What to Do About an AC Refrigerant Leaks

Don’t Ignore an AC Refrigerant Leak: Your System Depends on It

As summer winds down and the cooler weather approaches, the trusty air conditioner continues to perform the tasks of cooling, cleaning, moving, and dehumidifying indoor air. However, if an air conditioner’s performance is declining, it should cause a homeowner to take notice and call for an AC maintenance technician to inspect the system.

Air conditioning systems do not use fuel; they use a manufactured gas, designed to readily transfer heat, deemed a refrigerant or coolant gas. An air conditioner requires a static amount of refrigerant gas to cool the space properly. When the gas pressure decreases, the system tries to continue the cooling process without the proper refrigerant gas. When the air conditioner tries so very hard with inadequate pressure, it will cause crucial components to overheat and fail. This damage is usually very expensive, leading to the replacement of the entire air conditioner system.

AC Refrigerant Leaks? Here’s Why You Need a Pro

What causes a loss of refrigerant pressure? A weakness in the network of tubes that house and transport gas will occasionally result in a minute pinhole, but just enough for the gas to leak away. Since the gas is always under pressure, even a very small hole will release all of the refrigerant gas. Leaks often develop in the weakest portion of the system:

Joints between portions of tubing
The two major coils, where tubes are bent at 900 angles repeatedly

AC Refrigerant Leaks can also occur whenever the system’s tubing is damaged by contact or movement.

AC Refrigerant Leaks can be very difficult to locate and correct.

The leaks are usually very tiny holes, leaking minute amounts of gas. Gas will continue to leak even when the air conditioner is not running, since the gas remains under pressure at all times.
When the gas has completely leaked away, it is nearly impossible to locate the source of the leak. Often, additional refrigerant will need to be added to find the leak, knowing the gas will be leaking away.
The entire system will need to be checked, both indoor and outdoor components. Some of these components are difficult to reach.

Once the leak has been found and sealed, the whole system will be vacuumed completely to remove the air, various gases, and any other substance that made its way into the tube network. The vacuum will remain in place for a given time as a final pressure check; if a leak remains, the vacuum will be broken, allowing air into the system. The whole process will need to be repeated until all of the leaks have been sealed.

Refrigerants are not environmentally friendly, so it is important to find leaks and fix them quickly. Since they pose a threat to the ozone, the US Environmental Protection Agency is continuously seeking better, more friendly refrigerant gases. Over the last few decades, the EPA has changed the acceptable formulas for residential air conditioning systems.

Certain gases have been discontinued and have not been manufactured for several years. The gas for these systems is very scarce, may not be available, and the available gas for these systems is extremely expensive.
Certain gases have been discontinued and are no longer being manufactured, but a supply remains available. Refrigerant for these systems may be available, and the gas will be expensive.
All refrigerant gases are expensive and should not be allowed to escape into the environment if possible.

If your air conditioner is performing poorly, do not delay. Call us for service to test the refrigerant level. It could save your system from failure, save you money in repairs, and help preserve the environment.

Why an All Cool AC & Heating Professional is a Must for an AC Refrigerant Leak

Addressing an AC refrigerant leak quickly is crucial to prevent expensive damage to your system and protect the environment. Because these leaks are difficult to locate and fix, a professional All Cool AC & Heating technician is required to properly seal the leak and recharge the refrigerant. Don’t delay—call for service to save your system from failure and avoid costly repairs.

September 17, 2025

Your Essential Fall AC Maintenance Checklist

Don’t Wait for a Breakdown: The Case for Fall AC Maintenance

As Summer ends, it brings several very familiar and welcome occasions:

The beginning of the school year: buying school supplies, meeting new teachers, and taking those “first day in a new grade” pictures for the scrapbook.
Friday night lights!!
Saturday College Football.
The promise of cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The summer was great; everyone loves summer. But Fall has its own pleasures, and everyone looks forward to its arrival.

After months of dealing with the extreme heat and humidity of Summer, this is also a great time to give your air conditioner a much-needed AC maintenance visit, a Fall reset.

Why recommend AC maintenance at the tail-end of summer?

