Reliable Comfort When Texas Heats Up

Regular maintenance helps heating and cooling equipment operate efficiently while giving a technician an opportunity to identify developing problems. ENERGY STAR recommends professional pre-season checkups, typically cooling service in the spring and heating service in the fall.

• Inspect or replace HVAC filters regularly, particularly during periods of heavy use.
• Have electrical connections, controls and moving components inspected during routine service.
• Cooling maintenance should include checking coils, airflow, condensate drainage and refrigerant charge when applicable.
• Review the ENERGY STAR HVAC maintenance checklist for homeowner guidance.

Age alone does not determine whether an HVAC system should be replaced, so condition, efficiency, repair frequency and comfort should all be considered together. ENERGY STAR suggests having older equipment professionally evaluated, especially when an air conditioner or heat pump is over 10 years old or a furnace or boiler is over 15 years old.

• Consider how frequently the equipment now requires repairs.
• Compare the cost of a major repair with the expected remaining life of the system.
• Look for comfort problems such as uneven temperatures or equipment that struggles to maintain the thermostat setting.
• See ENERGY STAR's HVAC replacement guidance when evaluating older equipment.

Poor cooling can come from something as simple as restricted airflow or from equipment problems that require professional diagnosis. Dirty filters, coil condition, duct leakage and incorrect refrigerant charge can all affect system performance and efficiency.

• Check whether the return-air filter is dirty or restricting airflow.
• Make sure supply and return registers have not been blocked by furniture or other items.
• Pay attention to unusually long run times, weak airflow, water around the equipment or inconsistent room temperatures.
• ENERGY STAR provides additional heating and cooling efficiency guidance for homeowners.

Refrigerant is part of a sealed cooling system, so an incorrect charge or loss of refrigerant deserves proper diagnosis rather than routinely adding more. Federal Section 608 requirements regulate refrigerant handling, and the EPA advises homeowners to use technicians certified to handle refrigerants.

• Refrigerant work should be performed by appropriately qualified service personnel.
• Federal rules prohibit knowingly venting covered refrigerants during HVAC service, repair or disposal.
• The correct refrigerant and charge depend on the equipment and manufacturer requirements.
• Homeowners can review the EPA's Section 608 homeowner resources before refrigerant-related service.

Split and mini-split systems can provide flexible heating and cooling, but the right configuration depends on the home, existing ductwork and the spaces that need conditioning. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that ductless mini-split heat pumps can be especially useful for homes without existing ductwork and for zoned comfort.

• Ductless systems can condition individual rooms or designated zones.
• Many heat-pump configurations can provide both heating and cooling.
• Equipment sizing and placement matter for efficiency, comfort and system longevity.
• Learn about available configurations in the Department of Energy's heat pump system guide.

Texas regulates non-exempt air-conditioning and refrigeration contracting through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, with licensing requirements tied to experience, examinations and insurance. Local building permit requirements may still apply even though Texas law limits municipalities from requiring separate contractor registration fees for TDLR-licensed HVAC contractors.

• Texas provides both Class A and Class B air-conditioning and refrigeration contractor license classifications.
• Licensed contractors are subject to state liability-insurance requirements.
• Technicians performing covered work must operate under the applicable Texas licensing and supervision requirements.
• Homeowners can review official requirements through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.