Essential AC Repair Tips for Common Issues

AC Repair: 3 Common Problems When Your Air Conditioner Blows Hot Air

It might happen gradually, over several months, with very few indications that demand attention. Or it might happen suddenly, overnight, or during the day while everyone is away. When it happens, the home, which should be as cool as ever, is very hot and very humid. The sudden turn of events can be quite frustrating and confusing. After the initial shock, it is time to take action and solve the problem. Are you ready for this?

First, find the air conditioner contractor that seems the most natural to you. That might be:

The contractor whom you use the most often, for maintenance and repairs
The contractor whose name and contact information is attached to the air conditioner/furnace components

Before making a call, do some inspections and make some observations.

Here are the most common issues that cause air conditioning systems to continue to function but blow hot air.

AC Repair 1: A Clogged Air Filter

Even though air filters are mentioned often by manufacturers, contractors, and the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners continue to neglect this essential action. Here is why air filters are so important.

Just beyond the air filter is a chamber where cold refrigerant gas meets the hot, humid air from the home combine. The humidity condenses on the tubes and drains away. The air quickly cools and is transported back into the home—mission accomplished.
Air filters are very efficient, removing dust, pollen, and dander with every cooling and heating cycle. When the filter is not changed regularly, at least every three months, sufficient dust collects, enough to reduce the air flow through the air conditioner.
When insufficient air passes into this chamber, it produces great stress on the whole system. The refrigerant in the tubes remains cold, but cooling does not move into the home.

Replace the air filter and observe whether cool air moves into the home. Remember to change the air filter on a quarterly basis.

AC Repair 2: Refrigerant Leak

This is a more complex problem. The refrigerant is a chemical formula that readily changes from gas to liquid, and in the process readily accepts, transports, and releases heat. This refrigerant is always under pressure, whether as a gas or liquid. The slightest flaw in the pipe or pinhole in the soldered joints can allow the refrigerant to leak out quite quickly. Evidence of a refrigerant leak includes:

The loss of refrigerant often causes ice to develop around the tubes containing refrigerant
Ice can develop inside or outside
If you miss the ice, it will melt away. If the ice melts indoors, you might observe a watery mess, perhaps enough to cause some localized water damage.

It takes training and certification to handle refrigerants, so there is nothing a homeowner can do.

AC Repair 3: A Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat, located on an inside wall away from the sun, can cause problems that end cooling from the air conditioner. Here are some things to observe.

Look at the thermostat face for a “Low Battery” indication
Look at the thermostat face for the temperature; it will be the largest number on the thermostat. It will probably be uncomfortably high for the inside of a home.
Look at the thermostat face for the temperature setting. This setting should be much lower than the indicated temperature. If the setting is too high, move it to a lower setting and observe whether the temperature returns to normal—cool.
Look at the thermostat face to ensure the thermostat is set on COOL.

Before calling the AC repair technician, determine the age of the system components. This can be determined by the model/serial number plate. Knowing the age of the system will be very helpful for anyone making an AC repair.

When your AC is blowing hot air, the problem could be a simple fix or a serious issue. This article breaks down three common problems—a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty thermostat—that can stop your system from cooling. By understanding these issues, you can troubleshoot the problem yourself or be more informed when you call for professional AC repair.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC repair College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

August 21, 2025

Understanding Your HVAC System Summer Stress

Is Your HVAC System Failing? Spotting the Signs of Trouble Before It’s Too Late

To paraphrase Thomas Paine, “these are the times that try” your HVAC system; months of very hot, humid days, interspersed with a few weeks of heat waves with extremely hot temperatures. Such extreme temperatures put stress on your HVAC system and expose any weakness in key components. It is no wonder that AC repairs and AC replacements peak during the months of July and August.

Common HVAC System Repairs Needed During These Times

Air Filter Changes. The efficiency of air filters in cleaning indoor air is also problematic. When the filter becomes completely covered, it restricts the airflow that can pass through. Airflow is very necessary for air conditioning, so when the amount of air is reduced, it reduces the amount of cooling an air conditioner can achieve. This becomes very evident during hot summer days. Make sure to change the air filter quarterly.