The AC components have worked hard all summer long. If there are noticeable weaknesses in the air conditioner’s performance, they will be detected now.
An AC maintenance appointment now will prepare it for the cooling season next year.
If you have a heat pump, these same components will continue to perform through most of the winter heating season as well.

This hard-working system needs regular AC maintenance to function at peak efficiency. Air conditioner repairs and replacements slow down during the Fall months, so the AC maintenance schedule is less congested.

Clean, Check, Change

AC maintenance tasks may vary, but the most common tasks fall under three categories.

Cleaning

The air filter, so important to indoor air quality and air conditioner function, is a good starting place. If it has been a while since you last changed your filter, expect to hear some encouragement to change the filter at least quarterly.

While checking the air filter, if the vents appear to be excessively dusty, our AC maintenance technician may recommend that they be cleaned. (Most air conditioning contractors do not clean vents.)
The outdoor condenser unit needs to be cleaned annually. The condenser walls are composed of a vast network of tubes with very thin fins of aluminum. The tubes and fins are designed to dissipate the heat collected inside into the outdoor environment. A large, central fan pulls copious amounts of air through the network to cool them. Sticky pollen, dust, and yard debris get pulled onto and into the network, making the condenser work much harder than it should. A good cleaning with a garden hose washes this collection away.
A similar network of tubes is found inside the air conditioner cabinet. This network is called the evaporator coil, and it exposes the hot air from the house to the cold of the refrigerant. Since the air is humid and the evaporator coil is cold, the coil stays wet from the condensation that collects on it. Dust that bypasses the filter will collect here as well, making the evaporator coil work harder. The drain pan that collects the condensation and the drain line that carries it away will also be cleaned and flushed.

Checking

The refrigerant pressure level will be checked. A loss in pressure is serious, since it indicates a leak. Loss of refrigerant will bring cooling to a halt and can cause serious damage to expensive components.
Electronic controls and sensors will be checked for performance. Constant use creates wear, and this is normal. Common wear patterns happen, so a technician will know where to look first.
The thermostat will also be checked. Most thermostats are programmable, but many homeowners do not know how to make scheduled temperature changes. A technician will check thermostat settings and answer questions concerning programming temperature changes.
The overall performance of the air conditioning system will also be checked. An air conditioner should provide a minimum temperature change during a cooling cycle. A cooling cycle should achieve the desired temperature change within an acceptable time.

Change

If the cleaning and checking uncover a problem or deficiency, the technician will recommend replacing failing parts before they fail altogether.

Let All Cool Give Your HVAC System the All Clear with Fall AC Maintenance

As summer ends, your AC unit deserves a reset and a professional AC maintenance tune-up to ensure it’s in top condition. This simple AC maintenance call with All Cool AC & Heating can save you from a costly repair down the line and guarantee your comfort for next year. Don’t wait for a breakdown to schedule service—get ahead of the game and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained HVAC system.

August 26, 2025

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Health

Breathe Easy: Your Guide to Better Indoor Air Quality

During the Industrial Revolution, we polluted the air we needed to breathe to enrich our lives and make us comfortable. During the late 1800s, burning coal for heat, energy, and industry led to a toxic soup of polluted air hovering over major cities. A similar problem arose in the early 1900s with the introduction of internal combustion engine vehicles.

A large city quickly accumulated millions of cars, trucks, and trains, and there were no emission control standards. The pollution reminded folks of fog, so smoke/fog was shortened to “smog.” Outdoor air was affected, as well as the indoor air quality of our homes and businesses.

After creating the mess, we worked on complicated methods to clean the air with a series of Clean Air Acts. Environmental scientists worked hard to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in the air, and politicians worked on laws to enforce air quality standards to keep us from poisoning ourselves.

These standards control the contamination from:

The burning of fossil fuels for energy
Industrial pollutants that are released
Emission standards for planes, trains, and automobiles

Today, large cities in the U.S. enjoy incredibly clean air in comparison to other industrialized countries. Of course, there is always room for improvement, so the battle for clean air continues. There are many sources of air pollution that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency cannot control or regulate. They include:

Pollen, mold spores, and other organic sources
Smoke from wildfires that often travels thousands of miles
Global pollution from other countries with lower air quality standards

Another very important development is in the area of health care. Medical professionals gained a clearer understanding of the long-term health concerns surrounding poor air quality. Yes, poor air quality contributes to breathing problems and cancer rates, but it also contributes to infant mortality and low birth weight.

