Seasonal HVAC Checkups: Expert Advice

Seasonal HVAC Checkups: Expert Advice

This happens more than you'd think: Last summer, a homeowner called us because their air conditioner wasn’t cooling his home effectively. It was already mid-June in Brownsville, TX, and the temperatures were climbing. Their family was starting to feel the heat, and it was nothing short of a sauna in there!

The Problem Unfolds

Lucky for us, they reached out to Texas Lone Star AC & Heating LLC before things got too unbearable. Upon arriving, we noticed immediately that it was 82 degrees inside. The homeowner mentioned that the unit seemed to be running constantly but still couldn’t keep up. They had replaced the filter a couple of months prior, but it didn’t seem to help much.

The Diagnosis

After a quick look, we figured the problem lay in two areas: dirty evaporator coils and the age of their unit—a Trane XR14, which was over ten years old. It was working, but it wasn’t working smart. When we pulled the cover, we saw that dust had made a comfy home and the coils were pretty grimy. We spent about 30 minutes cleaning the coils and clearing out the dirt and debris around the unit—making it feel a lot fresher already. But that wasn’t the complete fix.

We took a closer look at the refrigerant levels and discovered they were slightly low. This meant the unit had to work extra hard to pull the heat out. As the sun blazed down, adding more branches to the already heated tree outside, the poor AC was burning the candle at both ends.

Finding the Right Solution

As it turned out, we could fix the refrigerant issue fairly quickly. We recharged it, which took about 20 minutes, but it wouldn’t be a long-term solution unless the leaks were addressed. In this case, they could either repair the aging unit or opt for a newer model.

The homeowner had us examine various options. We could replace it with another Trane model or go select a Lennox, which is also popular around here. Eventually, they decided to replace their old unit with a newer Trane XL18. With their decision made, we booked the installation for later that week. The installation itself would take about four hours, so they planned to be out for the day, happily escaping from the heat and keeping their home cool.

Lessons Learned

One big takeaway from this experience is often the importance of those seasonal checkups. Most homeowners don’t know but getting your HVAC system serviced before peak seasons can save you time, money, and potential headaches. A simple two-hour check can help catch issues like dirty coils or low refrigerant levels before they turn into costly malfunctions. While it seems like a small investment initially, we can assure you, it's worth it.

You’ll be amazed what a little TLC can do for your system. It might save you from an airtight summer spent sweating in a stuffy living room or a frigid winter packed in layers huddled around portable heaters. Plus, it helps your AC or heater run efficiently, which adds to your energy savings in the long run!

Let’s Make a Plan

If you’re in Brownsville and your HVAC hasn’t had a checkup this season, let’s get that on the calendar! Make it a routine—you might be surprised how much better your system works with just a bit of care. We're here at Texas Lone Star AC & Heating LLC to guide you through the process, so if you’ve got questions, feel free to ask!

Now’s a great time to think about it as we ease into another hot season—start planning for those checkups! Dust bunnies don’t stay unseen forever! Neglecting them just creates a more expensive headache down the line.

Keeping Your Home Comfortable

By staying ahead with your HVAC checkups, you ensure that you and your family are comfy regardless of what the Texas sun throws at you. Nobody enjoys a meltdown when the outdoor thermometer reads 100 degrees. Plus, regular maintenance contributes to the longevity of your unit, just like regular checks on your car keep it running smoothly.

After we installed the new Trane XL18, the family couldn't believe how drastically the airflow improved. The unit kept their home at a sweet 75 degrees, even when it was blazing outside. “It’s like we live in a different house!” they shared with us, smiles lighting their faces.

So, be proactive. Think of HVAC checkups the same way you would your car. An appointment could save you from stress and discomfort during those blazing summer months or chilly winter nights. The last thing you want is to wait until your unit gives off that dreaded rattling sound and clearly screams it’s time for help.

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