Why is my HVAC System Will Short Cycle?

AC Repair: Understanding the Short Cycle

During normal operations, you should hear your furnace complete 2 or 3 heating cycles per hour, with each cycle lasting approximately 10 to 15 minutes. During extremely cold days or if a home is poorly insulated, heating cycles may be slightly more frequent or last a little longer. However, if heating cycles come very quickly and end just as quickly, this is a condition called “short cycle.”

A short cycle happens when the furnace heats the home successfully, reaching the temperature setting indicated by the thermostat. However, the cycle ends before the air has time to mix and circulate, so rooms that are the most distant from the thermostat are still cold. The cold air forces the thermostat to call for another heating cycle, which, again, ends too soon.

4 Hidden Reasons Your Furnace Will Short Cycle

Short cycles indicate one of several underlying problems that need to be addressed. They include:

A Wrong-sized Furnace. Before a furnace is installed, a technician completes a J-Load calculation, measuring the square footage, insulation value, window and door openings, and other factors about the home that affect heating and cooling. The calculation indicates the proper size furnace, measured in BTU output. A system too small will struggle to keep a home warm with “long cycles,” and a system too large will cause “short cycles.” Both cause furnaces (and air conditioners) to run inefficiently and wear out too quickly.

A Dirty Air Filter. The furnace is working to create sufficient warm air to make a home comfortable. But a dirty filter will reduce the airflow needed to move the heat throughout the home. Dust and other airborne particles collect on the surface of the filter until the filter is completely covered. For this reason, an air filter needs to be changed about every three months (more often if needed).

Thermostat Malfunctions. A properly placed thermostat will be installed on an inside wall, and out of direct sunlight. It functions best when placed in a central spot in the home. If the thermostat is improperly placed, it should be moved. Thermostats are battery-powered, so remember to change the battery annually. Occasionally, thermostats experience wear and need to be recalibrated. A malfunctioning thermostat will cause a furnace system to have short cycles.

Malfunctioning System. An aging or worn furnace may experience electrical or mechanical problems that create the conditions for short cycles. A heat pump that loses refrigerant will also lose the ability to collect heat from outdoors: the blower motor will continue to blow, but the heat will be missing from the coil. Wear can also affect sensors and control mechanisms, including capacitors and control boards (small computers).

If your furnace system begins to exhibit any short cycle tendencies, try these tasks in this order.

Purchase a supply of air filters and change the filter. Observe the furnace to determine whether the short cycles have ended. Make sure to change the air filter regularly.
Check the thermostat settings. Ensure that it is on HEAT or EM/AUX HEAT and that the temperature setting is at least 5 degrees lower than the temperature indicated on the thermostat face.
If the settings are correct, turn the thermostat OFF temporarily and change the battery (or batteries). Observe to see whether the short cycling has ended.
Check the vents and registers around the home. Make sure all are uncovered, since covered vents will reduce circulation.
If short cycles continue, call your furnace/air conditioner technician for maintenance and repair.

Stop the Short Cycle Today

If your system is trapped in a persistent short cycle, ignoring the problem can lead to sky-high energy bills and premature equipment failure. These rapid bursts of activity put unnecessary strain on your HVAC components, often indicating a deeper issue like a faulty sensor or an improperly sized unit. Our professional technicians have the tools and experience to diagnose your system and restore perfectly balanced comfort to every room in your home. Call All Cool AC & Heating today at 281-238-9292 to schedule your AC maintenance appointment and get your system back on track.

October 28, 2025

How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter?

Stop Stressing Your HVAC: The Dangers of a Clogged AC Filter

Homeownership is a part of the American dream. However, homeownership also includes several regular maintenance tasks, that, if neglected, can result in disagreeable results. Gutters without guards need to be cleaned regularly to prevent clogged downspouts. Battery-powered devices (such as smoke detectors and thermostats) need the batteries replaced to make sure they function properly when called upon. One such simple maintenance task that should not be neglected is changing the air filter on the heating/cooling system.

How Dirty is Indoor Air?