Although we enjoy relatively clean air, we should also have a great concern over indoor air quality in our homes and gathering places, such as businesses and schools. Everyone should be much more conscious of indoor air quality, and outdoor air quality.

Why does indoor air quality matter?

Although we love the great outdoors and fresh air, we also love simple comforts, such as avoiding extreme heat, extreme cold, and high humidity. The average American spends 90% of their life indoors, at home, school, work, or in the conditioned space of vehicles.
Indoor air is actually outdoor air that has migrated to indoor spaces. That means that whatever pollutants are abundant in outdoor environments are also in indoor spaces. However, since these spaces are enclosed, ventilation is reduced, and the concentration of pollutants grows larger. Add to this the pollutants added by everyday life, including cleaning, cooking, and simply breathing, and the concentration of air contaminants is 5 to 8 times more concentrated indoors.
Since poor indoor air quality can lead to or trigger health problems, indoor air quality becomes extremely important to all involved.

Since indoor air quality is so important, home and business owners should be very informed about their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These building systems:

Move air around, maintaining fresh air. Blower motors can move the entire volume of indoor air every few minutes of a heating or cooling cycle.
All of that air moves through a very efficient air filter that traps and removes the vast majority of airborne contaminants, including many organic pollutants. Changing the air filter at least every three months removes these contaminants from a home or business forever.
Regular AC maintenance keeps an air conditioner/furnace running efficiently and extends the useful years to the system. Many of the AC maintenance tasks include cleaning pollutants from components, since dust, pollen, and dander force the system to work hard to achieve its purpose.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with All Cool AC and Heating

Do you have questions about the indoor air quality of your home? All Cool AC & Heating is the expert in Katy, Texas, in improving your indoor air quality. Our team can quickly assess your home’s unique needs and recommend advanced indoor air quality systems like air purifiers, humidifiers, UV-C filter systems, and whole-home air purification systems. Schedule a consultation today to improve your indoor air quality and start enjoying cleaner, fresher air in your home.

August 21, 2025August 21, 2025

Ultimate Guide to Essential AC Maintenance

Maximize Your AC’s Lifespan: The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance

The heat and humidity this summer will have your air conditioner running overtime to keep your family comfortable. To give you an idea of how hard it is working, if your thermostat calls for 3 to 4 cooling cycles per hour, your air conditioner will complete between 500 and 700 cooling cycles per week. Since it works this hard each week, and the cooling cycle lasts for 8 months or more, admittedly, it could use some AC maintenance and care.

Essential AC Maintenance Tasks

During an annual AC maintenance visit, our professionally trained technicians will complete some very necessary AC maintenance tasks, including:

Replace the air filter. The air filter seems like a rather simple feature of an air conditioner system, but it serves several important functions. It efficiently collects dust and dander, but the collection eventually clogs the filter and limits airflow, thereby limiting the cooling capacity of the AC. (Expect to hear encouragement to replace the air filter quarterly, like clockwork.)
Other components also need to be cleaned, notably the condenser coils outdoors and the evaporator coils indoors. These coils transport heat via the refrigerant gas, from inside the home to the outdoors. Dust and pollen collect on the tubes and inhibit heat transfer. Cleaning the dust away is essential for maintaining air conditioning function.
Testing and inspection. Various electrical parts are prone to wear, so the technician will use testing equipment to ensure all is well. The refrigerant level will also be tested, since a drop in pressure indicates a leak of the valuable gas.

AC Maintenance Benefits

Completing these tasks will certainly:

Reduce repair costs. The testing and inspection is designed to uncover problems with the complex electronic controls while the problems are small. If left undiscovered, the stress of a small problem spreads to other components. A small, inexpensive repair can quickly grow to a much larger, expensive repair.
Catching small repairs early usually extends the useful life of the air conditioner system, often putting off replacement by 3 to 5 years.
Keeping the system clean and running smoothly improves the energy efficiency of the air conditioner; an air conditioner that works harder requires more energy, costing more money to operate.
Keeping the system clean and running smoothly also improves the indoor air quality inside the home.

