Houston summers are relentless. Temperatures regularly push past 95 degrees with humidity levels that make it feel even hotter. Your HVAC system is about to enter its most demanding season, and a little preparation now can prevent breakdowns, high energy bills, and uncomfortable nights ahead.
Schedule a Professional Maintenance Visit
The single most important thing you can do is have a technician inspect and tune up your system before the heat arrives. A pre-season checkup covers refrigerant levels, electrical connections, coil cleaning, and dozens of other points that determine whether your system will perform reliably all summer.
Think of it this way: you would rather discover a worn part during a calm spring appointment than during a July heat wave when every HVAC company has a two-week waiting list. Schedule your maintenance visit in March or April to beat the rush.
Replace Your Air Filters
Start the season with a fresh filter. If you have not changed yours in the last 30 to 60 days, now is the time. A clean filter ensures proper airflow, which is critical for efficient cooling and preventing frozen evaporator coils.
Stock up on a few extra filters so you have replacements on hand throughout the summer. During peak usage, you may need to change your filter monthly rather than every two months.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Your condensing unit needs room to breathe. Walk outside and inspect the area around it. Trim back any bushes, shrubs, or vegetation to maintain at least two feet of clearance on all sides. Remove leaves, grass clippings, and debris that may have accumulated over the winter and spring.
If you notice the aluminum fins on the unit are bent or clogged with dirt, gently rinse them with a garden hose. Do not use a pressure washer, which can damage the fins and reduce your system’s ability to release heat.
Keep Your System Running — Do Not Turn It Off
A common mistake Houston homeowners make is turning off their AC when they leave for work or vacation, then cranking it back on when they return. In our climate, this forces your system to work extremely hard to bring the temperature and humidity back down from dangerous levels.
Instead, set your thermostat to a reasonable away temperature — around 80 to 82 degrees — so the system cycles occasionally and keeps humidity in check. This approach actually uses less energy over time than the on-off cycle and prevents moisture problems like mold growth.
Set Your Thermostat to 75 Degrees
The Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees for energy efficiency, but most Houston residents find that too warm given our humidity levels. Setting your thermostat to 75 degrees strikes a good balance between comfort and efficiency.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it a few degrees warmer during hours when no one is home, then bring it back to 75 before everyone returns. Avoid setting it lower than 72, as this forces your system to run almost continuously and significantly increases wear and energy costs.
Start Now, Stay Cool Later
Preparing your HVAC system for summer is not complicated, but it does require action before the heat arrives. The homeowners who stay comfortable all season are the ones who plan ahead.
Contact HTM to schedule your pre-summer tune-up and make sure your system is ready for whatever Houston’s weather throws at it.