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.

March 28, 2025

Commercial AC Repair College Station

Avoid the Heat: Commercial AC Repair in College Station

The level of commercial and business in College Station would be impossible without air conditioning. There is not enough gentle breeze during the summer months to cool multi-storied buildings or the vast expanses of warehouse or manufacturing space. The city of College Station rates high in the number of hours of air conditioning per day (17.9 hours), and air conditioning is required for about 9 months out of the year. Commerce is unimaginable without AC.

If you find your business without air conditioning this summer, it might seem overwhelming.

It will be hard for a business to invite customers and clients to a hot, steamy location
It will be hard for customers and clients to come to a hot, steamy location
It will be hard to convince loyal staff to come to a hot, steamy location

However, trying to “weather the storm” is not the time to panic; it takes some reasoned and measured steps, including these.

Prepare ahead with a relationship with a commercial HVAC contractor. Being a regular customer provides a distinct advantage in these situations. An emergency call from a valued client generally elicits a quick response. Do not ignore this relationship.

Assess the problem carefully.

Is the problem localized, or does it extend to the entire facility?

If it is localized, examine the space for covered vents or returns. Perhaps rearranging furniture or fixtures has inadvertently obscured the opening and has reduced airflow through the air conditioning system.
If the entire space is affected, start by checking the circuit breakers. Commercial electric service panels are usually larger than those found in personal residences, but they should be very well-marked. Often, large components will have breakers as part of the safety features, so check the air handlers as well. If you find a tripped breaker, turn it completely to the OFF position and push it back to the ON Position. If the system is restored to power, you might have some respite. Be watchful since the breaker may trip again. Either way, call the HVAC technician to ensure the system continues to function properly.
If the breaker(s) has not tripped, next check the controls. Commercial facilities may have thermostats or may have HVAC control software. Ensure that the control has power, whether batteries or power from the electrical system. Restoring power to the controls may restore the system and give everyone some relief. Either way, call the HVAC technician to ensure the system performs as designed.

While waiting for the emergency visit from your preferred air conditioning technician:

Open windows if possible.
Use all available fans.

Moving air does not make the air cooler, but it does facilitate evaporation on the skin. This will make people feel cooler, so try to make people as comfortable as possible. Make sure you communicate well with staff and customers.

The key step, though, is to schedule regular preventative maintenance visits with the commercial HVAC contractor. Maintenance is the best way to prevent breakdowns before they happen and keep everyone comfortable and healthy. This step prevents costly interruptions in business and preserves your stellar reputation for customer service.

The Cost of No AC: Keeping Your College Station Business Cool with Quality Commercial AC Repair from RM Mullinix

In College Station’s intense heat, a functional AC system is essential for business operations, customer comfort, and employee productivity. By establishing a strong relationship with a commercial AC repair contractor and implementing regular preventative AC maintenance, businesses can avoid costly disruptions and maintain a comfortable environment. Ultimately, proactive AC care protects a business’s reputation and ensures its continued success in the challenging Texas climate.

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

March 19, 2025

Beat the Texas Heat: Essential AC Maintenance Tips for Summer

Keep Your Cool: Simple AC Maintenance for Peak Summer Performance

If you ask Texans, most will admit they hate the cold that Northern states experience more than the heat of Texas summers. The primary reason for this is the magnificent relief that comes from air conditioning; air conditioning in the car, at work, and at home. The only way to ensure your air conditioner performs well all summer long is to give it some gentle care. Here are a few care tips for your air conditioner.

Celebrate a Birthday

Do you know how old your air conditioner is this year? The average AC units last about 15 to 20 years. Knowing the age of the unit can help a homeowner determine how many summers of cooling are expected before replacement.

Give the Gift . . .

What do you give an air conditioner? Every air conditioner is longing for a good preventative maintenance visit by a trained HVAC technician. This spring give the gift that helps all summer long. The technician will:

Check the refrigerant level. The refrigerant is responsible for moving heat from inside the house to outside. The refrigerant is a gas that is compressed and released repeatedly during each cooling cycle. The transfer of heat requires the gas pressure to be quite consistent. Even a small leak will allow all the gas to escape; the technician will be able to detect whether the gas is escaping.
Test the sensors and switches. The air conditioner relies on a series of sensors and switches to recognize slight temperature changes, yet power high-voltage components. These electrical controls experience significant wear over time; catching small problems before they become big problems is a gift.
A thorough cleaning. Technicians know where to look to find the most troubling dust and grime.