AC Maintenance Savings

Regular maintenance will result in long-term savings, since:

AC Maintenance tends to uncover problems early and allows their repairs before trouble spreads. That usually results in a much smaller repair bill.
Since AC maintenance improves efficiency, it usually lowers the monthly electric utility bill.
If maintenance extends the useful life of your system, it allows the air conditioner to function three to five years longer, increasing its value and putting off replacement.

The Power of Proactive AC Maintenance From AllCool AC

Given the constant stress placed on your HVAC unit, neglecting its upkeep is a surefire way to invite costly repairs and premature system failure. Regular AC maintenance is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently, extends its lifespan, and saves you money on energy bills and future repairs. By scheduling a professional AC tune-up, you are making a smart investment in the comfort and longevity of your home’s cooling system.

All Cool AC & Heating AC repair and AC maintenance professionals can assist with your Katy Texas AC repair and maintenance needs. Schedule your AC service or replacement appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email, and let our NATE-certified AC Repair Katy technicians help you improve your indoor air quality.

July 24, 2025

Your AC and Indoor Air Quality

Beyond Cooling: The AC’s Role in Healthy Indoor Air Quality

While we celebrate summertime with lots of vacations and outdoor activities, summertime also unleashes a three-prong barrage against our location: extreme heat, extreme humidity, and excessive pollen. All three of these features also seem to attack homes as well. But air conditioners are very capable of handling the summertime trio and managing indoor air quality.

An air conditioner uses heat transfer to remove heat from the home and release it into the outdoor atmosphere. The point of the released heat is the outdoor condenser unit. A large fan in the center of the condenser draws cool air across the coils containing hot refrigerant gas, cooling it before it cycles back indoors.
The humid air from indoors is brought into the evaporator chamber of the air conditioner. In this chamber, the refrigerant gas is cold. The humidity condenses on the evaporator coils, drips to a drain pan, and drains away.
As the indoor air circulates through the air conditioner system, an air filter traps airborne particles, including pollen and other contaminants, to improve indoor air quality.

How Regularly Scheduled AC Maintenance Improves Indoor Air Quality

So, your air conditioner works heroically to remove heat, humidity, and airborne particles all summer long.

Air conditioners require regular maintenance and may occasionally need repairs. The AC repairs come as a result of wear and tear on these very components that remove heat, humidity, and pollen from the indoor air.

AC Maintenance includes keeping both the condenser and evaporator coils clean.
Changing the air filter needs to be completed every three months to protect indoor air quality and keep the system functioning properly.

Common AC Problems and Their Impact on Your Indoor Air Quality

Beyond maintenance, air conditioners need repair, especially as the system ages. Some of the most common AC repair issues include:

The refrigerant gas is kept under pressure all year round. During cooling cycles, the refrigerant reaches about 6 times the pressure of a system at rest. Any flaw or damage to the system’s tubing will result in a loss of gas, identified by a loss of gas pressure. This is a common repair to air conditioner systems.
A powerful motor drives a fan. This fan moves the entire volume of air in the home every few minutes. The motor and drive features, usually a belt, can wear and break. This is a common repair to air conditioner systems.
The entire system runs and is controlled by a complex system of sensors and switches. Use of these sensitive parts creates wear; they need to be replaced occasionally, and this is a common repair as well.
The master control for an air conditioner is the thermostat; it serves as the ON/OFF switch for the entire system. The sensitive nature of a thermostat makes it necessary to replace or recalibrate.

An important fact to know about an air conditioner system is the age: how long the system has been functioning. Air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years. As the system reaches the end of its useful function, repairs can be more extensive and expensive. Work with a contractor to determine the proper time to replace it rather than repairing the system.

Your Katy Experts in AC Repair & Maintenance for Superior Indoor Air Quality

Maintaining your AC is crucial for not only comfort but also for ensuring healthy indoor air quality in your home. For reliable AC maintenance and repair services that prioritize your family’s well-being, trust the experts at All Cool AC and Heating.

All Cool AC & Heating AC repair and maintenance professionals can assist with your Katy Texas AC repair and maintenance needs. Schedule your AC service or replacement appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email, and let our NATE-certified AC Repair Katy technicians help you improve your indoor air quality.