Evaporator Buildup. The air passes through the air filter and across the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is very cold, so excess humidity from indoor air begins to condense on the coil and drip onto the drain pan, and is allowed to drain away. Any dust or pollen that passes the air filter is likely to collect on the evaporator coils and create a wet mess. The wet dust and pollen inhibit the transfer of the heat from the air and the cool from the coils. The mess needs to be cleaned away.

Condenser Coating. The outdoor air conditioner component is called the condenser unit. While the walls appear solid, they are actually a network of tubes and fins. A large, central fan draws air through the network to cool the refrigerant gas inside. The network acts as another air filter, since pollen, dust, and debris get captured on the tubes and fins. These things need to be washed off of the condenser walls to ensure adequate cooling can take place.

Electrical Weakness. An air conditioner is controlled by very sensitive sensors and switching devices. Common air conditioner use wears these control mechanisms. Eventually, the wear weakens their ability to sense and direct electrical flow. Component weakness reduces an air conditioner’s effectiveness when the family needs air conditioning the most. Special tools and a trained individual is required to detect problems with air conditioner controls.

Some problems that may occur with your air conditioner:

Poor airflow
Smell air coming from vents and excessive dust
Poor cooling performance
Loud or unusual noises
Water leaking from the air handler cabinet
Ice buildup on indoor or outdoor components
Hot spots that don’t get enough cooling
Water leaking from the air conditioner

Call our trusted technicians to inspect and make repairs. Do not delay, since the demand for AC repairs may mean waiting for an available technician. Remember, these problems will not go away by themselves and can get worse over time.

Protect Your Comfort and Your Wallet: Essential Care for Your HVAC System by Mullinix AC

It’s clear that your HVAC system is under immense pressure during peak summer heat, and ignoring the warning signs can lead to major, costly breakdowns. By being proactive and addressing common issues like dirty filters and coils, you can prevent small problems from becoming emergencies. Don’t wait until your system fails completely; a timely repair can restore your home’s comfort and keep your HVAC system running efficiently all season long.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC repair College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

July 25, 2025

Choose Mullinix AC for Expert AC Repair

From Panic to Plan: Navigating Your Next AC Repair

Coming home from work or waking up to a failing HVAC system can leave a homeowner with several moments of initial panic and frustration. The most likely outcome might appear to be a lengthy, uncomfortable wait and/or an expensive AC repair or AC replacement. After the initial adrenaline rush passes, take a deep breath and begin an investigation of potential problems. Then, you can determine solutions and the best way forward.

Recognizing Potential AC Repair Issues

If the system has no power and will not come on, check for these possibilities first:

Check the circuit breaker panel. You have probably needed to access this panel before. Identify the breaker marked Air Conditioner or AC. Is it in the ON or OFF position? If it is in the OFF position, turn it completely OFF and then turn it completely ON. Wait a few minutes to let the system recover; a cooling cycle should begin in the first five minutes.
If the circuit flips OFF again, do not flip it again. The breaker is a safety device, and something dangerous is causing the breaker to trip.
If the circuit is ON, but the air conditioner is not completing cooling cycles, check the thermostat. The thermostat is the ON/OFF switch, using a temperature sensor to call for cooling. Is the setting turned to COOL? Is the temperature setting at least 5 degrees warmer than the room temperature? After changing the settings, a cooling cycle should begin in about five minutes.
If neither of these solutions restores cooling, place a call to your trusted AC contractor.

If the system has power but is not producing cool air, look for these problems first:

Check the air filter. A dirty filter can diminish airflow into the air handler cabinet, reducing the cooling capacity of the system. If the filter is dirty, replace it, wait five minutes, and monitor the thermostat for any changes.
If the air filter does not appear to be the issue, begin making observations. Is the system buzzing loudly? Notice the location, turn the system OFF, and do not touch anything. This prevents further damage to the air conditioner and any harm to you.
Observe any pooling water or ice built up on the tubing; don’t forget to check the condenser unit outdoors, the air handler indoors, and the tubing that travels between the two components. If this tubing is covered by wall or ceiling, look for any wet spots in the drywall. Do not try to remove the ice, since this can cause further damage. Dry up any standing or leaking water to prevent further damage to home surfaces. Turn the system off and call a technician.

