How to Detect a Refrigerant Leak and What to Do About It
When your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should, even though your air conditioner is running, it could be more than just the Texas heat. One common problem we see around Longview and Tyler is a refrigerant leak. If you’re not familiar with what refrigerant is or why a leak matters, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. As a local HVAC pro at A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, I’ve helped plenty of homeowners spot the signs of a refrigerant leak early so they can avoid bigger repair bills and stay comfortable all year long. What Is Refrigerant and Why Does It Matter? Refrigerant is the chemical your air conditioner uses to absorb heat from your home and release it outside. It flows through your AC system in a closed loop. That means it’s not supposed to run out or evaporate—unless there’s a leak. Without the right amount of refrigerant, your AC can’t cool your home properly. That puts extra strain on the system, wastes energy, and may eventually cause serious damage. Signs You May Have a Refrigerant Leak If your system has a refrigerant leak, it won’t just stop working right away. The signs can be subtle at first, but if you know what to look for, you can catch it early. 1. Weak or Warm Air from the Vents If the air blowing from your vents isn’t as cold as it used to be, that’s a red flag. Refrigerant helps remove heat from the air, so if there isn’t enough, you’ll feel it. 2. Longer Cooling Cycles When your AC runs longer than usual but doesn’t cool your home effectively, a refrigerant leak may be the cause. The system is working harder to keep up—and that’s not good for efficiency or your wallet. 3. Ice on the Refrigerant Line Ice buildup on the copper refrigerant line (the one running from your outdoor unit) is another clear sign. It might seem strange that ice forms during summer, but it happens when refrigerant levels drop too low. 4. Hissing or Bubbling Noises If you hear hissing or bubbling near your AC unit, that could be refrigerant escaping through a small crack or hole in the line. 5. Higher Energy Bills If your energy bills suddenly go up, and your cooling doesn’t improve, something’s wrong. A leak forces the system to work overtime, which means higher monthly costs. What to Do if You Suspect a Refrigerant Leak Step 1: Turn Off Your AC If you notice ice on the refrigerant line or hear unusual noises, turn off your system right away. Running the unit while low on refrigerant may damage the compressor, and that’s a costly repair. Step 2: Call a Professional A refrigerant leak isn’t something you can fix yourself. It requires special tools and knowledge to safely locate and repair the leak, then recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. At A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we’re fully trained and certified to handle refrigerant leaks. We’ll inspect your system, find the source of the problem, and get things running the right way again. Step 3: Don’t Just “Top It Off” Some homeowners think they can just add more refrigerant and be done with it. That may work temporarily, but the leak will only get worse. It’s like putting air in a tire with a hole—you need to patch the leak first. How We Help at A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing We know the importance of staying cool in the Longview area, especially during the peak of summer. Our team uses advanced leak detection tools to pinpoint refrigerant issues quickly. Once we’ve made the repair, we’ll test the system to make sure it’s sealed tight and fully recharged. Our goal is to restore your comfort fast—and do it with honesty and care. As a top-rated HVAC company, we treat every home like our own. We’re proud to have built a reputation based on integrity and quality service. Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance The best way to avoid refrigerant leaks is with routine HVAC maintenance. During a maintenance visit, we check for early signs of wear, corrosion, or loose fittings that could lead to leaks. It’s a small investment that helps protect your system and your comfort all year long. If you think you might have a refrigerant leak, don’t wait. Give us a call here at A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing. We’re always ready to help our neighbors in Longview, Tyler and surrounding areas stay cool, safe, and stress-free.