July 18, 2025

AC Repair Emergency: Your First Steps When the Cooling Stops

Facing an AC Repair Emergency? What to Do When Your Home Heats Up

Coming home or waking up to an unexpectedly hot house during the summer months can be quite alarming. After the initial shock and distress, it is time to take action. When a cooler head prevails, here are some steps to prepare for restoring air conditioning to your household during an AC repair emergency.

AC Repair Emergency: Quick Checks Before You Call for Help

Do some initial investigation.

Is the air conditioner receiving power? If not, first check the electrical service panel and find the circuit breaker marked “Air Conditioner.” If the breaker is tripped, turn it completely off and then on. Wait a few minutes. If a cooling cycle begins, be very observant. If the breaker continues to trip, a serious problem may have developed. If the breaker has not tripped, check the thermostat to make sure all the settings are correct. The indicator should be on COOL, and the temperature setting should be five degrees cooler than the indoor temperature.
Is the air conditioner running, but the air is hot and humid? First, check the air filter. A clogged air filter can restrict air flow through the air handler and interfere with the cooling function. Change the air filter and wait for results. If the cooling function returns, make sure to mark your calendar for a filter change every three months.
Is the air cool, but not cool enough to bring the home to the desired temperature setting? Are some areas cooler than others? Is the air cool, but the humidity high?
Next, look around and take notice of unusual sights, sounds, and smells. The presence of ice or a large water leak is a very important indication to your air conditioner technician. If the system is buzzing, screeching, or bumping, locate the noise, but do not touch anything. Flip the breaker to prevent further damage and wait for professional help. The air coming from the supply vents should be as fresh as the air in the home. If something smells bad or a little off, make a note of what you are observing.

Create a short list of your observations:

The condition of the air filter. If you change the filter, but the cooling function does not return, don’t discard the filter yet; the technician may want to observe the filter.
Write down the temperature setting and the actual temperature at the thermostat. The indoor temperature might change before the technician arrives.
Write down any steps you might have taken, for example, turning the system off, then rebooting like a computer. Record the results.
Write down all of the observations you made.

Now it is time to call the AC repair emergency professionals at All Cool AC and Heating. A wise homeowner will have developed a relationship with a local air conditioning company and perhaps have a favorite technician. Such contractor relationships help during times of emergency, and we are motivated to retain loyal customers.

All Cool AC and Heating: Your Partner in Handling an AC Repair Emergency

When your HVAC system experiences an AC repair emergency, staying calm and performing these initial checks can help you understand the problem and provide crucial information to your technician. Remember, a trusted relationship with an experienced professional, like those at All Cool AC and Heating, ensures you’ll receive prompt, reliable service when you need it most. Don’t sweat it—we’re here to help restore your home’s comfort quickly and efficiently.

All Cool AC & Heating AC repair and maintenance professionals can assist with your Katy Texas AC repair emergency needs. Schedule your AC service or replacement appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email, and let our NATE-certified AC Repair Katy technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

5 Indications You Need AC Repair Katy

Don’t Sweat It! Key Indicators Your Katy AC Need Repair

Some experiences cause us to stop and consider important life choices. Summers in Katy, Texas, when the temperature and the relative humidity are racing to get to 100 first, might just be one of those choice-questioning events. When you start asking the question, “Why here?”, remind yourself of these two bits of encouragement:

The winters are nice.
We have air conditioning!

Remember that air conditioners need maintenance, and occasionally they need repairs. What are some of the key indicators that an air conditioner needs repair?

5 Indications You Need AC Repair Katy

AC Repair Katy Indication 1: AC Not Working

Stating the obvious, when the air conditioner does not run at all, it is a clear sign that something is amiss. Before calling the technician, check the circuit breaker marked AC; if the circuit breaker is tripped, reset the breaker. If the air conditioner returns to normal, some anomaly may have been responsible. If the breaker trips again and will not stay on, a repair is needed.