The air inside our home seems so very clean. You do not realize how many airborne particles are floating around inside until the late afternoon light shines through the window and illuminates the dust particles. The sources of most particles are quite simple and unavoidable:

Most indoor dust particles are skin cells from human and animal inhabitants that naturally flake off.
Wind and motion stir up fine dirt particles that find a way indoors.
Pollen follows us indoors or is generated by household plants.
Exhaust from various sources brings both gas and particulate matter also collect indoors. That includes exhaust from outdoor sources (internal combustion engines and industrial activities) and indoor activities (candles and tobacco smoke).

It seems that indoor air is not as clean as it seems. Air filters provide a vital service to ensure our homes are healthy spaces to live.

Why Change the AC Filter?

Air filters are very efficient, removing most airborne particles. Since the entire volume of air passes through an air filter several times per heating or cooling cycle, the airborne particles quickly coat the filter surface. When the collection builds up, the clogged air filter reduces the amount of air that can pass through the filter. Both heating and cooling functions require vast amounts of air movement through the air handler cabinet. Restricting airflow creates tremendous stress on the blower motor and the electrical control mechanisms that direct the comfort cycles. The result of ignoring a clogged filter is similar to driving a car with the emergency brake on.

How Often Should the AC Filter Be Changed?

Each home is unique, and each family is unique.

Some homes are located near pollution sources with exponentially more airborne particles than most homes, like dirt roads or active construction sites.
Some family members have asthma, allergies, or breathing difficulties and need more frequent filter changes.

A very general rule of thumb is to change the filter every three months/four times per year, but your home might require more frequent changes. Purchase adequate filters for a year and schedule prompts on a family calendar or phone app. Use whatever makes sense to you:

The official change of seasons
Birthdays or holidays, or
Any other pneumatic device that will remind you of this important maintenance task.

Beyond the AC Filter: Schedule Maintenance to Check for Hidden HVAC Damage

You can handle the AC filter replacement, but don’t ignore the hidden damage a clogged filter may have already caused your system. Protect your expensive HVAC equipment from premature failure by scheduling a professional maintenance appointment today. Our expert technicians will inspect your unit for stress and ensure all components are running smoothly and efficiently. Call us now to book the vital service your system needs for long-term health.

Schedule your next AC maintenance appointment with All Cool AC & Heating today to take advantage the long-term rewards of a well-maintained system.

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

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.

April 23, 2022

5 Reasons to Schedule Your AC Tune Up, Today!

AC Tune Up For Warmer Springtime Temps

Spring is here! That is a short buffer time between cold weather and the hot and humid weather of summer. This is an excellent time to have your air conditioner serviced to make sure it is in great shape to keep your family comfortable and safe all summer long. You hear HVAC professionals say that all the time and you might wonder “Does it make a difference?” Since it might seem a little self-service for All Cool to say “yes,” we can give you an unbiased, expert opinion with nothing to gain from your response—the U.S. Department of Energy.¹

Here are 5 motivations for you to schedule your AC Tune Up this spring

Lengthen Your Warranty

If your AC unit has a warranty, it most likely requires an annual preventative maintenance service; check your documents. While a breakdown during the early years of service is unusual, keeping the warranty valid is important.

Increase Useful Service Life

The #1 way to lengthen the service life of your air conditioner is to have it cleaned and serviced regularly. Service life claims vary, but here are a few general truths:

Furnaces generally last a few years longer than the air conditioner, but they are usually replaced at the same time.
Service life varies a lot, between 15 and 30 years. Again, the #1 difference-maker is regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance can add 5 or more years to service life compared to little or no maintenance.

AC Tune Ups lead to Decreased Repairs

As air conditioners age, parts will wear out and fail due to functional stress. The leading cause of this stress on any AC unit is dust and dirt that infiltrates various components. The two major functions of AC preventative maintenance are 1) removing dust and dirt from remote places, and 2) inspecting for damage and wear. A well-maintained AC unit will experience fewer breakdowns and repairs over the service life since the wear is reduced and discovered early.

Increase Efficiency

With stress-causing dirt and dust removed, your air conditioner will function better, from the compressor to the blower motor. With every AC cycle, your family will experience greater comfort, even during peak cooling periods.

Decreased Energy Bills with an AC Tune Up

Now more than ever, reducing utility bills will benefit the household budget. A well-maintained AC, functioning more efficiently, will reduce the cost of cooling your home all season long.