Prepare the Condenser

The outdoor portion of the air conditioner is called the condenser unit. The heat from inside the house is released through the condenser. The walls of the unit are made of thin tubes and fins, and a large fan pulls air through the network of tubes to cool the gas inside. However, the air that is pulled through the network is loaded with dirt, pollen, mold spores, and even lawn clippings. This sticky concoction coats the tubes and inhibits the movement of heat—bad news for the condenser.

The covers for the condenser can be removed with a screwdriver
After removing the cover, use a garden hose to gently wash the dirt away; wash it until the water is clean.
Return the cover. This cleaning should be an annual event.
A condenser needs 2’ of clearance in all directions. Make sure shrubs and ornamental grasses are trimmed. Remove leaves, pine needles, and any debris that might blow around the unit.

Unwrap the Vents

An air conditioner requires the movement of lots of air: the entire volume of the home travels through the air conditioner about every two minutes during a cooling cycle. When furniture, clothes, or drapes cover the return air or supply vents, it restricts the airflow and reduces the system’s effectiveness. Make sure to do an occasional walk-through to ensure everything is free of coverings.

Don’t Forget

One of the most frequent reasons for service calls, oddly enough, is . . . to change an air filter. A clogged filter restricts the airflow and reduces the efficiency of the air conditioner. It also places great strain on the blower motor; it faithfully keeps trying to move air despite the difficulty.

R.M. Mullinix’s Guide to AC Maintenance: Surviving the Texas Heat

By implementing these simple yet vital AC maintenance steps, Texans can confidently face the summer heat with a reliable and efficient cooling system. From understanding your AC’s age and investing in professional maintenance to cleaning the condenser and ensuring proper airflow, proactive care is key. Don’t let a neglected air conditioner disrupt your comfort; prioritize these maintenance tasks to enjoy a cool and comfortable home throughout the long, hot Texas summer.

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

February 28, 2025

Essential Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips

Keep Your Cool: Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Winter is welcomed each year simply because it begins with a season of holiday gatherings and merriment. After the New Year celebration is a distant memory, the cold weather and dreary skies set in. Quickly, winter is a season to endure, and everyone awaits the coming of Spring.

Spring brings warmer weather and then hotter weather. In South Texas, the cooling season is much longer than the heating season. Homeowners need to prepare; this is the perfect time to schedule preventative HVAC maintenance for your air conditioner. Maintenance prepares the system for months of constant use, keeps it running efficiently, and hopefully staves off repairs that tend to come at the most inconvenient stretches.

What more can be done to prepare an air conditioner for warmer weather? Here are six steps to assist an air conditioner through the long cooling season.

Seal the envelope. In contractor terms, the home space is completely surrounded by a building envelope consisting of insulated walls, attics, doors, and windows. Time and weather act to weaken the envelope. Attic insulation may settle, and the constant exposure to weather causes caulking to harden and produce gaps. Reapplying caulk and adding insulation acts to restore the integrity of the building envelope.

Interior structures may also need to be maintained. Over time, gaps in the HVAC ductwork may allow valuable conditioned air to leak into unconditioned spaces. Repairing leaks and insulating the ducts ensures the air conditioner performs well.

Use window dressings. Solar gain from direct sunlight can easily add 100 to indoor spaces, requiring more frequent cooling cycles. Simply closing the blinds or drapes during the day to keep the sun out can assist the air conditioner in keeping the family comfortable. Remember to open the drapes during the cool of the day and open a window occasionally to add ventilation.
Clean the condenser unit. Be mindful while mowing or weed-eating during the summer around the outdoor air conditioner condenser. Redirect the lawn clippings away from the condenser, especially while the condenser fan is sucking air through the unit. Dust and sticky pollen also get pulled through the network of tubes and fins, so make sure to clean the condenser with a garden hose annually.
Change the air filter. This is one of the most common instructions from HVAC technicians. It is also one of the most frequent reasons for air conditioner repair calls—not changing the air filter. The filter is designed to collect airborne particles with each heating and cooling cycle. If the filter is not changed regularly—at least every three months, the collection becomes thick and prevents adequate airflow. Airflow is needed to cool and clean the air. The whole system is forced to work much harder. If anything can go wrong, it usually does when the filter is dirty.
Program the thermostat. Unless your system is really old, the chances are that your thermostat is programmable. Take the time to program a few temperature changes to enhance the comfort of your home. Don’t be surprised if this also results in energy savings and a lower electricity bill.
Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the middle of summer, when the temperature is soaring, to schedule your preventative maintenance visit. Don’t wait to make repairs; an air conditioner problem will not improve without maintenance. Don’t wait when you sense something is wrong. Listen for sound changes, notice odd smells, and be aware of subtle changes in humidity. Don’t wait for the system to fail before you make plans to replace it.

