FAQ
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Heating Repair
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How do I know when a repair is an emergency?
If your AC breaks and it’s more than 90 degrees outside, that’s an emergency. If your boiler, furnace, or heating system breaks and it’s 40 degrees or below, that’s an emergency too.
Signs to look for include:
- Air blows cool when you need warm air.
- HVAC system won’t turn on.
- If your heating unit turns on and off, this is called short-cycling, and it’s an emergency in minus 40-degree weather.
- Noises (clicking, clunking) can indicate an emergency.
- Odd smell — if it’s the odor of burning plastic/electronics, don’t delay. If you smell gas, call your utility company, then call us ASAP.
- Puddles or drips under your heating unit can be a frozen coil or refrigerant leak.
- You suspect you have a furnace carbon monoxide leak:
- Brown/yellow stains around the pilot light area of the unit.
- Pilot light keeps blowing out.
- You notice a gas-like exhaust smell.
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Why is there a weird smell coming from my heat vents?
If you didn’t schedule fall heating maintenance, it’s not uncommon to smell burning dust the first time you turn on your heating unit. Odors you should be concerned about are:
- Burning plastic/electrical: Turn off your heating system immediately and call Horizon Air for emergency heating repair.
- Chemical/formaldehyde: A crack in the heat exchanger can cause this odor; it’s an emergency.
- Lingering odors: We have several solutions for “bad air.” The overwhelming smell of cooking grease, cigarette smoke, or pet urine isn’t an emergency, but it isn’t healthy, either. Schedule an indoor air quality assessment.
- Metallic: A heating unit component may be overheating. Turn the unit off and call us.
- Mold/mildew or “dirty socks”: This is not an emergency, but it’s a health risk. Schedule an HVAC inspection.
- Rotten eggs: This may indicate a gas leak. Turn off your heating unit, open windows, and call your utility company. Then call Horizon Air.
- Sewage: This is dangerous. It means a sewage line is leaking into some area of your heating system. Call us, but we may advise you to call a plumber before scheduling an emergency repair.
- Smoke: Turn off your heating system and call us ASAP.
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How do I know when it's time to replace my furnace?
Without maintenance, your HVAC system will last about 10 years. If you’ve recently had two or more repairs to your furnace, boiler, or heat pump, it’s time to replace your heating system. A heating unit is a big financial investment. Fall furnace maintenance saves money by keeping your system running more efficiently for longer.
The winter storm of 2021 is proof that we should keep our heating systems in good condition!
If you have questions about heating system maintenance, call (346) 988-2977 or contact Horizon Air Solutions.
If your AC breaks and it’s more than 90 degrees outside, that’s an emergency. If your boiler, furnace, or heating system breaks and it’s 40 degrees or below, that’s an emergency too.
Signs to look for include:
- Air blows cool when you need warm air.
- HVAC system won’t turn on.
- If your heating unit turns on and off, this is called short-cycling, and it’s an emergency in minus 40-degree weather.
- Noises (clicking, clunking) can indicate an emergency.
- Odd smell — if it’s the odor of burning plastic/electronics, don’t delay. If you smell gas, call your utility company, then call us ASAP.
- Puddles or drips under your heating unit can be a frozen coil or refrigerant leak.
- You suspect you have a furnace carbon monoxide leak:
- Brown/yellow stains around the pilot light area of the unit.
- Pilot light keeps blowing out.
- You notice a gas-like exhaust smell.
If you didn’t schedule fall heating maintenance, it’s not uncommon to smell burning dust the first time you turn on your heating unit. Odors you should be concerned about are:
- Burning plastic/electrical: Turn off your heating system immediately and call Horizon Air for emergency heating repair.
- Chemical/formaldehyde: A crack in the heat exchanger can cause this odor; it’s an emergency.
- Lingering odors: We have several solutions for “bad air.” The overwhelming smell of cooking grease, cigarette smoke, or pet urine isn’t an emergency, but it isn’t healthy, either. Schedule an indoor air quality assessment.
- Metallic: A heating unit component may be overheating. Turn the unit off and call us.
- Mold/mildew or “dirty socks”: This is not an emergency, but it’s a health risk. Schedule an HVAC inspection.
