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This is one of the most common calls we get during a Central Texas summer. The cause is usually one of a few things: low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty or clogged condenser coil, a failing compressor, or a frozen evaporator coil. Each of these requires professional diagnosis with proper gauges and equipment. We'll pinpoint the problem and give you an honest repair-vs-replace recommendation.

We recommend checking your filter every 30 days and replacing it at least every 60-90 days, or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area. A clogged filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, increases energy bills, and can lead to frozen coils and compressor damage. It's the single easiest thing you can do to prevent costly AC repairs.

Proper sizing requires a professional load calculation—not just a guess based on square footage. We evaluate your home's insulation, window placement, ceiling height, ductwork, and local climate data to determine the exact cooling capacity needed. An oversized unit short-cycles and wastes energy, while an undersized unit runs constantly and can't keep up. Getting the size right is the most important part of any installation.

Cooling efficiency is rated in SEER2, the federal test used since 2023 (it replaced SEER). The federal minimum in Texas is 14.3 SEER2 for most home air conditioners and for heat pumps. We often recommend a step above the minimum for the best balance of upfront cost and long-term energy use. Higher-efficiency systems cost more up front and use less electricity, which matters given how many months we run AC here in Central Texas.

A furnace blowing cold air is typically caused by a faulty ignitor, a bad flame sensor, a tripped high-limit switch, or a thermostat issue. The high-limit switch is a safety device that shuts off the burner if the heat exchanger overheats, often due to restricted airflow from a dirty filter. We diagnose the root cause and fix it properly so you're not dealing with the same problem again next week.

A brief burning smell when you first turn on your heater after months of not using it is usually just dust burning off the heat exchanger and is normal. However, if the smell persists, smells like plastic or electrical burning, or is accompanied by unusual noises, shut the system off and call us immediately. These could indicate a serious issue like an overheating motor or electrical problem.

It depends on your home and priorities. Heat pumps are extremely efficient for heating in mild climates like Central Texas and also provide cooling, making them a versatile two-in-one solution. Gas furnaces deliver stronger heat output for the coldest days. Many homeowners are choosing dual-fuel systems that combine both—the heat pump handles most of the winter, and the furnace kicks in only when temperatures drop significantly.

A gas furnace typically lasts 15-20 years, while heat pumps average 12-15 years. Proper sizing, quality installation, and regular maintenance are the biggest factors in how long your system will last. We ensure every installation is done right the first time, with proper airflow, gas connections, and safety testing to maximize the life and performance of your new system.

Common signs of leaky ductwork include rooms that are consistently too hot or too cold, higher-than-expected energy bills, excessive dust in your home, and your HVAC system running longer than it should. In Texas, where most ductwork runs through unconditioned attic space, leaks are extremely common and can waste 20-30% of your conditioned air. We use diagnostic tools to test your ducts and pinpoint exactly where the leaks are.

Texas attic temperatures can easily reach 140°F or more in summer. When your cold, conditioned air travels through uninsulated or poorly insulated ducts in that extreme heat, it can warm up by 10-20 degrees before it even reaches your rooms. This forces your AC to work much harder and drives up your energy bills. Properly insulated ducts maintain the temperature of the air and dramatically improve system efficiency.

A heat pump works like an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer, it removes heat from inside your home and transfers it outside, just like a standard AC. In winter, it reverses the process, extracting heat energy from the outdoor air and moving it inside to warm your home. This makes it a highly efficient two-in-one system for both heating and cooling.

Heat pumps are an excellent choice for Central Texas. Our mild winters are ideal for heat pump efficiency—they work best when outdoor temperatures stay above freezing, which covers the vast majority of our heating season. For the rare deep freezes, a dual-fuel system that pairs the heat pump with a gas furnace backup gives you the best of both worlds: efficiency most of the time and powerful heat when you need it most.