HVAC & Plumbing FAQs — Answers from Woods Comfort Systems

Browse our most common HVAC, plumbing, financing, and emergency service questions — or call us directly for a straight answer from a real technician.

Whether you’re wondering why your AC is blowing warm air, what a sewer camera inspection costs, or whether your system is worth repairing or replacing — Woods Comfort Systems has been answering Central Texas homeowners’ questions honestly since 1956. No runaround. No pressure. Just clear, practical answers.

Browse by category below, or call us directly — we love talking through what you’re dealing with.

Our Key Policies — At a Glance

HVAC Questions — Air Conditioning & Heating

HVAC Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend professional HVAC maintenance twice a year — once in the spring before cooling season and once in the fall before heating season. Each tune-up includes a thorough inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and safety check that catches small issues before they become expensive breakdowns. At a minimum, annual maintenance is essential. View our maintenance plans →

Most central air conditioners last 12–17 years with proper maintenance. Furnaces typically last 15–20 years. Heat pumps fall in the 15-year range. Central Texas’s extreme summer heat means HVAC systems here work harder and longer than in cooler climates — making annual maintenance especially important for maximizing equipment lifespan.

The most common causes are: a dirty or clogged air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant due to a leak, a frozen evaporator coil, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a failed compressor. A professional diagnostic will identify the exact cause quickly. Schedule AC repair →

If your AC runs nonstop but can’t keep up, the most likely culprits are: low refrigerant, a dirty condenser coil, an undersized system, a refrigerant leak, or a failing compressor. In Central Texas summers, an improperly functioning AC is both uncomfortable and expensive — call us for a diagnostic before the problem worsens.

Signs you need AC repair: warm air from vents, weak airflow, strange noises, refrigerant or water leaking, unusually high energy bills, or the system short-cycling (turning on and off rapidly). Signs replacement may make more sense: the system is 12+ years old, repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value, or you’ve had multiple repairs in the past two seasons. Explore AC replacement options →

Most AC repairs are completed the same day — often within 2–4 hours depending on the issue and parts availability. A full AC replacement typically takes 4–8 hours for a standard residential installation. We work efficiently and respect your schedule.

We service all major HVAC brands — including Carrier, Bryant, Lennox, Trane, American Standard, Rheem, York, Goodman, and more. Our technicians receive factory-authorized training and carry the diagnostic equipment and parts to work on virtually any residential or light commercial HVAC system.

Yes. All of our HVAC technicians are NATE-certified — North American Technician Excellence, the industry’s highest professional credential — and EPA Section 608 certified for refrigerant handling. Every technician is fully licensed, insured, and background-checked.

Common causes include: a dirty air filter that has caused the system to overheat and trip a safety shutoff, a faulty igniter or flame sensor, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a problem with the heat exchanger. If you smell gas along with the issue, leave the building and call your gas company first, then call us. Schedule heating repair →

A general rule of thumb: if your furnace is more than 15 years old and the repair cost exceeds 50% of the system’s replacement value, replacement is usually the smarter long-term investment. If the system is newer and the repair is minor, repair often makes more sense. Our technicians will always give you an honest assessment — we never recommend replacement when repair is the right call. Learn about furnace replacement →

A heat pump is a single system that handles both heating and cooling by transferring heat rather than generating it — making it highly energy-efficient in moderate climates. Central Texas’s mild winters make heat pumps an excellent choice for many homes, providing year-round comfort at lower operating costs than separate furnace and AC units. Learn more about heat pumps →

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently an AC unit uses electricity over a cooling season. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. Current federal minimums for Central Texas are 15 SEER2. Modern high-efficiency units range from 18–26 SEER. A higher SEER system costs more upfront but can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills — the payback period depends on your usage, utility rates, and local climate.

A professional HVAC tune-up from Woods Comfort Systems includes: inspection and cleaning of all major components, checking and topping off refrigerant levels, lubricating moving parts, testing electrical connections and controls, inspecting the heat exchanger (heating), cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils, checking thermostat calibration, inspecting ductwork for obvious leaks, and providing a written condition report. View maintenance plan details →

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air conditions inside your home — including particulates, allergens, humidity levels, and chemical contaminants. Poor IAQ can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and fatigue. Woods Comfort Systems offers whole-home air filtration, UV air purifiers, and humidity control solutions to improve the air your family breathes every day. Explore indoor air quality solutions →

Rising energy bills are often caused by: a dirty air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant reducing efficiency, an aging system losing performance, leaky ductwork losing conditioned air, poor attic insulation, or a thermostat programmed inefficiently. An annual tune-up and a ductwork inspection often reveal the source — and fixing it typically reduces bills noticeably.

