Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve homes and businesses across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties from offices in Auburn, Everett, and Seattle. That covers 45+ cities including Auburn, Bellevue, Tacoma, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Seattle, Everett, Lynnwood, Puyallup, and many more. If you're not sure whether we cover your address, just call 206-350-8704 and we'll confirm.

Question 2

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — installations and replacements always come with a free, no-obligation estimate. A comfort consultant visits your home, measures the space, evaluates your existing equipment, walks through your options, and provides transparent pricing before any work is scheduled.

Question 3

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Every member of the Trust Allred team is fully licensed in Washington State, insured, drug-tested, and background-checked. We carry both workers' compensation and general liability insurance for your protection.

Question 4

Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer round-the-clock emergency HVAC and electrical service across our entire WA service area. If your heat goes out at 2am or your AC fails on the hottest day of the year, call 206-350-8704 and a technician will be dispatched.

Question 5

How do I schedule service?

Accepted Answer

The fastest options are calling 206-350-8704 or using our contact form. We typically confirm appointments within an hour during business hours, and we'll send a text with your technician's name and arrival window.

Question 6

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

All major credit cards, debit cards, checks, and cash. For larger projects we also offer 0% APR financing through Optimus, GoodLeap, and Wells Fargo for qualified buyers.

Question 7

Furnace vs. heat pump — which is better for the Pacific Northwest?

Accepted Answer

For most homes in our climate, a modern cold-climate heat pump is now the smarter long-term choice. Mild winters mean a heat pump rarely loses efficiency, you get cooling 'for free' in summer, and federal tax credits + utility rebates can knock $3,000–$8,000 off the install. Gas furnaces still make sense in some retrofits — we'll help you compare lifetime cost during your free estimate.

Question 8

How often should I service my furnace?

Accepted Answer

Once a year, ideally in early fall before you need consistent heat. Annual tune-ups catch worn components, restore efficiency, keep your manufacturer warranty valid, and prevent the most common cause of mid-winter no-heat calls: dirty filters and ignition issues.

Question 9

My furnace is making strange noises — what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

Banging on startup often means delayed gas ignition (potentially dangerous — call us). Squealing usually points to a worn blower belt or motor bearings. Rattling can be a loose panel or a failing draft motor. None of these should be ignored — they're cheaper to fix than a full system failure.

Question 10

How long does a new furnace installation take?

Accepted Answer

A standard like-for-like furnace replacement takes 4–8 hours and is completed in a single day. If we're switching fuel types (e.g. oil to gas), upsizing ductwork, or installing a heat pump system, plan on 1–2 days. We protect floors and clean up completely before leaving.

Question 11

What size furnace do I need?

Accepted Answer

Sizing isn't 'bigger is better' — an oversized system short-cycles, wastes energy, and shortens equipment life. We perform a Manual J load calculation that factors in your square footage, insulation, window count, ceiling height, and local climate to recommend the right BTU output.

Question 12

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

Accepted Answer

Most common causes (in order): thermostat set to 'on' instead of 'auto', dirty filter restricting airflow, pilot light or igniter failure, low gas pressure, or a tripped flame sensor. Try replacing the filter and confirming thermostat settings first; if cold air persists, it's diagnostic time.

Question 13

Do I really need AC in the Pacific Northwest?

Accepted Answer

Increasingly, yes. Summers in our region have grown noticeably hotter and smokier — multi-day heat waves over 95°F are now the norm rather than the exception. Beyond comfort, AC (especially via a heat pump) protects vulnerable family members during heat events and keeps wildfire smoke out when paired with proper filtration.

Question 14

Heat pump vs. traditional central AC?

Accepted Answer

A heat pump is essentially a central AC that also runs in reverse for heating. For the same install cost (sometimes less, after rebates), you get both heating and cooling from one system. Unless you have a brand-new high-efficiency furnace already, a heat pump is usually the better value.

Question 15

How often should AC be serviced?

Accepted Answer

Once a year, ideally in spring. We clean the outdoor coil, check refrigerant pressure, test the capacitor, inspect electrical connections, and verify proper airflow. This catches small issues before peak season and helps you keep manufacturer warranties valid.

