Getting an AC ready for Houston’s heat and humidity is no joke. Fortunately, there are easy things to do to get your home and AC prepped before the intense heat arrives.
We’ve compiled seven must-do spring cleaning and maintenance steps to make it easier to ensure your home and your AC are primed for summer. From snagging local rebates and tax credits on energy efficient heat pumps to scheduling your AC tune-up, these tips will help you save money, improve your comfort indoors, and avoid breakdowns when temperatures soar.
1. Change Air Filters with the Season
A clean air filter ensures smooth airflow, better indoor air quality, and reduced strain on your AC. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends changing air filters regularly.
Replace disposable 1-inch filters every 60–90 days. You may need to replace them monthly if you have pets.
- ProTip: Ask your favorite AC company if installing a 4-inch media filter is a possibility. These specialty air filters installed in-duct, in place of the 1-inch filters, last much longer and do a better job of filtering the air.
2. Schedule Your Spring AC Tune-Up
Beat the summer rush by booking a professional AC tune-up in the spring. A spring AC tune-up has the following benefits:
- Prevents breakdowns: Licensed AC technicians inspect, clean, and test components to catch minor issues before they become costly repairs or annoying breakdowns.
- Boosts efficiency: Cleaning coils and checking refrigerant levels, for example, can lower energy use and utility bills all summer long.
- Extends lifespan: Regular AC maintenance adds longevity to your HVAC system.
Keep in mind that scheduling an AC maintenance visit is different from an AC repair visit.
- ProTip: Ask about a preventative AC maintenance plan because many companies offer discounted tune-ups and priority service before the heat hits. Castle A/C & Heating offers the “Set It and Forget It Assurance Plan” to make it easy to get this essential service on the calendar.
3. Research HVAC Tax Credits & Local Rebates
If you’re eyeing a new, energy-efficient AC system, you could recoup up to $3,200 of your costs through the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit for qualified central air conditioners, heat pumps, and related equipment installed after January 1, 2023.
Locally, our CenterPoint Energy of Houston offers energy efficiency rebates related to installing more efficient AC and heating equipment for homes and businesses.
- ProTip: If you’re in the market for a new heat pump or a very energy efficient central air system, you can stack your savings.
4. Take Advantage of Texas Tax Holidays
Every year, Texas holds tax holidays for a variety of items for emergency preparedness and energy efficiency.
The Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday helps Texans stock up on vital safety items—tax-free—from April 26–28, 2025. If you missed it this year, watch for it next year!
- What’s covered? Batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt), smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, tarps, and even portable generators (under $3,000) qualify for exemption. Access the Texas Comptroller for the full list.
- Why it matters: Houston’s hurricane risk and severe spring storms make it essential to have these emergency supplies on hand.
The ENERGY STAR® Sales Tax Holiday held May 24-26, 2025, over the Memorial Day Holiday weekend offers Texans the ability to purchase certain energy-efficient products and appliances like ceiling fans and dehumidifers without paying tax.
- ProTip: Purchasers can buy certain products during these annual Texas tax holidays. If you pay sales tax on these items during the sales tax holiday, you can ask the seller for a refund of the tax paid.
5. Schedule Regular Pest Control
We have seen plenty of damage to AC equipment, including outdoor units and indoor attic ductwork caused by squirrels, mice, reptiles, insects, and more.
Wiring can be damaged by critters that chew. Nests can clog pipes where exhaust from your heater is venting air, causing it to overheat and shut down. Especially in the spring and fall, we have seen critters looking good places to nest in the attic where they can tear into ductwork. We have also seen damage to condensate drains when rodents are looking for a source of water.
- ProTip: Cleaning up your outdoor environment and regular pest control can discourage these sorts of situations.
6. Landscape Wisely to Protect Your AC
Proper yard care not only beautifies your home but also safeguards your outdoor unit. Make sure there is plenty of space between your outdoor unit and your landscaping. Outdoor units need to breathe to operate properly. Extra space also makes it easier for an AC technician to properly service your AC.
Vining plants that can grow over your outdoor unit or condenser can restrict airflow, which can cause problems. Trim those back or consider planting them in another spot.
If you have large trees, consider trimming any large or weak branches that could come down on your outdoor unit in a windstorm. Spring is a great time to be outside and tackle these important outdoor chores.
7. Schedule Generator Maintenance Before Hurricane Season
If you have a whole home generator, make sure you schedule regular maintenance if you haven’t done that already. With hurricane season officially starting June 1, investing in maintenance will make your generator storm-ready.
- PRO Tip: Did you know that Castle A/C & Heating can maintain, inspect, and service your Generac home generator at the same time as your AC tune-up? Ask us about home generator maintenance if you’re interested.
Get Ready for Spring & Call Us for Regal Service
Ready for service fit for royalty? Contact Castle A/C & Heating today at (713) 667-7606 or book online to schedule your spring AC tune-up, home generator maintenance, or an air conditioning repair.
Count on us to help you keep your Houston area home and business cool, efficient, and storm-ready all season long!
Photo credit: Canva.com / Valentynsemeno