Regular maintenance provides more benefits such as improved indoor air quality and cleaner surfaces, but hopefully, these five reasons will motivate you to care for your AC while it keeps you cool and comfortable this summer.

Need Questions About Springtime AC Tune Ups?

Let us know how we can help you with your AC Tune Up to better your HVAC system efficiency, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

¹ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner#:~:text=An%20air%20conditioner’s%20filters%2C%20coils,while%20energy%20use%20steadily%20increases

April 1, 2022April 1, 2022

5 AC Tune Up Tips to Save You Money

5 Money-Saving Tips for Regularly Schedule AC Tune Ups

You hear HVAC professionals say that all the time and you might wonder “Does it make a difference?” Since it might seem like a little self-service for All Cool to say “yes,” we can give you an unbiased, expert opinion with nothing to gain from your response—the U.S. Department of Energy.¹

Here are 5 motivations for you to service your AC this spring.

AC Tune Up Tip 1: Lengthen Your Warranty

AC Tune Up Tip 2: Increase Useful Service Life

The #1 way to lengthen the service life of your air conditioner is to have it cleaned and serviced regularly. Service life claims vary, but here are a few general truths:

Furnaces generally last a few years longer than the air conditioner, but they are usually replaced at the same time.
Service life varies a lot, between 15 and 30 years. Again, the #1 difference-maker is regular maintenance.
Regular maintenance can add 5 or more years to service life compared to little or no maintenance.

AC Tune Up Tip 3: Decreased Repairs

A well-maintained AC unit will experience fewer breakdowns and repairs over the service life since the wear is reduced and discovered early.

AC Tune Up Tip 4: Increase Efficiency

AC Tune Up Tip 5: Decreased Energy Bills

Now more than ever, reducing utility bills will benefit the household budget. A well-maintained AC, functioning more efficiently, will reduce the cost of cooling your home all season long.

Have Questions About AC Tune Up Tips?

Let us know how we can help with scheduling your AC Tune Up, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

¹ https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner#:~:text=An%20air%20conditioner’s%20filters%2C%20coils,while%20energy%20use%20steadily%20increases

March 17, 2021March 17, 2021

HVAC System: Top 5 Causes of HVAC Failure

HVAC System Tips for Optimal Efficiency

Your home’s HVAC system is composed of several mechanical components working together, designed to keep your home safe and comfortable. It provides adequate ventilation, clean air and regulates temperature throughout your living space.

When each component functions properly you barely notice, but when something is wrong, everyone knows.

When your system fails you are aware of the discomfort because of seasonal temperatures. However, malfunctioning heating and air conditioning can also lower indoor air quality, affect health and raise energy costs unnecessarily. If your system fails, check these five things before you call an HVAC professional.

The Top 5 Causes of HVAC Failure

Check the Electrical Breaker

If the HVAC system will not work at all, go to the electrical panel and check for a tripped breaker. The panel door depicts which breaker supplies the HVAC system—usually, more than one breaker supplies the system. If the breaker is tripped, it is in a neutral position.

If you wiggle it gently, it will move both right and left. Turn the breaker off and then turn it to the “on” position. In both the on and off position the breaker will be firm, with no more wiggle.

If this is the only problem, the breaker will restore power to your system and it will return to normal use. The breaker might have tripped for a number of reasons. If the breaker trips again, contact a professional electrician to investigate the problem. It is no longer a DIY project.

Dirty Air Filters

The easiest DIY preventative maintenance task you can do for your system is to change the air filter. The filter will be positioned for easy accessibility and collects dust and pollutants before the air is heated or cooled. This keeps dust out of vital mechanical components and traps them before they can be redistributed.

An air filter will continue to collect pollutants even when it is dirty; however, the dust and pollen build up over time and slows the airflow, which and makes the blower motor work much harder. Plan on changing your filter at least every 3 months, but be aware that your home may require more frequent changes.

Factors such as living on a dusty road, near construction or having several pets might necessitate frequent filter changes.

Filters are readily available at hardware and DIY centers. Air filters come in a variety of materials, including washable filters for reuse. Explore your options.

Impeded Air Flow

The duct system transports clean conditioned air throughout the home, unless something is blocking the airflow. Occasionally a homeowner will not notice a room vent and place furniture or accessories on the vent, blocking airflow. Also, check the dampers on the room vents to ensure they are in the open position.

