Question 1

Who is Energy Stars Heating & Cooling?

Accepted Answer

Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co. is a locally owned HVAC company based in Madison, IL, serving the Metro East Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri region since 2013. We specialize in heating and air conditioning installation, replacement, repair,and maintenance for residential and light commercial customers. With over 1,100 five-star Google reviews and a 4.9-star average rating, we're the most reviewed HVAC company in the Metro East area.

Question 2

Where does Energy Stars provide service?

Accepted Answer

We serve a wide area across the St. Louis metro region, including Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, and Jersey Counties in Illinois, as well as portions of the Missouri side including the St. Louis metro area. Communities we regularly serve include Madison, Granite City, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, O'Fallon, Belleville, Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Waterloo, Columbia, Red Bud, Jerseyville, St. Louis, Florissant, Chesterfield, Oakville, Mehlville, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, and more. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us at (618) 477-8337.

Question 3

Is Energy Stars a locally owned company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Energy Stars is locally owned and operated —not a franchise, not a private equity-backed chain. That means when you call us, you're working with people who live and work in the same communities you do. We were founded on a simple principle: treat every customer the way you'd want to be treated.

Question 4

How long has Energy Stars been in business?

Accepted Answer

Energy Stars has been serving the Metro East and St. Louis region since 2013 — over 12 years of experience in residential and light commercial HVAC.

Question 5

Does Energy Stars offer duct cleaning or duct repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer duct work inspection, sealing, repair, and replacement. Leaky or damaged ducts can waste 20–30% of the energy your HVAC system produces, driving up your utility bills and reducing comfort. If your home has rooms that never seem to get comfortable, or if you've noticed higher-than-expected energy bills, your duct work may be part of the problem.

Question 6

What is crawl space encapsulation, and does Energy Stars offer it?

Accepted Answer

Crawl space encapsulation involves sealing your crawl space with a heavy-duty vapor barrier to prevent moisture, mold, and outside air from entering your home's structure. Moisture in the crawl space directly impacts indoor air quality and can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system. Yes, we offer crawl space services — ask about it when you call.

Question 7

Is Energy Stars NATE-certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our technicians are NATE-certified (North American Technician Excellence) — the industry's most respected certification for HVAC professionals. NATE certification requires rigorous testing and demonstrates a technician's real-world knowledge of heating and cooling systems.

Question 8

What is the York Diamond Club, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The York Diamond Club is York's highest-tier dealer designation, awarded only to companies that meet strict standards for installation quality, customer satisfaction, and ongoing training. As a York Diamond Club Dealer since 2017, Energy Stars has access to York's full product line, priority parts support, and extended warranty programs that non-certified dealers cannot offer.

Question 9

What is an Ameren Program Ally?

Accepted Answer

Ameren Illinois partners with a select group of HVAC contractors — called Program Allies — who are trained and approved to help customers navigate Ameren's energy efficiency rebate programs. As an Ameren Program Ally, Energy Stars can help you access rebates on qualifying high-efficiency equipment, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on a new system.

Question 10

Does Energy Stars have a training facility?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is something very few HVAC companies anywhere can say. Energy Stars maintains an on-site training house where our technicians practice real-world installation and service scenarios before working in customers' homes. This commitment to ongoing training is a direct reason why our quality of work is consistently high.

Question 11

What is Energy Stars' Google rating?

Accepted Answer

Energy Stars has over 1,100 Google reviews with a 4.9-staraverage rating — the highest review volume of any HVAC company in the Metro East market. We're proud of this, and we earn it one job at a time.

Question 12

How do I schedule service with Energy Stars?

Accepted Answer

You can call us at (618) 477-8337 or book online at estarshvac.com. We serve customers across Metro East Illinois and the St. Louis, MO region.

Question 13

Does Energy Stars offer free estimates on new system installations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide free in-home estimates for new HVAC system installations and replacements. There's no pressure and no obligation — just an honest assessment and a clear quote.

Question 14

Do you offer a free second opinion on repair quotes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If another company has given you are pair quote you're not sure about, we'll come out and give you a free second opinion — saving you up to $125. Just provide a copy of your service ticket and mention the offer when scheduling.

Question 15

Does anyone at Energy Stars speak Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Spanish is spoken at Energy Stars. We want every customer in our community to feel comfortable and fully understood.

Question 16

How do I know if I need to replace my HVAC system or just repair it?

Accepted Answer

A good rule of thumb: if your system is over 10–12 years old and the repair cost exceeds $1,000 — or if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new system — replacement is usually the smarter investment. Older systems also run less efficiently, meaning you're likely paying more on energy bills every month.We offer free second opinions on repair quotes, so if another company has told you that you need an expensive repair, give us a call.

Question 17

What brands of HVAC equipment does Energy Stars install?

Accepted Answer

We are a York® Diamond Club Dealer — one of the highest dealer designations York awards. York is a premium, American-made brand with a long track record of reliability. We carry a full line of York furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and air handlers. We'll help you choose the right system — not the most expensive one.