How to Spot an HVAC Emergency and Get Help Quickly
When you live in Texas, having your heating or cooling go out is no small deal—especially during a hot summer day or a cold winter night. I’ve been there myself, and I know how stressful it can be when your HVAC system stops working right when you need it the most. That’s why I want to help you understand what an HVAC emergency looks like—and what to do if one happens to you. At A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we’re always ready to jump in when you need fast, reliable help. We believe in giving every homeowner in Tyler, Longview, and nearby areas the best products and customer service, every time. Let’s break it down so you know when it’s time to call for help—fast. What Is an HVAC Emergency? Not every HVAC problem is an emergency, but some issues can’t wait. An HVAC emergency is when your heating or cooling system breaks down in a way that could be dangerous or cause major discomfort. Here are some signs to watch for: No Air at All If your system stops blowing any air—hot or cold—it could be a major problem. On a 100-degree Texas summer day, losing cool air can quickly become a health issue. If the heat stops in the middle of a winter night, your pipes might freeze. Either way, this is an HVAC emergency. Strange Smells or Burning Odors If you smell something burning or notice a weird chemical scent coming from your vents, shut the system off right away. This could mean something is overheating or there’s an electrical issue. Don’t wait to call a pro—this one’s serious. Loud, Sudden Noises A loud banging, screeching, or rattling noise could be a sign something has come loose or is about to break inside your system. If you hear anything like this, turn off your unit and call for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Leaks Around Your Unit If you see water pooling or any signs of leaking near your HVAC unit, it could mean a clogged drain or even a refrigerant leak. Both need to be handled quickly, especially refrigerant, which can be harmful if not dealt with properly. What to Do in an HVAC Emergency Now that you know what to look for, here’s what to do if you think you have an HVAC emergency. 1. Turn Off the System First, shut off your HVAC unit using the thermostat. This can help prevent more damage while you wait for a technician to arrive. If you smell gas, also leave your home and call your utility company right away. 2. Call a Trusted HVAC Professional Reach out to someone who offers 24/7 emergency service—like us at A/C Contractors. We’re proud to serve homeowners in Tyler, Longview, and the surrounding East Texas area with fast, professional service, day or night. 3. Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself We get it—DIY can be tempting. But HVAC systems have electrical parts, sharp metal edges, and high-pressure components. It’s best to leave repairs to trained pros who know how to safely handle the issue. Preventing HVAC Emergencies Of course, the best way to deal with an HVAC emergency is to stop it before it starts. Regular maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your system running strong. Schedule Routine Tune-Ups A yearly checkup in the spring for your AC and in the fall for your heater can help us catch small problems before they turn into big ones. It also helps your system run more efficiently, which saves money on your energy bills. Change Filters Regularly Dirty filters can block airflow and cause your system to work harder than it should. Changing filters every 1–3 months can prevent many common issues and help your system last longer. Keep the Area Around the Unit Clear Make sure nothing is blocking your indoor or outdoor units. Boxes, plants, and leaves can all create problems. Giving your system room to breathe helps it stay in good shape. When to Call A/C Contractors If you’re ever unsure about your HVAC system, don’t wait. Give us a call. Whether it’s an emergency in the middle of the night or just something that doesn’t feel quite right, we’re here to help. We offer personalized service, top-quality equipment, and a friendly team that treats your home like our own. Homeowners in Tyler, Longview, and nearby areas know they can count on A/C Contractors Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for fast, honest work. HVAC Emergency Help in East Texas When your HVAC system breaks down at the worst time, knowing what to do can make all the difference. From strange smells to sudden silence, the signs of an HVAC emergency are easy to spot once you know what to look for. And the good news? You’re not alone. At A/C Contractors, we’ve got your back 24/7. We’ll make sure you and your family stay safe and comfortable, no matter what.So next time your heater quits on a cold night or your AC blows warm air on a summer day—don’t panic. Just give A/C Contractors a call or use our easy online booking opportunity. We’re here to help when you need us most.
AC Repair and Installation: How to Extend Your System’s Lifespan
One of the best ways to extend the life of your air conditioning system is to ensure it’s installed properly and serviced regularly. AC repair and installation should always be done by a professional to avoid mistakes that could lead to early breakdowns or poor performance. After installation, schedule annual tune-ups to catch small issues before they turn into big problems. This keeps your system running smoothly and efficiently. Call our Longview or Tyler location now. Otherwise, fill out our easy online form to book an appointment and experience the A/C Contractors difference. “Fixed Right, or It’s Free!
Air Conditioning Repair and Installation: When to Repair vs. Replace
It can be difficult to know when to repair or replace your air conditioning system. If your unit is more than 10-15 years old and frequently breaks down, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new one. On the other hand, if the issue is minor, a air conditioning repair might be all you need. Consult with a professional HVAC contractor who can assess your system and help you make the best decision for your home and budget. Call our Longview or Tyler location now. Otherwise, fill out our easy online form to book an appointment and experience the A/C Contractors difference. “Fixed Right, or It’s Free!
