Looking for reliable heating and air conditioning in Bloomington, IN? You’ve found it. Bates Mechanical Heating & Cooling has been proudly serving this community since 1968 with expert service, local care, and real results. From cold winters to humid Indiana summers, we help homeowners stay comfortable year-round with professional HVAC installation, repairs, maintenance, and indoor air solutions.
Ask an Expert
Do you fix gas leaks? The gas is turned off. The only things that should a gas line going to it should be the furnace and the stove.
Yes we do fix gas leaks, depending on if the gas is able to be turned back on or if it is locked out by gas company. If locked out by gas company then we would need to make arrangements with gas company to get gas turned back on. We would be happy to help.We got a heat pump system from you 5 years ago, I have ice building up on the unit outside, what is wrong with my a/c?
In March of 2015 you had service tech come out and he did a leak repair, you might want to check your filter to make sure not dirty which sometime could be the problem. You should call our office at 812-829-3156 to set up appointment for service tech to come out.What is the average life expectancy of equipment?
Most systems have a lifetime of 10 to 20 years. As your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. When a unit begins to show its age, you have two choices. You can overhaul the system or replace it. Because heating and cooling technologies improve over time, a new system designed with newer, more energy-efficient equipment makes sense, especially if your system is 10 or more years old. We can estimate the cost of a new system as well as a payback schedule that will show you how newer technology will pay you back in lower energy usage.Can I just replace the outdoor unit on an older system to save money?
No. Replacing only the outdoor unit will lower the efficiency of the unit. In fact, you can lose up to 15% of the unit's efficiency! Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most manufacturers' warranties will be voided. You should always replace the indoor cooling coil with the outdoor unit.Will a bigger sized system perform better?
No, you don't want your air conditioner to be too big. An oversized air conditioner will cool your home faster, but it will use more energy and will not remove humidity adequately, which can lead to mold and mildew problems. Short run cycles use more energy and cause more wear and tear.Why is a system with matched components so important?
A matched system ensures comfort, efficiency, and proper performance. Properly sized components maintain cycle times, control humidity, minimize sound, and avoid energy waste.How often should I change my air filter?
Replace your air filter regularly to maintain airflow and reduce strain on your system. Frequency depends on filter type, pets, and equipment size. Call us for personalized guidance.Why should I switch to a high efficiency air filter?
High-efficiency filters improve system health and air quality by capturing more pollutants. They're ideal for allergy sufferers and should be changed regularly for best results.Should I have my furnace and air conditioner serviced every year?
Yes. Annual maintenance lowers energy and repair costs, prevents breakdowns, and extends system life. Neglect leads to performance decline and higher energy use.Why should I purchase a service agreement?
Without warranty coverage, a breakdown can mean significant expense in parts, labor, or both. Our service agreements help you avoid those surprises and offer broad protection.How can I reduce allergens and improve the air quality in my home?
Install a high-efficiency air cleaner and whole-house humidifier. This reduces pollen, dust, dry air discomfort, and helps lower heating costs.I am concerned about mold growth, what should I do?
Ensure your HVAC system drains properly, schedule regular maintenance, install UV lights near coils, and keep ducts clean with high-efficiency filters.What does SEER, AFUE, and HSPF ratings mean to me?
These are energy efficiency ratings. Higher SEER (cooling), AFUE (furnace), and HSPF (heat pump) ratings mean greater energy savings and lower bills.How can I reduce my energy costs?
Upgrade to efficient systems, maintain them annually, adjust thermostat settings, use ceiling fans correctly, and don’t block air vents.Why should I buy Energy Star labeled equipment?
Energy Star products meet strict efficiency guidelines, reducing your utility bills and environmental impact while offering long-term savings.What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump provides both heating and cooling efficiently. It functions like an AC in summer and reverses to heat in winter, often with a backup heat source.What is a Hybrid Heat Dual Fuel system?
It combines a heat pump with a gas furnace to switch between electric and gas based on efficiency—saving energy and money year-round.What are the advantages of equipment with variable speed fans?
Variable speed fans run steadily at low speeds, improving efficiency, humidity control, and system noise, and only ramp up when needed.How does 2-Stage heating or cooling work?
It uses multiple levels of output for improved comfort and efficiency. It runs at a lower stage most of the time, saving energy.At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
Cooling: 75°–80°F. Heating: 68°–72°F. Every degree of change can save about 1% in energy costs.My system doesn't work well in a couple of rooms, what should I do?
Uneven performance may need system balancing, zoning, or analysis. Call us to assess the best solution for your home.Is Freon as a refrigerant being discontinued?
Yes. R-22 (Freon) has been phased out due to environmental impact. New systems use R-410A. We can help you upgrade.