All About Air Conditioning & Heating LLC

Verify the contractor is licensed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and carries general liability insurance (and workers’ comp or an exemption). Confirm technicians who will handle refrigerants have EPA Section 608 certification. Ask for local references, recent job photos, written estimates that list equipment model, efficiency (SEER), and labor warranties, and make sure the contractor will pull required City of San Antonio permits and arrange inspections. Check online reviews, ask about experience with San Antonio’s hot, humid climate, and get at least two competitive bids before deciding.

Consider age, repair history, and efficiency: many central AC units older than 10–15 years are less efficient and use phased-out refrigerants like R‑22, which is increasingly costly to service. If you’re facing frequent repairs, rising electric bills, poor humidity control, or a major component failure (compressor, coil), replacement with a properly sized, high-efficiency system often makes more sense long term. Ask contractors to perform a load calculation (Manual J) and provide lifecycle cost comparisons (repair cost vs. estimated energy savings) and check for available local utility rebates (e.g., through CPS Energy) before deciding.

Schedule at least one professional tune-up for the cooling system before summer—many homeowners also get a fall check of any heat equipment. Routine tasks include replacing or cleaning filters every 1–3 months, cleaning coils, checking refrigerant charge and electrical connections, clearing condensate drains, and inspecting ductwork and airflow. Regular preventive maintenance improves efficiency, helps avoid mid-summer failures in San Antonio’s heat, and is often required to keep manufacturer warranties valid; consider a seasonal maintenance plan with documented service visits.