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Fall in Nebraska gives homeowners a chance to breathe between extreme seasons. As temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to plan AC replacement in Omaha before spring brings the rush of new installations. If your system struggled to cool efficiently, made loud noises, or required multiple repairs this summer, those are warning signs your air conditioner may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

At Getzschman Heating, we help Omaha, Lincoln, and Elkhorn homeowners plan early to avoid breakdowns and scheduling delays. By acting now, you can take advantage of seasonal promotions, compare energy-efficient models, and ensure your new system is ready before warm weather arrives.

Once the weather cools off, your air conditioner gets a break. That downtime makes fall the ideal season to think about replacement. Here is why:

Replacing an air conditioner is a big decision, but timing makes a difference. Taking action before the busy season helps you save money and choose the right system for your home.

Air conditioners do not quit all at once. They give you warning signs first. Here are a few clear indicators that your system may be ready for retirement.

Most air conditioners last around 10 to 15 years. If yours is approaching that range or older, replacement should be on your radar. Even with regular maintenance, older systems lose efficiency and can cost more to keep running each year.

If you are calling for service more than once a season, it is time to look at the numbers. When the cost of repairs starts adding up to half the price of a new system, replacement becomes the more practical choice.

A steady increase in energy bills, even when usage has not changed, usually means the system is losing efficiency. Worn components, dirty coils, or outdated refrigerant can make an older AC unit work harder to deliver less comfort.

If some rooms feel cold while others stay warm, your system may be struggling with airflow or compressor performance. Newer models use variable-speed technology that adjusts output to maintain even temperatures across your home.

Grinding, rattling, or a burnt odor during operation can signal failing motors or electrical components. These issues can lead to complete failure if ignored.

Systems built before 2010 often use R-22 refrigerant, which is now phased out. If your AC still relies on it, repairs become more expensive and parts harder to find. Upgrading to a modern, eco-friendly system ensures long-term support and better performance.

It is easy to hesitate when facing an AC replacement. Sometimes repairs can buy you another season, but other times they only delay the inevitable. Here is how to decide.

ENERGY STAR recommends the “$5,000 rule”: multiply the cost of the repair by the age of the system. If that total exceeds $5,000, replacement is the smarter move.

When you plan AC replacement in Omaha with Getzschman Heating, we help you review your options and match a system to your home’s size, efficiency goals, and budget.

Waiting for your AC to fail usually means paying more for a faster fix. Planning ahead puts you in control.

At Getzschman Heating, we handle AC replacements year-round, but fall is when we can take the time to walk through every detail. From sizing and ductwork inspection to equipment selection, you will know exactly what you are getting before installation begins.

Homeowners across Omaha, Lincoln, and Elkhorn know us for honest recommendations and dependable work. We have seen every kind of AC problem over the years and know when a repair makes sense and when replacement is the better path.

We do not push what you do not need. We look at your system, explain your options, and help you make a plan that fits your home and your budget. That is how we have earned the trust of Nebraska families for generations.

The best time to plan your next air conditioner replacement is before you need it. If your system struggled this summer or is nearing the end of its life, let’s talk.

Contact Getzschman Heating to plan your AC replacement before the spring season arrives.

HVAC maintenance is essential for keeping your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system running efficiently and avoiding costly repairs. Many homeowners overlook routine maintenance, but neglecting your HVAC system can lead to higher energy bills, unexpected breakdowns, and a shorter lifespan for your unit. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about HVAC maintenance, including its benefits, what it includes, and whether HVAC maintenance plans are worth it.

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Many homeowners underestimate the importance of HVAC maintenance until they experience a breakdown. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, extends its lifespan, reduces energy costs, and improves indoor air quality. Skipping maintenance can lead to major repair bills, reduced efficiency, and even premature system replacement.

What Does HVAC Maintenance Include?

A professional HVAC maintenance service typically includes:

These steps help keep your system running smoothly and efficiently year-round.

Are HVAC Maintenance Plans Worth It?

