Question 1

Does Lockwell HVAC serve all of Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve Jonesboro, Pipe Shop, 19th Street downtown, Western Hills, Academy Drive, Bessemer Pointe, Abbott, Raimund, and all Bessemer neighborhoods. Our Gardendale headquarters provides convenient access to all of western Birmingham. Call (205) 206-7030.

Question 2

My old Bessemer home has a gas furnace. Should I be concerned about safety?

Accepted Answer

Older gas furnaces need annual heat exchanger inspections. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide. We use camera inspection and combustion analysis to check for cracks and corrosion. Annual fall maintenance is the best protection for your family.

Question 3

Can you convert my Bessemer home from window units to central air?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can install either a traditional ducted central system or ductless mini-splits depending on your home layout and budget. Ductless systems are often more practical for older Bessemer homes where running ductwork through walls and ceilings would be difficult or expensive.

Question 4

What efficiency should I look for in a new HVAC system in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

For Birmingham climate, ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps and high-SEER2 systems deliver strong real-world performance. Alabama requires SEER2 14.3 minimum (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/central-air-conditioning); SEER2 15.2 to 18 is the efficiency sweet spot for most Bessemer homes. Variable-speed systems at the upper end also improve humidity control — an important factor during Alabama summers.

Question 5

Why is my Bessemer home so dusty even with the AC running?

Accepted Answer

Excessive dust usually indicates duct leaks pulling in unfiltered air from crawl spaces or attics. Older Bessemer homes with retrofitted central air often have ductwork that was not properly sealed. We can test your duct system and identify exactly where unfiltered air is entering.

Question 6

What is a heat pump and does it work in Bessemer winters?

Accepted Answer

A heat pump is a reversible refrigeration system that moves heat instead of generating it. In Bessemer with average winter lows around 30°F per NOAA climate data, modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain strong efficiency. Operating cost is significantly lower than electric-strip-only heat.

Question 7

What brands do you recommend for older Bessemer homes?

Accepted Answer

For Jonesboro and Western Hills homes with original ductwork, we often recommend Rheem or Goodman for their strong value and parts availability. For newer subdivisions like Bessemer Pointe, Trane and Carrier offer premium reliability. Full brand list at /manufacturers.

Question 8

How do I get the Alabama Power efficiency rebate in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

Alabama Power offers rebates on ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC equipment when installed by a qualifying contractor. We register eligible installs for the rebate at the time of installation and provide you with the confirmation paperwork. Check https://www.alabamapower.com for current program details.

Question 9

Does Bessemer require a mechanical permit for HVAC replacements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The City of Bessemer building department requires a mechanical permit for equipment replacement and new installations. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and provide the signed approval at job close.

Question 10

What size heat pump does my Bessemer home need?

Accepted Answer

The correct size comes from an ACCA Manual J load calculation on your specific home — square footage, insulation, windows, orientation. Most Bessemer 1,200–1,500 sq ft single-story homes need 2 to 2.5 tons. Oversized equipment is the number one cause of humidity complaints and short-cycling.

Question 11

Should I replace my electric strip heat with a heat pump in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

Almost always yes. Electric strip heat operates at 100% efficiency. A modern heat pump operates at 250–350% efficiency at Bessemer winter lows. Operating cost drops significantly, usually paying for the upgrade within 6–8 years on utility savings alone.

Question 12

Is R-410A refrigerant still being used in new installs?

Accepted Answer

R-410A is being phased down under the U.S. EPA AIM Act implementation (https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction). New residential equipment is transitioning to R-454B, with most manufacturers making the cutover in 2025. We discuss refrigerant options at quote time based on what is in stock and the long-term service picture.

Question 13

How often should I schedule maintenance on my Bessemer system?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year — spring before cooling season, fall before heating season. Spring catches capacitor and refrigerant issues before peak summer load; fall catches heat exchanger, ignition, and flame sensor issues before peak winter load.

Question 14

My Bessemer home has aluminum wiring — does that affect HVAC?

Accepted Answer

It affects the connection terminals at the disconnect and inside the furnace/air handler. Aluminum-to-aluminum or aluminum-to-COALR-rated terminals are required. We inspect connections as part of any new install and flag any that need remediation by a licensed electrician.

Question 15

What does a real HVAC tune-up cost in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

We quote tune-ups based on system type and what is included. A proper tune-up includes capacitor microfarad testing, amp draw measurements, refrigerant pressure readings, superheat/subcooling verification, coil cleaning, condensate treatment, and electrical inspection — roughly an hour of real work.

Question 16

Can you work on American Standard in Bessemer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. American Standard is the sister brand to Trane under the same manufacturing group, and we stock common parts for both. See https://www.americanstandardair.com for product info.

Servicio de HVAC en Bessemer, Alabama

Sobre Bessemer

Servicios de HVAC Disponibles en Bessemer

Notas de Servicio de Bessemer

Vecindarios de Bessemer que Servimos

Jonesboro

Western Hills

Academy Drive Area

Bessemer Pointe

Abbott

Raimund

Preguntas de HVAC de Propietarios de Bessemer

Áreas de Servicio Cercanas