Texas HVAC Maintenance Checklist | Month-by-Month Guide

Texas HVAC systems should be professionally serviced twice per year: once in spring (March-April) for air conditioning and once in fall (October) for heating. Due to extreme Texas summers, your AC runs 6-8 months per year, making spring tune-ups especially important. The bi-annual schedule catches problems before peak seasons and maintains manufacturer warranty requirements.

A thorough tune-up includes: filter replacement, coil cleaning, refrigerant level check, electrical connection inspection, capacitor and contactor testing, thermostat calibration, drain line cleaning, and safety control testing. For heating, add heat exchanger inspection, ignition testing, gas connection verification, and CO level testing. Expect 45-90 minutes for a complete inspection.

Standard 1-inch filters should be checked monthly and typically replaced every 30-60 days. During Texas summer (June-August), increase to every 2-3 weeks due to heavy AC runtime. Thicker 4-5 inch media filters can last 3-6 months. Always check monthly regardless - pets, dust, and high occupancy increase filter load. A dirty filter is the #1 cause of AC problems.

For most Texas homeowners, yes. Plans typically cost $150-$300/year and include two tune-ups ($180-$300 value), priority scheduling during emergencies, and repair discounts (10-20%). Given that Texas HVAC systems work harder than most US regions, the preventive maintenance value is higher. Plans are especially valuable for older systems and homeowners who would otherwise skip maintenance.

DIY tasks: filter replacement, keeping outdoor unit clear of debris, checking thermostat batteries, clearing visible drain line clogs, checking vents for obstructions, and visual inspections. Professional required: refrigerant handling (EPA certification required), electrical work, gas connections, coil cleaning with chemicals, heat exchanger inspection, and any work involving system disassembly.

Schedule AC tune-ups for early March before the rush and before you need cooling. Schedule heating tune-ups for early October before cold weather. Avoid scheduling during peak seasons (May-August for AC, November-February for heating) when contractors are busy with repairs and you may face longer wait times.

Warning signs include: unusual noises (grinding, squealing, banging), weak airflow, failure to reach setpoint, ice formation, unusual smells, frequent cycling, water leaks, and unexplained energy bill increases. Any of these warrant a service call. Don't wait for complete failure - early intervention prevents expensive repairs.

Many manufacturer warranties require proof of annual professional maintenance. Skipping maintenance can void warranty coverage for failures that would have been prevented by proper service. Keep all maintenance records and receipts. Some warranties specifically require "licensed contractor" service, not DIY maintenance.

Individual tune-ups cost $89-$149 each (AC and heating), totaling $180-$300 per year. Maintenance plans bundling both tune-ups cost $150-$300 per year, often with added benefits. Compared to the cost of emergency repairs ($300-$500 service calls), equipment damage ($1,000-$5,000 major components), or premature replacement ($5,000-$15,000), maintenance is highly cost-effective.

Without maintenance: efficiency drops 5% or more per year (higher energy bills), components fail prematurely, refrigerant leaks go undetected, safety hazards develop (especially gas furnaces), indoor air quality suffers, warranty coverage may be voided, and lifespan shortens by 5-10 years. Eventually, you'll face an emergency failure at the worst possible time.

Service before listing. A recent tune-up record shows buyers the system is maintained and operational. Many buyers' inspectors check HVAC condition. A maintenance receipt from the past 6-12 months provides peace of mind. If selling during off-season, still service the system - buyers will test it during inspection.

Texas HVAC systems work significantly harder than most US regions. AC runs 6-8 months per year versus 3-4 months in northern states. This doubles the wear on compressors, fan motors, and other components. Extreme heat also accelerates capacitor failure and refrigerant stress. More runtime = more maintenance need. This is why Texas homeowners should be especially diligent about bi-annual service.