Texas summers are known for their intense heat and unpredictable weather. When powerful storms roll through the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, power outages are common—and when the electricity comes back on, your air conditioner may not always cooperate. At Texas Air Authorities, we often receive service calls from homeowners whose AC systems stop working properly after a blackout or surge. Unfortunately, many of these issues stem from well-intentioned but costly mistakes made right after the power comes back on. Knowing what not to do can save you money, prevent system damage, and restore your comfort faster. Here are the top three AC repair mistakes homeowners make after a power outage—and what you should do instead.
Mistake #1: Restarting the System Too Soon
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is turning their air conditioner back on immediately after the power is restored. While it’s understandable—you’re hot, uncomfortable, and eager to cool down—this can cause serious damage to your system.
When power is restored after an outage, there’s often a brief surge in electricity. This surge can send inconsistent voltage to your AC’s compressor and circuit boards. If you turn your system on too quickly, it may short out sensitive components or trip the circuit breaker again.
What to do instead:
Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes after the power comes back before turning on your air conditioner. This allows the electrical grid to stabilize and gives your system’s internal pressure time to equalize. Once you restart the AC, set the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal and gradually lower it over the next hour. This gentle restart helps protect your compressor from strain.
If your system doesn’t turn on after waiting, check the circuit breaker and thermostat before calling for service. Sometimes a tripped breaker or power surge simply requires a reset.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Tripped Breakers or Blown Fuses
After a power outage, your AC may fail to turn on even though the rest of your house has power. Many homeowners assume this means the system has failed and immediately call for repairs. However, a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse is often the real culprit.
Power surges that accompany outages can overload your system’s electrical circuit. The breaker is designed to trip as a safety precaution, protecting your equipment from severe damage. Ignoring this or repeatedly resetting the breaker without investigating the cause can lead to serious electrical issues or even fire hazards.
What to do instead:
Go to your home’s electrical panel and locate the HVAC or AC breaker. If it’s in the “off” position or stuck between “on” and “off,” flip it completely to “off” before turning it back “on.” If the breaker trips again immediately, there’s likely an electrical fault that needs professional attention.
At Texas Air Authorities, our NATE-certified technicians are trained to safely diagnose and repair electrical problems. We’ll identify whether the issue lies within your AC unit, the breaker, or the wiring—ensuring a lasting solution rather than a temporary fix.
Mistake #3: Skipping a System Inspection After a Surge
Even if your air conditioner turns back on after a power outage, it may have sustained damage that isn’t immediately noticeable. Electrical surges can weaken internal components like capacitors, contactors, and circuit boards. Over time, these weakened parts can fail, leaving you with an unexpected and costly repair later.
Many homeowners assume that if their AC seems to be cooling normally, everything is fine—but hidden damage can shorten the lifespan of your system and reduce efficiency.
What to do instead:
Schedule a post-outage inspection with a trusted HVAC company like Texas Air Authorities. During an inspection, our experienced technicians check all electrical connections, test system components, and ensure the unit is operating safely and efficiently. If we spot early signs of damage, we’ll repair them right away—helping you avoid larger repair bills down the line.
Additionally, installing a surge protector for your HVAC system is one of the best ways to safeguard your investment. Surge protectors help prevent electrical spikes from damaging your equipment during future outages.
Why Choose Texas Air Authorities
Since 1999, Texas Air Authorities has proudly served homeowners across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, providing expert HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations. We offer same-day appointments, free estimates, and a 1-year warranty on all new equipment. Our team works with trusted brands like Lennox, Trane, and Goodman, ensuring you receive only the best products and service.
As a locally owned and community-focused company, we treat our customers like family. Our technicians are respectful, professional, and dedicated to getting the job done right the first time—whether it’s a small repair or a full system replacement.
Conclusion
Power outages are an unavoidable part of life in Texas, but they don’t have to spell disaster for your air conditioner. By avoiding these three common mistakes—restarting your system too soon, ignoring tripped breakers, and skipping inspections—you can protect your AC from serious damage and extend its lifespan.
If your system struggles to restart or you suspect it suffered damage after a recent outage, call the experts at Texas Air Authorities. We’ll respond promptly, diagnose the issue accurately, and restore your comfort fast. Don’t wait until a small issue turns into a major breakdown—trust the local HVAC professionals who have been keeping Tarrant County cool for more than two decades.
Texas Air Authorities is the premier choice for HVAC services in Arlington. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Texas Air Authorities for all of your HVAC needs in Arlington.