Further AC Repair Observations

There are some basic bits of information that can help you and your AC repair technician.

Determine the brand(s) of the major components. The condenser unit and the air handler portions of the air conditioning system are usually manufactured by the same company, but strange things happen. Document what you see.
Find the Serial Number/Model Number plate on components, specifically the condenser and indoor cabinets. Armed with this information, you can determine the year of manufacture and probably the size of the equipment. The year of manufacture can help determine how long the system has been in service. The size will be expressed in Tonnage measurement, which seems odd, since the equipment is made of aluminum and is generally quite lightweight. However, these figures will be very helpful to the technician who services, repairs, or replaces your equipment.

Mullinix AC: Your Go-To for Expert AC Repair in College Station

When faced with an unexpected AC repair issue, a calm and methodical approach to troubleshooting can often identify simple fixes. However, for complex problems or when safety is a concern, professional AC repair is essential to prevent further damage and restore your comfort. For reliable and expert AC repair services in the College Station, Texas area, trust the experienced technicians at Mullinix AC to get your system running smoothly again.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC repair College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

July 23, 2025

Homeowner’s Guide to AC Replacement

AC Replacement: Key Factors to Consider for Your Family Budget

Making decisions that affect the family budget requires some very necessary skills, especially decisions that concern big-ticket items. For most families, replacing the air conditioner/furnace system would be considered a big-ticket purchase. The AC replacement decision requires some significant research to ensure that replacing the system is done at just the right time. Research the following:

The Age of the Existing System

Why is this important?

The typical air conditioner system has a useful life of between 15 and 20 years, while the typical furnace lasts about 20 years. If your system is older than this, it is running on borrowed time.
The typical air conditioner experiences a pretty predictable schedule of problems with performance, requiring similar repairs and replacements. The gaps between the repairs may vary, but the progression is very familiar to experienced technicians.
A common repair is a very small leak that allows the refrigerant gas to escape. If the pressure begins to drop, all the gas will escape, since it is under pressure. Replacing the refrigerant used to be an easy fix, but that is not currently the case. The US Environmental Protection Agency has been researching/replacing the formula of refrigerant gases regularly, seeking a solution that is environmentally friendly. Several gases are no longer being manufactured, so the available quantities are extremely limited. This makes refrigerant gas replacement a very expensive proposition. The age of your existing system will determine which refrigerant was used and the availability of the gas needed for replacement.

A homeowner can find the approximate age of air conditioning components by finding the serial/model number plate. The manufacturer’s website should identify the year the component was manufactured, which is close to the installation year. This will also identify the refrigerant gas used and the size/capacity of the unit.

Assess the Performance and Efficiency of the Existing System

Does the air conditioner struggle to keep the space cool during normal summer heat? This will become very apparent during those heat waves that come each summer, but an air conditioner that is performing poorly will struggle year-round.
Does the air conditioner struggle to remove humidity? Are surfaces, including human skin, sticky?
Does the electric bill indicate that the system is working harder than it should? Find this out by comparing the bills for July over the last three years. Don’t pay much attention to the total; look at the energy-use over successive years. The price of energy has increased, but if the energy use has risen without the introduction of a new high-use device to the home, the air conditioner may be using more energy than necessary to keep up with cooling needs.
Has the amount of dust increased? A sure sign of poor air conditioner performance is poor indoor air quality.

Compare Repair Bills on the Existing System

Collect any repair bills that have accumulated and check:

All repairs over the last few years. No single repair bill might be considered excessive, but the total of the repairs might be higher than desired.
Have you replaced the same components several times? This is part of the predictable progression of an aging system.
Are you facing the replacement of a major (expensive) component? The total for replacement/repair might be high enough to rival the cost of replacement of the entire system.

