As the calendar dives deeper into April, many Texas consumers are turning on their air conditioning systems for the long summer season. Regular maintenance of your system will extend its life and discover any mechanical issues before they become expensive health and safety issues, says the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR).

The first step in hiring an air conditioning contractor should be checking the TDLR website (www.tdlr.texas.gov) to make sure that they are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

“Hiring a licensed contractor helps ensure the safety of your family and property. Checking whether your technician is licensed is an important step in protecting yourself from shoddy and dangerous work,” said TDLR Chief AC/R Inspector Bill Weatherly.

Performing early, regular maintenance can also help keep your system from breaking down on the hottest day of the year – an expensive and sweaty reminder that upkeep is important.

Once you’ve confirmed that the contractor is licensed through TDLR, here are several things they should be inspecting in your cooling system at a minimum:

• Check equipment cabinets for damage or missing panels.

• Check and tighten compressor, fan motor, contactor and control panel terminations.

• Check compressor crankcase heater for proper operation.

• Lubricate condenser fan motor and indoor blower motor bearings (if applicable)

• Check alignment, tension and condition of indoor blower belt(s) (if applicable)

• Check and clean condenser coils.

• Check and clean evaporator coil and condensate drain pan. Add biocide pan tabs to condensate pan.

• Check air filters and replace as necessary.

• Start Indoor Blower and perform static pressure test to ensure proper air flow.

• Start cooling cycle and check for refrigerant leaks

• Check system for proper refrigerant charge, trim charge as necessary.

• Make operating log of all temperatures, pressures, voltages, and amperages.

• Submit a written report to the customer and report any uncorrected deficiencies.

About TDLR

TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 39 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 1,000,000 licensees across the state.

Visit TDLR’s website (tdlr.texas.gov) for more information and resources. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202.