Blue Dot Air Conditioning & Heating

In Texas, HVAC contractors must be registered or licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or meet local registration requirements; they also need EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants. Ask the contractor for their TDLR license/registration number, EPA 608 card, and proof of general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (or written exemption). Verify the license and insurance online or by calling TDLR and confirm the contractor will obtain any required City of San Antonio permits before starting work.

Estimates should be written and itemized. For replacements, expect to see the proposed equipment make and model, cooling capacity (tons), efficiency rating (SEER), scope of work (line set, duct modifications, pad/curb, electrical), permit and disposal fees, labor, and warranty information for parts and labor. For repairs, the estimate should list the diagnosed problem, parts and labor, and whether diagnostics are charged toward a repair. Costs vary with system size, efficiency level, duct condition, accessibility, refrigerant type, and time of year (summer rates can be higher). Ask whether the contractor will perform a load calculation (Manual J) for sizing, who pulls permits, and what financing, rebates, or tax credits might apply.

Because San Antonio has a long, hot cooling season, most HVAC pros recommend at least two professional inspections per year — a cooling tune-up in spring and a heating check in fall — though an annual cooling service may be sufficient for strictly cooling-focused systems. Routine maintenance typically includes changing or inspecting air filters, cleaning condenser and evaporator coils, checking refrigerant pressures and for leaks, cleaning condensate drain, lubricating moving parts, tightening electrical connections, checking thermostat operation, and assessing airflow and duct condition. A service plan can include priority scheduling and discounts; regular maintenance improves efficiency, reliability, and equipment life.