Another cause for the air conditioner not working might be the thermostat. The thermostat can be found on an inside wall away from the open sunlight. There are several settings on the thermostat that can cause the air conditioner not to work:

A battery charge indicator. The thermostat runs on household batteries. If the batteries are low, the thermostat should indicate the problem, and the air conditioner will not work.
An ON/OFF function. This should be set to ON
A HEAT/COOL function. This should be set to COOL
A temperature setting. There are two temperatures indicated on the thermostat. One is the actual temperature indoors, and the other is the air conditioner setting. When the actual temperature rises above the air conditioner setting, it calls for cooling.

Make sure that all thermostat indicators are correct. Fix them before calling for a repair. If this does not solve the problem, call a technician.

AC Repair Katy Indication 2: Warm or Hot Air

The air blowing from the supply vent should be 15 to 20 degrees lower than the air in the home, usually between 55 and 60 degrees. When the air is noticeably warmer or just hot, it may indicate a serious problem. Before you call the technician for a repair, check the air filter. A fully clogged air filter restricts the air flowing across the evaporator coils, reducing the amount of cooling that can happen. Check the air filter and change it if necessary, before calling a technician for repairs.

AC Repair Katy Indication 3: High Relative Humidity

If the temperature is almost right, but the indoor humidity is as high as the outdoor humidity, it may indicate a repair needs to be made. The moisture is removed in the evaporator chamber, so check that air filter for this problem as well. The warm air inside the home must pass over the cool coil of tubes in the evaporator. If a dirty filter prevents or restricts the airflow, this could be the problem. If the filter is new, call a technician for a repair.

AC Repair Katy Indication 4: Sight, Sound, Smell

Air conditioners run in the background noise of a normal household. If you notice something different, do not ignore obvious facts.

If water suddenly flows from the air handler closet, it can be one of several problems, but it should result in a call for repair.
If the system suddenly begins to make unusual noises, loud buzzing, cranking, or screeching sounds, or loud banging noises, call a repair technician immediately.
The air blowing from the supply vents smells different from normal household odors; it usually indicates a problem that needs to be fixed.

AC Repair Katy Indication 5: High Electric Bills

It might take a while to attract attention, but if the electricity bill suddenly spikes, it may indicate a problem with the air conditioner. Do a little research to see if the use of electricity, measured in kWh, spikes year to year during the same month. This indicates a loss in efficiency and signals that a repair needs to be made.

Staying Cool When the Katy Heat Is On

Living in Katy, Texas, means embracing the heat, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it indoors. Your air conditioner is your best friend during those long, hot summers, and recognizing the AC Repair Katy signs of trouble early can save you a lot of discomfort and expense. Whether it’s a complete shutdown, warm air, excessive humidity, strange noises or smells, or a surprisingly high electric bill, your AC often gives you clues when it needs attention.

Don’t ignore these indicators. A little proactive AC Repair Katy troubleshooting and knowing when to call our professional team can ensure your home remains a cool, comfortable sanctuary, even when the temperatures outside are soaring. So, keep an eye—and ear—on your AC, and enjoy your cool retreat!

All Cool AC & Heating AC Installation professionals can assist with your AC Repair Katy needs. Schedule your AC service or replacement appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email, and let our NATE-certified AC Repair Katy technicians put their experience to work for you.

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025

Don’t Get Left in the Heat: Knowing Its Time For an AC Replacement

Don’t Get Left in the Heat: Knowing It’s Time For an AC Replacement

Since a home is such a large part of a family’s investment portfolio, homeowners are wise to learn about a home’s building systems and keep them maintained. For instance, homeowners should know the age of their roofing shingles, carpet, and windows, and have a general idea of how soon they will need to be replaced. Another important building system to investigate is the air conditioning system.

Air conditioners are complex electro-mechanical systems, with four major functions:

Air conditioners cool the indoor space, making it comfortable and healthy for human habitation
Air conditioners remove excess humidity from the air for comfort and health
Air conditioners have a filtration system and clean the air with every cooling cycle
Air conditioners move air to ensure every area of the home is receiving fresh air

Homes are very difficult to maintain as abodes in South Texas without air conditioning. Knowing when to repair and when to replace an air conditioning system is part of wise homeownership. Here are some basic tips about air conditioners to help homeowners with decisions concerning replacement at just the right time.

