Few things are as miserable – or as expensive – as a broken air conditioning system that could have been prevented by regular maintenance. Springtime is the perfect time to hire a licensed air conditioning contractor to assess any mechanical issues in your system. Regular maintenance of your system will extend its life and help you avoid expensive health and safety issues.
But before hiring an air conditioning contractor, consumers should check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website (www.tdlr.texas.gov) to make sure the contractor is licensed.
“Hiring a licensed air conditioning contractor helps ensure the safety of your family and property. Checking whether your technician is licensed is an important step in protecting yourself from shoddy and dangerous work,” said TDLR Chief Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Inspector Bill Weatherly.
Once you’ve confirmed that the contractor is licensed through TDLR, here are several things they should be inspecting in your cooling system. At a minimum the contractor should: – Check equipment cabinets for damage or missing panels.
– Check and tighten compressor, fan motor, contactor and control panel terminations.
– Check compressor crankcase heater (if applicable) for proper operation.
– Lubricate condenser fan motor and indoor blower motor bearings (if applicable).
– Check alignment, tension and condition of indoor blower belt(s) (if applicable).
– Check and clean condenser coils.
– Check and clean evaporator coil, condensate drain pan, and condensate line for free flow. Add biocide pan tabs to condensate pan.
– Check air filters and replace as necessary.
– Start Indoor Blower and perform static pressure test to ensure proper air flow.
– Start cooling cycle and check for refrigerant leaks.
– Check system for proper refrigerant charge, trim charge as necessary.
– Make operating log of all temperatures, pressures, voltages, and amperages.
– Submit a written report to the customer and report any uncorrected deficiencies. About TDLR TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 38 business and occupational licensing programs with almost 1,000,000 licensees across the state.
Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.