Your ductwork system may also have dampers in the main supply lines which regulate airflow. These dampers are designed to balance the flow of air for seasonal changes. If dampers are not balanced properly, you will experience uneven heat or AC in some rooms, while proper dampening will heat and cool rooms evenly. Uneven heating and cooling adds stress to your HVAC system and shortens system life.

Check the Thermostat

Thermostats are equivalent to an on/off switch, determined by air temperature in a room, typically the most used room in the house. If the switch is not functioning properly the entire system will not work properly.

Fortunately, replacing a thermostat is a simple and relatively inexpensive fix. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not prepared to diagnosis the problem.

If you suspect the thermostat might be the culprit, consult your professional for an inspection. In many cases, a new programmable or smart thermostat will help lower your utility bills and increase your comfort.

A Refrigerant Leak

When the outside temperature rises and your AC “can’t keep up,” it is definitely time to call your HVAC professional and have the refrigerant level checked. Your AC unit requires a gas coolant in a contained circuit and any crack or flaw in the circuit will allow the gas to escape.

Often the refrigerant escapes gradually resulting in decreasing performance and leading to a failure to cool. The decrease in performance is serious, as it causes the AC components to work extremely hard and leads to complete failure.

The HVAC professional might be able to find the source of the leak and replace the refrigerant. Replacing the refrigerant often makes an immediate, noticeable change.

Want more information about HVAC System Tips for Optimal Efficiency

If you are considering to better your Air Conditioning Efficiency, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Connect with All Cool AC and Heating on Facebook.

February 24, 2021

11 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Summer

11 HVAC Maintenance Tips To Complete Before Your Turn on Your Air Conditioner

The air conditioning season in Texas is much longer than the heater season. Finding refuge from high temps and high humidity is what we come to expect from our homes and office.

Sometimes the transition from heating to cooling is short, so here are some steps to take to make sure your system is ready for what lies ahead before turning on the AC.

11 Steps to Follow Before You Turn on the Air Conditioner This Summer

Indoor Equipment Vital to Your Overall Well Being

Begin with your thermostat in the “off” position with the temperature turned to a high setting (around 80 degrees), then check the following:

Look at the thermostat. Is it outdated? There are three types of thermostats:
1. Manuel or mechanical thermostats—you physically move the dial
2. Programmable thermostats—you set a timer that makes changes to the system, based on whether anyone is home
3. Smart thermostats—linked to smartphones, programmable, but you can change settings from a smartphone should plans change

A new thermostat should achieve HVAC Maintenance payback very quickly.

Inspect any exposed ductwork for wear or gaps. This will lead to energy efficiencies and potential hot and cold spots.
Check air vents and returns. Make sure drapes, furniture or accessories are not covering openings. This adds stress to the HVAC system and can lead to component failure.
Check the drain line. Cooling coils that come in contact with humid air will collect the humidity in a drain pan. Clean the drain pan prior to turning on the system to ensure collected dirt does not clog the drain line.
Pour one cup of chlorine bleach down the drain line, then flush with a gallon of water to keep the drain line unobstructed.
Change your air filter quarterly. The filter should be changed every three months or as recommended by the manufacturer. Changing the filter at the beginning of the cooling season is a good reminder.
Check the electrical circuit to make sure the unit is on. Check the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Be sure the power is powered “on.”The furnace and air conditioner are usually one unit.
Inspect the outdoor condenser unit. The outdoor condenser unit needs significant ventilation. Air is drawn in and up through the unit. Leaves, tall grass, and vines can block the floor of air, making the system work harder or fail.
Make sure the unit is intact and nothing has blown inside the condenser.
Inspect the outdoor refrigerant lines. These lines should be enclosed with insulation to ensure system efficiency. If you see damage or wear, call a professional for service before using your system.
Inspect the outdoor wiring for wear or damage. Repairs to wiring should be done by a professional.
Air conditioner units have a life span. Proper maintenance will extend the life of most components, but eventually, you will need to retire the system.
The bright side is, new AC units are considerably more energy-efficient and can save 20 to 40% on your cooling energy cost.

