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West University Place HVAC & AC Maintenance & Repair Specialists
- Licensed & Insured
- Repair & Maintenance
- Installation
- Residential
- Timely Response
- Affordable Prices
- BBB A+ Rated
We service ALL major air conditioning & heating systems:
Stay comfortable year-round with help from the best local HVAC team in West University Place for repairs, maintenance, and energy-efficient system upgrades
In 2011, West University was ranked as the community in the Southern United States with the highest quality of life. In other words, life is good in West U. But even this peaceful way of life in the Neighborhood City can come screeching to a halt if your home’s HVAC system stops working.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. We probably don’t need to tell you how important AC is to your home comfort. Especially here in southeast Texas, the long hot and humid summers take their toll on the hard-working HVAC systems that keep your cool home from becoming a sauna.
Just as you rely on your air conditioner to keep you and your family comfortable, you should also be able to rely on a local repairman to handle all of your heating and cooling needs – someone who you can trust to fix problems before and after they arise. For families in West U and the greater Houston area, no company is more reliable and experienced than Richmond’s Air.
It’s a bold claim, and we can prove it.
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What’s wrong with your air conditioning or heating system?
Richmond’s Air can find out quickly if you don’t know.
Our professionally licensed and insured West University Place HVAC specialists can handle any job—big or small
Whatever the situation, our licensed contractors are fully prepared to help solve all of your heating and cooling needs. A few of the professional HVAC services we offer include:
Scheduled Maintenance
A well-maintained HVAC system is a happy HVAC system; and a happy cooling system is a happy Texas homeowner. Making sure your AC unit is properly cared for not only helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, but also improves the energy efficiency and effectiveness of your home.
Installation
Whether you need to install an air conditioner in a newly constructed home or simply replace your current outdated system, we’re here to help you find the most high-quality, cost-effective solutions. American Standard is our recommended brand; however, we’ll work with you closely to determine what works best for your needs, regardless of brand.
Repairs
Our experienced technicians are equipped to diagnose and repair all types of heating and cooling issues, from faulty thermostats and refrigerant leaks to compressor failures and airflow problems. We understand that HVAC breakdowns can be stressful, which is why we offer prompt service and clear, upfront pricing.
Local AC Maintenance & Repair Serving West University, TX Residents
Richmond’s Air is more than just another air conditioning repair company. For more than 15 years we’ve provided trusted HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installation to the residents of West U and beyond.
We also offer professional AC repair service in nearby communities throughout Houston and Harris County, including Katy, Bellaire, Sugar Land, Bunker Hill Village, Spring, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Jersey Village, Piney Point, and Spring Valley Village.
Answers to top heating and cooling questions in West University Place
What is the most common HVAC problem?
The most common HVAC problem homeowners face is a dirty or clogged air filter. It seems like such a small thing, but a clogged filter can cause a whole host of issues—reduced airflow, higher energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and even system breakdowns.
Your HVAC system relies on proper airflow to work efficiently, and when a filter gets too dirty, it forces the system to work harder, which can lead to overheating or freezing up.
The good news? This is an easy DIY fix. Simply clean or replace your air filter every 1 to 3 months (depending on usage and pet presence), and you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary headaches.
Here are some other common HVAC issues:
- Refrigerant leaks. Refrigerant is essential for cooling. Leaks can significantly reduce cooling capacity and are environmentally harmful. This is almost always a job for a professional, as handling refrigerant requires specialized equipment and training.
- Ductwork issues. Poorly insulated or leaky ductwork can waste a lot of energy and create uneven temperatures. Sealing small visible duct leaks with mastic sealant is a DIY project, but more extensive ductwork repairs or replacements require a professional.
- Frozen evaporator coil. This often happens due to restricted airflow (dirty filter again) or low refrigerant. While you can try thawing a frozen coil by turning off the system and letting it sit, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause. If the problem persists, call an HVAC technician.
- Faulty fan motor. The fan circulates air throughout your home. If it’s not working, you’ll have poor airflow, so your home won’t heat and cool properly. Replacing a fan motor can be a DIY job for some, but if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, it’s best to call a pro.
- Thermostat problems. A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent your system from turning on or off properly, leading to inconsistent temperatures. Sometimes, it’s a simple fix like replacing batteries, but other times it requires rewiring or replacing the unit, which is best left to a professional HVAC technician.
