As summer approaches and bluebonnets make way for mirages on the freeway, Texans everywhere brace for the kind of heat that could fry an egg on the sidewalk. If you call the Lone Star State home—especially if your address says Fort Worth—prepping your HVAC in Fort Worth for the upcoming inferno isn’t just wise; it can mean the difference between cool comfort and sweaty regret.

Change Your Air Filters (And Don’t Wait Until You Can’t Remember the Last Time)

Let’s put it plainly—neglecting air filters is like drinking sweet tea through a straw jammed with crushed ice. Airflow stalls, dust takes a joyride through your home, and your system will huff and puff its last, especially on a 105-degree day. Experts recommend swapping filters every 30-60 days during peak usage. Dog hair, pollen, and good old Texas dust mean going longer is asking for trouble.

Clear Debris Around Outdoor Units

Your outside unit isn’t a storage shelf for pool floaties or wayward tumbleweeds. Anything blocking those coils—think leaves, grass clippings, or that rogue soccer ball—chokes efficiency. Give the unit a three-foot clearance all the way around. Grab a garden hose and gently wash down the coils.

Check for Duct Leaks

Ever noticed one room feels like Antarctica while another mimics Death Valley? Leaky ducts waste cooled air. According to the Department of Energy, a typical house can lose 20-30% of cooled air through duct leaks. That’s literally money evaporating into your attic. Get a pro to inspect and seal your system.

Program Your Thermostat (Or Get a Smart One)

Don’t make your HVAC system run a marathon while everyone’s at work or school. Program the thermostat to scale back during the hottest part of the day (like after lunch when no one’s home), then cool things down before bedtime.