Is it Time? Decoding the AC Replacement Decision

Deciding when to replace your AC and furnace system is a significant financial consideration for any family. By carefully assessing your existing system’s age, performance, efficiency, and accumulated repair costs, you can make an informed decision that protects your budget and ensures your home’s comfort. When it’s time to explore your AC replacement options or if you need expert advice on your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to reach out. For reliable AC Replacement in College Station and guidance on AC replacement, contact R.M. Mullinix today.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC replacement College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

June 26, 2025

AC Repair College Station

AC Repair College Station: Understanding Refrigerant Leaks

One of the most damaging and costly air conditioner malfunctions is the loss of refrigerant. A tiny leak is all it takes to cause the loss of all the refrigerant. Here is how it happens:

The air conditioner compressor squeezes the refrigerant gas to about 400 psi. This causes the gas to heat very quickly.
When the pressure is released, the gas cools rapidly. Warm air from the home blows over the tubes containing cool gas, resulting in cooler air returning to the home.
However, when gas begins to leak from the closed loop of refrigerant, the compressor motor continues to squeeze the gas. Since the amount of gas is lessened, the compressed gas becomes much hotter, hot enough to damage the compressor motor. When the compressed gas is released, it becomes much colder than normal, causing ice to form from water that typically condenses and drains away.
Not only will replacing the compressor motor be very expensive, but the refrigerant gas is also very expensive. In some cases, the gas may not be available at all, requiring the entire system to be replaced.

A “tiny leak” can have major consequences, so it is important to make repairs before the small problem becomes a large problem.

AC Repair College Station: What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?

There are three major causes for refrigerant leaks.

Poor or improper installation. These problems usually happen soon after installation and the loss of refrigerant is often rapid.
Vibration or movement. When objects impact the tubes that carry refrigerant, it can loosen joints or damage the tubes. Movement can create obvious damage, but it can also create microfractures at the joints.
After years of air conditioner use, wear and tear can create tiny leaks in joints or in components that carry the refrigerant, such as the evaporator coil or condenser.

AC Repair College Station: Best Practices to Prevent Leaks

The two best steps to avoid refrigerant leaks are:

Purchase high-quality equipment and insist on high-quality installers. This makes sure the installation is done correctly.
Schedule regular (annual) maintenance by trained professionals. When a leak is detected early, it can be repaired before the loss damages major components.

AC Repair College Station: Repairing A Refrigerant Leak

When a tiny leak is detected in time to prevent the loss of all of the refrigerant, the repair steps are rather simple and predictable.

The leak is detected when a drop in refrigerant gas pressure is noticed during regular maintenance or repair.
The location of the leak must be found. If the gas is still leaking, the process is easier. If all the gas has leaked away, finding the leak is a little harder.
The leak can be repaired with a special sealant, a patch to the tubing, or the repair of soldered joints. Leaks in components, such as the condenser or evaporator coil might be difficult.
When the technician is assured that all leaks have been repaired, the system is vacuumed to ensure gas purity, and the system is recharged with fresh gas.

AC Repair College Station: Keep Your Cool by Preventing Costly Leaks

A refrigerant leak might start small, but as we’ve seen, it can snowball into a major headache for your AC system and your wallet. From damaging your compressor motor to necessitating a complete system replacement, the consequences of ignoring a leak can be severe. The best defense against costly refrigerant leaks is a good offense: investing in high-quality equipment and installation and, crucially, scheduling annual professional AC maintenance. Early detection can save you from a complete system breakdown and ensure your College Station home stays cool and comfortable.

Don’t wait for your AC to completely give up; proactive AC Repair College Station care is the key to a long-lasting and efficient cooling system.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our AC Repair College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

June 15, 2025

AC’s Predictable Path: From Installation to AC Replacement

The Lifecycle of Your AC: What to Expect from Installation to AC Replacement

When writing about air conditioning systems, we often misuse terms such as “life cycle” or “useful life.” These are mechanical systems and, therefore are not alive. But air conditioners last for 15 to 20 years, and every system will follow a predictable pattern of use, wear, and decline. Therefore, the terms bring to mind similarities to actual living things, and help to illustrate a cycle of use duplicated with every AC system. It looks like this:

AC Installation

Whether an air conditioner is being installed in a new home or is replacing an existing system, it starts out in the same way.

