A Homeowner's Checklist Before Calling for HVAC Service

HVAC troubleshooting starts at home. Before you pick up the phone and schedule a service call, a few quick checks can often resolve the issue or at least give your technician a head start. At CG Service Pros, we see plenty of Austin homeowners who could have saved time and money by running through a simple checklist first. Here's what to check before you call.

When to Skip the Checklist and Call Immediately

Some situations require professional help right away. Do not delay if you notice any of the following:

• Burning smell from vents or the unit
• Electrical sparks or smoke
• Gas smell (if you have a gas furnace)
• Flooding or significant water pooling around the indoor unit

For everything else, work through the checklist below. You may fix the problem yourself, or you'll have useful information ready when you do call.

Your Pre-Service HVAC Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Check Thermostat Settings

Start here. A surprising number of "broken" AC calls turn out to be thermostat issues.

• Mode: Is the thermostat set to "Cool" (or "Auto") for cooling? If it's on "Heat" or "Fan Only," the AC won't cool.
• Temperature: Is the set point lower than the room temperature? If the thermostat is set to 78 and the room is 75, the system won't run.
• Batteries: If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them. A dead or weak battery can cause erratic behavior, blank screens, or no response at all.

2. Check and Replace the Air Filter

A dirty filter restricts airflow, which can cause poor cooling, frozen coils, and higher energy bills. In Austin, where your AC runs constantly in summer, filters clog faster than in milder climates. Many homeowners don't realize how quickly a filter can go from clean to problematic when the system runs 12 to 16 hours a day.

• Locate your filter (usually in the return duct, near the air handler, or behind a vent grille).
• Hold it up to the light. If you can't see light through it, replace it.
• During peak cooling season, check monthly. A clean filter improves performance and protects your system.

3. Check Circuit Breakers

A tripped breaker is a common reason an AC won't turn on at all.

• Go to your electrical panel and look for breakers labeled "AC," "HVAC," or "Condenser."
• If a breaker is in the "off" position or between on and off, flip it fully off, then back on.
• If it trips again immediately, do not keep resetting. That suggests an electrical fault. Call for AC repair.

4. Check the Outdoor Unit

Your condenser unit needs clear space and airflow to work properly.

• Debris: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and any debris from the fins and around the unit.
• Vegetation: Keep at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. Overgrown shrubs or vines can block airflow and reduce efficiency.
• Ice: If you see ice on the refrigerant lines or the unit itself, turn the system off and let it thaw. Ice usually indicates low refrigerant or restricted airflow. After thawing, replace the filter and check vents. If it freezes again, call for service.

5. Check Vents and Registers

Closed or blocked vents force your system to work harder and can cause uneven cooling or frozen coils.

• Walk through your home and make sure supply vents (where cool air comes out) are open.
• Check that return vents (where air is pulled back to the system) are not blocked by furniture, rugs, or boxes.
• Avoid closing more than 20% of your vents at once. Doing so can restrict airflow and damage the system.

6. Check the Drain Line

The condensate drain removes moisture your AC pulls from the air. If it clogs, water backs up and can leak.

• Find the drain line (usually a PVC pipe near the indoor air handler that runs to a drain or outside).
• Look for standing water in the drain pan or water pooling around the unit.
• If you're comfortable, you can try clearing the line with a wet/dry vacuum. If water continues to back up, a technician can flush the line and treat it to prevent future clogs.

7. Have This Information Ready When You Call

When you do need to schedule service, having these details speeds up the process and helps the technician prepare. Dispatcher and technicians can often narrow down the issue before they arrive, which means they may bring the right parts and get you back to comfort sooner.

• System age: When was the system installed? (Check the data plate on the outdoor unit if unsure.)
• Model number: Found on the outdoor condenser and indoor air handler.
• Warranty info: If you have a manufacturer or extended warranty, have the paperwork handy.
• Description of the problem: When did it start? What have you noticed (no cooling, strange noises, water, etc.)? What have you already checked?

Pro Tip: Take a photo of the data plate on your outdoor unit. It shows the model and serial number, refrigerant type, and installation date. Your technician will find it useful, and you'll have it for warranty claims or future service calls.

Why This Checklist Matters in Austin

Austin's climate is tough on HVAC systems. With 30 to 69 days above 100 degrees each year and high humidity, your AC runs more hours than in most other parts of the country. That means filters clog faster, components wear quicker, and small issues can escalate during peak season. Running through this checklist before you call can catch simple fixes early and reduce unnecessary service visits. When you do need a technician, the information you gather helps them diagnose faster and arrive with the right parts.

When the Checklist Isn't Enough

If you've checked everything and the problem persists, or if you're not comfortable doing these checks yourself, it's time to call. CG Service Pros offers AC repair and maintenance throughout Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the surrounding Central Texas area. Our technicians will diagnose the issue, explain your options clearly, and get your home comfortable again. We stock our trucks with commonly needed parts so most repairs can be completed in a single visit. No pressure, no upsells. If a simple fix solves the problem, we'll tell you that. If something bigger is going on, we'll explain your options honestly.

Schedule HVAC Service

Have questions or ready to schedule? Call us at (512) 766-5079 or visit our contact page to book your appointment.