Many homeowners wonder, “Are HVAC maintenance plans worth it?” The answer is a resounding yes. Investing in a maintenance plan saves you money in the long run by preventing costly emergency repairs and improving energy efficiency. Getzschman Heating offers affordable maintenance plans that provide priority service, exclusive discounts, and peace of mind that your system is always in top condition.

The Hidden Costs of Skipping HVAC Maintenance

Higher Energy Bills

A neglected HVAC system struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption. A clogged air filter alone can raise your energy bills by up to 15%.

Frequent Repairs and Unexpected Breakdowns

Ignoring routine maintenance allows small issues to turn into expensive furnace repairs and air conditioning repairs. Common problems include:

Reduced Lifespan of Your HVAC System

A well-maintained HVAC system can last 15–20 years, while a neglected one may fail in just 10–12 years. Regular servicing ensures your system runs efficiently for as long as possible.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Without proper maintenance, HVAC systems accumulate dust, allergens, and even mold. This can negatively impact indoor air quality, aggravating allergies and respiratory issues.

How to Get the Most Out of Your HVAC Maintenance Plan

To maximize the benefits of your HVAC maintenance plan, homeowners should:

Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance Today

Don’t wait until your system breaks down. Schedule HVAC maintenance with Getzschman Heating today to avoid costly repairs and high energy bills. Our comprehensive maintenance plans ensure your system runs efficiently, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Call us now to book your HVAC tune-up and experience the benefits of a well-maintained system!

Getzschman Heating and Cooling has been in business for over six decades. Today we are one of Nebraska’s premier heating and air conditioning repair and installation companies. When this business was started in 1960, so was a strong family commitment – a commitment to excellence. We take pride in our name and we realize that our reputation is at stake each and every day. We have made it our goal to deliver 100% customer satisfaction. To make that happen, we offer many advantages that our competition can’t or won’t.

Benefits of Getzschman Furnace and AC Installation

When you choose Getzschman Heating and Cooling to install your new air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, you get a lot of perks. We didn’t become Omaha’s favorite heating and cooling company by accident. We know what our customers want and we strive to over deliver. When you hire us to install your AC, furnace or heat pump, you’ll get these perks automatically:

When you select Getzschman Heating and Cooling to install your furnace, AC, or heat pump, you not only get quality products, you also gain a special status among all the customers we serve. You become a preferred member of our G-Force Membership V.I.P. client list. This special honor entitles you to additional benefits during the entire future of our business relationship. And as that relationship develops, we will constantly search for new and better ways to serve you personally.

When you need a new furnace, AC or heat pump, look no further than Getzschman Heating and Cooling for the best AC and furnace installation in Omaha. Call us at (402) 235-6727 for a free installation estimate.

Here in the Midwest, the weather patterns are very unpredictable. It’s not uncommon to have a 70 degree day followed by a sharp drop to 40 degrees the next day. Spring and Fall are a guessing game. Do you run the AC or the furnace? Do you leave your windows open when it is nice out, risking a cold snap to chill your house? Do you build up some heat in your home over a cold day, only to have it be even warmer outside the next day? The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning want to help you navigate this unpredictable weather. Here are a few tips for staying comfortable and saving money on energy bills.

Hedge Your Bet to Save Energy

When your HVAC system is forced to switch back and forth, it costs you energy. Heating and cooling bills both rise. Instead of trying to keep indoor temperatures exactly where you want them, hedge your bet a bit.

During warm fluctuations, let your thermostat stay on Auto, and set your Heat to a low temperature (like 67 or lower). This may allow your home to get a little toasty during the day, but when the temperature drops back down at night, your furnace will be set to heat appropriately during your sleeping hours.

Similarly, if you know a cold snap is coming, but the temperature is a comfortable range for you, it might be worth leaving the windows open and monitoring the outside temperature. Set the HVAC to cool at a very high temperature, (like 76 or higher), and close the windows before night so your home can stay at a comfortable temperature without spending any additional money.

