Repair makes sense
When the system still has life left.
- System is under about 10 years old
- First significant repair in a while
- Repair cost is a small share of a new system
- It still cools evenly and keeps humidity down
AC repair & installation.
When the house won't cool, we find the real cause and fix it. New systems, heat pumps and ductless too.
Everything that keeps the house cool.
Houston runs its AC most of the year. We handle every part of the system, inside and out.
AC repair
Warm air, short cycling, strange noises or a unit that won't start. We test before we replace anything.
New AC systems
Matched indoor and outdoor equipment, sized for your home's layout, windows and ductwork. How replacement works.
Heat pumps
One system that cools in summer and heats in winter. It works well here because hard freezes are rare.
Ductless mini-splits
Cleaning, repair and service for wall-mounted units in garages, additions and hard-to-cool rooms.
Drain lines & leaks
Clogged condensate lines, overflowing pans and refrigerant leaks found and fixed before they cause damage.
Tune-ups
A spring check that cleans coils, tests parts and catches small problems early. See the plan.
Signs your AC needs attention.
Catch these early and a repair usually stays small.
- Air from the vents feels warm or weak
- System turns on and off every few minutes
- Grinding, squealing or buzzing sounds
- Ice on the copper lines or indoor coil
- Water pooling around the indoor unit
- House feels damp or musty
- Electric bill jumped without a reason
- Some rooms never cool down
Four checks before you call.
These solve a surprising number of no-cool calls. If none of them work, we'll take it from there.
Thermostat
Set to Cool, fan on Auto, and a few degrees below room temperature. Replace the batteries if the screen is dim.
Breakers
Check the AC and air handler breakers in your panel, plus the disconnect switch by the outdoor unit.
Air filter
A clogged filter can freeze the coil and stop cooling. If it's gray, swap it and let the system rest an hour.
Drain switch
Many systems shut off when the drain pan fills. Water in the pan means the condensate line needs clearing.
If the outdoor unit hums but the fan won't spin, turn the system off at the thermostat and call us. Running it that way can damage the compressor.
What usually goes wrong.
The repairs we make most often on Houston air conditioners, and what causes them.
- Capacitor
- Gives the compressor and fan motor the kick they need to start. Heat wears them out, and a failed one is the most common summer no-cool call.
- Contactor
- The switch that turns the outdoor unit on. Pitted contacts or ants inside can keep it from closing, or keep it stuck on.
- Condensate drain
- Houston humidity means gallons of water a day. Algae clogs the line and shuts the system down or leaks through the ceiling.
- Refrigerant leak
- Refrigerant doesn't get used up. If a system is low, it's leaking somewhere. We find the leak first so you're not paying to recharge it again next summer.
- Dirty coils
- Dust on the indoor coil or grass and pollen on the outdoor coil choke heat transfer, raise bills and can freeze the system.
- Blower motor
- Weak airflow, a burning smell or a unit that runs with no air moving often trace back to the indoor blower motor or its capacitor.
Repair it or replace it?
We'll tell you which one makes sense. These are the signs we look at.
Replace makes sense
When repairs stop adding up.
- System is 12 to 15 years old or more
- It uses R-22 refrigerant and has a leak
- Repairs are becoming a yearly event
- Bills keep climbing and rooms stay uneven
AC questions
More answers on the FAQ page.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
The most common causes are a dirty filter, a clogged or frozen evaporator coil, a failed capacitor that stops the outdoor fan or compressor, or low refrigerant from a leak. Check the filter and thermostat first. If the outdoor unit is humming but the fan isn't spinning, turn the system off and call us so the compressor isn't damaged.
How long does a central AC system last in Houston?
Most last roughly 10 to 15 years here. Our long cooling season and humidity work systems harder than in milder climates. Regular maintenance helps a system reach the high end of that range.
Why is there water around my indoor unit?
Your AC pulls a lot of water out of Houston air, and it drains through a condensate line. If that line clogs with algae or debris, water backs up into the pan and can overflow or trip a safety switch that shuts the system off. Clearing and treating the drain line is part of every tune-up.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in summer?
The U.S. Department of Energy suggests 78°F when you're home and higher when you're away. Every degree warmer saves energy. If 78°F feels sticky, the problem may be humidity rather than temperature, which a properly sized system or a dehumidifier can fix.
Can you work on ductless mini-splits?
Yes. We clean, service and repair ductless mini-split systems, and can help you decide whether one makes sense for a garage, addition or room that never gets comfortable.
Warm air coming out? Let's get it fixed.
Same-day service is available Monday through Saturday when the schedule allows.