The Short Answer for Texas Homeowners
Twice per year. Once in spring for your air conditioner. Once in fall for your furnace.
But here is what most national articles won’t tell you: In Texas, your air conditioner runs eight to nine months per year – not three or four like northern states. That changes everything about your HVAC service schedule.
Across Dallas-Fort Worth, spring temperatures can hit 85°F as early as April. By May, 90°F days are common. If you wait until June to service your AC, you are already running it hard during peak heat without a tune-up.
Spring tune-ups in Texas should be completed by May 15th at the latest. Fall furnace inspections should be done by October, before our first cold front arrives.
Why Texas Homes Need a Different Schedule
Texas experiences over 90 days per year with temperatures above 90°F across most of the state. Our cooling season stretches from April through October – sometimes into November.
That means your AC system works harder and longer than systems in most other parts of the country. Components wear out faster. Refrigerant leaks develop sooner. Electrical connections loosen more quickly.
We have seen the same pattern for eighteen years serving homeowners across Dallas-Fort Worth: Those who service their AC in April or May get through summer without emergency breakdowns. Those who wait until July – when their system stops cooling on a 102°F day – end up waiting days for repair appointments during our busiest season.
The fall is similar. Our first freeze often arrives suddenly. Furnaces that haven’t been inspected may fail exactly when you need them most.
What Happens If You Skip HVAC Service?
We have been serving North Texas since 2007. Over that time, we have seen the same preventable failures again and again.
Capacitors fail. These small components start and run your AC’s motors. Without regular testing, a weak capacitor will eventually fail on the hottest day of the year. The repair is simple. The failure is completely preventable.
Contactors pit and stick. The contactor is an electrical switch that sends power to your compressor and condenser fan. Over time, the contacts wear down. A stuck contactor can cause your AC to run continuously or not at all.
Refrigerant leaks develop slowly. A system low on refrigerant loses cooling capacity and runs longer to compensate. Higher energy bills follow. Eventually, the compressor can fail – and that repair costs significantly more than a refrigerant leak fix.
Dirty condenser coils raise pressure. Your outdoor unit’s coils release heat into the outside air. When they are covered in cottonwood seeds, grass clippings, or dust, the system works harder. Higher pressure leads to compressor strain and eventual failure.
Dirty burners cause delayed ignition. In furnaces, dirty burners can cause the system to light late. A small explosion of gas occurs inside the unit. This is unsafe and puts stress on the heat exchanger.
A cracked heat exchanger leaks carbon monoxide. This is the most serious heating failure. A cracked heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide into your home. Regular furnace inspections catch this before it becomes dangerous.
Skipping one year of HVAC Service might save you a small amount of money today. But we have seen five-year-old systems fail completely because they never received maintenance. We have also seen fifteen-year-old systems running efficiently because their owners followed a bi-annual service schedule.
Spring AC Tune-Up – What We Do
When our technician arrives at your home for a spring AC Tune-up, here is exactly what happens:
We change or inspect your air filter. A dirty filter is the most common cause of airflow problems and frozen coils. In Texas, we recommend changing your filter every thirty days during summer – not every ninety days like northern states recommend.
We clean the evaporator coil. This indoor coil absorbs heat from your home’s air. Dust and debris reduce its ability to transfer heat. A clean coil means better cooling and lower energy bills.
We clean the condenser coil. This outdoor coil releases heat into the outside air. Cottonwood seeds and grass clippings are everywhere in Texas during spring. We gently clean the coil to restore proper heat transfer.
We check refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant indicates a leak. We measure the pressure and temperature to confirm the system has the correct charge. If levels are low, we locate and repair the leak before adding refrigerant.
We test the capacitor. Using a meter, we measure the capacitor’s microfarad rating. A reading outside the acceptable range means failure is imminent. We recommend replacement before it leaves you without cooling on a hot day.
We inspect the contactor. We look for pitting, burning, or sticking on the electrical contacts. A failing contactor is replaced before it causes intermittent operation or complete failure.
We check the thermostat calibration. We confirm your thermostat is reading temperature accurately and communicating properly with your AC system.
We lubricate moving parts. Bearings and motors need proper lubrication to reduce friction and wear.
We tighten electrical connections. Vibration from normal operation can loosen connections over time. Loose connections create heat and resistance, leading to component failure.
We test the overall system. We run your AC through a full cycle to confirm everything is working correctly before we leave.
Fall Furnace Inspection – What We Do
When temperatures drop in Texas, your furnace becomes essential. Here is what our fall inspection includes:
We inspect the heat exchanger. This is the most important safety check. The heat exchanger separates combustion gases from your home’s air. A crack can release carbon monoxide. We use a camera and combustion analyzer to verify the heat exchanger is intact.
