Frequently Asked Questions

About Standard Air Conditioning

  • Yes! We understand that HVAC and electrical emergencies don't always happen during business hours. We offer 24/7 emergency service to keep our Knoxville neighbors safe and comfortable. Contact us now to schedule service!

  • We proudly serve the greater Knoxville, TN area, including Farragut, Oak Ridge, Maryville, Powell, and surrounding East Tennessee communities. View our complete list of service areas here.

  • Absolutely. Every technician at Standard is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We prioritize ongoing training to ensure we are always providing "The Gold Standard" of service.

  • Yes, we provide financing options to help make necessary home comfort upgrades or emergency replacements more affordable for our customers. View financing options here.

General HVAC & Air Quality

  • For standard 1-inch filters, we recommend changing them every 30 to 90 days. If you have pets or allergies, or if you live near high-traffic areas in Knoxville, you may need to change them monthly. Shop our wide selection of air filters here.

  • The Department of Energy recommends 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter when you are home. Using a programmable thermostat can help adjust these temperatures automatically when you’re sleeping or away to save money.

  • Yes! Regular HVAC tune-ups prevent expensive emergency repairs. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing your monthly utility bills and delaying the need for a costly full-system replacement.

  • Beyond changing filters, you can install UV lights, whole-home air purifiers, or dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers are especially helpful in Knoxville to combat the "sticky" feeling inside during the summer.

couple at home reading a brochure

Heating & Cooling

  • To keep up with our hot, humid summers, you should have your AC professionally serviced once a year, typically in the spring. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns during July heatwaves and keeps your energy bills lower.

  • Common culprits include a dirty air filter, a tripped breaker, or a refrigerant leak. First, check your thermostat settings and your filter. If those are fine, you likely have a mechanical issue that requires a professional technician.

  • In the Knoxville area, most central air systems last between 10 to 15 years. Proper annual maintenance can extend that lifespan, while neglect or heavy salt/debris exposure can shorten it.

  • Start by sealing air leaks around windows and doors, using ceiling fans to circulate air, and installing a smart thermostat. During the summer, setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home can help reduce energy use while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Ensuring your unit is properly charged with refrigerant and has clean coils also significantly boosts efficiency.

  • This is usually just "dust burn-off." As dust settles on the heating elements over the summer, it burns away during the first cycle of the fall. If the smell persists or smells like plastic/sulfur, turn it off and call us immediately.

  • A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system that moves heat rather than generating it. Because East Tennessee has relatively moderate winters, heat pumps are highly efficient and very popular in our region.

  • In winter, it’s normal for a heat pump to have a light coating of frost, which the "defrost cycle" will handle. However, if it’s encased in heavy ice, there may be a problem with the defrost timer or the fan motor and you should call us for a professional inspection.

Electrical Services

  • Flickering can be caused by a loose bulb, but more often it signals a circuit overload or loose wiring. If it happens when a large appliance (like the AC) kicks on, you may need a dedicated circuit or a panel upgrade.

  • If your home still uses a fuse box, if you are frequently resetting tripped breakers, or if you are adding major appliances (like an EV charger or hot tub), it’s time for a panel upgrade to ensure safety.

  • Yes. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required by code in "wet" areas like kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors. They protect you from electrical shock by cutting power instantly if a ground fault is detected.

  • With our frequent spring storms and occasional winter ice, power outages are common. A standby generator provides peace of mind, keeping your HVAC, refrigeration, and medical devices running even when the grid goes down.