Question 16

Why is my AC freezing up?

Accepted Answer

Almost always one of three things: (1) a dirty filter or clogged return restricting airflow, (2) low refrigerant from a leak, or (3) a failing blower motor. Turn the system off to thaw, replace the filter, and call us — running a frozen system can damage the compressor.

Question 17

What's a SEER2 rating, and what should I look for?

Accepted Answer

SEER2 measures cooling efficiency — higher is better. The federal minimum in our region is 14.3 SEER2, but for new installs we typically recommend 16+ SEER2 for the energy savings to justify the modest price bump. Top-tier 20+ SEER2 systems make sense for high-use homes or larger square footage.

Question 18

Will a ductless mini-split work in my home?

Accepted Answer

Almost always yes. Mini-splits are perfect for additions, ADUs, sunrooms, garages, and homes without existing ductwork. Each indoor head provides zoned heating and cooling, so you're not paying to condition empty rooms. Many qualify for the same federal tax credits as central systems.

Question 19

When do I need an electrical panel upgrade?

Accepted Answer

Common signs: breakers that trip frequently, a panel under 200 amps in a modern home, a fuse box (not breakers), scorch marks or warm spots on the panel, or any plan to add an EV charger, heat pump, induction range, or hot tub. Modern homes typically need a 200-amp service.

Question 20

Why do my breakers keep tripping?

Accepted Answer

A single circuit tripping means an overloaded circuit (try unplugging some devices) or a short. The same breaker tripping repeatedly indicates a deeper problem — wire damage, a failing appliance, or an undersized circuit. A breaker that won't reset at all usually needs replacement. Don't keep resetting it without diagnosing.

Question 21

Are GFCI and AFCI outlets required in my home?

Accepted Answer

Modern Washington electrical code requires GFCI (ground-fault) protection in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoor outlets, and within 6 feet of any sink. AFCI (arc-fault) protection is required in bedrooms and most living areas. Older homes are usually grandfathered in, but upgrading is a strong safety improvement.

Question 22

EV charger installation — what do I need?

Accepted Answer

A Level 2 (240V) charger needs a dedicated 40–60 amp circuit run to your parking area, plus possibly a panel upgrade depending on existing capacity. Most installs take 2–4 hours. We handle the load calc, permitting, and inspection. Federal and PSE rebates may apply.

Question 23

Is whole-home surge protection worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — especially with the price of modern electronics, smart appliances, and HVAC equipment. A panel-mounted surge protector ($300–$600 installed) is one of the cheapest forms of insurance against the kind of grid spikes that fry refrigerators, furnaces, and home electronics in a single bad storm.

Question 24

Should I get a backup generator?

Accepted Answer

If you experience multi-day outages, work from home, have well water, or have medical equipment, the answer is usually yes. Whole-home standby generators ($8K–$15K installed) start automatically; portable units are cheaper but require manual setup. We help you size and choose during a free consultation.

Question 25

What does a new furnace or heat pump install typically cost?

Accepted Answer

Installed pricing varies by home size, equipment efficiency, ductwork condition, and add-ons. Rough ranges in our market: gas furnace $5,000–$9,000, central AC $5,500–$10,000, single-zone ductless $6,000–$10,000, full heat pump system $12,000–$22,000 (often $4K–$10K less after rebates and tax credits). We provide exact pricing during a free in-home estimate.

Question 26

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — three financing partners (Optimus, GoodLeap, Wells Fargo) including 0% APR options for qualified buyers, and longer-term low-monthly-payment plans. Pre-qualification takes a few minutes online and doesn't affect your credit score. Visit our Financing page to apply.

Question 27

Do you charge for diagnostics or service calls?

Accepted Answer

We charge a modest diagnostic fee for repair calls, which is fully credited toward any repair you authorize on the spot. Estimates for new equipment are always free. Members on our maintenance plan get reduced or waived diagnostic fees.

Question 28

What's included in your estimates?

Accepted Answer

Equipment, all labor, electrical hookup, refrigerant line set (where applicable), permits, inspection coordination, removal and recycling of old equipment, startup and commissioning, and a thorough walkthrough with you. No surprise add-ons after the fact.

