Texas summers don't play around. When temperatures climb into the triple digits and stay there for weeks, your air conditioning system becomes the most important appliance in your home. The last thing you want is for it to fail on the hottest day of the year—and trust us, that's exactly when overworked systems tend to break down.
The good news? A little preparation now can save you from sweating through an emergency repair later. Most AC problems we see during peak summer could have been prevented with some basic maintenance and a professional tune-up before the season started.
Here's what you can do as a homeowner to get your system ready, plus what the pros handle during a seasonal maintenance visit.
Change Your Air Filter
This is the single most important thing you can do. A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and drives up energy bills. Check it monthly during summer and replace it when it looks gray or clogged. Most homes need a new filter every 30 to 90 days.
Clear the Outdoor Unit
Your condenser needs room to breathe. Trim back any bushes, grass, or vegetation to at least two feet on all sides. Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from around the unit. A garden hose can gently rinse off the fins—just don't use a pressure washer.
Test It Before You Need It
Don't wait until the first 100-degree day to find out something's wrong. Turn on your AC when it's still mild outside and let it run for a few hours. Listen for strange noises, check that cool air is coming from all vents, and make sure it cycles on and off normally.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
A trained technician catches problems you can't see—low refrigerant, electrical issues, worn parts, and ductwork leaks. Annual tune-ups extend equipment life, improve efficiency, and often pay for themselves in lower energy bills and avoided repairs.
What Happens During a Professional Tune-Up?
When our technicians perform a seasonal AC maintenance, we go beyond what you can do yourself. A thorough tune-up covers every component that keeps your system running efficiently and reliably through the long Texas summer.
- Refrigerant Check
We verify levels are correct and inspect for leaks that reduce cooling capacity. - Coil Cleaning
Dirty evaporator and condenser coils force your system to work harder and use more energy. - Electrical Inspection
We test connections, controls, and safety switches to prevent failures and hazards. - Moving Parts
Lubrication and inspection of motors, fans, and belts to reduce wear and extend life. - Airflow Measurement
We verify proper airflow through the system and check for ductwork issues.
We'll let you know if we spot anything that needs attention now or might cause problems down the road. No surprises—just honest information so you can make informed decisions about your system.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Even with good preparation, keep an eye out for these red flags once summer arrives. Catching problems early means simpler repairs and less time without cooling when you need it most.
- Warm Air
Air blowing from vents that isn't as cold as it should be often indicates refrigerant or compressor issues. - Weak Airflow
Reduced air coming from vents may signal ductwork problems or a failing blower motor. - Strange Sounds
Grinding, squealing, or banging noises usually mean something mechanical needs attention. - Odd Smells
Musty odors suggest mold in ductwork; burning smells require immediate attention. - Frequent Cycling
A system that turns on and off constantly is working too hard and wasting energy.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don't ignore them—small problems become expensive repairs when left unaddressed. Give us a call and we'll diagnose what's going on before it gets worse.
Ready to Beat the Heat?
Don't wait until your AC quits on the hottest day of the year. Schedule your maintenance appointment now while our calendar is open and avoid the summer rush. Your future self—sitting comfortably in a cool house—will thank you.