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When to call a licensed HVAC pro in Texas, and what to check first

Reviewed

A North Texas summer is hard on air conditioners, and a cold snap is hard on furnaces. Some problems have a simple fix you can try yourself. Others need a contractor licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Five checks before you call

  1. Thermostat. Is it set to cool or heat, set past the room temperature, and are its batteries good?
  2. Air filter. A clogged filter can choke airflow and cause coils to freeze. Replace it if it is dirty.
  3. Breakers. Check the breakers for the indoor and outdoor units. If one trips again right away, leave it off and call a pro.
  4. Outdoor unit. Clear leaves, grass and anything stacked within a couple of feet.
  5. Condensate drain. Many systems shut off when the drain pan is full. Water around the indoor unit is a sign.

Signs it is time for a pro

  • The system runs but the air isn't cool, or it won't turn on at all.
  • Ice on the refrigerant lines or the outdoor coil.
  • The system turns on and off every few minutes.
  • Grinding, squealing or banging noises.
  • Power bills climbing without a change in how you use it.

Call 911, not a contractor, when

A carbon monoxide alarm is sounding, you smell gas, or you see smoke. Get everyone out first. Once the fire department or gas utility has cleared the home, an HVAC contractor can find and fix the cause.

What license to look for

In Texas, HVAC work for hire is done under a TDLR Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor license. Class A covers systems of any size; Class B covers smaller systems, which includes most homes. Technicians who work under that license must be registered with TDLR, and anyone handling refrigerant needs EPA Section 608 certification. You can look up the contractor's license with the TDLR license search.

How Tack On handles HVAC

Before an HVAC company can accept requests on Tack On, we check its TDLR A/C Contractor license and confirm its liability insurance directly with the insurer or agent. An uploaded certificate alone isn't enough. When a pro accepts your job you see the license number and the date of our last check.

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