Conclusion

Prior to the transition between heating and cooling is a proactive step to ensure your AC system functions properly and efficiently.

“Hoping and wishing” is not an HVAC Maintenance plan of action. Inspect your system and get simple repairs or call for service before hot weather arrives.

Want more information about HVAC Maintenance? We Can Help!

If you are considering an HVAC Maintenance program, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Connect with All Cool AC and Heating on Facebook.

September 1, 2020September 1, 2020

Energy Efficient HVAC Tips for Summer

Summer Energy Efficient HVAC Tips

Being cool is the number one priority for most of us during the intense summer heat. HVAC systems work overtime to remove the heat and make our homes comfortable and safe.

Cool summertime temperatures come with a cost. Homeowners see spikes in utility bills and must question their choices and consider energy-efficient alternatives. Here are some solutions to reduce your energy consumption during the summer.

Important Facts About Energy Efficient HVAC

Do you know what percentage of your utility bills come from your HVAC system? Let us take a quick look at some facts to help you better understand your HVAC system efficiency.

In the Texas Gulf Coast, over 95% of homes use some type of cooling system. In the U.S., 12% of the total energy consumption is from air conditioning systems. In Southeast Texas, that number is over 30%. Reducing the amount you use your air conditioning system is the easiest way to reduce your energy usage, but the cost is not worth it. Yes, your bill is lower, but often your comfort level is also below what is acceptable.

Energy Efficient HVAC System Upgrades

Older HVAC units are not as energy-efficient as newer and more modern options. Newer air conditioners are required by the Department of Energy to meet certain energy efficiency standards. Over time your HVAC system will lose efficiency. The older your unit is, the harder it has to work to reach the same comfort levels that you are used to.

Redesign Your Energy Efficient HVAC System in Your Home

Air conditioning systems work to cool your home. Rarely does each area of your home stays the same temperature or have the same cooling requirements. Zoning HVAC systems create comfort levels designed exactly like what you need and want. Zoning thermostats can redirect airflow to specific areas of your home as needed. This keeps the temperature consistent, between floors and rooms to provide the cooling and heating level you desire.

A zoned Energy Efficient HVAC system provides comfort and precision, and it helps you use less energy. Zoned HVAC systems can reduce airflow to unused rooms so energy is not wasted cooling/heating areas where nobody will be using it. When you pair your zoned HVAC system with a zoning thermostat, you can see additional savings that can further reduce your utility bills.

Looking for a more Energy Efficient HVAC system?

If you are sick of paying high utility bills and looking for an energy efficient HVAC system, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Connect with All Cool AC and Heating on Facebook

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020

A/C Tune Up Maintenance Tips To Save Money This Summer

A/C Tune Up, HVAC Maintenance , air conditioning system maintenance

Maintenance Tips To Save Money on Your Summer Air Conditioning Bill

Here are some easy maintenance tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. A smooth-running A/C system can reduce your utility bill. Rather than letting cabin fever get the best of you during this global crisis, make good use of your time by conducting HVAC maintenance that will save money on your summer utility bills. Your Family and Pets Need Fresh Air, All Summer Long!

Limit the Amount of Sun that Enters Your Home

Window coverings are a great way to block the intense heat of the summer sun. Installing window coverings that are designed to reduce radiant heat can reduce your home from heating up in the hot’s part of the day. Covering your skylights or any window in rooms facing the West can reduce energy consumption. Landscaping that shields south and west-facing walls and windows can help prevent your home from heating up from the summer sun. Window screens and tint can be a great solution for large windows that let sun heat up rooms on the Southwest side of your home.

Conduct a Proper Vent Inspection

Regular vent inspection can reduce air conditioning strain. Keep your vents free from being blocked. Allow plenty of airflow in and around vents and returns. Complete or partial blockages can put excess strain on your air conditioning system.

Clean Your Outdoor Condenser

During the winter leaves, branches and debris can gather around this vital component to your HVAC system. The condenser is not only a vital component, but it is also the most expensive component. Shrubs, plants, and trees can also grow in and around your air conditioner condenser. With appropriate regular spot checks & maintenance, you should expect more than a decade of use from this important piece of equipment.

