Frequently Asked HVAC Questions
Get answers to common questions about AC repair, HVAC maintenance, tune-ups, system replacement, commercial HVAC, commercial refrigeration, walk-in coolers, freezers, vent hood installation, service areas, and scheduling service with Houston Temperature Control.
HVAC, Refrigeration & Maintenance FAQ
Below are answers to common questions customers ask us about air filters, tune-ups, AC repair, maintenance plans, emergency calls, commercial HVAC systems, walk-in coolers, refrigeration equipment, and vent hood installation.
How often should I change my AC or heating system air filter?
Most homeowners should check the filter every month and replace it when it is dirty. Many homes can go about every 1 to 3 months, but homes with pets, allergies, heavy dust, or heavy AC use may need filter changes more often.
A clogged filter can reduce airflow, make the system work harder, and contribute to frozen coils, poor cooling, higher energy use, or equipment problems.
When should I have my HVAC system serviced?
We recommend having the system checked before heavy cooling season and before heating season. In Houston, spring maintenance is especially helpful before the extreme summer heat arrives.
Routine maintenance can help catch small issues early and reduce the chance of unexpected breakdowns.
Are seasonal maintenance plans worth it?
Yes. Regular maintenance can help improve performance, reduce unexpected breakdowns, protect your equipment, and help keep the system running more efficiently.
Many manufacturers also expect regular maintenance as part of responsible equipment ownership, so keeping service records is a smart habit.
What does a basic HVAC maintenance visit include?
A basic maintenance visit may include a visual inspection of indoor and outdoor equipment, thermostat operation check, filter check, electrical inspection, contactor check, capacitor check, and general system operation review.
If we find a repair concern, we explain the recommendation before repair work begins.
What is the difference between basic maintenance and deep cleaning maintenance?
Basic maintenance focuses on inspection, electrical checks, contactor and capacitor checks, thermostat operation, filter condition, and system operation.
Deep cleaning maintenance is more detailed and may include condenser coil cleaning, accessible evaporator coil cleaning, clearing the condensate drain line, checking the emergency drain line, and inspecting drain-related concerns. Deep cleaning depends on equipment condition and accessibility.
Do you clear condensate drain lines?
Yes. Depending on the service level and system accessibility, we can clear the condensate drain line and check the emergency drain line. A clogged drain line can cause water problems, float switch issues, ceiling damage, or system shutdowns.
Why is my AC running but not cooling?
An AC that runs but does not cool can be caused by a dirty filter, low airflow, dirty coils, refrigerant issues, electrical problems, compressor concerns, thermostat problems, or restrictions in the system.
A proper diagnostic check helps identify the real cause before repairs are recommended.
Why does my AC breaker keep tripping?
A tripping breaker can point to a motor issue, compressor issue, shorted component, loose wiring, electrical overload, or another safety concern. The system should be checked before repeatedly resetting the breaker.
Why is my AC freezing up?
Frozen coils are commonly caused by low airflow, dirty filters, blower problems, refrigerant issues, dirty coils, or restrictions. Running the system while it is frozen can cause more problems, so it should be inspected.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. We can assess your HVAC, refrigeration, vent hood, or commercial mechanical service needs and provide a recommendation and estimate before work begins.
Do you handle emergency HVAC or refrigeration calls?
Yes. For urgent HVAC or refrigeration service, call Danilo at 832-907-3048. For Spanish, call Carlos at 281-630-3680. Calling is the fastest way to reach us for urgent cooling, heating, or refrigeration problems.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Houston and surrounding areas including Missouri City, Sugar Land, Stafford, Pearland, Katy, Richmond, Rosenberg, Bellaire, Pasadena, League City, The Woodlands, and more.
Do you work on commercial HVAC systems?
Yes. We provide commercial HVAC repair, rooftop unit service, RTU maintenance, commercial AC repair, installation support, and replacement planning for offices, restaurants, retail spaces, warehouses, property managers, and commercial buildings.
Do you service commercial refrigeration equipment?
Yes. We service commercial refrigeration equipment including walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, reach-in coolers, display cases, undercounter coolers, gas station refrigeration, restaurant refrigeration, and commercial kitchen equipment.
