Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the heating and cooling questions we hear most. Don’t see yours?
Give us a call at (210) 953-8393 or ask a technician.
Q1: How often should I have my AC and heating system serviced?

A: We recommend a professional tune-up twice a year — your cooling system in the spring and your heating system in the fall. Regular maintenance keeps your system efficient and helps prevent breakdowns during San Antonio’s hottest and coldest days.

Q2: How often should I change my air filter?

A: For most homes, every 1–3 months — monthly during heavy summer and winter use, and more often if you have pets or allergies. A dirty filter is the number-one cause of HVAC breakdowns because it restricts airflow and strains the system.

Q3: How long should an AC unit last?

A: With regular maintenance, most systems last 10–15 years. If yours is over 10 years old and needs frequent repairs, replacing it is often more cost-effective — and we’ll give you an honest assessment either way.

Q4: Should I repair or replace my AC?

A: A good rule of thumb: if your system is 10+ years old and a repair costs about half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the smarter investment. We provide a free estimate so you can compare your options.

Q5: Why is my AC running but not cooling?

A: Common causes include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, a frozen coil, a dirty outdoor unit, or a thermostat issue. If checking your filter and thermostat doesn’t fix it, give us a call and we’ll diagnose it.

Q6: Why is my AC freezing up or forming ice?

A: Ice usually means restricted airflow (often a dirty filter or blocked vents) or low refrigerant. Turn the system off to let it thaw and call us — running it while frozen can damage the compressor.

Q7: What does SEER mean?

A: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the system and the lower your utility bills. We’ll help you choose the right efficiency level for your home and budget.

Q8: What size AC do I need?

A: It depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, and layout — not just the biggest unit available. We perform a proper load calculation so your system is sized correctly. An oversized unit cools unevenly and wastes energy.

Q9: How can I lower my energy bills?

A: Keep up with regular maintenance, change your filters, seal leaky ductwork, and consider a programmable or smart thermostat, which can save 10–15% on heating and cooling costs.

Q10: Is a smart thermostat worth it?

A: Yes — a smart or programmable thermostat can automatically save 10–15% on energy bills by adjusting to your schedule. We can install and set one up for you.

Q11: What’s included in a maintenance visit?

A: A typical tune-up includes inspecting and cleaning the system, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical components and the thermostat, checking airflow, and replacing or checking your filter — so small issues get caught before they become expensive ones.

Q12: Do you offer free estimates?

A: Yes, we provide free estimates on new system installations and replacements.

Q13: Do you offer financing?

A: Yes.

Q14: What areas do you serve?

A: We serve homes and businesses across South and Central Texas, including the San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos and Austin areas.

Q15: Are your technicians licensed and background-checked?

A: Absolutely. We’re licensed and insured in the State of Texas, and our technicians are background-checked and held to the same security standards our crews meet on military-base projects.