Living in Texas means relying on your HVAC system almost year-round—especially during long, hot summers. When something goes wrong, it’s not just inconvenient—it can lead to discomfort, higher energy bills, and even system damage.

At Tarrant Mechanical, we’ve serviced thousands of systems across North Texas. Here are the most common HVAC problems in Texas and what you can do to fix—or prevent—them.

1. HVAC System Not Cooling Properly

What’s Happening?

Your system is running, but your home or office still feels warm. This is especially common during peak summer months.

Possible Causes:

  • Dirty air filters
  • Low refrigerant
  • Clogged condenser coils
  • Faulty thermostat
  • Undersized system

How to Fix It:

  • Replace the air filter
  • Clean outdoor condenser unit
  • Schedule a refrigerant check
  • Have a professional evaluate system size/load

Pro Tip: Regular maintenance can prevent most of these issues before they cause discomfort.

2. High Energy Bills Without Increased Usage

What’s Happening?

Your energy bill spikes, even though your thermostat settings haven’t changed.

Possible Causes:

  • Poor insulation
  • Dirty filters or ducts
  • Low refrigerant
  • A failing compressor or fan motor
  • Outdated HVAC unit

How to Fix It:

  • Schedule a full HVAC inspection
  • Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment
  • Seal ducts and improve home insulation

Tarrant Mechanical can perform a full energy efficiency audit to identify problem areas.

3. HVAC System Keeps Turning On and Off (Short Cycling)

What’s Happening?

Your system runs for a minute or two, then shuts off—repeating the cycle constantly.

Possible Causes:

  • Oversized HVAC unit
  • Clogged air filter
  • Thermostat issues
  • Refrigerant leak
  • Electrical or control board malfunctions

How to Fix It:

  • Check/replace filter
  • Ensure thermostat is working properly
  • Call in a technician for system diagnostics

Short cycling can severely reduce the lifespan of your HVAC system—don’t ignore it.

4. Weak Airflow or Hot/Cold Spots

What’s Happening?

Some rooms feel great, others are too warm or too cold. Or, the airflow from vents seems weak.

Possible Causes:

  • Blocked vents
  • Dirty ductwork
  • Blower motor issues
  • Leaky ducts
  • Incorrectly sized system

How to Fix It:

  • Clean or unblock vents
  • Schedule a duct cleaning or repair
  • Balance airflow with a zoning system
  • Have an HVAC pro check for leaks

5. Strange Noises or Smells

What’s Happening?

You hear clanging, grinding, or hissing sounds—or smell something musty or burning when the HVAC is on.

Possible Causes:

  • Loose components
  • Mold or mildew in ducts
  • Failing blower motor or compressor
  • Electrical issues
  • Pest infestations in ductwork

How to Fix It:

  • Turn off the system
  • Don’t ignore the smell or noise—call a technician immediately
  • Regular duct cleaning can prevent these issues

6. AC Freezing Up in the Summer

What’s Happening?

Your air conditioner coil freezes, stopping the system from cooling properly.

Possible Causes:

  • Low refrigerant
  • Poor airflow
  • Dirty coils
  • Blocked air filters

How to Fix It:

  • Turn off the system and let it defrost
  • Replace air filters
  • Schedule refrigerant check and coil cleaning

How to Prevent HVAC Issues in Texas

Prevention is always cheaper than emergency repairs. Here’s how to keep your system in top shape:

  • Replace filters every 1–3 months
  • Get seasonal HVAC tune-ups from a pro
  • Keep the outdoor unit free of debris
  • Use a smart thermostat to reduce wear
  • Schedule annual duct inspections

Tarrant Mechanical offers customizable maintenance plans for homes and businesses across DFW.

Why Tarrant Mechanical?

✔ 10+ years of HVAC experience
✔ Fast response across Dallas-Fort Worth
✔ Emergency repair services 24/7
✔ Trusted by homeowners, retail stores, offices & warehouses
✔ Honest pricing and transparent diagnostics

We don’t just fix HVAC problems—we prevent them.

Need HVAC Help in Texas? Call the Experts.

If you’re facing HVAC issues in the Texas heat, don’t wait until things get worse. Contact Tarrant Mechanical for fast, affordable repairs and ongoing maintenance that keeps your system running smoothly.

We’re available 24/7 to help homeowners and businesses across North Texas.