Set the Thermostat for the Predicted Temperature at Night

When the temperature is warm, it might seem like a bad idea to switch your thermostat to Heat at night, but since the temperature drops at night, setting the thermostat to kick on when it gets cold is your best bet to stay comfortable. That way you won’t wake up freezing.

Let the Thermostat Do the Work

One of the best ways to always be comfortable and lower energy bills is to install a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats can be set to predetermined temperatures throughout the day every day of the week. You don’t have to watch the weather and try to predict what it will do. Your thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature to your pre-determined settings.

You can also save money by programming them to adjust the temperature when no one is at home during the day. You can set them to resume heating or cooling an hour or so before people return home so the house is a comfortable temperature when they arrive. This will save you money on your heating and cooling bills year round.

Stay Prepared with Regular Maintenance

Keeping your HVAC system in peak working condition will help to ensure your comfort. The best way to make sure this happens is to schedule and perform regular cleaning and maintenance. When loose parts are tightened and moving parts are lubricated, everything runs more smoothly and efficiently and breakdowns are less likely to happen. Dust and other particles in the air can build up quickly, so make sure to change your filter when recommended.

Service is the cornerstone of the G-Force Rapid Air Repair Team. We have the most extensively trained, longest tenured service staff in the area. Our technicians are trained to work on all makes and models of air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps. While they are highly trained in HVAC repairs and installations, you can expect a little more from a Getzschman technician. They will never curse or smoke in your home. They will wear covers on their shoes to keep your floors clean, and they will leave your Omaha home as neat and clean as they found it. We think you should expect nothing less.

Call Getzschman Heating and Cooling if you need air conditioner or furnace repairs or replacements. We stand behind our name.

Remember when you were a kid and there was a power outage, or maybe a tornado warning, or even just a snow day. Those days, the normal routine was messed up, but it also provided a rare opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. Sitting by candlelight telling stories instead of watching TV…gathering in a corner of the basement and playing games or eating snacks instead of dinner around the table…sleeping in or making snowmen outside instead of going to school…half the fun of it was that it was made more magical because it was somehow accidental. It wasn’t supposed to be that way. When life doesn’t go as planned, look at it as an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary and special.

Tips to Survive an Air Conditioner Breakdown

Let’s face it, it’s never a good time for the AC to break down. As air conditioner professionals, we want to educate families on how they can prepare for, and survive an AC breakdown. The tips below should provide ample advice to help you keep cool in an emergency and make the best of a bad situation.

Grill Outside or Order Delivery

The last thing you want to do is turn your oven or stove on and create more heat in your home. If it’s possible to grill outside in the summer months, this will save energy and help to reduce the heat inside your home. Grill hot dogs on sticks like a campfire and add s’mores for dessert. Order pizza or other delivery food and take it to a local park where you can sit in the shade. Or use a slow cooker and place it in your basement or garage where it won’t add heat to the house.

Made in the Shade

Keeping the shades drawn during the hottest part of the day can help to keep the inside of your home cool during warmer weather conditions by keeping the sun’s rays out. Once the sun sets, open up the shades to let cool breezes in and create air movement.

Pools & Sprinklers

If you have a neighborhood pool or live close to a lake, make the most of the summer weather and spend time enjoying the outdoors until your AC is fixed. Water is a great way to cool down. Fill a spray bottle with water and spritz yourself. Turn on the garden sprinkler and run through it. The kids will love it and you just might feel like a kid again too! Water balloon fight, anyone?

Open Windows and Crank Up Ceiling Fans

Windows and ceiling fans can increase airflow and ventilate your home in the event of an air conditioning emergency. Make sure that your windows and doors allow a steady flow of air if there is a breeze outside. Depending on how hot it is outside it may be best to close the windows in rooms with ceiling fans and make the most of the cooling breeze the fans provide. TIP: Make sure your fans are rotating  counterclockwise during the summer months. This pushes air down and creates a nice breeze that will cool your skin with a windchill effect.

Try to make the best of it and call Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning right away. We’ve been installing air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps in the Omaha area for over 60 years. We offer 24-hour service and we’ll get you up and running as soon as possible.

