The Texas Heat Is Almost Here: Is Your A/C Unit Prepared?

As a proud West Texan, I know there’s nothing worse than sweating it out in a house where the air conditioning isn’t working, especially as we roll into those blazing triple-digit summer days.

I’m fortunate. I have the best son-in-law in the world, and the smartest one too. Dustin has worked in HVAC for over 20 years and has even received an award recognizing him as one of the best in the industry here in Abilene. Thanks to him, I’ve learned a lot about how to keep a central air conditioning unit running smoothly. I want to share those tips with you, before it’s too late.

Change Your Filters Like Clockwork

One of the easiest (and the most overlooked) ways to improve the efficiency of your A/C is changing the filter. I’ve made it a no-brainer, every month, a fresh filter shows up at my doorstep thanks to an online service I signed up for. When the package arrives, I swap out the old filter and breathe easier, literally and figuratively.

Mow Smart to Protect Your Unit

Here’s something Dustin drilled into me: never mow your lawn while your outdoor compressor is running. Those grass clippings can get sucked right into the condenser coils and clog things up fast. Mow first, then cool off later.

Read More: The Abilene Job Market Is on Fire Here’s What’s Hot

Get our free mobile app

Watch the Drip Line

Another simple but vital maintenance habit, keep an eye on your unit’s drip line. Make sure it’s clear, flowing freely, and that the water coming out isn’t discolored. Clogs here can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs.

When in Doubt, Call a Licensed Pro

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), spring is the perfect time to get your system checked out. But don’t just hire anyone, make sure your contractor is licensed by checking their status at www.tdlr.texas.gov.

What a Licensed Contractor Should Inspect

According to the TDLR, here’s what a licensed contractor should be checking when servicing your A/C system:

• Check equipment cabinets for damage or missing panels.
• Tighten electrical connections at the compressor, fan motor, contactor, and control panel.
• Test the compressor crankcase heater (if applicable).
• Lubricate condenser fan motor and indoor blower motor bearings (if applicable).
• Inspect blower belts for tension and condition (if applicable).
• Clean condenser coils thoroughly.
• Clean evaporator coil, drain pan, and condensate line; add biocide pan tabs.
• Check and replace air filters as needed.
• Run static pressure test on indoor blower for proper airflow.
• Start cooling cycle and check for refrigerant leaks.
• Confirm correct refrigerant charge; trim if necessary.
• Log all system data, temperatures, pressures, voltages, and amperages.
• Submit written inspection report to the customer.
• Report unresolved deficiencies and suggest next steps.
  Source:TDLR

As TDLR Chief Inspector Bill Weatherly puts it:

“Hiring a licensed air conditioning contractor helps ensure the safety of your family and property.”

A licensed technician should handle everything from cabinet inspections and coil cleanings to leak checks and refrigerant balancing. You can even watch the official PSA here.

Beat the Heat Before It Beats You

We’ve already seen 90-degree temps in West Texas, and summer hasn’t even started. Now’s the time to take action. You’ll save money, stay cool, and avoid the headache of an emergency breakdown in the middle of July.

So take it from me, and from my HVAC-savvy son-in-law Dustin, take care of your A/C now. Trust me, your future sweat-free self will thank you.