Summer storms in Fort Worth can bring heavy rain, high winds, and occasional power outages. While outages are often short, they can create challenges for your air conditioning system and your home’s comfort. Planning ahead protects your AC and keeps your home cool when electricity is restored.
1. Turn Off Your AC During an Outage
If the power goes out:
- Switch off your AC at the thermostat
- Prevent the system from running when power returns suddenly
- Avoid potential damage from voltage surges
Turning off the system protects the compressor and electrical components from spikes.
2. Use Surge Protection
Power surges often follow outages. Protect your system by:
- Installing a whole-home surge protector
- Using a dedicated surge protector for your AC unit if needed
- Ensuring your home’s electrical system is up to date
Surge protection prevents costly damage and downtime.
3. Keep Your Home Cooler Without AC
You can minimize heat buildup during an outage:
- Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows
- Limit the use of heat-generating appliances
- Use battery-powered fans or portable cooling devices
Small steps help maintain comfort until the AC is back online.
4. Inspect Your AC After Power Returns
Once electricity is restored, check your system:
- Look for unusual noises or odors
- Inspect outdoor units for debris or damage from storms
- Schedule a professional inspection if the system doesn’t run normally
Early checks prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs.
5. Prepare for Future Outages
Planning ahead helps reduce stress during storms:
- Keep an emergency kit with fans, bottled water, and cool packs
- Know how to safely shut off your AC if necessary
- Schedule regular AC maintenance to ensure peak performance during summer
Being proactive keeps your home comfortable and your system safe.
Final Thoughts
Power outages don’t have to leave your home uncomfortable or damage your AC. By turning off your system during outages, using surge protection, managing heat, and performing post-outage inspections, Fort Worth homeowners can protect their AC and maintain comfort throughout the summer.
Prepare now to keep your AC safe and your home cool, no matter what the weather brings.