Here at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, our goal is for every single one of our customers to have an efficiently working furnace and air conditioner. Unfortunately, as HVAC units age, wear and tear is bound to happen. However, if you get a furnace and AC tune-up each and every season, you can not only improve the longevity of the unit but also prevent any surprise breakdowns. That’s why we present you with the opportunity to join our G-Force Maintenance Club. Our Maintenance Club provides many benefits as well as discounts on repairs year around!

Become a member of our G-Force Team and Save Big

We cannot think of one reason not to join our G-Force Maintenance Club. You have 3 options to choose from -- Basic, Silver, and Gold memberships. Even our basic option allows you the opportunity to save big on tune-ups and discounts on any repairs.

G-Force Maintenance Club Benefits

Silver and Gold Members Save More Money

With our G-Force Club Membership, the higher you go, the more benefits you receive.

Silver Club Membership

Silver Club members get two free tune-ups every year and will also get a 10% discount on new furnaces or air conditioners. As if that isn’t enough, they will also get a 10% discount on air quality products and a 15% discount on all repairs. Silver club also guarantees appointments in 24 hours.

Gold Club Membership

Gold Club members all get 25% discounts on repairs and guaranteed same-day appointments.

The G-Force Club Membership really is worth it. Never worry about your heating and cooling system again. Become a G-Force Club member and relax! If you are interested in becoming a member, ask our representative for the pricing. Signing up is quick and easy, all you have to do is fill out a form. Give us a call if you have any questions at (402) 235-6727. Join our hundreds of G-Force Maintenance Club members today!

Do you have an older air conditioner that is limping along? It’s not uncommon for older air conditioners to break down as they age. The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning has gathered some AC troubleshooting tips to hopefully help your unit last one more season.

AC Troubleshooting Tips

In our experience there are two main problems our customers encounter with air conditioners:

  1. It won’t turn on
  2. It runs, but won’t cool

The following troubleshooting tips can help you beat the heat and get back to enjoying cool air in your home.

Your AC Won’t Turn On

If your AC is not kicking on, you have several things to check:

Thermostat – check your thermostat to make sure that it isn’t set to the heat or off position. Don’t forget to check and make sure that the batteries in your thermostat are not dead.

Tripped Breaker – check your electrical panel to make sure that the breaker connected to your AC hasn’t been tripped.

Power Switch – look to see if the power switch on the side of your furnace is turned on.

The AC Is On, but the Air Isn’t Cool

Dirty Air Filter – A dirty air filter can cause this problem. Check your filter to see how dirty it is and replace it if necessary. We recommend changing your filter once a month to ensure proper airflow and cooling.

Ice Accumulation – Ice in the outdoor unit can also cause your AC to run sluggishly. If you see ice you should turn off the AC and allow it to thaw for a couple of hours.

Clogged Condensate Drain – If you are still having trouble, consider cleaning out the condensate drain. Algae tends to build up in these pipes and will cause your AC to fail.

Check Your Condenser Unit Outside

Don’t forget your air conditioner has another piece – outside. The condenser unit outside can sometimes be the problem. Look for these three issues:

A safety precaution first – The condenser is a 240-volt box and we don’t want anyone getting hurt, so turn off the power to it at the electrical panel before working on it. Also turn off the disconnect box located outside, near your unit. It will either be a lever, fuses, or a circuit breaker to shut off the condenser. Then, allow about 30 minutes for the electrical charge that’s stored in the condenser’s capacitor to dissipate. Okay, now it’s safe to check the unit. We recommend letting one of our qualified technicians look over these items.

Clear Debris – Make sure the unit is clean and clear of debris. Clear away dirt, leaves, etc. Check the fan to make sure it is clear of debris as well.

Clogged Drain – Check the drain and make sure it is clear.

Broken Coolant Lines – Check the coolant lines (pipes that connect the condenser unit outside to the evaporator on the inside unit). They can get bumped around being outside.