Maximize Your AC Efficiency: Essential Spring Maintenance Tips by Mullinix AC

Don’t let the Texas heat catch you unprepared. Following these 6 steps will ensure your AC is ready for the long cooling season ahead. But for a truly worry-free summer, trust the experts at Mullinix AC. Our experienced HVAC maintenance technicians can provide comprehensive spring maintenance, ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency and reliability. Contact Mullinix AC today to schedule your preventative maintenance and keep your cool all summer long.

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

February 21, 2025

Ductless Mini-Split vs. Central HVAC: Which is Right for Your Home?

Comparing Ductless Mini-Split College Station and Traditional HVAC Systems

The vast majority of homes in Texas use central HVAC systems—one building system that heats, cools, cleans the air, and removes humidity during the summer. These systems use ducts to transport air from the home to the central air handler and back to each room of the house. Whenever the HVAC components need to be replaced, it usually makes financial sense to replace the major components and reuse the ductwork.

However, an alternative form of HVAC is gaining popularity across the US (about 6% of US homes) and is attracting attention to homeowners in Texas. This innovation is a ductless mini-split College Station HVAC system. It heats, cools, removes humidity, and cleans the air, but without moving air through a network of ducts.

Most of the HVAC components for Ductless Mini-Split College Station are installed outdoors. Tubes bring the refrigerant gas on the outside of the home to each room separately; each room has its own air handler for heating or cooling individually. This allows homeowners to set different comfort settings for each space according to occupant preferences.

Ductless Mini-Split College Station have several advantageous applications:

New construction, when a home can be designed and built without the duct network.
Room additions, when extending ductwork is difficult or impossible.
Adding air conditioning to a second (or third) story with separate heat/cooling zones.
Adding air conditioning to older homes, constructed before the ductwork of central HVAC systems was common.

Mini split systems can be used in most applications, including in homes with installed ductwork.

Side by Side Comparisons

So, which system is better? There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. Instead, there is information for homeowners to help them make an informed decision. Here are some side-by-side comparisons between the two types of systems.

Efficiency. Mini split systems use heat pump technology, the same technology used for air conditioning in all HVAC systems. Some central HVAC systems use an alternative heat source—usually either natural gas or electric heat. But, mini-split systems will not have an alternative heat source.

Zones. Mini split air handlers are installed in each room, with a thermostat for each air handler. This allows occupants to set a different comfort setting for each room if desired. This is not possible with central HVAC systems: the entire home is usually one zone with one thermostat.

Aesthetics. Central HVAC systems impact the design of a room minimally; the duct covers are small and can be adapted to the room’s design. Mini split air handlers are required in each room and, while they are small and unobtrusive, they are not quite decorative (yet).

Indoor Air Quality. Central HVAC systems must move air to cool and heat a home. With this much air movement, the system requires an air filter to clean the air. Ductless Mini-Split systems move much less air. Since a Ductless Mini-Split system does not move a large volume of air, their air filters are much smaller and less efficient.

Installation. Trying to install ductwork in homes that are constructed WITHOUT ductwork is very difficult and costly. Installing ductwork in new construction is much easier. Installing a mini split ductless in either new or old construction is minimally invasive and very cost-effective.

Cost. Mini split ductless HVAC system equipment costs more than central HVAC systems. However, Ductless Mini-Split systems can fit needs in certain settings that can only be met by central HVAC systems.

Ductless Mini-Split or Ducted? Let Mullinix Help to Choose the Best HVAC System

While most Texas homes use central HVAC, ductless mini-split systems are gaining popularity, offering zoned comfort and efficient heating and cooling without ductwork. Ductless mini-split College Station are ideal for new construction, additions, or older homes lacking duct systems, though they may have higher upfront equipment costs. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, considering factors like efficiency, zoning, aesthetics, and installation costs.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our ductless mini-split College Station services, schedule an appointment or visit our HVAC replacement and installation information page.