House Pro Air Conditioning

Ask for the contractor’s Texas HVAC license or registration and verify it on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website. Confirm they carry general liability insurance and ask whether they have workers’ compensation coverage or a waiver (Texas doesn’t require every employer to carry workers’ comp, so you should know the situation). Also confirm the technicians who handle refrigerant hold EPA Section 608 certification. For jobs in Houston, ask if the contractor will pull required city or county permits and arrange inspections.

A clear written estimate/contract should list equipment make, model, capacity, and efficiency rating (SEER), a description of the work (removal, new equipment, ductwork repairs, condensate management), any required permits and who obtains them, a timeline, payment schedule, and details about manufacturer and labor warranties. It should state whether a Manual J load calculation and, if applicable, Manual D duct design were performed to size the system. Also look for specifics on refrigerant type and recovery practices, cleanup and disposal, change-order handling, and post‑install testing (airflow, refrigerant charge, thermostat calibration). In Houston’s hot, humid climate, confirm the scope covers proper airflow, condensate drain protection, and measures to address humidity control.

Most contractors recommend at least one visit per year for the cooling system and one for heating (biannual checks are common if you use both), with the cooling check performed before the heavy summer season. Key maintenance tasks include changing or cleaning filters regularly (every 1–3 months depending on filter and household), cleaning condenser and evaporator coils, checking refrigerant charge and for leaks (handled by EPA‑certified techs), verifying proper airflow and duct sealing, inspecting electrical connections, and clearing the condensate drain. Given Houston’s long, humid cooling season, keeping coils and condensate lines clean and maintaining correct refrigerant and airflow are especially important to preserve efficiency and indoor comfort. Consider a service agreement for scheduled tune-ups and quicker emergency service.