Do you work on walk-in coolers and freezers?
Yes. We can help with walk-in coolers and freezers that are running warm, icing up, leaking, short cycling, not turning on, or not holding temperature.
Do you install commercial vent hoods?
Yes. We provide commercial vent hood installation support for restaurants, commercial kitchens, tenant buildouts, remodels, exhaust hood work, duct connections, exhaust fans, and makeup air coordination.
What brands or equipment do you service?
We service most major brands of heating and cooling equipment, including central air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, air handlers, ductless mini splits, packaged rooftop units, and indoor air quality systems. We also service many types of commercial refrigeration equipment.
HVAC Maintenance & Tune-Up Options
Routine HVAC maintenance helps improve performance, catch small problems early, reduce unexpected breakdowns, and keep your system running more efficiently through Houston’s extreme weather. Pricing depends on the number of systems, equipment condition, accessibility, and the level of maintenance needed.
Standard Maintenance Visit
A practical system check for homeowners and businesses that want their HVAC equipment inspected before peak season.
- Visual inspection of indoor and outdoor equipment
- Electrical component and visible wiring check
- Contactor condition check
- Capacitor reading check
- Thermostat operation check
- Air filter condition check
- Basic system operation check
- Recommendations before repair work begins
Annual Maintenance Plan
A yearly maintenance option for customers who want their HVAC system checked before the heavy cooling and heating seasons.
- Two maintenance visits per year
- One cooling-season check
- One heating-season check
- Electrical and safety inspection
- Contactor and capacitor check
- Air filter check
- Priority recommendations for needed repairs
- Pricing may vary for multiple systems or commercial equipment
Deep Cleaning Maintenance
Recommended when the system needs more than a basic tune-up, especially when coils are dirty, drain lines are clogged, or equipment has not been maintained recently.
- Clean condenser coil when needed
- Clean evaporator coil when accessible
- Clear condensate drain line
- Check and clear emergency drain line when accessible
- Inspect drain pan and visible water safety concerns
- Check electrical components, contactor, and capacitor
- Check airflow concerns and visible system condition
- Repair parts, refrigerant, and major repairs are quoted separately
What HVAC Maintenance Can Include
Depending on the system condition and accessibility, maintenance may include coil cleaning, electrical checks, contactor replacement, blower belt inspection, drain line clearing, and rooftop unit service.
Dirty Coil Inspection
Checking coil condition to determine if cleaning is needed for better system performance.
Coil Cleaning
Cleaning dirty coils to help improve airflow, heat transfer, and system efficiency.
Changing Contactor
Replacing worn electrical components when needed to help the system operate safely.
Blower Belt Service
Inspecting and replacing blower belts on applicable commercial HVAC systems.
RTU Evaporator Coil Cleaning
Cleaning accessible evaporator coils on rooftop units when system conditions require it.
Electrical Connection Check
Checking visible electrical connections, contactors, capacitors, and wiring condition.
HVAC, Refrigeration & Vent Hood Services
Houston Temperature Control helps with residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, refrigeration, walk-in coolers, freezers, vent hood installation, and mechanical service across Greater Houston.
AC Repair
AC not cooling, warm air, frozen coils, breaker trips, electrical troubleshooting, and HVAC diagnostics.
AC Installation
AC system replacement, new HVAC installation, equipment upgrades, ductwork support, and replacement estimates.
Commercial HVAC
Rooftop unit service, RTU maintenance, commercial AC repair, coil cleaning, airflow issues, and replacement planning.
Commercial Refrigeration
Walk-in coolers, freezers, reach-in coolers, display cases, undercounter coolers, and gas station refrigeration.
Vent Hood Installation
Commercial vent hood installation, kitchen exhaust hood work, duct connections, exhaust fans, and makeup air coordination.
Still Have a Question?
Call Houston Temperature Control for AC repair, HVAC maintenance, commercial HVAC, commercial refrigeration, walk-in cooler service, freezer service, vent hood installation, and mechanical service across Greater Houston.