The system uses the very best, state-of-the-art technology available at the price the homeowner is willing to pay.
It uses the most ecologically friendly refrigerant available on the market.
The cooling needs differ when the outdoor temperature is at 100 degrees rather than 80 degrees. Technology is available to increase the system’s efficiency, such as variable speed motors.
Homeowners can choose the efficiency level of the new system. Air conditioner efficiency is rated using a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER. New systems are available with SEER ratings between 15 and 22: high-efficiency systems will cost a little more.

Every air conditioner is designed to perform four basic functions: cooling, removing humidity, moving air to keep it fresh, and filtering out contaminants.

Years One to Seven

These are the most energy and cost-effective years for any air conditioning system, with very few problems or repairs needed. A few things about this stretch that are similar with every system include:

Micro wear and tear happen every time a cooling cycle happens. This is happening to both mechanical parts, like the blower motor, and electrical parts, like switches and capacitors.
All air conditioning systems need regular maintenance and quarterly air filter changes. Many of the maintenance functions are cleaning the collection of contaminants from vulnerable parts. They also detect significant wear and allow early replacement of a component before trouble arises. Significant repairs are very rare during these early years.

These simple steps give the best possible chance of lasting for years to come.

Years Eight to Fourteen

All the features of the first seven years continue into the second seven years. (There is nothing significant about the number of years, just a generalization.) However,

More years mean more cooling cycles, and more cooling cycles mean more wear and tear
The aging system will continue to lose efficiency. This might be discernible on the utility bill.
The aging system will begin to perform poorly, creating hot spots that never seem to get cool.
During this period, minor repairs are much more likely
During this period, a major repair is also much more likely.
Wear can cause a cascade effect. If one electrical part weakens, it can put stress on other parts upstream or downstream from the weak one.

Years Fifteen and Beyond and Leading to AC Replacement

All the features of the first fourteen years continue into the final years. (Again, there is nothing significant about the number of years, just a generalization.) Many factors enter a decision for AC replacement, but age is the most important.

Wear and tear will eventually lead to a decrease in efficiency and performance.
A major repair will be needed, and the technician will reveal the cost of repairs to rival the cost of replacement. At this stage, the decision must be made to repair an expensive part on an old air conditioning system or replace the entire system with a new, efficient, state-of-the-art air conditioner.

Every air conditioning system is somewhere on this cycle.

Understanding your AC system’s lifecycle is a powerful tool for any homeowner, especially in College Station’s demanding climate. By recognizing the predictable patterns of wear and decline, you can move from reactive repairs to proactive planning. Staying on top of regular maintenance and filter changes can extend your unit’s healthy years, but eventually, factors like decreasing efficiency, poor performance, and costly major repairs will signal it’s time for an AC replacement. Being prepared for this transition will not only save you money and headaches in the long run but also ensure your home remains a cool, comfortable, and healthy sanctuary for years to come.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC replacement services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page

May 23, 2025

Decoding AC Repair: What These 10 Symptoms Mean

Don’t Ignore These AC Repair Warning Signs

Since you rely upon the home’s air conditioning system all summer long, it is important for you to recognize the difference between normal and abnormal air conditioning functions. Armed with this knowledge, you can catch problems while they are going sideways before they begin sliding downhill. The indications are clear signs that trouble is ahead.