We clean the burners. Dirty burners cause uneven flame and delayed ignition. We remove, clean, and reinstall each burner for proper operation.
We test the igniter or pilot light. On modern furnaces, the igniter glows red hot to light the gas. We measure its resistance and confirm it is working correctly.
We check the flame sensor. This safety device confirms the burner has lit. If dirty or failing, the furnace will shut off after a few seconds of operation.
We inspect the blower motor and fan. We clean the blower assembly and confirm the motor is drawing proper amperage. A failing blower motor can leave you without heat on the coldest night of the year.
We test for carbon monoxide. Using a digital combustion analyzer, we measure the furnace’s exhaust. High levels of carbon monoxide in the flue indicate incomplete combustion – a serious safety hazard.
We check the gas pressure. Incorrect gas pressure reduces efficiency and can cause premature component failure. We adjust to manufacturer specifications.
We test the thermostat in heating mode. We confirm your system turns on and off correctly at the set temperature.
Signs Your HVAC Needs Immediate Service
Even with regular maintenance, problems can develop between tune-ups. Here are the signs that you need to call us right away:
Your AC runs constantly but your home never reaches the set temperature. On a 95°F day, a properly functioning AC should still cool your home. If the system runs non-stop but cannot get below 78°F, you likely have a refrigerant leak or failing compressor.
You hear unusual noises. Banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding sounds indicate mechanical problems. Do not wait for these to get worse.
Some rooms are too hot while others are too cold. This usually indicates ductwork issues, a failing zone damper, or improper airflow.
Your energy bills spiked without explanation. A sudden increase in energy usage often means your HVAC system is struggling.
Your AC is blowing warm air. If the system runs but delivers room-temperature or warm air, the compressor may have failed or you may have a complete refrigerant loss.
Your furnace smells like gas. A small amount of gas when the furnace first starts is normal. A persistent gas smell is not. Leave your home and call us from outside.
Your carbon monoxide detector alarmed. Evacuate immediately and call emergency services. Then call us for a complete furnace inspection.
Your AC is short cycling. Turning on and off every few minutes usually indicates an electrical issue, a failing compressor, or an improperly sized system.
You see ice on your refrigerant lines or outdoor unit. Ice on a 90°F day is never normal. This indicates severely restricted airflow or a major refrigerant problem.
How Avery’s Handles HVAC Maintenance Across North Texas
Avery’s Heating & Air has served North Texas since 2007. We are family-owned and owner-operated – when you call us, you speak directly to Avery, not a call center.
Our technicians are NATE-certified. NATE is the highest credential in the HVAC industry. Certification requires passing rigorous exams and proving field experience. Our technicians also hold Texas state licenses and complete continuing education every year.
We specialize in the brands most common in North Texas homes: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, and Bryant. Our trucks carry replacement parts for these specific brands.
We offer free estimates on all maintenance, repair, and installation work.
We provide same-day service for calls received before 2pm in our primary service areas.
We do not charge extra for weekends or holidays. Emergency service is available 24/7 with no after-hour surcharge.
We offer maintenance plans that include two tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, and a discount on repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my air filter in Texas?
Every thirty days during the cooling season (April through October). During winter, every sixty to ninety days is usually sufficient.
Can I skip a year of HVAC service?
You can, but we do not recommend it. We have seen five-year-old systems fail completely without maintenance.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes. Our maintenance plans include two tune-ups per year, priority scheduling, and repair discounts.
How much does an HVAC tune-up cost?
Call us at 469-855-7083 for a free estimate. We are transparent about our rates before any work begins.
What happens if my AC fails between tune-ups?
We offer 24/7 emergency service with no after-hour surcharge.
How long does a tune-up take?
A standard AC or furnace tune-up takes forty-five minutes to one hour.
What brands do you service?
Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Goodman, Bryant, and most other major brands.
Schedule Your HVAC Tune-Up Today
Do not wait until your AC fails on a 100°F day or your furnace stops working during our first freeze.
Call us at 469-855-7083 to schedule your spring AC tune-up or fall Furnace Inspection.
Email us at averysheatingandair@yahoo.com for questions or to request a call back.
We proudly serve these Texas cities:
- Rowlett, TX
- Rockwall, TX
- Garland, TX
- Murphy, TX
- Wylie, TX
- Sachse, TX
- McKinney, TX
- Plano, TX
- Frisco, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Allen, TX
We have served North Texas since 2007. We are licensed, insured, and NATE-certified. When you call, you talk to Avery – not a call center.
Get your tune-up scheduled before the heat arrives. Call today.