Turn the unit back on. First, turn the thermostat in your home to OFF. Then turn on the power at both the disconnect box and at the main panel. Last, switch the thermostat to COOL. Give it some time and see if you feel cool air blowing from the ducts. You can also check your outdoor unit to see if the air blowing out the top is warmer than the surrounding air.

How to Know When Your AC Repairs Aren’t Worth It

Homeowners struggle with knowing when it makes more sense to replace their unit than repair it again. Look for these signs. If your unit is 10-12 years old, you’ve paid for three or more repairs over the last two years, your energy bills seem excessive and/or you are experiencing uneven cooling or certain rooms feel uncomfortable, then it’s time for you to consider replacing your limping unit. Good news - we have a simple formula to help you calculate when it’s time.

NOTE: Sometimes hot spots can be due to poor ductwork. We can inspect your ducts and make adjustments if that is the case.

How to Use Our $5,000 Rule Formula

Multiply the age of your AC unit by the repair cost, and if that exceeds $5,000, then replace the unit. If it’s less, go ahead and repair it.

Here is an example, if your unit is 10 years old and the repair will cost $250, multiply 10 x 250 to equal $2,500. It is less than $5,000, so it’s okay to have it repaired.

The Cost of Freon Is Rising

If your repair involves adding Freon (coolant used in most older systems) because of a leak, you will have to add more every year. That can be costly because the price for Freon is rising each year because of the EPA ordering the phasing out of Freon as part of an international treaty focused on protecting the ozone layer around 25 years ago. Production ended in 2010 for new air conditioning units. Production has also been reduced in subsequent years. By 2020, production of Freon will end completely, so the price will only continue to rise.

Try these tips. If they don’t work, let Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning help with your AC needs. Call us today at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online.

Fall is the best time of year to landscape. The cooler temperatures make it easy for the new plants to become established. By the time next spring rolls along, they are comfortable and ready to spread their roots. One of the best places to landscape is around your ugly air conditioner. It’s big, square and unsightly, and you don’t have to look at it anymore. The team at Getzschman took to Pinterest to inspire you with some beautiful ways to hide your ugly AC. But first things first. Let’s talk about safety.

Safety Tips for Landscaping around Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner has a job to do and it needs space to do it. Your condenser unit has to be able to suck in air to work properly. To be sure you give it enough room, make sure you don’t plant anything within two feet of the unit. This also makes sense because you want to have access to it when any repairs need to be done. Okay, now onto the fun part!

Fenced Facade

A couple of wooden fence pieces with a gate for access provide the perfect backdrop for some potted plants. Now the air conditioner is invisible, yet accessible when needed.

Attractive Trellis

This metal trellis provides just enough of a visual disturbance to become the focal point, making the air conditioner behind all but disappear from view. The curved edge also offers an artistic flair that plays nicely with the soft edges of the surrounding flowers and trees.

Vertical Garden

This vertical garden is a great way to add some greenery while hiding an ugly metal box. Now, not only is the ugly gone, but some extra color and texture make your view even better!

Portable Planters

Talk about convenient, these trellises on wheels are portable so you can simply move them outside in the spring to plant and grow and store them inside in the winter. They’re tall enough to hide your air conditioner, trash bins, lawn mowers and more. Or just use them to create a privacy fence on your patio!

Outstanding Obelisk

This little number does double duty as camouflage for your air conditioner and as a storage closet for lawn tools. While this is not a purchase-and-place item, it sure is a classy way to hide you condenser unit! If you’re the handy sort, this project may be right up your alley.

We know air conditioners aren’t the prettiest things in your yard, but they sure are necessary when dealing with the Omaha heat! We hope this blog provided some great ideas for hiding your air conditioner. Just remember, if you do hide it, give it a few feet to breathe. If you’ve found a clever way to hide your AC, we’d love to see it! Send your photos to us and we may feature it in a blog post or on our Facebook page.

If you have any questions about your air conditioner, or you need AC repairs , please give us a call at Getzschman Heating & Cooling at (402) 235-6727. We’re here to help!