Plumbing Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About

Yes. Woods Comfort Systems is a full-service HVAC and plumbing company. Our licensed Texas plumbers provide plumbing repair, pipe installation, whole-home repipes, water heater services (including tankless), drain cleaning, sewer line repair and replacement, water softener installation, and whole-home water filtration — all throughout Central Texas. View all plumbing services →

For most households, annual professional drain cleaning is sufficient to prevent buildup before it becomes a blockage. Homes with older pipes, large families, or frequent grease and food waste in kitchen drains may benefit from cleaning every 6 months. Commercial kitchens typically need quarterly service. Regular cleaning is far less expensive than dealing with a backed-up main sewer line. Explore drain cleaning services →

Key warning signs include: multiple drains backing up at the same time (indicates a main line blockage), sewage odors inside your home, sewage backing up into your bathtub or shower when you flush the toilet, water pooling in your yard over your sewer line, unusually lush patches of grass over the sewer line, gurgling sounds from multiple drains, and foundation cracks or settlement. A sewer camera inspection confirms the issue. Learn about sewer line repair →

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water (up to 4,000 PSI) to completely clear pipes of grease, scale, mineral buildup, root infiltration, and debris — cleaning pipe walls from the inside out. It is more thorough and longer-lasting than mechanical snaking. Recommended for: recurring clogs that return within weeks, commercial kitchen grease lines, homes with older cast iron drain pipes, and main sewer lines that haven’t been serviced in years.

Yes. We install, repair, and maintain both traditional tank water heaters and tankless (on-demand) water heater systems. Tankless systems provide endless hot water, use 20–30% less energy than traditional tank heaters, and have a lifespan of 20+ years. We provide free in-home estimates on all water heater installations. Explore water heater services →

Traditional tank water heaters typically last 8–12 years. Tankless water heaters can last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Central Texas hard water is tough on water heater components — a water softener can significantly extend the life of your water heater and other plumbing fixtures. If your water heater is 10+ years old and requiring repairs, replacement is usually the smarter investment.

A slab leak is a water leak in the pipes that run beneath your home’s concrete foundation. Signs include: hot spots on your floor, the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, unexplained increases in your water bill, cracks in walls or flooring, or damp carpet or flooring with no apparent source. Slab leaks require immediate professional attention — unaddressed slab leaks can undermine your foundation and cause significant structural damage. Learn about slab leak services →

Common causes of low water pressure include: a partially closed main shutoff valve, a clogged aerator or showerhead, a pressure regulator failure, corroded or scaled pipes (common in homes with hard water), or a leak somewhere in the system. If multiple fixtures have low pressure simultaneously, the cause is likely upstream — either at the main line or the pressure regulator.

A whole-home repipe replaces all of the water supply lines in your house with new pipe material — typically copper or PEX. It’s recommended when: your home has galvanized steel pipes (which corrode and restrict water flow over time), you have recurring leaks throughout the house, water quality or pressure is consistently poor, or your home’s pipes are 40+ years old. We provide free in-home estimates on all repipe projects.

Yes. Central Texas has some of the hardest water in the state, due to its limestone geology. Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and appliances — reducing their efficiency and lifespan. We install, repair, and replace whole-home water softener systems throughout Central Texas. We also offer free in-home estimates on water treatment installations.

Recurring clogs almost always indicate deeper buildup in the pipe that snaking or chemical cleaners can’t fully address. Common causes include accumulated grease and soap scum, hair buildup in bathroom drains, mineral scale from hard water, and — in older homes — tree root intrusion into the drain line. Professional hydro jetting removes the buildup from pipe walls entirely, providing a much longer-lasting solution than mechanical snaking.

Financing Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Woods Comfort Systems offer financing?

