AC Maintenance

July52022

How to Avoid Overheating

AC Maintenance, Cooling Solutions, Fort Worth HVAC

Summer 2022 has been filled with 100-degree days in North Texas which means we are all feeling the heat. Keeping cool during the summer months is vital to ensuring that you don’t overheat or dehydrate. Here is a quick rundown of what overheating is and what you can do to stay cool.

Heating up

Overheating is a common problem, especially throughout the South where temperatures can reach well into the 100s. Excessive exposure to these high temperatures can lead to different kinds of heat-related illnesses. Some, like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, are serious and can have long-lasting impacts on people.

Keeping cool

One of the most important things to do when it is hot outside is to hydrate, especially if you are going to be outside for an extended time or while doing strenuous activities. Another thing to remember is that drinks high in sodium or sugar aren’t going to be as effective as water in helping you stay hydrated.

Another effective way to stay cool is to avoid the heat. Experts recommend staying inside as much as you can from the peak hours of 10 am-2 pm. It is also important to make sure that your air conditioner is running as effectively as it can. This means check your air filters, overflow pans, and other AC components or you can have it serviced 24/7 by Ideal Partners if it goes out.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out on your neighbors. The CDC warns that people older than 65 and young children are at a higher risk of heat-related illness. Keeping children out of hot places like parked cars and keeping an eye on older relatives and neighbors is a great way to help keep them safe.

If your system is not keeping your home as cool as it should, give Ideal Partners a call and we can make sure your AC is running cool or recommend repairs to get it running right. Another option is Ideal’s semi-annual Planned Maintenance Program which is designed to spot problems with your HVAC system before they lead to costly, inconvenient breakdowns. You’ll save money and your system will run better and last longer.

June222022

Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

24/7 HVAC Support, AC Maintenance, Cooling Solutions, Fort Worth HVAC, Heating and Air Conditioning, HVAC

With summer in full swing, you need to be able to count on your AC to cool your home. Unfortunately, some AC systems freeze up in crunch time which can result in a hot home, potential water leaks, and other issues. Here are some reasons why AC systems freeze up and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you.

Dirty air filters

Air filters quickly fill up with dust and pollen during the sweltering summer months and this restricts the airflow and causes the system to freeze up. This one has an easy fix: pull out your dirty filters and replace them with new clean filters. Experts recommend replacing your filters at least once a month during the peak season of May-September.

Cool summer nights

AC units are rated to work in certain temperature ranges. If the temperature at night dips too low, it can actually cause the AC to freeze up. An easy way to prevent this from happening is to set your thermostat to its “auto” setting so that it turns off if the temperature inside your home is lower than the set temperature. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, give us a call at Ideal Partners and we can install one for you.

Vent blockages

Vent blockages can also restrict the airflow in your AC unit, causing condensation to form, which can turn into ice sheets in the unit. Make sure not to close too many of the supply vents and ensure no furniture is blocking your return or supply vents.

Refrigerant leaks, mechanical issues, drain lines

There is a wide array of other issues that can cause an AC to freeze up, including leaks, mechanical issues within the unit, drain line stoppages, and air duct issues. These problems can be very technical and difficult to diagnose and repair on your own, so it is typically best to call a professional if you have a challenge that is outside of your skill set.

If the troubleshooting tips we listed don’t help you solve your AC system’s problems, give Ideal Partners a call for same-day repairs and 24/7 emergency HVAC support.