If your air conditioner is struggling to keep your home cool, the issue may be more than normal wear and tear. One common but often overlooked problem is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is essential to the cooling process, and when levels drop, your AC cannot remove heat effectively. Recognizing the early signs of a refrigerant leak can help prevent higher energy bills, system damage, and unexpected breakdowns during peak cooling season.

1. Your House Is Not Getting Cold Enough

This will likely be your first sign that something is wrong. If you walk into your house and the cool air is not as refreshing as it once was, even after dropping the temperature a few extra degrees, there may be a leak.

2. Cold Air Is Not Coming from Your Vents

The air coming out of your vents should be cold. The refrigerant absorbs the warm air from your house and moves it outside. If you notice warm air coming from your vents, it's a sign that your refrigerant is not doing what it is supposed to do.

3. Your Utility Bill Is Higher Than Normal

Air conditioning systems that are low in refrigerant utilize longer cooling cycles to get your house cool. This means your AC runs almost nonstop to meet the demand. This will result in a higher electric bill. If you notice a sudden change in your monthly bill, it's a good idea to take a look at your AC system.

4. You Hear a Hissing Sound Coming from Your AC

Because your AC condenser unit is outside, a hissing sound coming from your unit may not be the first symptom you notice. However, if you find that your system is not cooling or you have an increased bill, you should step outside and listen to your unit. If you hear an abnormal hissing sound, it's time to call a technician.

5. The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen

Again, this will likely not be the first sign you notice. If your AC is acting funny, take a peek inside. If you see ice inside your unit, it's a good sign you are leaking refrigerant. Turn off your air conditioner so it will thaw and call a professional.

It is important to note that If you have a refrigerant leak, adding more refrigerant will not solve the problem. You will only end up replenishing the system every year. Instead, you need a qualified HVAC technician to repair or replace your unit .

If you think your system might have a leak, call us toll-free at (402) 235-6727 or visit us online .

When you think about potential asthma triggers in your home, your home's air conditioner is usually the last thing to come to mind. But the fact is that the air quality inside your home could be even worse for your asthma than the air outside.

Dirty Air Filters Spread Allergens

This is the case when you have dirty air conditioner filters. The air in your home is contaminated with dust, pollen, dander, mold spores, and other particles. Consequently, about 60% of asthma cases are caused by those particles. A good-quality air conditioner filter can help reduce these air contaminants. However, a dirty air conditioner filter has the opposite effect. Air conditioners filter harmful airborne particles from the air before blowing it around your house, yet when your air conditioner's filter fills up, its efficiency decreases. Thus, air contaminants and asthma triggers are pushed with the air conditioner's cooled air throughout your house, causing asthma flare-ups.

How Your Air Conditioner Can Reduce Asthma Symptoms

To prevent asthma attacks caused by particles in the air, there are a few precautions you can take.

Keep Your Windows and Doors Closed

Open doors and windows allow more harmful particles to enter your home. Your air conditioner will have to work harder to keep all the particles out of the air, and it may not be as efficient. Even for those who don't have asthma, dirty air filters can cause unwanted symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, sneezing, red eyes, and respiratory tract infections.

Change Your Air Conditioner Filter Regularly

The more contaminants that are in the filter, the less efficient your filter becomes. Changing your air conditioner's filter regularly will reduce the number of particles in your home's air, reducing asthma flare-ups.

Get a High-Quality Pre-filter and Secondary filter

The pre-filter is the filter you change monthly. For families with a member who suffers from asthma, a secondary filter is usually attached. When looking for an air conditioner filter or a filter replacement, you should look for a filter that removes smaller particles from the air. HEPA filters are best for allergy sufferers as they filter out much smaller particles.

Regular air conditioner maintenance is essential for your family's health, especially for those with asthma and respiratory problems. By using high-quality filters and changing them regularly, you can reduce symptoms and live healthier.

At Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning , we provide a variety of indoor air solutions , including air filters, air scrubbers, and UV germicidal lamps. Need help? Give us a call at (402) 235-6727 and we’ll be happy to show you your options.

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