Knowing When to Call an HVAC Contractor
When your air conditioner is acting up, it’s important to reach out to an HVAC contractor for help. Our professionals have the training to handle installation, repairs, and maintenance for your HVAC system. If you notice any potential danger, like bad odors, strange noises, or an unusual increase in your utility bill, it’s crucial to request emergency repair services from an HVAC contractor as soon as possible.
Choosing the Right HVAC Contractor
To find a reliable HVAC contractor, you can look online to read reviews and gather information about contractors in your area or ask for recommendations. While cost is a factor, it’s essential to consider the contractor’s expertise and track record.
Calling a professional for HVAC services as soon as a problem begins is the best way to avoid costly breakdowns. The team at LoneStar Heating and Cooling can diagnose and fix the problem quickly. Call us today to schedule an AC unit repair.
Spring & Summer HVAC Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to ensure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape for the hot summer months ahead. Considering your air conditioner will be doing the heavy lifting during this time, it should also get the most love during your spring maintenance session.
Depending on your skill level, you can perform some or all of the following tasks yourself. However, if you’re unsure about how to complete any of these steps, it’s a good idea to hire an HVAC expert to help. The average HVAC maintenance cost for an AC tuneup runs between $450 and $1,000, depending on its size and condition.
- Replace all of your HVAC system’s filters
- Clean your drain lines and remove any clogs
- Clean your system’s condenser and evaporator coils
- Check drain pans and remove any standing water
- Inspect and clean your ducts, removing any dust, mold, or other debris
- Check the air conditioner’s refrigerant level and modify it if needed
- Verify that your thermostats and controls are properly set and fully charged
- Test the fan motor and inspect its blades and blowers to ensure it’s operating as intended
- Make sure there aren’t any leaks in the HVAC cabinet and that the cabinet door is secure
- If the unit is outdoors, remove any leaves or debris from around it
- Check all of the unit’s belts and pulleys, replacing any that are frayed or show other signs of wear
- Lubricate all of the unit’s moving parts, such as motors and bearing
- Hire a professional to perform an annual AC inspection
HVAC Maintenance Tips You Can Do Yourself
It’s easy to forget how important it is to maintain your HVAC system throughout the year until your electricity or gas bill arrives. Outside of the items on your checklist, there are some other DIY maintenance tasks you can take on—starting right now—to make sure your system is performing at its highest potential throughout the year.
- Check your air filters once a month to see if they need to be changed, and then change them when they do (at the very least, change them twice per year)
- Keep your indoor vents clear of debris by dusting them regularly
- Blow or wash dust and debris off your outdoor units when it builds up and take care to keep your mower from blowing debris directly into the system
- Add shade over your outdoor compressor (like an umbrella or awning) to help maximize its efficiency during the summer
- Use fans instead of AC whenever possible to help reduce pressure on your system
- When turning off your AC for the season, clean your drain and evaporator coil with water and bleach to help prevent algae and mold
- Turn your furnace’s humidifier off during the summer and replace the humidifier pad before starting it back up in the fall or winter
How Often Should I Maintain My HVAC System?
It’s a good idea to perform maintenance on your HVAC system at least twice per year—once during the spring before the hot days of summer hit and once during the fall in anticipation of the cold winter. The exact steps you take during each maintenance season will vary slightly depending on if you’re focusing on the cooling or heating system, but they’re similar overall.
Keeping your AC in good shape
During maintenance work, HVAC contractors carefully inspect various components of your HVAC system to ensure everything is functioning properly. They check for leaks, test thermostats, replace filters as needed, and assess refrigerant levels. This routine maintenance helps prevent problems and ensures your HVAC system operates efficiently.
Fixing issues quickly
When an HVAC contractor identifies a problem during an inspection their main goal is to address it. They replace or repair faulty parts, conduct thorough troubleshooting, and verify that the system is working correctly again. HVAC contractors are equipped to handle emergency repairs, especially during extreme weather conditions when reliable heating or cooling is crucial.
Setting Up Your HVAC System
During the installation process, HVAC contractors strive to minimize any disruptions to your home. They work diligently to complete the job efficiently, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your new HVAC system with minimal inconvenience.
By understanding when to contact an HVAC contractor and choosing the right professional, you can ensure your HVAC system receives the care, repairs, or installation it needs to perform optimally and provide comfort for you and your family.
HVAC Company Serving Houston
For over 30 years, the dedicated HVAC technicians at LoneStar Heating and Cooling have been proudly providing air conditioning and heating services in Houston and its surrounding communities. Our company has established itself as an industry leader and a trusted member of the Houston community.
LoneStar Heating and Cooling
7941 Katy Fwy #287
Houston, TX 77024
713-266-2552
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