Yes. We offer flexible financing options for qualified homeowners throughout Central Texas. Financing is available for HVAC system replacement, heat pump installation, water heater installation, tankless water heater upgrades, sewer line replacement, whole-home repiping, water softener installation, and indoor air quality upgrades. Explore financing options →

Financing is available for most major residential HVAC and plumbing replacement and installation projects — including AC replacement, furnace replacement, heat pump installation, indoor air quality upgrades, water heater installation (traditional and tankless), sewer line replacement, whole-home repiping, water softeners, and water filtration systems. Contact us to confirm eligibility for your specific project.

In most cases, financing approvals are fast — often same-day for qualifying projects. For emergency HVAC or plumbing replacements, our team can walk you through financing options during the same service visit so you can move forward without delay.

Yes. If your AC, furnace, or a major plumbing system fails unexpectedly, emergency replacement financing is available. We provide same-day financing decisions for qualifying emergency situations. Combined with our round the clock emergency service and s policy, financing ensures that a system failure doesn’t have to become a financial crisis.

Financing is subject to credit qualification. That said, our financing partners offer programs designed to accommodate a range of credit situations. The fastest way to find out what’s available is to apply — the process is quick and there’s no obligation until you accept a financing offer.

We don’t believe in hidden fees — in financing or in service. Our team reviews all financing terms clearly before any paperwork is signed, including details about prepayment options. Ask any question you have and you’ll get a straight answer. Woods Comfort Systems has been built on honest pricing since 1956 — that standard applies to financing too.

Yes. We provide free in-home estimates on all replacement systems, water heaters, and water treatment systems. You’ll know the full project cost before applying for financing — so you can make a confident, informed decision with no surprises.

Emergency Service Questions

Emergency HVAC & Plumbing Service

Situations that warrant an emergency call include: complete AC failure during extreme heat (especially for elderly, young children, or anyone with medical conditions), a furnace that won’t produce heat when outdoor temperatures are dangerous, gas smells near your heating equipment (evacuate and call 911 first), carbon monoxide detector alarms, a refrigerant leak causing equipment damage, or a sewage backup creating a health hazard.

Response times vary by location and demand, but we prioritize emergency calls and dispatch the nearest available technician. In most of our primary service areas, we typically respond within 1–3 hours for genuine emergencies. Call us directly for the most accurate availability update for your area and situation.

While waiting for our technician: (1) Check your thermostat settings and replace batteries if needed. (2) Check and replace your air filter if it’s visibly clogged. (3) Check your circuit breaker for tripped breakers related to your HVAC system. (4) If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company and 911 before calling us. (5) For no-heat emergencies in cold weather, use space heaters safely and keep interior doors closed to retain warmth.

Yes. Our licensed plumbers are available for emergency plumbing service Round the clock throughout Central Texas — including sewage backups, burst pipes, major leaks, water heater failures, and slab leaks. Emergency plumbing service is available at the same rate as regular service.

Call us immediately for: sewage backing up into your home, a burst or actively leaking water line, a gas smell near any appliance (call 911 first), complete loss of hot water with a leaking water heater, a main sewer line collapse, or water damage actively spreading through your property. Do not wait on these — delays lead to significantly more expensive repairs.

Our residential dispatch fee is $95 — the same fee we charge for all residential service calls, emergency or not. There are no after-hours premiums, no holiday surcharges, and no weekend fees. The $95 dispatch fee covers sending a licensed technician to your home to diagnose the problem.

Maintenance Plan Questions

Maintenance Plan Frequently Asked Questions

A preventive maintenance plan is a scheduled service agreement that ensures your HVAC system receives professional tune-ups on a regular basis — typically once or twice per year. Maintenance visits include inspection, cleaning, lubrication, safety checks, and a written condition report. Plans typically include priority scheduling, member discounts on repairs, and extended equipment protection. Visit woodscomfortsystems.com/maintenance-plans/ for plan details.

Regular maintenance is the single most cost-effective thing a homeowner can do to protect their HVAC investment. It: extends equipment lifespan by 3–5 years on average, improves energy efficiency and reduces utility bills, catches small problems before they become expensive breakdowns, maintains manufacturer warranty coverage (which often requires annual service), and keeps your system running safely — particularly important for gas furnaces where a cracked heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide into your home.

We recommend twice-yearly maintenance — a cooling system tune-up in the spring and a heating system tune-up in the fall. At a minimum, annual maintenance is essential. In Central Texas, where AC systems run hard for 6–8 months a year, twice-yearly service is the standard we recommend to all of our residential customers.

