Texas AC Repair & HVAC Q&A | Expert Advice

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

Q: My AC is running 24/7, but my house is still 78 degrees. Is my unit broken?

Not necessarily. In Texas, when outside temperatures exceed 100°F, most standard AC units are designed to maintain a 20-degree differential. If it’s 105°F outside, 75°F-78°F inside is actually “normal” operation. However, if your vents are blowing lukewarm air, you likely have a refrigerant leak or a dirty condenser coil. We recommend an AC tune-up if your system can’t keep up.

Q: Why is my upstairs always 5-10 degrees hotter than my downstairs?

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)

Q: My electric bill just hit $400. How can I lower it without turning off the AC?

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.

Q: What is the new SEER2 requirement for Texas in 2025?

As of 2023, the Department of Energy raised the minimum efficiency for the Southern Region. New AC installations in Texas must meet a minimum of 14.3 SEER2 (equivalent to the old 15 SEER). If you are looking at a replacement, we ensure all our units are 2025-compliant to save you the most on long-term utility costs.

🟡 Section 3: Troubleshooting & Repairs

Q: I see ice on my AC pipes in the middle of a 95-degree day. How is that possible?

Counter-intuitively, ice usually means your system is suffocating. It’s caused by restricted airflow (dirty filters/coils) or low refrigerant. Action Item: Turn the system OFF immediately and set the “Fan” to ON to melt the ice. Running it while frozen can burn out your compressor—an expensive fix! Call for a 24/7 emergency repair before turning it back on.

Q: My AC is making a loud "screeching" or "banging" noise. Should I be worried?

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

Q: Does my landlord have to fix my AC in Texas?

It’s 100 degrees!

Under the Texas Property Code (§ 92.052), landlords must “repair or remedy” conditions that materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant. While Texas law doesn’t explicitly mandate providing AC (unless it’s in your lease), if the unit was provided and it breaks during a heatwave, it is often considered a health/safety issue. Send a written notice via certified mail to start the 7-day repair clock.

Q: Can I still get Freon (R-22) for my older unit?

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

Q: Do you service areas outside of Houston, like Fulshear or Tyler?

Yes! We provide 24/7 emergency AC repair and installation across the Greater Houston area, including Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, and Fulshear. We also have a dedicated team serving Tyler, TX, and surrounding East Texas communities.

Q: Do you offer financing for new systems?

We understand that a new HVAC system is a major investment. We offer flexible financing options through partners like Synchrony to help Texas families get cool now and pay over time with low monthly installments.