Top AC Repairs We See in Katy, TX (And How to Avoid Them)

Living in Katy, Texas, AC repairs are common in the summer because of the area’s extreme heat and humidity.

Whether you’re living in Cross Creek Ranch, Cinco Ranch, or a nearby community, your AC system is working hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. But what happens when it suddenly stops working, right when you need it most?

At Castle A/C & Heating, we’ve seen it all. It’s even happened to us!  As a family-owned HVAC company serving Katy and the greater Houston area, we specialize in prompt, reliable air conditioning repair and ac replacement. Yet, part of providing a regal level of service is knowing how to prevent AC breakdowns in the first place.

Below, we’re sharing the top AC repairs we see most often in Katy, Texas to help you steer clear of the most common breakdowns.

ProTip: Preventive maintenance for your AC is the #1 best way to avoid surprise breakdowns. It won’t prevent every mechanical possibility, but it solves the vast majority.

  1. Poor Airflow: A Common AC Repair

Restricted airflow forces your AC to run longer and work harder, which can overheat parts and wear out components like the fan motor and capacitor faster than usual.

Your home may start to feel warm and stuffy, even with the thermostat set low. A clogged air filter, blocked return or supply vents, and/or an exceptionally dirty outdoor unit can all restrict airflow and disrupt the cooling process.

ProTip: Make it a habit to replace your AC’s air filter every three months or let us source a 4” media filter that lasts much longer.

  1. Refrigerant Woes: Too Much or Too Little Is Trouble

Your AC system relies on the right amount of refrigerant to cool your home effectively. Over time, pinhole leaks or improper installation can throw your AC’s internal operations out of balance.

Too little refrigerant often causes the evaporator coil to freeze up. Your AC system can’t cool properly and may run constantly, but never feel cool enough indoors. Eventually, it just feels more and more humid indoors with indoor temperatures creeping higher and higher.

Too much refrigerant, on the other hand, can increase pressure in the system, potentially damaging the compressor or reducing cooling efficiency. It is definitely not a good thing. If refrigerant is added during cooler weather, it can be tricky to get the charge exactly right. This circumstance can lead to overcharging the system, with consequences that become apparent when the weather heats up.

You may have heard about the refrigerant phase out for R-410A, which can make a repair expensive or require replacing your entire system.

ProTip: Schedule an annual AC tune-up for preventative AC maintenance to make sure everything’s operating as it should.

  1. Electrical Part Failures: Small Components, Big Problems

Your AC depends on a range of electrical parts—like capacitors, contactors, and motors—to power the fans and compressor.

These parts can wear out over time or can be damaged during power surges. When a capacitor or fan motor fails, your system can stop cooling or refuse to turn on at all.

The good news is that small components are often a quick and inexpensive fix to get your AC running again. A surge protector for your home and AC unit can also be a good way to prevent unexpected power failures that are all too common during thunderstorms.

ProTip: During a routine AC maintenance visit, we’ll test all these critical components and catch early signs of wear.

  1. Clogged Condensate Drains: A Small Leak with Big Impact

Your AC doesn’t just cool the air indoors, it removes humidity, too. That moisture drains out through a condensate drain line on the outside of your home. Over time, algae and gunk can build up in the drain line, especially during spring, fall, or rainy days when your AC isn’t running as often.

If your system has a float switch, it may shut off the AC to prevent water damage. If it doesn’t, you could end up with water overflowing down your walls, an expensive and stressful headache no one needs.

If you do see water dripping from under the eave of your house, you may have a drain problem and should call your favorite AC company for help. They will clear the drain and treat it to prevent future clogs.

ProTip: If your system doesn’t have a float switch, it’s worth considering. This small sensor can protect your home from serious water damage. If you’re not sure if you have one, ask your AC technician on their next visit. All of our ac installations include float switches to prevent water damage from clogged drains.

  1. Is Your Generator Ready for Hurricane Season?

We heard from many of our Katy neighbors after Hurricane Harvey upset that the flooding and extensive power outages meant no AC for days at a time!  We and many of our neighbors hopped into action and installed whole-home generators to prevent that from happening again.

ProTip: If you have a whole-home generator, now’s the perfect time to get it serviced in case you need it. We can coordinate generator and AC tune-ups in one visit, saving you time and giving you peace of mind when storms inevitably roll through.

Stay Cool, Katy: Schedule Your AC Tune-Up Today

Whether you’re in Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, or right around the corner, Castle A/C & Heating is here to help.