Know When You Need an AC Replacement

Knowing the age of the air conditioner is an important first step. If you were not the owner during the last AC replacement, find the information on the model number plate. The manufacturer’s website can tell when the unit was built. Quality air conditioning systems will last between 15 and 20 years. Annual maintenance and regular air filter changes may add a few years. If your AC system is older than this, make plans for replacement soon. The goal might be to nurse it along for as long as possible, but an emergency replacement can be expensive and very inconvenient compared to a planned replacement.

Know Why You Need an AC Replacement

Like any system in use, the parts eventually begin to show signs of wear. There are a few moving parts in an AC system. Two motors turn fans that assist with heat transfer, one inside the air handler cabinet and one outside in the condenser unit. It is easy to understand wear and tear on moving parts. But wear and tear also happen to electrical parts—switches, sensors, and control units.
Wear will lead to repair visits to replace certain failing parts. Eventually, a large enough component will fail so that the repair cost rivals the cost of replacing a system. Keep a tally of repair costs and make sure that the cumulative costs of repairs do not climb too high.
Perhaps the first indication of a problem is that the air conditioner is beginning to perform poorly. The air coming through the vents might be warm, not cold. The air conditioner might struggle to keep up during prolonged heat waves, forcing longer-than-normal cooling cycles. Certain rooms or spaces might never seem to get cool. The relative humidity indoors is very similar to outdoor humidity. There might be a simple solution, like a clogged air filter. If not, the solution might be attributed to a weakened air conditioner system.
The clues might come from annoying smells or loud noises. The smells might seem sour or mildewy. The sounds might be loud, banging, or buzzing. They will not go away on their own and are often indications of a rapidly failing system.

Clear indications of an imminent catastrophic failure often include most or all of these signs–an aged air conditioning system that performs poorly, is expensive to keep running because it keeps making noises and smells foul. A wise homeowner will begin making plans for an AC replacement as soon as these signs begin to appear.

All Cool AC & Heating AC Installation professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service or replacement appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email, and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

May 24, 2025

AC Maintenance for Katy Texas Homes

Ensure Comfort All Summer: Katy Texas AC Maintenance Checklist

Spring days, with mild temperatures during the day and cool temperatures during the evening, are in the rear-view mirror. It will be a while before opening windows for long periods of time happens in Katy Texas. Accompanying the hotter temperatures will be higher humidity and high pollen count, so keeping the air conditioner performing well all summer is essential for comfortable summer living. Performance and consistency over the long run depend upon a great preventative AC maintenance plan. Do you have a great AC maintenance plan in place?

Scheduling Professional AC Maintenance

There are plenty of steps a homeowner can take to care for an air conditioner system, but there are some steps that need to be handled by a trained HVAC professional.

Anyone who handles the refrigerant gases used for air conditioning and refrigeration must complete U.S. Environmental Protection Agency training and be certified. That is a lot more work than most homeowners are willing to take on.
The air conditioner’s electronics are complex and must be handled with training and on-the-job training; some wires carry 220V and some carry 24V. It is important to know the difference between the two, since one can give a deadly shock.
Heating and air conditioning are processes. Knowing the processes is essential to knowing how to properly maintain the system.
When repairs need to be completed, it is important to know someone who can diagnose the problem and make the repairs.

Schedule Filter Changes

The entire volume of a home’s air passes the air filter 3 or 5 times per cooling cycle. The purpose of the filter is to remove airborne contaminants, and they do a superb job. Since they are so effective, they need to be changed often.

A dirty, clogged filter restricts the amount of air that can flow through the filter, and the air conditioner function requires a massive amount of airflow. A dirty filter prevents your air conditioner from cooling your home (and your furnace from heating your home).
The air filter is located close to the evaporator chamber, the area where humidity is removed from the home’s air. A dirty filter often results in higher humidity inside the home.
For most homes, changing the air filter every three months is the recommended procedure. If your home has extenuating circumstances that require a more frequent filter change—a dirt road or a nearby construction site—you will be in a position to know and make more frequent changes.
Locate the air filter at the base of the air handler closet, where the ductwork brings air from the home to the cabinet. Air filters are available at most hardware and do-it-yourself home improvement stores.

Clean the Condenser Unit

The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called a condenser unit, and it also acts like a filter.

