When Central Texas homeowners hear the name ABC Home & Commercial Services, pest control and lawn care are usually the first things that come to mind. What many don't realize is that ABC also has a full-scale Mechanical Division built to handle a home’s most critical internal systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water quality and appliance repair.

Heading the division is Mechanical Division Leader Tom Riggs, who brings 32 years of hands-on industry experience. He started as a field installer, working in hot attics and under home foundations, before rising to lead ABC’s team of trade professionals. That experience has shaped his perspective on how home services should be delivered.

“Starting out in the field taught me that behind every service call is a family needing and deserving comfort, safety and honest answers,” Riggs said. “Because of those early experiences, today I lead with empathy for both our skilled specialists and our customers.”

What does ABC’s Mechanical Division cover?

The division handles five key areas of home care, from routine maintenance and repairs to replacements and installations:

  • HVAC: Repairs, maintenance, tune-ups and system replacements

  • Plumbing: Leak detection, drain cleaning, water heaters and water line repairs

  • Electrical: Repairs, panel upgrades, lighting, generators and EV charging

  • Appliance repair: Diagnostics and repairs for major household appliances

  • Water quality: Filtration, water softening and reverse osmosis systems

Riggs said the division is built around dedicated trade professionals rather than asking one technician to handle every type of job.

“When we built the Mechanical Division, we staffed it with only the most experienced and licensed professionals in each service area,” Riggs said. “There are no jack-of-all-trades. I firmly believe that each service we deliver here is completed by the best professional in that industry.”

How do Central Texas climate extremes impact home systems?

Having specialists across multiple trades becomes especially important in Central Texas, where extreme weather can put several home systems to the test. Extended stretches of 100-degree heat can push AC systems and electrical panels harder, while sudden winter freezes can put pressure on uninsulated pipes and outdoor fixtures.

Because those systems overlap, the problem homeowners notice isn't always where it starts.

Riggs recalled a recent service call involving a homeowner whose AC stopped cooling during a summer heat streak. During the inspection, the HVAC specialist discovered an electrical surge had damaged both the AC capacitor and the dedicated circuit breaker in the panel.

Because ABC has professionals across multiple trades, an electrician could address the electrical issue as part of the same service call. The entire problem was diagnosed and repaired in one visit.

How does ABC prepare its technicians for modern home needs?

When a problem crosses into another system, knowing where to look requires experience and continued training. Riggs brings 32 years in the industry to his leadership role, having started as an installer before moving into leadership.

At ABC, electricians, plumbers and water quality specialists maintain the state credentials and continuing education required for their trades. The Mechanical Division also provides ongoing training and mentorship as equipment, codes and industry practices change.

“Education in this industry never stops,” Riggs said. “Even if annual continuing education wasn't required by the state, we’d still provide ongoing training to ensure our specialists are the best prepared to help the customer efficiently and successfully the first time.”

What warning signs should homeowners watch for?

Some home problems start small. Riggs recommends having systems checked when homeowners notice changes such as:

  • HVAC: Higher electric bills, changes in indoor humidity or new rattling sounds

  • Plumbing: Declining water pressure, slow drains or faint water spots along baseboards

  • Electrical: Warm switch plates, flickering lights or frequent breaker trips

Catching these signs early can help homeowners address a problem before it becomes a larger repair.

What should homeowners look for in a service provider?

When hiring a contractor for major repairs or installations, Riggs recommends looking for the appropriate state licenses or certifications for the work and getting a clear, written estimate before repairs begin.

Those are principles ABC incorporates into its Mechanical Division through its No Surprise Guarantee. A specialist evaluates the issue, explains the root cause in plain language and provides a written estimate before beginning the repair.

For homeowners who want to stay ahead of potential problems, ABC’s Advantage Maintenance Plan includes biannual tune-ups and comprehensive system checks.

How can homeowners protect their home systems?

A few simple maintenance habits can help homeowners avoid preventable problems, Riggs said:

  • Replace air filters every 90 days.

  • Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around outdoor AC units.

  • Test GFCI outlets monthly.

  • Locate and test the main water shut-off valve annually.

Knowing where these systems are and watching for changes in how they operate can make it easier to spot problems early.

Save on your next service

Throughout October, Community Impact readers can receive $50 off any mechanical labor charge from ABC, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliance or water quality repairs (discount is for labor/repair work, not standard service call fee). Or readers can elect to take $50 off enrollment in ABC’s Advantage Maintenance Plan. Mention this article when scheduling to receive the offer.

What services are included under ABC’s Mechanical Division?

ABC’s Mechanical Division covers HVAC, plumbing, electrical services, appliance repair and water quality systems, including filtration, whole home water softening and reverse osmosis systems.

Does ABC use general technicians or trade specialists for mechanical repairs?

ABC staffs its division with dedicated, licensed professionals for each specific trade rather than relying on one technician to handle multiple types of work.

How does having multiple mechanical services in one company benefit homeowners?

Because home systems can overlap, a problem that appears to involve one system may require expertise from another. ABC can bring together specialists from multiple trades when needed, as in a service call involving both an AC and an electrical issue.

What is ABC’s No Surprise Guarantee?

Under the No Surprise Guarantee, an ABC specialist evaluates the issue, explains the cause in plain language and provides a written estimate before work begins.