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FAQ’s

  • FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about your AC? We put together a list of the stuff Austin homeowners ask us most. No fluff here, just straight answers on why your unit is acting up and what you need to do to fix it.
Usually a dead capacitor, low gas, or a filthy filter. Swap the filter first; if that's not it, call us.
Every month or two in Austin. If you have a dog that sheds, definitely every 30 days.
Your drain line is clogged with gunk. We have to blow it out so it stops backing up into the house.
In Austin, expect $6k to $12k. Depends on house size and how much you want to save on power.
Probably a bad contactor or a motor on its way out. Kill the power before it fries something expensive.
Yes. Higher number means a lower light bill. It pays for itself over time in the Texas heat.
Usually 10 to 15 years. The heat in Austin is brutal on machinery, so they die faster than up north.
Air isn't moving (bad filter) or you have a leak. Don't let it run like that or you'll kill the compressor.

No. You need a license for the gas and a set of gauges to do it right. Plus, you got to find the leak first.

It’s just the size. A 2-ton is for a smaller space; a 5-ton is for a big house.
Just dust burning off the coils the first time you use it. Should go away in ten minutes.

Waste of money. At that age, you're just throwing cash at a sinking ship.

78 degrees is the standard. Every degree lower adds a lot to your electric bill.
"Short cycling." Usually means the unit is too big for the house or the sensor is bad.

Yeah. It’s how you catch a $50 part failure before it turns into a $3k replacement.

Bad ductwork or the system isn't balanced. Could also be a leak in the attic flex pipe.

An AC that runs in reverse to heat the house. No gas furnace needed.

If the fan is spinning but the unit just hums or clicks, the compressor is likely shot.

Big time. Better seals and thicker filters pull the cedar pollen and dust out of your air.
Check the breaker. If that’s fine, your drain is probably clogged and tripped the safety switch.
R-22 is the old "liquid gold" that's too expensive now. R-410A is what most modern homes use.
Insulate the attic and keep the sun out of your windows during the day.
No. It traps moisture and makes mice want to live inside it. Leave it open.
Usually a blown capacitor or the motor burnt out from the heat.
Most electrical fixes or motor swaps take us maybe an hour or two.
Don't do it. You'll coat the indoor coils in dust and kill the system in a few weeks.
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