Welcome to our Community Hub. Living in the Lone Star State means our HVAC systems work harder than anywhere else in the country. From Houston’s 90% humidity to West Texas heatwaves, we’ve gathered the most pressing questions from your neighbors and answered them with expert advice from the 24SevenAC team.
🟢 Section 1: The "Texas Heat" Essentials
This is a common “Texas Two-Story” problem. Heat rises, and if you have a single-zone system, the thermostat downstairs shuts off once it hits its target, leaving the upstairs stagnant. We often solve this for Houston homeowners by installing ductless mini-splits in hot rooms or upgrading to a zoned HVAC system with independent thermostats.
🔵 Section 2: Energy Bills & Efficiency (The "SEER2" Factor)
The biggest “energy vampires” in Texas are clogged filters and leaky ducts.
Change filters monthly: Texas dust and pollen clog filters fast.
Smart Thermostats: Installing an Ecobee or Nest can save you 15% on cooling.
Duct Sealing: In older homes (Katy/Richmond area), up to 30% of cooled air escapes into the attic before reaching your rooms.
🟡 Section 3: Troubleshooting & Repairs
Screeching: Usually a slipped or frayed fan belt or a dying blower motor.
Banging: Often a loose part or a piece of debris inside the fan cage.
Hissing: High-pressure refrigerant leak.
Verdict: Shut it down. Noises are early warning signs that prevent a total system “meltdown.”
🔴 Section 4: Texas Regulations & Renter Rights
R-22 has been phased out nationwide. While we can still source “reclaimed” R-22 for older systems in Houston, the cost is skyrocketing. If your unit is 12+ years old and leaking R-22, we typically recommend a modern AC replacement using R-410A or R-454B, which is more eco-friendly and significantly cheaper to maintain.
🏢 Section 5: Local Community Questions
AC Repair (Urgency Focused)
Usually due to a dirty condenser coil, frozen evaporator coil, or low refrigerant. If you see ice on the lines, turn it off and call for AC Repair immediately.
Humming noises, the fan not spinning, or the unit “stuttering” when trying to start.
AC Installation & Replacement (Investment Focused)
Multiply the age of your unit by the repair cost. If it’s over $5,000, replacement is the smarter financial move.
In Texas, we recommend at least a 15.2 SEER2. Higher ratings (18+) significantly reduce bills during our 9-month cooling season. Check our installation options for high-efficiency models.
AC Maintenance & Tune-Up (Prevention Focused)
Yes. A $129 AC tune-up can prevent a $2,000 compressor failure and keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid.
In humid areas like Katy, we recommend professional cleaning twice a year to prevent ceiling water damage.
Indoor Air Quality (Health Focused)
Yes, UV-C germicidal lights destroy the DNA of mold and bacteria on the cooling coil. This is essential for indoor air quality in humid climates.
An Air Scrubber uses honeycomb technology to clean both the air and surfaces in your home. It’s the “gold standard” for Houston families with severe allergies.
Heating & Furnace Repair (Seasonal Focused)
This is usually just “dust burn-off.” However, if the smell persists or you hear banging, you may need a Furnace Repair.
Modern heat pumps work well down to freezing, but they may switch to “auxiliary heat” (heat strips) when temperatures drop below 32°F.
Ductless & Thermostats (Tech Focused)
Yes, because they avoid energy loss through ductwork. They are perfect for Houston sunrooms or garage conversions. Learn more on our Ductless page.
Yes, by 10-15%. Learning thermostats adjust for peak Texas energy rates and your personal schedule.
