Frequently Asked Questions

Austin's hot summers put more wear on AC systems than in milder climates. A well-maintained central AC system typically lasts 12–16 years here, compared to 15–20 years in cooler climates. Furnaces and heat pumps generally last 15–20 years. Annual maintenance significantly extends equipment life — systems that receive regular tune-ups consistently outlast those that don't.

For most Austin homes with standard 1-inch filters, every 30–60 days. Homes with pets, smokers, or allergy sufferers should change filters every 30 days. Homes with 4-inch media filters can go 6–12 months. A clogged filter is one of the top causes of AC breakdowns — it's the single cheapest maintenance task you can do yourself.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency. The federal minimum in Texas is 14 SEER. We typically recommend 16–18 SEER for Austin homes — the energy savings usually recover the extra cost within 3–5 years. We rarely recommend 20+ SEER unless you're in the home 10+ more years, as the payback period becomes longer.

The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when home and 85°F when away. Every degree you lower below 78°F increases energy use by about 3%. Smart thermostats with learning capabilities typically pay for themselves in 12–18 months. Avoid setting the thermostat below 68°F — at that level, the system may run continuously and could freeze the evaporator coil.

Yes, we service light commercial buildings up to 20 tons. This includes small offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and multi-unit residential properties. For larger commercial jobs requiring rooftop units or VRF systems above 20 tons, we can refer you to our trusted commercial partners.

Several things can cause this: low refrigerant (usually from a leak), a failed compressor, a dirty condenser coil outside, or a tripped breaker on the outdoor unit. Check that your thermostat is set to COOL (not fan-only), and that both the indoor and outdoor units are running. If the outdoor unit isn't running, call us — it's usually a capacitor or compressor issue we can fix same-day.

Our diagnostic fee is $89, which is credited toward any repair you approve. Common repairs: capacitor replacement $150–$250, refrigerant recharge $200–$450, contactor replacement $150–$250, blower motor $350–$600, compressor replacement $800–$1,600 (often better to replace the system at this point). We provide a written estimate before any work begins.

Use the "$5,000 rule": multiply the repair cost by the system's age. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually the better investment. For example, a $600 repair on a 12-year-old system = $7,200 — lean toward replacement. A $300 repair on a 6-year-old system = $1,800 — repair makes sense. We'll always give you our honest recommendation, even if that means a smaller job for us.

A standard split system replacement (outdoor unit + air handler) typically takes 4–8 hours for a two-person crew. Complex jobs with ductwork modifications can take 1–2 days. We schedule installations early in the day and aim to have your new system running by evening. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the estimate.

We install Carrier, Lennox, and Trane systems — all industry leaders with excellent reliability and warranty programs. For repairs, we service all brands including Goodman, Rheem, American Standard, York, Bryant, and others. Our service vehicles carry parts for the most common brands, so most repairs don't require a second trip.

Yes, consistently. Data from multiple industry studies shows that maintained systems use 15–20% less energy, experience 40% fewer breakdowns, and last 3–5 years longer than neglected systems. Our Standard plan at $149/year typically saves homeowners $300–$600 annually in energy costs and avoided repairs. Think of it like an oil change for your car — cheap prevention beats expensive breakdown.

A full 20-point inspection including: checking refrigerant levels, testing capacitors, inspecting contactors and electrical connections, measuring amperage on motors, cleaning evaporator and condenser coils (when accessible), flushing the condensate drain line, lubricating moving parts, checking thermostat calibration, inspecting ductwork connections, testing system performance, and replacing the air filter (Standard and Premium plans).

For cooling: March or April, before the Austin summer heat kicks in. For heating: October or November, before the first cold front. These pre-season windows have shorter wait times and ensure your system is ready when you need it most. Our Standard and Premium maintenance members get priority scheduling, so they're seen first during busy season.

Absolutely. Homeowner maintenance includes: changing the air filter regularly, keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation (2 feet clearance), gently hosing down the outdoor condenser coils in spring, checking and clearing the condensate drain line monthly during cooling season, and keeping vents and registers unobstructed. Everything electrical and refrigerant-related should be left to a licensed technician.

Standard homeowner's insurance generally doesn't cover HVAC repairs from normal wear and tear — but may cover sudden failures due to specific causes like a lightning strike. Home warranties are a separate product that may cover HVAC. We can provide detailed invoices and diagnostic reports to support any warranty or insurance claim you need to file.