Our Frequently Asked Questions

Many homeowners in the Somerset-Pulaski County community often have similar questions about their HVAC units and concerns about their plumbing or electrical work. And, our Epperson Inc. team is here to help provide guidance, recommendations, and more.

Questions About Our HVAC Services Near Pulaski County, KY

​Explore questions about our HVAC services at Epperson Inc.:

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

We recommend twice a year. Once in spring, before the AC season, and once in fall, before the heating season, to ensure your equipment stays properly maintained.

Kentucky works your equipment hard in two directions, with humid Julys and cold Januarys. Regular service holds efficiency up and catches small problems early.

What are the signs my air conditioner or furnace has a problem?

The clearest sign is a system that struggles to hold the temperature you set. Odd noises, weak airflow at the vents, and short cycling point to something a technician should investigate.

Why is my energy bill suddenly higher than normal?

Problematic HVAC equipment can lead to higher-than-normal energy bills during the summer and winter seasons. If you notice a significant jump in energy usage from year to year, that’s a good indicator that something might not be working properly and requires professional assistance.

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

A modern air conditioning unit on a concrete slab outside of a residential home

Age and warranty status usually settle if you have to repair or replace an HVAC unit altogether. Once a system passes about 10 or 15 years and falls outside warranty, a major component failure gets expensive fast.

Two rules of thumb help here. When an HVAC repair costs more than 50% of the cost of a new system, replacement is usually the better call. And when you multiply your system's age by the repair cost and end up above $5,000, the answer tends to be the same.

A modern air conditioning unit on a concrete slab outside of a residential home

How long does an HVAC system typically last?

Most modern HVAC systems last around 10 to 15 years. Proper installation and maintenance can ensure you get the most out of your equipment and investment.

What does a new HVAC system cost?

The cost of a new HVAC system depends on factors such as:

  • System type: Is it an electric heat pump or an AC-gas furnace?
  • System capacity: Is it 1.5 tons or 5 tons?
  • Efficiency rating: What is the efficiency rating, 14.3 SEER2 or 20+ SEER2?
  • Brand: What HVAC brand are you interested in?

At Epperson Inc., we carry trusted brands like Trane, RunTru by Trane, and Mitsubishi Electric, and we offer options at several price points rather than pushing a single one.

Can I finance my new HVAC system?

Yes! We offer financing options on all our products and services, including new HVAC systems. Financing can be a great route for buyers who don’t want to dip into their savings or disrupt their lifestyle.

With various plans to choose from, our team can help tailor a monthly payment to fit your budget. Monthly energy savings from the upgraded equipment can help offset the cost of the upgrade.

A homeowner changing out their dirty HVAC unit's air filter as a preventative maintenance task

What home maintenance can help prevent costly repairs?

A homeowner changing out their dirty HVAC unit's air filter as a preventative maintenance task

A few habits keep your HVAC equipment healthy between service calls, including:

  • Changing your air filters on schedule, since clogged filters choke airflow and increase runtime.
  • Cleaning the outdoor AC coils each season to ensure the system sheds heat properly.
  • Flushing the condensate drain line to keep water moving away from the equipment.
  • Keeping grass clippings, leaves, and mulch clear of the outdoor unit.

These chores cover the basics, and a maintenance visit handles the rest.

Do you offer emergency HVAC service after hours?

Yes! We keep emergency service available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. A furnace that quits during a February cold snap or an air conditioner that dies in mid-August counts as an emergency here, and we treat it that way.

Give us a call at (606) 679-7476 for emergency HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services.

Questions About Our Plumbing Services Near Pulaski County, KY

​Learn more about our plumbing services at Epperson Inc.:

What should I do about a burst pipe or major leak?

You must immediately shut off the water supply to the fixture first. For a sink, the supply stop is underneath the sink; for a toilet, it’s behind it.

When the source is unclear, or the water keeps coming, close the main shutoff for the house, then call a plumber near Pulaski County.

Why is my home’s water pressure low?

Low water pressure is a good indicator that you may have a water leak. This leak could be outside in the line going to your house. Another possible cause could be a bad pressure regulator (PRV).

Both scenarios typically require a plumber to diagnose and repair properly.

Are tankless water heaters worth it?

A homeowner's hand turning down the temperature on their water heater using a dial

Tankless water heaters can cost more upfront, though a unit sized and installed correctly provides the house with unlimited hot water, even with several showers running at once.

Our Epperson Inc. technicians install Rinnai tankless units, as well as tank and tankless models from A.O. Smith, State, Reliance, Bradford White, and Navien.

A homeowner's hand turning down the temperature on their water heater using a dial

Why does my water heater run out of hot water so quickly?

Water heaters experience failures, too, whether it be a leaking tank, a bad heating element, or a thermostat; several scenarios can leave you without hot water.

Some of these fixes can be easy and inexpensive, so there’s no sense in waiting; call a plumber at the first sign of issues.

Why do my drains keep clogging?

Kitchen grease, hair in bathroom shower and sink drains, and wipes in toilets cause most of your drain clogs. Store-bought products and remedies clear a narrow path while leaving the cause behind.

Professional drain cleaning with the right equipment is the only way to ensure your pipes are completely clean. A camera inspection allows us to see inside the pipes to ensure all blockages are clear.

A homeowner calling a plumber while holding a rag under a leaky kitchen sink

How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?

A homeowner calling a plumber while holding a rag under a leaky kitchen sink

Depending on your household’s usage with cooking, bathing, etc., and your existing plumbing piping, your drains may need very little or frequent attention.

If you notice frequent clogging, it may be a sign of a bigger issue that could require replacing part of your existing drain system to correct it properly.

Questions About Our Electrical Services Near Pulaski County, KY

​Find answers to your questions about our electrical services at Epperson Inc.:

Why do my circuit breakers keep tripping?

Overloaded circuits and faulty appliances are two very common causes of circuit breakers tripping.

However, electrical component failures, such as faulty ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles, faulty arc-fault breakers, or dual-function breakers, do happen and may warrant a licensed electrician to repair them properly.

A homeowner's hand turning off power for an electrical outlet with their home's circuit breaker panel

Do I need a whole-home surge protector?

Whole-home surge protection devices are now required for all new-build homes. If your home is older, it may be a good idea to have one installed to protect your home from dangerous voltage spikes.

A homeowner's hand turning off power for an electrical outlet with their home's circuit breaker panel

Should I upgrade my electrical panel?

An older fuse box or a 100-amp service usually warrants upgrading to 200 amps to meet modern power demands. Electrical panels also wear down from rust, heat, and repeated overloading, increasing the risk of component failure.

At Epperson Inc., we install every major brand, including General Electric (GE), Eaton, Square-D, and Leviton. So, if you have any concerns about your existing electrical panel, consult a licensed electrician.

A residential generator attached to a home and kept tidy in a designated area outside

What size generator do I need for my home?

A residential generator attached to a home and kept tidy in a designated area outside

Proper generator sizing depends on your emergency power goals, so it’s always recommended to consult a licensed electrician. Whole-home backup generators, however, usually come in at 24 kW or 26 kW.

Our technicians primarily install Generac® generators, and an electrician can size yours after reviewing your panel.

Find Unmatched Expertise for Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Services Near Somerset, KY

At Epperson Inc., we’ve been family-owned since 1970 and are now in our third generation, holding Kentucky licenses in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical work.

Contact us to schedule an appointment with our technicians today.

Epperson Inc. proudly serves the greater Somerset, KY, area, including Pulaski County, Russell County, Casey County, Wayne County, Rockcastle County, Lincoln County, and McCreary County, KY.