When North Texas temperatures exceed 100 degrees, homeowners assume their air conditioners just need to work harder.
In reality, extreme heat can push HVAC systems beyond their designed conditions and common homeowner habits can worsen the strain.
According to experts at Comfort Land Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, many expensive summer repairs stem from a few preventable issues.
Mistake 1: Making the AC play catch-up
It seems logical: turn the thermostat up while no one is home, then lower it when everyone returns.
But during a Texas heat wave, that strategy can backfire.
Air conditioners are designed to maintain a temperature, not rapidly cool a home that has been heating up all day. Once heat builds up in walls, furniture and flooring, the system works harder to remove it.
"It's easier to keep something cold than to cool it down after it gets hot," owner Duncan Price said.
This is true in older homes with less insulation, where outdoor heat seeps inside. Constantly adjusting the thermostat can force the system to run longer than maintaining a steady temperature.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the filter
Changing the air filter may be the most important maintenance task homeowners can do themselves.
Many people rely on the replacement timeline on the packaging. But in a Texas summer, HVAC professionals say homeowners should pay more attention to how dirty the filter is.
For a standard 1-inch filter, monthly checks are recommended.
A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder to move cool air throughout the house, resulting in higher energy bills, reduced comfort and added stress on expensive components.
Comfort Land compares the problem to high blood pressure in the human body.
Additionally, when airflow becomes restricted, the system struggles to move what it needs. Over time, that strain can contribute to failures involving motors, compressors and other major components.
A simple habit can help: check the filter monthly when the electric bill arrives.
Mistake 3: Assuming working means healthy
Many homeowners treat their HVAC system in a way they wouldn't treat their vehicle.
If the car still starts, they wouldn’t wait years to change the oil. Yet many air-conditioning systems go without professional maintenance until something breaks.
That's why HVAC technicians call service appointments tuneups.
The outdoor condenser unit is constantly exposed to dirt, grass clippings, pollen and debris. As buildup accumulates, airflow decreases and internal operating pressures rise.
The system may continue cooling the house, but it often works harder than necessary.
"The system can still work, but it can damage itself while running," Price said.
Manufacturers recommend maintenance twice a year, in spring and fall. Regular tune-ups improve efficiency, identify problems and help maintain warranty coverage.
Tips to remember
In a typical North Texas summer, air conditioners may run for 12 to 18 hours a day when temperatures stay above 100 degrees for multiple days.
The goal isn’t to give the system a break by turning it off. HVAC equipment is designed to run. The key is ensuring it runs efficiently.
For homeowners, it often comes down to a few simple habits:
Keep filters clean
Schedule routine maintenance
Use settings that match the home's age, insulation and energy efficiency
Let the system maintain a consistent temperature instead of adjusting it
Those small steps may not seem significant on a mild spring day. But when another Texas heat wave arrives, they can make the difference between a system that survives the summer and one that ends with a costly repair bill.
Stay ahead of repairs
Many HVAC problems don’t appear overnight.
To help homeowners avoid problems, Comfort Land Heating, Cooling and Plumbing offers a maintenance plan starting at $9 per month for single-system homes. The plan includes the twice-yearly tuneups recommended by manufacturers to improve efficiency, extend equipment life and maintain warranty coverage.
Comfort Land, a family-owned company, focuses on helping customers understand their systems and options. The goal is simple: provide homeowners with the information to make confident decisions about their biggest investment.
As another North Texas summer tests HVAC systems, a little preventive maintenance today could prevent a larger repair bill tomorrow.
To learn about Comfort Land's maintenance plans and services, visit its website or call 817-601-8622.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.