Maintenance · Austin

Fix it in April, not in August

Spring and fall checks catch small problems before they become breakdowns. Call any time and you will be put through to a licensed local HVAC company.

Call (737) 378-9016

Two checks a year

Book the cooling check in March or April, before the first 100-degree week, and the heating check in October, before the first freeze. Those are the quiet months for HVAC companies, so scheduling is easy. Wait for the first heat wave and you are competing with every system in the city that failed the same week.

Spring: cooling

Clean the outdoor coil, test the capacitor and contactor, check refrigerant pressures against the manufacturer's range, clear the condensate drain and float switch, and check airflow.

Fall: heating

Inspect burners, flame sensor and ignitor, check the heat exchanger and venting, test for carbon monoxide, and check heat pump defrost and backup heat.

Technician testing an outdoor unit during a tune-up — A spring tune-up catches the capacitor and contactor failures that cause so many July breakdowns.

What you can do between visits

Filters. Change them every one to three months, and more often during cedar season from December into February, when Ashe juniper pollen fills the air.
The outdoor unit. Keep two feet of space around it clear of grass clippings, leaves and shrubs.
The drain. If your system has an accessible drain line cleanout, ask the technician how to keep it clear.
Vents. Keep supply and return vents free of furniture and rugs.

Be careful with

A tune-up that turns into a replacement pitch, a list of urgent repairs with no explanation of what failed, and yearly refrigerant top-ups. A healthy system does not use up refrigerant; if it is low, it has a leak, and the leak is the repair. It is always reasonable to ask to see the worn part and to get a second opinion before paying for anything major.

Technician checking an indoor unit — Inside, a good check covers the blower, coil, drain pan and float switch.

Maintenance plans

Many companies sell yearly plans with two visits and some priority scheduling. Ask exactly what each visit covers, whether parts are discounted, and how the plan renews. Call and you will be put through to a licensed local HVAC company to book a check.

Common questions

How often should an HVAC system be serviced in Austin?

Twice a year is typical: cooling in spring and heating in fall.

How often should I change my filter?

Every one to three months, and more often in cedar pollen season or with pets.

Does my AC need refrigerant every year?

No. A sealed system does not use refrigerant. If it is low, there is a leak that should be found and fixed.

Is a maintenance plan worth it?

It can be if the visits are thorough and the plan terms are clear. Ask what each visit includes before you sign up.

Need help with your system?

The line is answered around the clock. You will be put through to a licensed local HVAC company.

Call (737) 378-9016