HVAC Maintenance Tips for Texas Summers

If you've lived through a Texas summer, you know the drill: your AC runs nearly non-stop from May through September, sometimes struggling to keep up on those 100°+ days. That's a lot of stress on a system.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here's what actually matters when it comes to getting your system ready for summer—and what you can safely skip.

What You Can Do Yourself (Homeowner Tasks)

Let's start with the things you can handle without calling anyone. These are simple, free or low-cost, and genuinely helpful.

1. Change Your Air Filter

This is the single most important thing you can do for your system. A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and can lead to frozen coils, poor cooling, and higher energy bills.

Set a reminder on your phone. It's that important.

2. Clear Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your condenser (the outdoor unit) needs airflow to release heat. If it's surrounded by bushes, debris, or stored items, it can't do its job efficiently.

• Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides
• Trim back any plants or shrubs that have grown too close
• Remove leaves, grass clippings, and debris from around the unit
• Make sure nothing is stacked on top of it

3. Check Your Vents and Returns

Walk through your home and make sure:

• Supply vents are open and unblocked (no furniture or curtains covering them)
• Return air grilles are clear and not covered
• Vents aren't closed in "unused" rooms (closing too many vents creates pressure problems)

4. Test Your System Before You Need It

Don't wait until the first 95° day to discover your AC isn't working. In early spring, turn on your cooling and let it run for 15-20 minutes:

• Does cool air come out of the vents?
• Does the outdoor unit turn on?
• Do you hear any unusual noises?
• Does the system cycle normally (not turning on and off rapidly)?

If something seems off, schedule a diagnostic now—before every HVAC company in Katy is booked for three weeks.

5. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Make sure your thermostat is set to "Cool" (not "Heat" from winter) and the fan is set to "Auto" rather than "On." When the fan runs continuously on "On," it can actually make your home feel more humid because condensation doesn't have time to drain.

What a Professional Should Handle

Some things require training, tools, and experience. Here's what's worth having a professional check:

Refrigerant Levels

If your system is low on refrigerant, it means there's a leak somewhere. Adding refrigerant without finding the leak is just a temporary (and expensive) fix. This requires specialized equipment to diagnose properly.

Electrical Components

Capacitors, contactors, and electrical connections degrade over time. A technician can measure whether components are within spec before they fail completely—ideally catching problems before that 100° Saturday afternoon when your system stops working.

Coil Cleaning

Your evaporator coil (inside) and condenser coil (outside) can accumulate dirt and debris that reduces efficiency. While you can gently rinse the outdoor coil with a hose, deep cleaning—especially the indoor coil—is best left to professionals.

Drain Line Clearing

The condensate drain can clog with algae and debris, causing water backup and potential damage. Many systems have a safety switch that shuts down the AC when the drain is clogged. A pro can clear the line and treat it to prevent future buildup.

Signs Your System Needs Attention Now

Don't wait for complete failure. Schedule service if you notice:

• Warm air from vents when the system is running
• Weak airflow compared to normal
• Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil
• Water around your indoor unit
• Unusual noises (grinding, squealing, banging)
• Short cycling (system turns on and off every few minutes)
• Higher than normal energy bills
• Humidity problems even when the AC is running

Catching a problem early often means a simple repair. Ignoring it until the system stops completely often means a much bigger bill—or an emergency replacement in the middle of July.

The Value of Pre-Season Maintenance

Is professional maintenance worth it? Here's our honest take:

Yes, if: You want peace of mind, your system is older (10+ years), you've had problems before, or you want to catch issues before peak season when everyone's schedule is packed.

Maybe not, if: Your system is new and under warranty, you're diligent about filter changes and basic care, and you haven't had any issues.

Our maintenance plan includes one comprehensive service per year that covers both heating and cooling components. It's designed to identify problems early and keep documentation of your system's condition over time.

What We Actually Do During a Maintenance Visit

Unlike some companies that rush through a 15-minute "tune-up," here's what a thorough maintenance visit includes:

• Full system safety inspection
• Electrical testing of capacitors, contactors, and connections
• Refrigerant pressure check (we'll identify if there's a leak)
• Evaporator and condenser coil inspection and cleaning
• Drain line inspection and clearing
• Blower wheel and motor inspection
• Thermostat calibration check
• Complete photo documentation of findings

You'll get a clear report of what we found, with photos, so you know exactly what condition your system is in.

Texas-Specific Considerations

A few things specific to our climate:

• Humidity is a factor. Your AC removes humidity as it cools. If it's undersized or the airflow is restricted, you might feel cool but clammy.
• Run time matters. Your AC running for long stretches on hot days is normal. It's designed to do that. Short cycling (constantly turning on and off) is the problem to watch for.
• Attic heat affects performance. If your air handler and ductwork are in the attic, they're fighting 130°+ temperatures up there. This is normal for Texas but hard on equipment.

The Bottom Line

You don't need to be an HVAC expert to take care of your system. Change your filter regularly, keep the outdoor unit clear, and pay attention to warning signs. When something seems off, address it before peak season hits.

And if you want professional eyes on your system before summer arrives, we're here to help—with documented findings and honest recommendations.