- Rotten eggs: This may indicate a gas leak. Turn off your heating unit, open windows, and call your utility company. Then call Horizon Air.
- Sewage: This is dangerous. It means a sewage line is leaking into some area of your heating system. Call us, but we may advise you to call a plumber before scheduling an emergency repair.
- Smoke: Turn off your heating system and call us ASAP.
Without maintenance, your HVAC system will last about 10 years. If you’ve recently had two or more repairs to your furnace, boiler, or heat pump, it’s time to replace your heating system. A heating unit is a big financial investment. Fall furnace maintenance saves money by keeping your system running more efficiently for longer.
The winter storm of 2021 is proof that we should keep our heating systems in good condition!
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Air Conditioning Maintenance
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How long does professional AC maintenance take?
It only takes a few hours to do what we do! Your professional AC maintenance will include inspecting:
- Air filter
- Blower motor
- Capacitors
- Compressor
- Condensate drain/line
- Condenser coil
- Ductwork
- Electrical connections
- Fan blade
- Moving parts that might need lubrication
- Refrigerant
- Safety devices
- Service valves
- Start, operation, shutdown
- Supply/return
- Thermostat
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How often should I do maintenance on my air conditioner?
Schedule professional AC maintenance in Southeast Texas once every year (March/April) — at a minimum. By August, we still have more months of hot weather ahead, so your fall HVAC maintenance should ideally include AC and heating.
DIY maintenance includes:
- Clean the outside condenser unit every 30–60 days. Leave a 2-foot clearance between the unit and shrubs/plants.
- Clean your registers every 30–60 days.
- Inspect/replace air filters as needed.
- Remove debris/dust accumulation from your indoor AC unit area every 60–90 days.
- Use ceiling fans year-round for better air circulation.
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What are signs I need AC maintenance?
It’s always good to request an HVAC inspection and tune-up when you move into a new-to-you home with an existing system. We can give you an idea of how much life is left in your heating and cooling system.
Other signs you need AC maintenance, repair, or replacement are:
- Air smells (and feels) dank or humid
- Air is too warm
- Higher energy bills for no reason
- Higher humidity
- Leaks
- Need to adjust the thermostat frequently
- Noises
- Short-cycling/tripped circuits
- Slow/no air
- Some rooms are too hot; others too cold
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What happens if I don't keep up with maintenance?
If you don’t have professional AC maintenance, your heating and cooling system won’t last as long. It will operate inefficiently, which means your monthly energy bills will be higher. For most people, maintenance = pride of ownership.
If you plan to sell your home soon, a poorly maintained AC will lower your home’s value in a highly competitive market.
We guarantee our work quality because we’re trained in industry-best practices. Have questions about AC maintenance? Call Horizon Air Solutions at (346) 988-2977.
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Air Conditioning Installation
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Can I install my own air conditioning system?
Even if you’re handy and have the right tools, installing your own air conditioning system is not the best idea. It takes plenty of skill and experience to size and install an AC unit properly, and even the smallest mistakes could make the system inefficient, unreliable, and costly to operate.
Plus, to complete the installation, you’ll need to work with potentially dangerous electrical circuits and refrigerants that need special handling. Finally, many municipalities require a professional installation, as do most HVAC manufacturers, for full warranty coverage. For a cost-effective, professional AC installation in the Houston area, choose Horizon Air Solutions.
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How long do air conditioners last?
Most air conditioners will last 12 to 15 years with proper maintenance, but there are some situations where upgrading early can be beneficial, such as when a major part has failed, like the compressors, or you’re doing major remodeling and need to upgrade your system.
If the system is over 10 years old, upgrading to a new, more efficient model can also significantly impact your cooling costs and comfort. Talk to our experts at Horizon Air Solutions to learn if an AC replacement is the best choice for your Houston home.
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How can I tell the age of my AC unit?
Whether you’ve bought a new home or you have lost track of the paperwork for your air conditioning system, finding the age of the system should be relatively easy. For most brands and models, there will be a nameplate on the condenser unit outside that lists the system specifications.
