can be affected by dust, allergens, humidity levels, airborne pollutants, and ventilation, all of which influence comfort and how easily you breathe indoors.

Common signs include excessive dust, lingering odors, uneven humidity, allergy symptoms that worsen indoors, or rooms that feel stale. A professional evaluation can help identify the underlying causes.

No. Air filters primarily capture particles such as dust and pollen as air moves through your system, while air purifiers actively neutralize or reduce airborne contaminants, including bacteria, odors, and mold spores.

UV air purifiers use ultraviolet light to help reduce microorganisms within HVAC components. They support cleaner airflow by targeting contaminants that standard filtration may not address.

Yes. Excess humidity can lead to musty odors and discomfort, while overly dry air can cause irritation and static. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers help balance moisture levels for improved comfort.

When professionally installed and maintained, IAQ systems are safe for households with children and pets. Proper system selection ensures solutions match the home’s needs without introducing new concerns.

Yes. Like any HVAC-related equipment, IAQ systems require routine maintenance to remain effective. Regular service helps ensure systems continue improving air quality as intended.

Tank water heaters store a set amount of hot water for use throughout the day, while tankless systems heat water on demand. Each option has advantages depending on household size, usage habits, and available space.

Inconsistent hot water, unusual noises, leaks, or rising energy bills can indicate a problem. A professional evaluation can determine whether a repair is sufficient or if replacement would be the more reliable long-term option.

Yes. Tankless water heaters are installed, repaired, and maintained alongside traditional tank systems. Proper sizing and installation are essential to ensure reliable hot water performance.

When properly sized, a tankless system can provide continuous hot water. Household demand, fixture count, and usage patterns are considered to ensure the system meets your needs.

Most water heaters benefit from annual maintenance. Regular service helps improve efficiency, prevent unexpected breakdowns, and extend the life of both tank and tankless systems.

Water heaters operate under pressure and high temperatures, making professional service the safest option. Certified technicians ensure repairs are completed correctly and safely.

Water heater services include gas and electric tank systems, tankless units, and high-efficiency models commonly used in Staten Island homes. All makes and models are supported.

Ideally, you should schedule AC maintenance in April/May and heating maintenance in September/October.

Extreme humidity in the summer and freezing coastal winds in the winter force units to work overtime. Common culprits include clogged filters, aging systems (10+ years), or poor attic insulation.

First, check your air filter; a clogged filter can freeze the evaporator coil. Second, check your thermostat settings. If those are fine, you likely have a refrigerant leak or a failed capacitor. Do not keep running the unit if it isn’t cooling, as this can burn out the compressor.

Whistling usually indicates a return air issue or a dirty filter. Banging (or "kettling") can indicate a problem with the heat exchanger or ignition. If you smell gas or "rotten eggs," leave the house immediately and call us.

Absolutely. For older homes (like Victorians or Colonials), Ductless Mini-Split systems are the most popular option. They provide zoned cooling and heating without the need for invasive construction or bulky soffits.

In Staten Island, we deal with significant pollen and urban dust. We recommend checking your filter every 30 days and replacing it at least every 3 months. If you have pets or allergies, every 60 days is better

Air purifiers (like HEPA or electronic cleaners) are best for capturing particles like dust, pet dander, and pollen. UV Lights are installed inside your ductwork to kill biological growth and bacteria on the cooling coil. If you have allergies, go with a purifier; if you’re worried about mold or viruses, go with UV.

This is usually caused by sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, which creates a barrier between the burner and the water. In older units, it could also be a broken "dip tube," which causes cold water to mix with hot water at the top of the tank rather than being sent to the bottom to be heated.

Tankless units are great for Staten Island families because they provide endless hot water and take up significantly less space (perfect for smaller utility rooms or basements). While the upfront cost is higher, they last nearly twice as long as traditional tanks and are much more energy-efficient.

It’s unlikely to explode, but that noise is a warning sign. It's the sound of steam bubbles escaping through a thick layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank. It means your heater is overheating and working inefficiently. You should have it flushed or replaced immediately.

Absolutely. If your basement or utility closet is excessively dusty or has high chemical vapors (like bleach or paint thinner), it can corrode the burner assembly or clog the air intake of your water heater and furnace, leading to premature failure.

If your system is running but not producing heat , this is usually caused by airflow restriction, ignition failure, or low gas pressure. In Staten Island homes, the most common cause is a clogged filter or a dirty flame sensor. The furnace turns on, but shuts the burners off for safety, so the fan keeps blowing room-temperature air. Your furnace is most likely is going into safety lockout and needs service before it stops working completely.

This is called short-cycling and it strains the system. Usually overheating due to restricted airflow or an oversized system. We see this often in older Staten Island homes where ductwork was modified over time. Short cycling dramatically shortens furnace life and spikes utility bills. This is one of the earliest signs a system is about to fail.

If the repair exceeds 30–40% of replacement cost and the unit is 15+ years old, replacement is usually the better investment.

Air or trapped condensate inside steam lines. This is very common in Staten Island’s older homes. Pipes settle and vents wear out, causing steam to collide with water inside the system. This isn't dangerous but, if left alone, it can damage piping and valves.

Your heating system should be serviced once every year — typically before winter. Heating systems don’t “gradually fail.” They usually stop working during the coldest week of the year. Annual cleaning prevents emergency no-heat situations.

If you see ice on your ac unit this typically means that your system isn’t getting enough airflow or refrigerant. Turn the AC OFF and fan ON.
Running it frozen can destroy the compressor — the most expensive component.

Yes a carbon monoxide leak possible from a furnace. Any fuel-burning appliance can produce CO if venting or combustion fails.
Symptoms often feel like flu: headache, nausea, fatigue. If your CO detector alarms ? leave the home immediately and call emergency services.

Do NOT turn lights on or off, Leave the home immediately, Call the gas company from outside,
Never try to diagnose a gas smell yourself

Restricted airflow overheats furnaces and freezes air conditioners.
A $20 filter can prevent a $2,000 repair.

We suggest you check you change your filters every 60 days. If you have pets change them monthly. If you can’t remember the last time you changed it, — it’s time.