How Wild Texas Weather Can Impact Your HVAC System
If you’ve lived in North Texas for any amount of time, you know just how unpredictable the weather can be—scorching heat one day, thunderstorms the next. At Texas Pride Heating & Air, we’ve seen firsthand how these wild weather swings can affect HVAC systems in homes across Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, and surrounding areas. While regular tune-ups and filter changes are key to keeping your system running strong, the weather outside can still play a big role in its performance and longevity.
Heat Waves: Pushing Your AC to the Limit
During intense Texas summers, it’s not unusual for temperatures to soar into the 100s. When this happens, your air conditioner is working hard—sometimes harder than it was ever designed to. Most systems are built to cool your home by about 20 degrees from the outside temperature. So if it’s 100°F outside, don’t be surprised if your indoor temp hovers around 78–80°F even with the AC running full blast.
If your home struggles to stay cool during heat waves, consider using ceiling fans, closing blinds, and limiting heat-producing activities like cooking indoors. These small changes can help your system catch a break and improve your comfort.
Wind and Flooding: A Threat to Outdoor Equipment
Texas storms can bring powerful winds and unexpected flooding. Strong gusts can blow debris into your outdoor unit, while floodwater can damage electrical components. To protect your condenser:
- Keep 2–3 feet of clear space around the unit
- Trim nearby trees and shrubs
- Avoid storing heavy items near the equipment
- Consider hail guards or covers designed for HVAC units
- Elevate your unit with concrete pads or blocks if you’re in a flood-prone area
- If your unit is ever submerged in more than a foot of water, call a professional before turning it back on.
Power Outages: Stay Cool with Backup Power
Severe storms often knock out power, and without electricity, your HVAC system is out of commission. That’s why many homeowners are now installing backup generators to keep essential systems running during outages. A whole-home generator can ensure your AC keeps cooling (or your heat keeps running) no matter what’s going on outside.
Need help selecting the right size generator? Our technicians can help evaluate your home’s needs and guide you through the best options.
Dust, Debris & Dirty Filters
Texas weather—especially during dry spells—kicks up dust and allergens that can clog your air filters fast. We recommend checking your filter every two weeks during periods of heavy dust or pollen, especially if you have pets or allergies. A clogged filter reduces airflow, strains your system, and makes your home less comfortable.
Deep Freezes: Trouble for Heat Pumps
While winters in Fort Worth are generally mild, we all remember that Texas freeze. Heat pumps are common here, but they’re not made for long-term freezing conditions. When the temps dip below 32°F for days, your heat pump may struggle to keep up—or even stop working altogether.
If you rely on a heat pump, consider supplementing with space heaters or a fireplace during hard freezes. Or talk to us about adding auxiliary heat options to your system for extra peace of mind.
Tips to Help Your System Work Smarter, Not Harder
Want to keep your HVAC system efficient all year round? Here are a few smart homeowner tips:
- Add insulation in your attic and walls to keep temps stable
- Use ceiling fans year-round: counterclockwise in summer, clockwise in winter
- Block direct sunlight with curtains or shades during the summer
- Let in the sun during the winter to naturally heat your home
- Install a smart thermostat to manage temperatures while you’re away
- Avoid turning your system off completely when you leave the house—instead, adjust the temp by 7–10 degrees. This keeps humidity and strain on the system low while still saving you money.
Let Texas Pride Keep You Comfortable
At Texas Pride Heating & Air, we know what it takes to keep your home comfortable no matter what Texas weather throws your way. From emergency repairs to regular maintenance to full system replacements, we’re here to help your HVAC system perform at its best.
Serving Fort Worth, Keller, Southlake, and beyond—schedule your service today and experience the Texas Pride difference.