Evaluate Your Thermostat Placement

Your thermostat determines how often your HVAC system turns on and off. If your thermostat is affected by sources of heat, it could be detecting inaccurate temperatures. Household items like lamps and direct sunlight can prematurely turn your system on inappropriately. Also note that the lower your thermostat setting, the more energy your system will consume. For every degree below 78 degrees, you increase your energy consumption by 8%.

A/C Tune Up and Preventative Maintenance

We have outlined a few tips to reduce summertime energy consumption by your HVAC system. In addition to visual inspection of your unit, preventative maintenance is a key step to reducing summertime utility bills. Schedule your A/C tune up appointment before the summer heats up to avoid delays in scheduling and help mitigate costly repairs.

March 6, 2020March 26, 2020

HVAC Maintenance: Steps To Staying Cool This Summer

ac maintenance, ac tune up, hvac maintenance, hvac tune up, air conditioner maintenance, central air maintenance, ac unit maintenance, air conditioning preventive maintenance, hvac check up, cooling maintenance, home ac tune up, home ac maintenance, central air conditioner maintenance, central ac maintenance, home air conditioner maintenance

The Houston Area and the Texas Gulf Coast we seem to have two seasons: summer and not so summer. As we head into the “Summer” months, it is best to have your HVAC system ready for the hard work ahead. You will want your system to bring the relief it you so desperately need during the intense heat of a Texas summer.

Regularly scheduled AC maintenance can provide a great start, but if your systems has been switched off, you will want to take a few extra steps to prepare for summer. Here are steps to take to prepare your air conditioning system for the summer.

– Take a look at your thermostat. Is it outdated? Many of the newer thermostat model are more energy efficient and can reduce your utility bill. Check out programmable thermostats and smart thermostats. Each can offer some great energy saving and convenience opportunities.
– Do a thorough inspection of your ductwork. Any wear and tear or compromises in its structure can be a source of inefficiency and cooling loss.
– Inspect your air vents to remove any obstructions that can block airflow. Many times, window coverings and furniture can block airflow.
– Check your drain line for clogging. Many times the drain is located in the attic where the drain pan can have debris fall into it causing blockages. Algae can also build up if there is standing water. Flushing your drain line with a cup of chlorine bleach followed by gallon of water can keep your drain clean. A clogged drain line can cause an overflow of the drain pan. Since move air conditioning units are installed in the attic, a leak can cause significant damage to ceiling and underlying structures.
– Change your air filters regularly. The filter should be changed every three months, or as stated on by the manufacturer of the air filter. If you cannot remember when the last time your air filter was changed, change it today. We recommend that you put the installation date on the filter to better manage replacement.
– Inspect your outdoor HVAC condenser unit. Remove any debris, leaves, weeds that can block or affect performance. Confirm that all electrical panels are connected, tighten if needed. Visually inspect any electrical wiring that you can see. If damaged, schedule a consultation.
– Conduct a visual inspection of your refrigerant lines. These lines are typically insulated to improve the efficiency of the system. If you see any wear and tear, or insulation is damaged, give us a call.
– Review the original installation documentation so you know the age of your unit. Air conditioners do have a life span. No matter how well you maintain your HVAC system, it will eventually wear out and perform less than optimally. Consult with our technician team to discuss replacement vs. repair options.
– Turn your system to cool and adjust your thermostat to a temperature low enough to make your system turn on.
– Listen to your system outdoors and indoors for any irregular sound. The outdoor condenser should be pulling warm air out of your home, you can hold your hand above it to confirm it is functioning properly.
– After your system has ran about 15 minutes or more, you should feel the temperature to begin to drop.

Troubleshooting and Energy Tips

As previously stated, you should schedule a maintenance appointment at least once a year to have a professional evaluate your air conditioning system. While conducting the steps above, you run into any problems or concerns, definitely give us a call. Not addressing problem areas can lead to more extensive repair that will cost you more money. Remember to call early. The summer months are extremely busy and you will want to avoid delays in scheduling.

During the heat of the summer, you can reduce your energy consumption by increasing the temperature of your thermostat by just a few degrees.

Stay Cool This Summer

The last thing you want is a hot and humid summer day without air conditioning. When your air conditioning system has been sitting idle for a few months, an AC tune up and maintenance is definitely a necessary step to staying cool this summer.