Warm Air. The air coming from the air conditioner should be in the 40-to-55-degree Fahrenheit range. When the air is much warmer than this, the air conditioning function is failing. First, check the air filter. If changing the air filter does not restore cold air, make a call to your HVAC technician.
Humid Air. Warm air is usually associated with humid air, since the process of making the air cooler leads to removing moisture from the indoor air. If the indoor air is just as humid as the outdoor air, it should generate a call to our AC repair technician team.
Weak Cool Air. If the air coming from the air conditioner is cool enough, but it is not a plentiful supply, there is a problem in the making. First, check the air filter. If changing the air filter does not restore the normal air flow, make a call to our AC repair technician team.
Smelly Air. The air conditioner should circulate the available air in the home. If the air in the home is not smelly, but the air coming from the vent smells spoiled or musty, it needs to be addressed quickly to avoid triggering breathing problems for occupants.
Noisy Air. If the air conditioner begins to make loud or unusual noises, often a screeching or grinding noise associated with failing blower motor bearings, it should elicit a call to your favorite HVAC technician. This noise will not go away on its own. It will get worse until the blower motor fails.
Uneven Air. If the air in one room is much hotter than other parts of the home, it indicates a weakness developing in the air conditioner’s performance. Upstairs spaces, or spaces at the end of long runs of ductwork, are most likely to be hotter than the rest of the home. A weakened air conditioner will not get better over time, so make the call to a technician.
Leaking Water. Finding a puddle near the outdoor condenser unit or the indoor air handler closet is a trouble sign. It could be a simple fix or it could be quite problematic, but either way, it needs to be addressed. This problem will not go away on its own, so call our AC repair technician team.
Unusual AC cycles. You are familiar with the way your air conditioner runs under normal circumstances. During extremely hot weather, the cooling cycles may run a little longer than normal—that is to be expected. But if the air conditioner cycles very quickly or takes much longer than normal, even under normal conditions, it is sending a “Help me!” signal, so get our AC repair professionals involved.
Settings Do Not Reflect Reality. The ON/OFF switch for your air conditioner is the thermostat; you are most likely familiar with how it works. If the settings on the thermostat do not reflect your indoor experience, it will need to be corrected by our AC repair technician team. Make the call.
Unpleasant News in the Mail. If your electric utility bill skyrockets suddenly and unexpectedly, it may indicate that your poor ol’ air conditioning system is trying real hard to do what you request, but its inefficiency is requiring more energy (and more money). This is a problem that will not suddenly get better, so call our AC repair technician team.

Is Your AC Acting Up? It’s Time to Call a Mullinix AC Repair Technician

Your air conditioner often shows clear warning signs when it’s struggling, from blowing warm or humid air to making unusual noises or causing skyrocketing energy bills. Recognizing issues like reduced airflow, uneven cooling, or water leaks early can prevent minor problems from escalating into costly breakdowns. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s crucial to contact our team of qualified AC repair technicians promptly to diagnose and address the issue before it worsens.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC repair services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

May 23, 2025

7 Most Common AC Repair Problems

Essential AC Repair Issues for South Texas Homeowners

The comfort of homes in South Texas depends, in a large part, on the central air conditioner system. The cooling and dehumidifying that an air conditioner accomplishes make a home more comfortable and healthier, a place of respite from the heat and humidity of summer. Since the system is complex, it is necessary to depend on a qualified technician. It is also helpful to be aware of the most common repairs needed for air conditioning systems.

Clogged air filters. A filter is placed in the ductwork, near the evaporator chamber at the base of the cabinet. This filter collects dust, dander, mold spores, bacteria, and large viruses. After a few months, the collection is sufficient to prevent airflow and inhibit cooling. It is necessary to change the air filter frequently, at least every three months.
Thermostat care. While portions of the air conditioner system require high voltage, the thermostat runs on battery power. Batteries, of course, need to be changed occasionally; changing batteries annually is recommended.
A dirty condenser unit. The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called the condenser. The central fan draws a tremendous amount of air through the sides of the unit, consisting of a network of tubes and fins. The tubes contain hot refrigerant gas which needs to be cooled, hence the air moving through them. When dirt, dust, and lawn debris coat the outside of the network, cooling is inhibited. A dirty condenser can lead to catastrophic failure, so it needs to be clean annually.
A dirty evaporator coil. Inside the air conditioner cabinet is the opposite end of the refrigerant tube network. Here, the refrigerant is cooler than the inside air, collecting heat and humidity from the air from inside. Whenever contaminants—dust, dander, etc.—come into contact with the wet coils, they adhere to the evaporator coils. This inhibits the transfer of heat from the home to the evaporator coil. This needs to be cleaned away as well, annual cleaning is recommended.
Electrical stress. The air conditioner system is controlled by a complex network of sensors, switches, and control mechanisms, called capacitors. These electrical components wear and stress over time, and this might cause the parts to buzz loudly. Knowing how to test and replace these parts requires specialized equipment and training.
Leaking Freon. The refrigerant gas, Freon, is kept under pressure at all times, so even a pinhole in the tubing will result in the gas leaking from the network. Repairing this problem requires locating/repairing the hole and replacing the leaked refrigerant. The loss of refrigerant will result in a loss of cooling capacity and can lead to the (Freon) compressor motor overheating. Replacing the compressor is a very expensive repair; replacement might be a better financial decision.
Compressor failure. Age, refrigerant loss, and a dirt condenser can result in the compressor motor overheating. As stated above, this is a very expensive repair.