Question 18

What does "right-sized equipment" mean, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Right-sizing means we perform a proper load calculation (Manual J) to determine exactly how much heating and cooling your home actually needs — based on square footage, insulation, windows, ceiling height, and other factors. An oversized system short-cycles (turns on and off too frequently),wears out faster, and leaves your home feeling humid and uncomfortable. An undersized system runs constantly and can't keep up on extreme weather days. Right-sized equipment runs efficiently, lasts longer, and keeps your home comfortable. This is a step many HVAC companies skip. We never do.

Question 19

What is the 10-Year No Worries Warranty?

Accepted Answer

The Energy Stars 10-Year No Worries Warranty covers both parts AND labor on new HVAC system installations — for a full decade. Most warranties in the industry cover parts only, leaving homeowners on the hook for labor costs on every service call. Our warranty means if something goes wrong with your new system in the first 10 years, you won't pay a dime. It's one of the strongest warranties available in the Metro East market.

Question 20

Does Energy Stars offer financing for new HVAC systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer financing options to help make a new system affordable. Ask about current financing promotions when you call or schedule online.

Question 21

Can I get a rebate on a new energy-efficient HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and this is an area where working with an Ameren Illinois Program Ally like Energy Stars makes a real difference. We're trained and approved to help customers access Ameren Illinois rebates for qualifying high-efficiency equipment. These rebates can significantly offset the cost of a new system. We'll walk you through exactly what's available when we provide your estimate.

Question 22

How quickly can Energy Stars respond to a heating or cooling breakdown?

Accepted Answer

We work hard to offer same-day service for heating and cooling breakdowns whenever possible. Call us at (618) 477-8337 first thing and we'll get you scheduled as quickly as we can. We understand that a broken furnace in January or a failed AC in August isn't something you can wait days to fix.

Question 23

Why isn't my air conditioner cooling my home?

Accepted Answer

There are several common causes: a dirty air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant due to a leak, a frozen evaporator coil, a failing compressor, or a thermostat issue. Some of these are simple fixes; others require a certified technician. If your AC isn't keeping up — especially during a heat wave — call us for a diagnostic visit. Don't let a small problem become a full system failure.

Question 24

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include an overheated furnace that's tripped a safety switch (often caused by a dirty filter), a faulty flame sensor, a pilot light or ignition issue, or a problem with the gas supply. If your furnace is running but the air feels cold or lukewarm, it's time to call a technician.

Question 25

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a tune-up twice a year —once in the spring before cooling season and once in the fall before heating season. Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, extends its lifespan, and catches small problems before they become expensive repairs. It also keeps your warranty valid and your Ameren rebate eligibility intact on qualifying equipment.

Question 26

How often should I change my air filter?

Accepted Answer

For standard 1-inch filters, every 1–3 months depending on your household (more often if you have pets or allergies). For thicker media filters(4–5 inch), every 6–12 months. A clogged filter is the #1 cause of preventable HVAC breakdowns and one of the easiest things a homeowner can stay on top of.

Question 27

What is a ductless mini split system?

Accepted Answer

A ductless mini split is a heating and cooling system that doesn't require duct work. It consists of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers mounted on walls or ceilings. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for room-by-room temperature control.

Question 28

Is a mini split right for my home?

Accepted Answer

Mini splits are an excellent option for: homes with no existing duct work (older homes, additions, converted spaces), rooms that are hard to heat or cool with a central system, garages, sunrooms, home offices, and finished basements. They're also among the most energy-efficient options available. If you're not sure whether a mini split or a traditional system is right for you, we'll give you an honest recommendation.

Question 29

How long does it take to install a ductless mini split?

Accepted Answer

Most single-zone mini split installations can be completed in one day by our installation team.

Question 30

Does Energy Stars offer insulation services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Energy Stars installs insulation for homes and light commercial properties across the Metro East and St. Louis region. Proper insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home's comfort and reduce your energy bills —and it works hand-in-hand with your HVAC system. An under-insulated home forces your heating and cooling equipment to work harder than it should, shortening its lifespan and driving up utility costs.

Question 31

What types of insulation does Energy Stars install?

Accepted Answer

We install a variety of insulation types depending on your home's needs, including attic insulation, wall insulation, and insulation for crawl spaces and basements. During our assessment we'll recommend the right type and R-value for your specific situation and climate zone.

Question 32

What is air sealing and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Air sealing is the process of identifying and closing gaps, cracks, and penetrations in your home's envelope — the boundary between conditioned living space and the outside. These small openings are responsible for a surprising amount of energy loss and can make your home feel drafty, humid, or uneven in temperature even when your HVAC system is running properly. Air sealing and insulation work best together and are often completed at the same time for maximum efficiency gains.

Question 33

Can insulation and air sealing qualify for rebates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — as an Ameren Illinois Program Ally ,Energy Stars can help you access available rebates on qualifying insulation and air sealing work. These rebates can meaningfully offset the cost of the project. Ask us about current incentives when you call.

(618) 477-8337

Frequently Asked Questions

About Energy Stars

HVAC Systems — Buying & Replacing

Repairs & Maintenance

Ductless Mini Splits

Insulation & Air Sealing

Duct Cleaning & Crawl Spaces

Credentials & Trust

Scheduling & Contact

Air Conditioner, Furnace Repair and Installation for the Counties of St. Louis, Madison, St. Clair & Monroe

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