Climate Change is Extending Bexar County’s Cooling Season, Making Year-Round HVAC Maintenance Essential
If you’ve noticed your air conditioner running longer into fall and starting earlier in spring, you’re not imagining things. Cities in Florida and Texas have experienced the largest extension in summer-like temperatures. Miami, Florida and San Angelo, Texas top the list, with summer temperatures now stretching 46 and 31 days later, respectively. This trend is dramatically impacting HVAC systems across Bexar County, transforming what was once seasonal equipment into nearly year-round workhorses.
The New Reality: Extended Cooling Seasons in Bexar County
Across these 227 cities, summer temperatures now extend 10 days later into the fall, on average, than in the early 1970s. About one in every five cities now see summer temperatures extend at least two weeks later into the fall than during the early 1970s. For Bexar County residents, this means air conditioning systems that once got a break in October are now running well into November, and sometimes beyond.
Texas puts HVAC systems through more stress than almost anywhere else in the country. Our combination of extreme heat, high humidity, and extended cooling seasons creates conditions that accelerate wear and tear on every component of your system. When you factor in climate change extending these demanding conditions, the strain on HVAC equipment becomes even more pronounced.
Why Year-Round Maintenance is Now Critical
The extended cooling season fundamentally changes how we need to think about HVAC maintenance. During peak summer months, outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, forcing air conditioning systems to run continuously for months at a time. This extended operation period creates several maintenance concerns: Increased wear on compressor components from constant cycling · Rapid accumulation of dirt and debris on outdoor condenser coils · Higher electrical consumption leading to potential component strain · Accelerated refrigerant loss through normal system operation
That’s why year-round HVAC maintenance isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. Routine upkeep not only improves indoor air quality and energy efficiency but also extends the life of your system. With cooling seasons now lasting longer, the traditional approach of spring and fall maintenance may no longer be sufficient.
The Cost of Neglecting Extended-Season Maintenance
The financial implications of skipping maintenance in this new climate reality are substantial. With energy costs rising, equipment prices increasing, and Texas summers getting more extreme, the cost of neglect has never been higher. Over a 10-year period, that’s $5,400 to $9,000 in unnecessary energy costs—enough to buy a brand-new high-efficiency system.
The average lifespan of a well-maintained HVAC system in Texas is 12-15 years. Skip maintenance, and that drops to 8-10 years—sometimes less. With extended cooling seasons putting additional stress on systems, proper maintenance becomes even more critical for protecting your investment.
Professional HVAC Services: Your Defense Against Climate Change
When it comes to adapting to these changing conditions, partnering with experienced professionals makes all the difference. Texas Air Repair brings family-owned reliability to every HVAC project in Bexar County, TX. We understand that your comfort can’t wait, which is why we’ve built our reputation on honest service, fair pricing, and getting the job done right the first time. That commitment has earned us the trust of homeowners and businesses alike, from emergency AC repairs to full system installations.
For homeowners seeking reliable HVAC Services in Bexar County, it’s essential to work with contractors who understand the unique challenges posed by our changing climate. Deep understanding of Texas climate challenges and local building requirements is crucial when dealing with systems that now operate under extended stress periods.
Adapting Your Maintenance Schedule
Effective seasonal HVAC maintenance in the Texas climate requires understanding the unique challenges our weather presents and taking proactive steps to address them before problems develop. Key maintenance priorities include: Spring preparation focusing on air conditioning readiness and system cleaning · Summer monitoring to support continuous cooling operation and identify developing issues · Fall heating preparation ensuring reliable operation during temperature transitions · Winter protection safeguarding equipment during occasional freeze events
With extended cooling seasons, summer monitoring becomes particularly critical. Consistent attention during the cooling season prevents small issues from becoming major problems: Monitor air filter condition – Check monthly and replace when dirty, potentially every 30-60 days during heavy use · Keep outdoor unit clear – Regularly remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris · Watch for ice formation – Ice on indoor coils indicates airflow or refrigerant problems requiring immediate attention · Listen for unusual sounds – Grinding, squealing, or rattling noises often signal developing mechanical issues · Summer utility bills provide valuable insight into system performance. Sudden increases in energy consumption, even with similar usage patterns, often indicate maintenance needs or developing efficiency problems.
The Benefits of Professional Maintenance
According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), properly maintained HVAC systems operate 15-20% more efficiently than neglected equipment, translating to significant savings on summer cooling costs. When cooling seasons are extended, these efficiency gains become even more valuable.
Systems that receive scheduled maintenance in both spring and fall perform more efficiently, last longer, and experience fewer surprise failures. When HVAC technicians inspect, clean, and calibrate each season, they correct small inefficiencies before they escalate into expensive problems.
Looking Forward: Preparing for the New Normal
When air conditioners run later into the year, energy costs and heat-trapping emissions both increase. Lingering summer heat can extend heat-related health risks and seasonal allergies, keep air conditioners running longer, lengthen mosquito seasons, and prolong wildfire seasons and smoke exposure. This makes it more important than ever to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently throughout its extended operating season.
Extended cooling season — Your AC runs almost year-round, putting heavy wear on compressors and coils. Heat and humidity — Moisture adds stress to your system, forcing it to work harder to remove excess humidity from the air. Understanding these challenges helps homeowners make informed decisions about maintenance schedules and system upgrades.
Climate change is reshaping how we think about HVAC maintenance in Bexar County. The days of seasonal equipment are giving way to year-round operation, making consistent, professional maintenance more critical than ever. By adapting maintenance schedules to match these new realities and working with experienced professionals who understand local climate challenges, homeowners can protect their comfort, their investment, and their energy costs in an era of extended cooling seasons.