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How to Avoid Overheating

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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. 

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Why Do Air Conditioners Freeze Up?

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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.

a hand cleaning the inside of a air conditioning unit with a hose

Clean Your AC

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As we pull out of the cold weather funk and the warmth of spring is upon us, it’s time for spring cleaning. So, pull out your cleaning supplies and crank up the lawnmower. And don’t forget about your air conditioner. After a long, hard winter it needs some cleaning as well. Here are a few tips on how to get your AC ready for a long hot summer.

Change Your Filters

Thank goodness for air filters! They catch a lot of dust, hair, and debris that get sucked into your air. After a while, that debris can start to build up and cause numerous issues for both your unit as well as your health. The U.S. Department of Energy states that dirty filters can cause a lack of airflow and can affect how well your system works. In addition, that doesn’t stop all the dust and dirt from being stirred up and being put back in your air. Be sure to change your filter at least every 2 months. And if that’s not enough, ask your Ideal Partners rep about the Active Air Purifier system to avoid polluted air in your home. 

Clean Your House

While you have filters in your vents, there is only so much it can catch before it starts to build up. Dust and debris can build up around baseboards and in the vent. So, even though the filter is working on the air that’s brought in, you are still breathing it in when it gets pushed out. Be sure to dust and clean any baseboards, vents shelves, fans, etc. to prevent you from breathing any of that in. If you don’t have the time to do this yourself, check out Ideal Partners Maintenance program.

Remove Any Dust and Debris from the External Unit

Your outside units brave the wrath of mother nature. Make sure to clear any leaves, droppings, twigs, etc. from the vents of your outside unit. Anything like this can get stuck and cause damage to your system.

Have Your AC Inspected and Repaired

Your AC unit has braved through the brunt of the winter and now it is time to crank up the air and get your unit running. Be sure to get your unit inspected and repair any damage that is found. Call Ideal Partners and one of our certified technicians will come out to inspect your unit and fix any issue that you may have. Read and learn more about our Maintenance program and see if that is the right fit for you.

So, remember to add your AC unit to your spring-cleaning list. Get your AC ready for the heat and call Ideal Partners for all your HVAC maintenance needs.

 

 

 

Service Technician Preparing Home HVACs during HVAC Equipment Shortage

How to Prepare For a Texas Winter Storm During the HVAC Equipment Shortage

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Why Is There An HVAC Equipment Shortage & How It Could Affect You this Winter 

In Fort Worth, we know that the happiness and comfort of our families are directly related to how well our heating and cooling systems are working. What you may not know is that while we were experiencing the Great Texas Winter Storm of 2021, another storm was brewing. The HVAC Equipment Shortage of 2021, and it could impact your family this holiday season. 

The Perfect Storm = Covid + Labor + Manufacturing +Transportation 

This was truly a story of the perfect storm of unfortunate events. At the heels of the COVID pandemic, employers scaled back or shut down factories to protect employees and slow the spread of the virus. This decision, as noble as it was, was where problems took root. A large decline in the labor force of the manufacturing and transportation sectors resulted.

The Texas Winter Storm: How It Contributed to the HVAC Equipment Shortage

These labor shortages in the production of raw materials created additional shortages in HVAC component manufacturing. As the availability of copper, aluminum, and steel slowed, so did the production of motors, compressors, and ductwork. Even our Texas Winter Storm contributed to the cycle of decreased production and transportation of these raw materials.

National and Global HVAC Equipment & Supply Chain Delays

Across the pond, the global semiconductor industry production slowed. This crippled other areas of production. From the trucks that transport goods to much-needed microchips used in high-efficiency heating and air systems, the supply chain was hit from all sides. Overseas and state shipping shortages also contributed to the mix. Then, other untimely issues like the fires in California and the blockage of the Suez Canal compounded the heavy strain on transportation and the supply chain.

The Housing Boom

Finally, a decrease in interest rates and …  the housing boom arrives. This brought an increase in construction, driving the demand and consumption of already pressed HVAC parts and equipment supplies. 

Delay in HVAC Equipment Maintenance

With many of us hesitant to break the 6-foot Covid veil, we contributed to another element of this storm. We were reluctant to invite the service industry into our homes. Especially for something that was not required or “needed.” Concern is running high that homeowner maintenance (especially HVAC) may have been delayed or ignored during the past year. As we face the prospect of another cold winter, the lack of proper maintenance is predicted to make the current shortage of raw and manufactured materials even worse. 

The Current Situation 

This cycle of shortage is still dramatically impacting the global HVAC supply chain. There is a dire need for more employees on distribution lines. Trucking companies are strapped and struggling to deliver limited supplies. And so, the story of shortage continues. As our nation continues to grapple with the why’s of covid, the global supply chain, and equipment shortages, we believe that there is hope! 

There is Some Good News in 2021

The good news is that, with a little bit of planning, you do not have to be a victim of this shortage storm. We are encouraging our customers to be proactive in their preparation for this Winter Season. It’s been an unprecedented year, and we certainly don’t want it to be on repeat! The time to have your heating system serviced is now! Whether you do it yourself or hire trained professionals to do it for you. Just get it knocked off the to-do list early this winter! 

HVAC Preparation Tips for A Texas Winter Storm

With the HVAC Equipment Shortage, it is more important than ever to prepare and maintain your equipment for the winter. There are a few things you can do to keep your family safe and warm in the coming months.

Change your air filter monthly.

  • To help avoid a more significant repair involving equipment that is in short supply. It will also keep your unit running better and reduce operating expenses. 

Keep the unit clean.

  • Clean around the system’s coils and make sure the parts are free of dust or debris. Keep an eye on the system’s exterior and interior components.

Get complete maintenance on your HVAC system. 

  • This tune-up can help catch minor problems before they become catastrophic failures that require new equipment, replacements, or add-ons that might be harder to come by.

Consider a Planned Maintenance Contract with Ideal Partners.

  • The benefits of these agreements can save you money, time and extend the life of your equipment. If back-ordered parts are required, you will be in the front line when the replacement parts come in. If we have replaced your unit, we’ll be sure to check your HVAC warranty to see if any parts or repairs are covered.

So, when the mercury drops and winter arrives on your doorstep, make sure your family isn’t in the cold. Hopefully, we won’t see the Texas Arctic Storm of 2022. But just in case, PARTNER with the IDEAL Partner to protect what matters most this Winter Season, your family.

Call Ideal Partners TODAY To Schedule Your Preventative Maintenance Service Calls With One Of Our Highly Esteemed Technicians.

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