- Igniter or pilot light problems (gas furnaces). A malfunctioning igniter or pilot light will prevent your furnace from heating. If you feel comfortable relighting the pilot light on your own, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Igniter replacement is usually best left to a technician.
- Electrical issues. Problems with wiring, breakers, or capacitors can cause all sorts of HVAC problems. Unless you’re a qualified electrician, never attempt to fix electrical issues yourself. This is another job for a professional.
When to DIY vs. call a pro for HVAC issues
The bottom line: Simple tasks like changing the air filter, checking thermostat batteries, and sealing easily accessible duct leaks are generally safe for homeowners.
Anything involving refrigerant, electrical work, gas lines, complex repairs, or other tasks you’re unsure about doing should be handled by a qualified HVAC technician. Attempting DIY repairs on these issues can be dangerous and might even void your warranty.
How do I diagnose what’s wrong with my AC?
To diagnose an AC issue, you first need to understand a few basic parts and what they do. Your AC has key components like the thermostat (which controls the temperature), the air filter (which keeps airflow clean and smooth), the evaporator and condenser coils (which cool and release heat), and the compressor (which moves refrigerant through the system). If any of these parts aren’t working right, your AC won’t cool properly.
Here are some common issues and what they might mean:
- AC won’t turn on. Check the thermostat first. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the room temp. Also, check your circuit breaker—sometimes a flipped switch is the only issue. If neither is the problem, the capacitor (a small device that helps start the compressor) may be bad, which usually requires a professional.
- Strange noises. A buzzing sound could mean an electrical issue. Banging or rattling might be a loose part inside. Squealing often points to a belt or motor issue. If your AC is making unusual noises, turn it off and have a professional check it out.
- Weak airflow. If the air coming from your vents is weak, your air filter could be clogged. If changing the filter doesn’t help, you might have a blower motor issue or a blocked duct, which a professional should inspect.
- AC is running but not cooling. First, check your air filter. A dirty filter blocks airflow and makes your AC struggle. Next, look at the outdoor unit—if it’s covered in dirt or leaves, it may not be able to release heat properly. Cleaning the coils can help. If that doesn’t work, you may be low on refrigerant, which requires a technician to diagnose and fix.
- Water leaking around the unit. Your AC has a condensate drain that removes moisture. If it’s clogged, water can back up and leak. You can try unclogging it with a wet/dry vacuum, but if that doesn’t work, call a technician.
- Bad smells. A musty smell can mean mold or mildew in the drain line or ducts. A burning smell could indicate an electrical problem. If you notice a strong odor, it’s always best to call an HVAC technician.
Remember, regular AC maintenance can help catch small problems before they turn into big (and expensive) ones.
How do I know when my AC needs replacing?
If your AC isn’t working like it used to, a qualified professional can help you weigh the cost of repairing your AC versus replacing it altogether. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Age of the unit. Most AC systems last around 15 to 20 years. If yours is pushing that limit and repairs are becoming frequent and expensive, replacing it may be the smarter move. Plus, newer models are far more energy-efficient, which can lower your monthly bills. In fact, upgrading to a high-efficiency model can reduce energy costs by up to 20%.
- Cost of repairs. If fixing your AC costs more than 30% of the price of a new system, replacement might be the better long-term investment—especially if other parts are also showing wear.
- Future plans. If you’re planning to move soon, you might want to squeeze a little more life out of your current unit instead of investing in a new one. However, if you’re staying put or looking to boost your home’s resale value, a new AC system can be a great selling point.
Ultimately, an HVAC technician can assess your system and give you honest advice on whether repairing or replacing makes more sense for your home and budget.
West U residential HVAC and AC repair—We do it right the first time!
It’s an unfortunate fact that home service and repair companies are notorious for showing up hours early or late without so much as a phone call, thereby forcing homeowners to change their plans to make sure they’re home. Not at Richmond’s Air.
We hold our contractors to a higher level of customer service than industry standards, which means showing up in a timely manner with a courteous and professional demeanor.
As our customer, you can also expect an accurate diagnosis of the problem, a clear explanation of what needs to be done to fix it, and an accurate free estimate of how much the repairs or service will cost. We also guarantee our work 100% and are proud to be A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau.
Contact Richmond’s Air today to schedule an appointment for AC or HVAC maintenance or repair services in your home.
In the meantime, continue learning about upgrading your HVAC system by checking out the resources below.
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