In 2021, South Texas experienced a freeze that was not a common weather occurrence in the Lone Star State. Temperatures dropped below freezing for a span of three days which caused havoc on many homeowner’s sprinklers, pools, and plumbing. Due to failures of the power grid affecting the areas of Kyle, Buda, Austin, and most of Texas.
Many experienced multiple power surges before the lights went out, which caused damage to many electrical devices. Affecting the home and appliances such as heating and cooling units across the city. When the power came on and the temperatures started heating up once again. Homeowners began to see the effects of how weather conditions can affect the home and how insulation played a role in the home as temperatures dropped outside.
Even though a freezing event of this nature is not common in the area. Other Texas extreme weather conditions such as lighting thunderstorms and high temperatures throughout the year can be just as devastating.
There are practices to help minimize damage during these extreme times and reduce AC repair costs. Some helpful tips to help your home manage the summer heat and lightning strikes that are common to the region.
When you hear thunder, take your AC offline- Texas ranks as one of the top states that experience the most lightning strikes in the US. Due to this, it’s advised to TURN OFF YOUR AC SYSTEM at the thermostat till the lightning storms pass. Power surges can burn out electrical parts of your air-conditioning system such as control boards, capacitors, and other components.
When experiencing high temperatures outside, think of how cold air played a role in your house during the freeze- Cracks and insulation are common reasons why a home struggles to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Heating and cooling the home will depend on how well the air can stay within the space it is treating.
Check the windows- Older windows can also be a source of weak insulation that affects the temperature inside your home. Single pane windows (original to the home) may be letting cold air escape. They allow sun rays to heat up the home and the space around the area. Making your Air Conditioner work harder to cool air that is being heated by the sun’s rays.
When it heats up outside, nudge your AC up, change the temperature setting up when the weather outside is reaching triple digits will help your air-conditioner keep up. While most systems can keep up with the outside temperatures during spring and fall, many older systems can only manage to keep the inside of the home approximately 18 deg, 20 deg less than the outside temperature. Factors in the home such as electronics, square feet, ductwork, etc… may play a factor in the system's ability to keep the areas cool when things are heating up in Texas. Since the system recycles air from the outside, inside, or a combination. It cools the air that is coming through the vents till the inside of the home reaches the desired temperature that is set. Systems that are continuously running can cause strain or damage during extreme heat since they may struggle to keep up to settings with a gap larger than 20 degrees.
To ensure that your system is running at its peak performance tune-ups are valuable services for your system. Checking for leaks and refrigerant levels will ensure your AC is running at peak performance. At Air Zone Heating and Air Conditioning LLC, we offer quality HVAC service performed by an experienced staff of trained technicians at competitive prices.
Offering great deals on installations, repairs, estimates, and maintenance service for central Air-Conditioners and heaters of all brands and models. Ask us about our AC maintenance plans which provide low-cost seasonal tune-ups to ensure your Air Conditioner is performing at the absolute best. Located in Buda, Texas, and servicing Kyle, San Marcos, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, and all Austin and the Surrounding Areas. We look forward to the opportunity to provide great quality Air Conditioners and Heating services. Contact us online at www.airzoneservices.com or call us at (512)-917-0384 for further assistance.