Northwest Arkansas HVAC FAQ

About Our Company

Is your company licensed and insured?

Yes!  Varsity Zone HVAC of Springdale is fully licensed and insured. Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive mechanical components in the home. Using an unlicensed or uninsured company can create an unnecessary financial risk to the homeowner if something goes wrong.

Is Varsity Zone HVAC of Springdale a locally owned company?

Yes, Varsity Zone HVAC of Springdale is locally owned and operated out of Springdale, Arkansas. No private equity here! Varsity Zone is part of a franchise network with locations across the nation. Our owners, Alyssa and Logan Perryman, were born and raised in Arkansas and currently reside in Rogers, AR. Logan graduated from Har-Ber High School in Springdale, and Alyssa attended the University of Arkansas. 

At Varsity Zone, we are passionate about giving back to our community, helping our neighbors and providing the absolute highest level of customer service in the industry. 

Are your technicians background checked?

Yes, all of our employees go through a background check, drug screening and training process so they can provide the best service to our customers in Springdale, Rogers, and all Northwest Arkansas.

How do I know if a company is overcharging?

This can be tricky. Companies will charge different rates based on their overheads and cost structures, but generally prices should be similar across companies. The most important thing you can do is to get a second opinion from a trusted locally owned HVAC company before doing any major repair work. Many times, customers will call us saying they were told they needed a major repair or system replacement, and after performing our diagnostic we determined it’s a simple part failure or a more affordable solution.

Why is there a dispatch charge to send a technician to my home?

Dispatch fees are standard in the HVAC industry. Companies often do not make any money on the dispatch fee – it simply covers the cost that it takes to send a service vehicle and a technician to your home. This includes fuel, wages, insurance, vehicle wear and tear, etc. 

Charging a dispatch fee allows us the ability to take our time and provide a thorough and honest inspection of your HVAC system without pushing unnecessary repairs or pressuring the technician to make a sale. 

Will I be given options for repairs before they are done?

Yes, we pride ourselves on providing multiple repair options to homeowners before we do any repair work so they can make the best decision for them and their family.

Do you offer Financing options?

We offer a handful of financing options for our customers to take advantage of. Whether it’s a simple repair or a new full HVAC system, financing options can be great for those under strict monthly budgets. 

Common HVAC questions from homeowners in Northwest Arkansas

Why is my upstairs hotter than downstairs?

 As most people know, warm air rises and cool air falls. This can lead to upstairs feeling a little warmer, especially with open floor plans such as lofts or vaulted ceilings. Most two-story homes will either have a seperate system for the upstairs or what we call a separate zone for the upstairs. Having a separate system is ideal because it lets you independently control the upstairs from downstairs to achieve the desired comfort level. Zone systems use one system with motorized dampers that direct the airflow to both the up and down stairs or allowing it to condition each level independently. To help with having a warm upstairs you might consider running the fan on your system in the “on” position rather than “auto”. This can help circulate the air to alleviate any temperature variances in rooms. Also make sure that your doors are open, allowing for the airflow to circulate through the house effectively. 

Why is my HVAC running constantly in the summer in Arkansas?

There can be many reasons for your air conditioner to be running constantly

1. Your air conditioner may be too small for your house.
2. You may have ductwork issues, or a dirty filter.
3. Your system may be dirty if you haven't had it maintained.
4. Your system may be low on refrigerant or have a bad component.

Tips to help your air conditioner during summer months

1. Have your system cleaned and serviced before summer arrives.
2. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed to prevent air leakage.
3. Close curtains and blinds during the day to help prevent your house from heating up too much.
4. Contact a heating and air building science specialist to evaluate your home, system and ductwork to ensure it is properly designed for your home. 

Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?

Repair vs. Replace is a big decision and one that must be calculated. Here are some things that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating your next steps.

1. What does a new system cost me today?
2. What are repairs on my old system costing me today, vs. a new system that has a 10- year extended warranty?
3. What are the energy savings I will get from a new system compared to my old system?
4. If I choose to repair my system, how much more time can I get out of it, and what will a new system cost next time my old system breaks down? Unfortunately, equipment costs go up every year.
5. Will a new air conditioning system make a notable difference in the comfort levels in my home?

What is emergency heat on my Heat Pump system and when should I use it?

Emergency or Auxiliary heat on heat pump systems is an electrical resistance heater that provides supplemental heat when your heat pump cannot keep up. Every system and home is different, but you normally start seeing a significant decrease in heat pump efficiency below freezing temperatures. When you start noticing your heat pump running non-stop to keep up or temperatures are not rising, this is when you will want to turn on your emergency or auxiliary heat. Some systems automatically do this for you but some systems you will have to manually turn it on at your thermostat. Emergency heat is not something you will want to use too often because it uses about 20-40% more power than your heat pump. Think of it as the old resistance coil heaters that we used to see in the floor of grandma and grandpa’s house. That is the same concept that is used for your emergency heat, and they eat power!

Why is my Air Conditioner so loud outside?

A loud outdoor AC unit can be a nuisance for a homeowner and their neighbors. Extreme noise can be a sign of aging and distress. Often, if your system makes abnormally loud noises when it’s running, it means the compressor is working overtime and might be near the end of its useful life. 

What are some common signs that my Air Conditioner needs to be repaired or inspected?

• System runs nonstop
• System turns off unexpectedly and takes a long time to turn back on
• System makes a lot of noise when it’s running
• AC has trouble keeping up in the summer time
• Furnace has trouble heating the house during the winter

How often should I do a maintenance tune-up on my AC?

At least once per year! Regular maintenance is the best way to extend an AC system’s lifespan and prevent breakdowns.

When does it make sense to install a mini split?

Mini Splits are a great option for certain situations where traditional ductwork cannot be installed or isn’t already installed, or for small add-on spaces in a home or in a garage or workshop. Mini splits are often ductless systems, meaning they do not require ductwork in the home and can be a cost-efficient way to provide conditioned air to small spaces in a home. Examples of places you might consider installing a mini split include: 

• Garages
• Sunrooms
• Workshops
• Converted Attics
• Barns
• House Add-ons
• Finished Basements
• Pool Houses

Can I install a mini split by myself?

There are DIY mini split options online. Be wary of attempting to install them yourself, as there are many issues that can arise. You will also forfeit the warranty on the system if you don’t have it installed by a licensed professional.