The walls of the condenser unit are a network of tubes and fins, containing hot refrigerant gas during cooling cycles. A large fan in the hollow center draws air through the network to cool the gas, but it also draws dirt, sticky pollen, and lawn debris, like grass clippings. The collection hinders the free flow of air through the condenser and needs to be cleaned away.
Before trying to clean the condenser, trip the breaker for the air conditioner. The condenser covers are attached with a few metal screws on each side. After removing the cover, use a garden hose to gently wash away the debris and dirt. Replace the covers and flip the breaker back to the ON position.
Make sure to trim shrubs and tall, ornamental grass at least 2 feet away from the condenser unit.

Get Your Katy Texas AC Ready for Summer: All Cool AC & Heating AC Maintenance Guide

All Cool AC & Heating AC maintenance professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified AC maintenance technicians put their experience to work for you.

May 23, 2025

Is Your AC Sick? 9 Signs You Need AC Repair

Avoid the Heat: Know When to Call for AC Repair

Is your air conditioner functioning properly? How can you tell whether you need to repair the air conditioner? Here are some common signs that indicate repairs are in order.

1 High Humidity

When the relative humidity indoors matches the outdoor air, it indicates that the air conditioner is not removing moisture properly. Solid surfaces on furniture, flooring, and walls may feel sticky since the finishes are collecting moisture. Skin may also feel sticky, but it may not be from sweat.

2 High Temperature

Since air conditioning removes both humidity and heat from indoor spaces, whenever the indoor temperature rises, it usually indicates that the air conditioning function is failing. (If the temperature is very high, an old system may struggle to keep up without indicating failure.) Observe the thermostat setting and the actual temperature indicated to determine the depth of the problem.

3 Hot Spots

If the main spaces of the home are cool, but upper-story spaces or rooms far from the air handler cabinet are hotter than normal, it indicates the need for AC repair. This is especially true if these hot spots are a new development.

4 Low Airflow

If the amount of cool air flowing from the supply vents has declined substantially in the recent past, this indicates the need for AC repair. This low airflow may result in high humidity, high temperatures,

and spaces that are not receiving sufficient cool air.

5 Strange Noises

Usually, air conditioner noises are limited to those associated with a blower motor and the gentle movement of air through supply vents. However, when the blower motor or other air conditioner components begin making loud, irritating noises, such as grinding, screeching, or banging noises, it indicates that the blower motor needs to be repaired. If electrical controls emit loud buzzing or rapid clicking noises, it indicates that AC repair is necessary.

6 Obnoxious Smells

The air conditioner should be moving the available air within the home. When the air exiting the supply vents smells unhealthy, it indicates that something is wrong and needs to be repaired. Healthy indoor air is essential to keep a family safe and healthy.

7 Water or Ice

Anytime ice build-up is observed on any part of the air conditioner components, whether indoors or outdoors, it is a serious problem that requires serious repair. Ice on the coils of the outdoor condenser unit is generally easily observed. However, ice build-up indoors may happen behind the walls of the air handler cabinet. What may be observed more quickly is the water leaking from the cabinet as the ice melts. Ice on the components or water leaking from any components (except through the drain lines) indicates the need for AC repair.

8 Long Cooling Cycles

If the air conditioner cooling cycles are exceptionally long or the air conditioner does not turn off, it indicates a serious problem. Of course, cooling cycles during periods of extreme heat might be normal. However, long cooling cycles during normal heat are problematic.

9 High Energy Bills

The price of energy fluctuates a bit, but if the electricity bill continually rises over the cooling season, it bears further investigation. Do a little research to determine whether the energy required for cooling (measured in kWhs) has increased during this month compared to last year or the year prior.

Components that are failing require more energy to accomplish the required tasks. Increased energy use without the addition of other devices generally indicates the need for AC repair.

Keep Cool and Save Money: Call All Cool for AC Repair

These indicators may happen individually, or several of these indicators may happen at once. If you observe these signs, call your AllCool AC and Heating AC repair technician and schedule an appointment.

All Cool AC & Heating HVAC professionals can assist with your HVAC repair and AC maintenance needs. Schedule your service appointment by calling All Cool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email and let our NATE-certified indoor air quality technicians put their experience to work for you.