Making timely AC repair to your HVAC system is a necessary care step for responsible homeowners. Be sure to establish a relationship with a trusted HVAC technician to ensure repairs are made in a timely manner.

Don’t Get Summer AC Woes: Call Mullinix AC Repair for all of your AC Repair Needs

South Texas homeowners rely on their AC systems for comfort and health, but complex systems often face issues like clogged filters, dirty coils, or Freon leaks. While some basic maintenance can be done, many problems require specialized knowledge and equipment. For timely, expert AC repair and to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently, it’s essential to establish a relationship with a trusted HVAC technician like Mullinix AC Repair.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC repair services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

April 24, 2025

AC Replacement: Understanding the Signals Your Air Conditioner Sends

Old Friends & Old ACs: Knowing When It’s Time for an AC Replacement

“April showers bring May flowers,” according to English poet Thomas Tusser. It also means that the long cooling season has begun. For the next several months, your residential air conditioning system will be a close family friend. There are some remarkable similarities between a friend and an air conditioner. Consider these:

You might have an old air conditioner friend. How many years have you been depending on your air conditioner’s service? Old air conditioners range between 15 and 20 years old; relying on too many years past this mark might lead to an emergency AC replacement.

Check the serial/model number plate on your condenser unit. If the manufacture year is not on the plate, take the numbers to the manufacturer’s website and look up the year. Don’t expect too many more years beyond the typical lifespan of service.

Keeping an old friend around for a long time usually requires frequent updates and care. This is also true with your air conditioner friend. The US Department of Energy, every HVAC system manufacturer, and all HVAC professionals recommend an annual inspection and cleaning by a trained technician. Set some calendar prompts to remind yourself to change the air filter quarterly. It’s the little things that mean so much.

5 Tips to Know When It’s Time for an AC Replacement

Air conditioners communicate if you take the time to listen you can tell if it is time for an AC replacement.

When you skip maintenance, even changing the air filter quarterly, they express dissatisfaction by failing to cool the home properly. A clogged air filter restricts air flow, and air conditioners really need the air to be moving through the air handler closet. If you notice that it is not as cool as normal, check the air filter first.
Air conditioners make recognizable sounds to communicate stress. No words are involved, but you might notice a few discernible sounds. The normal cooling cycle might be short and frequent, or the cooling cycle may be much longer than normal. The latter is understandable during periods of extreme heat, but if the cooling cycle is different than normal, it may be a cry for help (or maintenance, at least).
Other unusual sounds from a disgruntled air conditioner might include load buzzing (an electrical component nearing failure) and loud thumping or grinding noises (indicative of a blower motor problem).
Tears may result from years of neglect. An oft-ignored function of air conditioners is removing humidity from the indoor air; each day, several gallons of water condense and drain away. However, the water can collect debris or grow algae enough to clog the drain line. With nowhere else to go, it spills out onto the surrounding floor. What a mess! It can cause real damage.
When the situation is really bad, the evaporator coil or compressor motor may ice up. This usually results from a refrigerant leak. When the Freon in the closed network of pipes is suddenly released, it drops to about 400 Fahrenheit, cold enough to cool an entire house. When some Freon leaks, the suddenly released Freon drops below freezing, causing the condensing water to freeze. Eventually, the whole evaporator coil is surrounded by a block of ice. A similar freezing can happen outside on the compressor motor for the very same reason.