Yes. Maintenance plan members receive priority scheduling for both routine and emergency service — meaning your call moves to the front of the line, especially during peak demand periods like the height of summer or a cold snap in winter when everyone is calling at once. In Central Texas, that priority access during peak season is genuinely valuable.

Preventive maintenance plans cover the cost of the scheduled maintenance visits themselves. Repairs that are discovered during a maintenance visit are quoted separately — but maintenance plan members receive discounts on parts and labor for any additional repairs. The plan also makes repairs less frequent and less expensive by catching issues early.

Yes — and the data supports it clearly. The U.S. Department of Energy has found that a neglected HVAC system can lose 5% of its efficiency every year — meaning a 15-year-old system without regular maintenance may be running at 60–65% of its original efficiency. Annual maintenance typically restores the system to near-original efficiency, reduces energy costs, and dramatically reduces the likelihood of a mid-season breakdown.

A Woods Comfort Systems HVAC maintenance visit includes: inspection and cleaning of all major system components, refrigerant level check, electrical connections check and tightening, lubrication of moving parts, thermostat calibration check, condenser and evaporator coil cleaning, air filter inspection and replacement recommendation, heat exchanger inspection (for furnaces), and a written condition report with any recommendations.

For most homeowners, yes. The cost of a maintenance plan is typically far less than the cost of a single emergency repair call — and the plan dramatically reduces the frequency of those calls. Add priority scheduling, member discounts, and the utility savings from a well-maintained system, and a maintenance plan almost always pays for itself within the first year.

Company & Service Area Questions

Company & Service Area FAQs

How long has Woods Comfort Systems been in business?

The Woods family has been in the Texas HVAC industry since 1956. Woods Comfort Systems in Central Texas was opened in 2008 by C.A. “Carey” Woods III — a second-generation HVAC professional. His son, Christopher Alan Woods, took over the company in 2010 and continues to lead it today. Three generations of Woods family expertise — now serving Central Texas.

Yes. Woods Comfort Systems is owned and operated by Christopher Alan Woods — the third generation of the Woods family to serve Texas HVAC and plumbing customers. We are not a franchise, a chain, or a private equity-owned operation. Family ownership means local accountability and a personal stake in every customer relationship.

We serve 26 cities and communities throughout Central Texas, including Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, Wimberley, Canyon Lake, Dripping Springs, Lockhart, Spicewood, Bee Cave, Seguin, Round Rock, Boerne, San Antonio, Georgetown, Leander, Lakeway, Spring Branch, Marble Falls, Driftwood, Fischer, Johnson City, Manchaca, Martindale, and Woodcreek. 

We serve residential homeowners and light commercial properties throughout Central Texas. If you’re a homeowner, property manager, small business owner, or landlord — we can help. For larger commercial projects, contact us directly to discuss scope and availability.

Yes. We offer same-day HVAC and plumbing service throughout our service area for most service requests, subject to scheduling availability. For emergency situations, we prioritize your call and dispatch the nearest available technician as quickly as possible.

Yes. We offer free second opinions on residential HVAC and plumbing repairs. If another company has given you a diagnosis or repair quote that doesn’t feel right, call us. We’ll send a licensed technician to take an independent look — with no charge and no pressure. Getting a second opinion is smart, and we’re happy to provide one.

Our residential dispatch fee is $95. This covers sending a licensed technician to your home to diagnose your HVAC or plumbing issue. The dispatch fee applies to residential service calls. Contact us for commercial service pricing.

Yes. We provide free in-home estimates on all replacement systems — including HVAC system replacements, heat pump installations, water heater replacements, and water treatment system installations. For service and repair calls, the $95 residential dispatch fee applies.

Our office hours are Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Sat 8am–4pm. For emergency HVAC and plumbing service, we are available Round the Clocks a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year — including weekends and holidays, with no overtime premium.

You can schedule service by: calling us directly at (512) 253-8927 , submitting a service request through our website, or requesting an appointment via our online contact form. For emergency service, please call us directly for the fastest response.

Yes. We run seasonal promotions, equipment specials, and maintenance plan offers throughout the year. We also offer free in-home estimates on replacement systems and free second opinions on repairs. 

Still Have Questions?

We're Happy to Talk.

The fastest answer is always a phone call. Our team is knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely happy to talk through what you’re dealing with — whether it’s a simple question or a complex diagnosis. No pressure, no obligation.