Heating and cooling equipment in Central Texas works hard. Air conditioners can run many hours a day from late spring into fall, and heating equipment has to come back to life on the first cold morning after months of sitting idle. Routine maintenance won't make an old system new, but it catches small, inexpensive problems before they become no-cool or no-heat calls, and it helps the equipment run closer to its rated efficiency. This page explains what a thorough tune-up includes and what you can handle yourself. Requests submitted through this site go to an independent HVAC contracting company licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). We are a referral service, not the company doing the work.
How often?
A common recommendation is:
- Air conditioners: once a year, ideally in spring before the heat sets in.
- Gas furnaces: once a year, in fall before the first cold front.
- Heat pumps: twice a year, since they run in both seasons.
Manufacturers' warranties sometimes require proof of professional maintenance, so keep the paperwork.
What a good cooling tune-up includes
Checklists vary by company, but a thorough visit typically covers:
- Outdoor coil cleaning. Dust, grass clippings, cottonwood fluff and dog hair clog condenser fins and make the system work harder.
- Electrical inspection. Testing the capacitor or capacitors, inspecting the contactor for pitting, tightening connections, and measuring motor amperage. Weak capacitors are one of the most common summer failures and are often caught at a tune-up.
- Refrigerant check. Measuring pressures and temperatures to judge whether the charge is correct. A system shouldn't need refrigerant added routinely. If it's low, there's a leak worth discussing.
- Indoor coil and blower. Inspecting the evaporator coil and blower wheel for dirt buildup that restricts airflow.
- Condensate drain. Flushing the drain line and checking the pan and float switch. In attic installations this is one of the most valuable parts of the visit, since a clogged drain can cause ceiling damage.
- Thermostat and controls. Confirming the thermostat reads accurately and the system responds properly.
- Temperature split. Measuring the difference between return and supply air as a quick performance check.
What a good heating tune-up includes
For gas furnaces:
- Inspecting and cleaning burners and the flame sensor.
- Checking the igniter.
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for cracks or corrosion.
- Checking venting, the inducer motor and the pressure switch.
- Testing safety limit controls.
- Checking gas pressure and, where appropriate, combustion.
- Recommending carbon monoxide alarms if the home doesn't have them.
For electric heat strips and heat pumps:
- Testing heat strip elements and sequencers.
- Inspecting high-amperage wiring and connections for heat damage.
- On heat pumps, testing reversing valve operation and the defrost cycle.
What you can do yourself
Homeowner maintenance is simple and makes a real difference:
- Change the filter regularly. How often depends on the filter type, pets, dust and construction nearby. Check it monthly during heavy-use seasons and replace it when it looks dirty. Make sure the airflow arrow points toward the unit.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear. Leave a couple of feet of open space around it. Trim shrubs and keep mowers from blowing grass into the coil.
- Keep vents and returns open and unblocked. Closing lots of vents doesn't save energy in most systems and can cause coil icing or other airflow problems.
- Watch the condensate line. If you know where the drain ends outside, check that it drips during cooling season. Some systems have an access port where a contractor may recommend periodic flushing.
- Test smoke and CO alarms each season.
Don't open the outdoor unit's electrical panel or attempt refrigerant work. Refrigerant handling requires EPA Section 608 certification, and capacitors can store a dangerous charge.
Choosing a filter
Higher MERV ratings capture smaller particles, but a very restrictive filter can reduce airflow in systems not designed for it. Many residential systems do well with a mid-range pleated filter. If someone in the home has allergies or asthma, ask the contractor whether your system can handle a higher-efficiency filter or a media cabinet. See our ductwork and air quality page.
About maintenance plans
Many HVAC companies sell maintenance agreements that bundle seasonal visits, sometimes with scheduling priority or discounts on repairs. These are offered by the contractor, not by us. Read the terms: what's included, whether refrigerant or parts are extra, how long it lasts, and how it renews or cancels.
Beware of tune-up upsells that don't add up
A legitimate maintenance visit sometimes turns up a real problem. Still, be cautious if a low-cost tune-up turns into urgent pressure to replace a system that was working fine. Texas rules prohibit licensed contractors from misrepresenting the need for services. You're always entitled to an explanation, to see the failed part or the readings, and to get a second opinion. You can look up any contractor's license on TDLR's website.
Why it's worth it in this climate
National Weather Service 1991–2020 normals for Austin's Camp Mabry station show a normal August high of 97.8°F, and the region's cooling season is long. Many homes in the area have air handlers and ducts in hot attics. Under those conditions, small issues like a weak capacitor, a dirty coil or a slow drain often turn into failures at the worst time. Spring maintenance is the cheapest insurance against an August breakdown.
How a request works
- Fill out the form and choose "Maintenance / tune-up." Mention the type of system and approximate age if you know them.
- We forward the request to an independent, licensed and insured contractor that serves your area.
- The contractor contacts you to schedule and explains their pricing. Any agreement for work is between you and the contractor.
There's no cost to homeowners for using this site.
AC Tune-Up FAQs
How often should I get an AC tune-up?
Once a year, ideally in spring before peak heat. Heat pumps benefit from a fall visit too.
What should a tune-up include?
Coil inspection and cleaning, refrigerant and temperature readings, capacitor and electrical checks, drain line flushing, a blower check, and a filter change or inspection. Ask for the readings.
Why do cheap tune-ups lead to big repair quotes?
Low-priced tune-ups are sometimes used to find sales opportunities. A legitimate recommendation comes with readings or photos. Get a second opinion on any major repair.
How often should I change my filter?
Commonly every one to three months for 1-inch filters, more often with pets, dust or construction nearby. Check monthly in summer.
How do I keep the drain line from clogging?
Have it flushed at your tune-up. Some homeowners also pour a little distilled vinegar into the access port periodically. Follow the manufacturer's guidance.