How to Tell if Your AC Thermostat Is Bad
Is your thermostat working correctly? We rely on our thermostat units to maintain the temperature in our homes and provide accurate information about our environments. Unfortunately, a broken unit may not always be obvious. Learn more about detecting and repairing broken thermostats, including tips for diagnosing common problems. Why a Functioning Thermostat Is Important Before we cover how to know if an AC thermostat is bad, it’s important to understand why that matters for you and your home. Correct use of a thermostat is what tells your AC system what temperature you want your home to be. A functioning thermostat is essential because: It promotes energy efficiency: A broken thermostat is more than an inconvenience — it can also cost you. An inaccurate thermostat reading may cause a spike in your energy bill. If you’re trying to achieve a specific temperature in your home but your thermostat is displaying inaccurate information, you could get stuck in an energy-wasting cycle. Your home will be more comfortable: An accurate temperature reading is an integral part of maintaining a comfortable environment. When your thermostat is working correctly, you can keep it as cool or warm as you need. A bad thermostat can cause your AC to not cool or heat the room to the desired temperature. Air conditioning concerns are more apparent: Your thermostat is one of the best indicators of your air conditioning system’s health. When the thermostat reading is correct, you can compare it to the air temperature around you to see how well your AC unit performs and whether you need to contact a professional AC service to diagnose and repair your system. When your thermostat is broken, you may not notice AC concerns as quickly, leading to costly damage. Signs of a Bad AC Thermostat Not sure if your thermostat is working? Common indicators of a problem include the following: Your AC won’t turn off or on: If your air conditioning system seems to be stuck in a continuous loop — either constantly running or unable to turn on — it may be a problem with your thermostat’s position or internal trigger. Unlevel units or damaged wiring can make it impossible to stop or start your unit. The temperature doesn’t match the thermostat reading: If the conditions you feel in your home do not match the temperature reading on the thermostat, your unit may be damaged. Use an external thermometer to take a second temperature measurement and compare it to the information on your thermostat. The unit isn’t functioning normally: If you have an electronic or programmable thermostat but can no longer adjust the settings, it may need repairing or replacement. Many thermostats also have display screens with backlights — if yours has stopped working or no longer lights up, this is cause for concern. The temperature fluctuates from room to room: If your home’s temperature feels different in separate rooms or corners — despite a set temperature on the thermostat — it could indicate a damaged unit. How to Check if Your AC Thermostat Is Not Working If you’re unsure how to fix an AC thermostat, the first step is to diagnose the problem. This may require a little troubleshooting. Before you inspect your thermostat, grab a notebook to keep track of what you find. Follow these steps: Consult the manual: Before you get too deep into your thermostat inspection, consult the user manual. Confirm that all settings are correct and review available troubleshooting or diagnostic sections. The user manual may have specific instructions for testing, resetting or repairing common problems. Change the batteries: If you own an electronic thermostat, a fresh set of batteries may be all you need. Discard the old batteries, replace them with new ones, and then turn the unit on and record any changes. Not all thermostats — including manual units — use batteries. Check the circuit breaker: A faulty air conditioning system or thermostat could be the result of a tripped breaker. To check for a tripped breaker, look at the panel and see if the switch next to your HVAC system is hovering between the “off” and “on” position or if a light indicates a trip. Reset the switch if necessary. If your circuit panel has sustained damage, do not attempt to reset anything on your own. Contact a professional for further guidance. Clean the unit: It’s essential to keep your thermostat clean and clear of buildup or excess dust, which can hinder performance and make it difficult to read temperatures accurately. Dust your unit regularly and perform a close visual inspection. You may need to remove the cover to dust the thermostat’s interior. For manual thermostats, ensure the lever is intact and operational. You can test the lever by gently moving it in both directions. Remove and relocate it: If you have a newly installed thermostat or have recently completed renovations on your home, you may need to relocate your unit for a more accurate reading. Many external factors can influence a thermostat’s performance, including proximity to sunny windows, skylights and drafty doorways. Large obstructions, like furniture, can also interrupt thermostat readings. Always install thermostats in an area that is easy to access and near the room’s natural air currents. If you have tried the above and found your thermostat unit is not functioning correctly, it’s time to contact a professional. Use your records to let them know about the problems you’re experiencing and which methods you used to identify them. How Does an AC Thermostat Work? Thermostats operate differently, depending on which type you own. The most common thermostats are: Manual: Manual thermostats use a series of wires, switches and a thermometer coil to move currents either left or right to trigger hot or cold air from your HVAC system. Programmable: Programmable thermostats are a specific type of electronic or digital thermostat that lets you establish operation parameters. For example, you can program your thermostat to reach a certain temperature by the time you get home from work, or automatically keep your home cooler overnight or when the house is empty to keep utility bills low and reduce energy