Question 29

Are there hidden fees or surprise charges?

Accepted Answer

No. We use upfront flat-rate pricing — you see and approve the total before we start. If we discover something unexpected during the job (e.g. failed wiring or rotted ductwork), we stop and get your approval before adding any cost.

Question 30

How quickly can you respond?

Accepted Answer

Same-day or next-day for most non-emergency calls. True emergencies (no heat in winter, no AC during a heat wave, electrical safety issues) get priority dispatch — we aim to be on-site within 2–4 hours, 24/7.

Question 31

Do you call before arriving?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every appointment includes a confirmation text/email when scheduled, an 'on the way' notification with your technician's name and photo, and a courtesy call about 15–30 minutes before arrival.

Question 32

What happens if I'm not satisfied with the work?

Accepted Answer

We back every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If something isn't right, we come back and make it right at no charge. We'd rather fix it than have an unhappy customer — call 206-350-8704 and ask for a manager.

Question 33

Can I schedule service online?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our contact form lets you request an appointment time, describe the issue, and upload photos. We respond within an hour during business hours. For emergencies, please call directly so we can dispatch immediately.

Question 34

How long is the install warranty?

Accepted Answer

Equipment warranties are typically 10 years on parts and a manufacturer-specific lifetime warranty on heat exchangers. We add a 2-year labor warranty on top of that, and Comfort Club members get extended coverage for the duration of their membership.

Question 35

What's included in your maintenance membership?

Accepted Answer

Two precision tune-ups per year (spring AC + fall heating), a 21-point inspection on each visit, priority scheduling ahead of non-members, 15% off any repairs, no overtime fees for after-hours emergencies, and free annual electrical safety inspection.

Question 36

Is the membership actually worth it?

Accepted Answer

For most homeowners, yes. Two stand-alone tune-ups + a single repair would normally exceed the annual membership cost. Add in priority scheduling and waived overtime fees, and the math works heavily in your favor — especially during peak winter and summer.

Question 37

Can I cancel anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We don't believe in lock-in contracts. Cancel anytime with no penalty — though most members renew because the value is real and the service is consistent.

Question 38

Do I get priority service over non-members?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When schedules are tight (which is often during cold snaps and heat waves), members are dispatched first. During the worst weather days, that can be the difference between same-day service and a 3-day wait.

Question 39

Does the membership cover my whole home?

Accepted Answer

Memberships are per-system. Most homes have one HVAC system covered by a single membership. Multi-system homes (e.g. main house + ADU + ductless head) can add additional coverage at a discounted rate.

Question 40

What rebates am I eligible for?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your utility and equipment, you may qualify for: PSE rebates ($800–$2,500 for heat pumps), Snohomish PUD rebates ($1,200–$3,500), Seattle City Light Clean Heat rebates ($1,500–$4,000), federal IRA 25C tax credit (up to $2,000), and manufacturer instant rebates ($500–$2,000 seasonally). We help you identify and stack every one you qualify for.

Question 41

How do I claim the federal heat pump tax credit?

Accepted Answer

The IRA 25C credit is claimed on IRS Form 5695 with your federal tax return for the year your equipment was installed. We provide all the documentation you need: the AHRI certificate, equipment specs, and a paid invoice. Your tax preparer (or tax software) handles the rest.

Question 42

Do you handle the rebate paperwork for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for utility rebates we submit on your behalf and follow up until the check arrives. For federal tax credits we provide the documentation package, since claiming is something only you can do on your own return.

Question 43

Can I stack rebates with financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stacking is the smart move: use 0% APR financing to spread the install cost, then apply rebate checks (which usually arrive 4–12 weeks after install) directly to the principal. This can dramatically shorten the payback period.

Question 44

Are these rebates going away?

Accepted Answer

Federal IRA tax credits are scheduled to remain in effect through 2032, but specific rebate amounts and program rules change frequently. Utility programs especially can hit annual budget caps mid-year. If you're considering a heat pump, sooner is usually better.

Frequently Asked
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General

Heating

Cooling & AC

Electrical

Pricing & Financing

Service & Scheduling

Memberships & Maintenance

Rebates & Tax Credits

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