Treat your air conditioner like a good friend. Give it the care that it needs to thrive. Pay attention to the communication it sends to you. Learn to hear when it is time for an AC replacement.

Cooler Comfort Ahead: Knowing When It’s Time for AC Replacement

The analogy of a friendship to highlight the importance of caring for your air conditioning system, noting that like an aging friend, an old AC unit (15-20 years) may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Air conditioners communicate problems through reduced cooling, unusual noises, leaks, and icing, which can be signs that it might be time for an AC replacement.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC maintenance services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.

April 16, 2025

AC Maintenance: Lower Bills, Better Performance

Avoid the Heat: How AC Maintenance Prevents Breakdowns

Home! It is a place of belonging, where the people and things that surround you seem so comfortable and welcoming. The comfort that derives from familiar spaces includes the cool of air conditioning during hot, humid summer months. The relief we experience when walking inside from blazing heat often results in an audible sigh and a slight smile on our faces. Even the sound of cooling cycles blends into the background noises of our lives.

Now, imagine the change in our attitude and comfort level should the air conditioner system suddenly fail. To avoid this unfortunate possibility, your system needs regular preventative maintenance.

Consider simple maintenance on a vehicle. No one can perceive the loss of rubber from tires or brake depth with each trip, but we know it is happening. The same process happens with an air conditioning system; very slight wear and tear happens with each cooling cycle. It might not be perceptible, but it is surely happening. For this reason, air conditioner maintenance is important.

AC Maintenance Focuses on Cleaning

Dust and airborne particles cause significant problems for air conditioning systems.

The air filter captures dust, pollen, and dander inside the home. A very powerful blower motor draws all the inside air through one duct, and the air is filtered before it returns to the home. If unchanged, the filter becomes so encrusted that air has a hard time passing through it. Since the air conditioner requires air movement, a clogged filter will prevent the air conditioner from cooling properly. It also makes the air conditioner work much harder than necessary.
The outside corollary to the air filter is the condenser unit. The walls of the condenser are made of a network of coiled tubes. The hollow interior contains a huge fan that draws air through the tubes to cool the hot refrigerant inside. Pollen, dust, and debris, such as grass clippings, collect on and in the tube network, making it harder for air to get through. Cleaning this away is essential.
An interior area that also needs cleaning is the evaporator chamber. In this area, dust combines with moisture—what a mess. The coils get coated, and the drain pan collects this mixture.
The ductwork can also collect large amounts of dust, and the network needs to be cleaned on occasion.

AC Maintenance Focuses on Performance

An air conditioning system is a fine network of electrical, mechanical, and chemical components.

The electrical current ranges from 220V to 24V. It takes specialized equipment and training to know the difference between the wiring. The current determines which setting to put the tester on and where to attach the probes, and that takes proper training.
Checking the refrigerant level also takes specialized training. Can you locate the valve? Handling Freon gas, the gas that accomplishes heat transfer, requires certification by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Certain switches and sensors are more susceptible to wear than others. Knowing which connection points to check comes from training and experience. In addition, electrical problems in one location can lead to a cascade effect of stress and failure. Knowing where to look downstream is also important training.
When a part needs to be replaced, it will take skill and training to make the repairs properly. When the air conditioning system reaches the end of its life and needs to be replaced, this takes even more specialized training and equipment.

Maximize Your AC’s Efficiency with Regular AC Maintenance From Mullinix AC and Heating

This article emphasizes the importance of regular AC maintenance to prevent system failures and maintain home comfort. It highlights how dust and airborne particles can compromise AC cleaning components like filters, condenser units, and ductwork. The article also explains that AC systems have electrical, mechanical, and chemical components that require professional attention for optimal performance.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our College Station AC maintenance services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC repair and maintenance information page.