Typically, there will be a manufacturing date clearly indicated here. If not, you can copy the serial number from the nameplate and use a variety of tools on the internet to extract the date from the serial number.
Finally, if you know the company that installed the AC unit, you can ask them about the installation date for your system. Knowing when your system was manufactured can help you determine when an AC replacement is necessary or find out if there are any recalls or common problems with your air conditioner.
For help finding the age of your AC unit, talk to our team at Horizon Air Solutions.
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Air Conditioning
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Does a new AC unit add value to a home?The increased value of a home will depend on your location and the size, age, and quality of the system you install. A new air conditioner offers an average return on investment of up to 50%. It’s the perfect addition if you’re preparing for a resale. Smart technology and energy efficiency will raise demand for your home.
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Which is better, a ductless AC or central AC?
Ductless and central air conditioners offer their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Ductless systems are often more energy-efficient because they don’t require ductwork and provide room-to-room temperature control. They’re an excellent option for home additions.
If you already have ductwork in your home, a central AC unit may be lower in upfront costs. Central AC systems will cool your whole home and lower humidity but require more maintenance. Choosing the right system for your home depends on your needs. Consult with a Horizon Air Solutions professional to help determine the best unit for your home.
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What are common air conditioning problems?
A warm summer day can bring tremendous stress when your air conditioning breaks down. Scheduling routine maintenance can help prevent air conditioning problems.
Common air conditioning problems include:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electric control failure
- Sensor problems
- Clogged drains or filter
- Dead thermostat batteries
- Compressor failure
- Dirty condenser coils
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Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Air conditioners rely on a continuous cycle of refrigerant condensation and evaporation. If your cooling efficiency has abated, your evaporator coils or condensation drain might be blocked. First, try resetting your thermostat and ensure it’s set to “automatic.” If it’s set to “fan,” it will blow air without cooling.
It’s worthwhile to replace your filters and clear the area surrounding your compressor. Make sure the metal fins around your coils are straight and that the coils themselves are clean. If none of those solutions work, it’s time to hand the problem over to the professionals.
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Room temperature air is coming out of my vents instead of cool air. What does this mean?
This could be one of several problems:
- Evaporator coil/condenser: Eventually, coils and AC condensers can wear out. If your AC unit is eight to 10 years old, replacing the evaporator coil is e a big expense for a small return; it may be better to replace the unit. We can help you weigh your options.
- Filter: A dirty or clogged filter can block airflow. This can also cause evaporator coil and condenser problems. Filters should be changed every three months or more often if you smoke or have several pets.
- Refrigerant: Your AC unit could be low on refrigerant. This is usually the result of a leak.
- Registers/vents: Your vents can get clogged just like your AC filter. Also, a ductwork leak could send cool air everywhere except into your rooms. Let us know if your registers feel warm to the touch.
- Thermostat: When the AC isn’t blowing cool air, this is the first place to check. If it’s set correctly, there could still be a thermostat issue. Let us know.
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I need to supplement my AC with fans. Is there a fix that will make my air conditioning stronger?Ceiling fans are great air conductors and energy savers when used with an efficient heating and cooling system. But if you need standing fans to keep rooms cool because of weak airflow, that’s a problem. The cause could be a clogged filter, blocked air ducts, or a frozen evaporator coil. Sometimes AC parts replacement saves more money long-term than repair.
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My outdoor AC unit has ice on it. How can that happen during 90-degree days?
It’s more common than you think for AC systems to “freeze up” on the hottest days. Causes include dirty air filter/coil, low refrigerant, or faulty wiring. This can be prevented with spring AC maintenance in Houston.
Don’t let Houston heat become a health risk. AC repair in Houston and Harris County is a priority for all of us, especially families with newborns, or older or chronically ill loved ones.
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Why is my AC not working?There can be many causes of a malfunctioning AC. Common causes include an improper thermostat setting, tripped circuit breaker, refrigerant leak, and inadequate maintenance.
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How often should you replace your air conditioning unit?
Depending on the frequency of use and proper maintenance, an air conditioner will last an average of 10 to 15 years.
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How often should I do maintenance on my air conditioner?
Air conditioning maintenance is recommended one to two times per year. Maintenance will improve indoor air quality and system performance.
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