Texas Heat vs. Your Home: The Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring for AC Maintenance
Springtime on the Texas Gulf Coast means “Spring” maintenance for your HVAC system. It could also be called “Survival” maintenance before the heat of the summer sets in with excessive heat and humidity.
Action Items
- Effective AC maintenance must include cleaning the indoor evaporator coil and clearing the condensate drain line to prevent biological buildup and system failure.
- Homeowners should verify a technician’s expertise by asking for NATE certification and requesting detailed reports on critical components like capacitors and refrigerant levels.
- Be wary of “red flag” sales tactics, such as automatic replacement recommendations for 10-year-old units or simply “topping off” refrigerant without addressing underlying leaks.
If you are looking for an AC maintenance contractor, you need to know what questions to ask to ensure your HVAC system is ready to take on the Texas summertime heat. Asking for a “tune up” is a generic term and may not get you the service that your system requires. Here are specific questions to ask to identify a qualified AC maintenance contractor that will provide you with the quality service your HVAC system needs prior to summer.
Beyond the Tune-Up: Specific Questions to Ask Your AC Maintenance Contractor
Will you clean the evaporator coil, or just the outdoor condenser?
Many times the outdoor condenser is an easy DIY task. The indoor evaporator coil is where the cooling actually takes place. The humidity on the Texas Gulf Coast will cause slimy biological buildup on the indoor evaporator coil. Make sure that the contractor that you choose includes opening the air handler to clean out this buildup.
Will you, and how do you clean out the condensate drain line?
Clogged condensate lines are the most common cause for emergency AC repair in Houston. Algae growth will clog the condensate line. Standing water that pools in the drain page will trigger the AC system safety switch, causing the entire system to shut down. A professional AC maintenance expert will “blow out” or vacuum the condensate line as standard procedure.
Will you provide a comprehensive report on the capacitor and amperage readings?
This is crucial data to have for your records. These readings and reports can indicate if your capacitor is healthy or near its end of life. By having a detailed report of the capacitor, you can have a better understanding of the overall health of your HVAC system.
Is a refrigerant charge inspection included in your appointment fee?
Depending on the level of service, a refrigerant inspection may or may not be included. You will want to confirm that the refrigerant is being checked to identify any potential hazardous leaks.
Are you NATE-certified?
NATE, or the North American Technician Excellence, is the elite HVAC certification that an AC maintenance technician can achieve. This designation confirms that the technician that is working on your HVAC system has the experience to perform the maintenance as needed.
Red Flags to Watch For During Your AC Maintenance Visit
Now that we have outlined the questions to ask before you hire a contractor to your home to provide AC maintenance, let’s look at potential red flags you might hear during a technician’s visit.
“I am going to top off your refrigerant.”
Your HVAC system’s refrigerant is in a closed system. If your refrigerant is low, that indicates a leak that is in need of repair. We suggest asking for more information about why the “top off” is needed.
“Your HVAC system is over 10 years old, it is time to replace.”
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 12 to 18 years, and some last longer. If your technician is recommending replacement after 10 years, it is imperative that you understand the reason behind the recommendation. Request specific mechanical failure issues and energy efficiency loss records.
“We don’t need to inspect your ductwork.”
Leaking ductwork can result in significant energy loss. In some cases, an HVAC system can lose up to 30% of its cooling power due to leaks in the ductwork.
Find a Trusted Houston AC Maintenance Expert Today
Don’t leave your summer comfort to chance by hiring just any contractor for your seasonal AC maintenance. Ensure your HVAC system receives the high-quality service it deserves by partnering with a verified, NATE-certified professional in your area. Visit our Trane dealer locator tool to quickly find a top-rated Houston specialist who understands the unique demands of the Gulf Coast climate. Take the guesswork out of your AC maintenance and schedule your appointment today to keep your home cool all summer long.