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The Biggest Thermostat Mistake in Texas Heat

July 20, 2025

When the Texas heat rolls in, your air conditioner becomes your best friend. But even the best AC system can struggle if your thermostat settings are working against it. At Custom Comfort Air, we often see one common mistake that leads to skyrocketing energy bills and reduced comfort: Setting the thermostat too low and never adjusting it. Let’s break down why this is a problem—and what you can do instead. Call 281.342.2512 The Thermostat Trap: “Cooler = Better” It’s tempting to crank your thermostat down to 68°F or lower when it’s over 100° outside. But doing so won’t cool your home any faster. Instead, it puts added strain on your AC system, causing it to run longer, work harder, and use more electricity. In Sugar Land and the greater Houston area, where summer humidity adds to the heat index, this can seriously impact your comfort and your energy bill. What Happens When You Overwork Your AC Higher energy bills: Your system runs nonstop trying to reach an unrealistic temperature. More wear and tear: The harder your AC works, the shorter its lifespan. Inconsistent comfort: You might notice uneven cooling, especially in multi-story homes. Increased humidity: ACs that run too...

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Why Summer Is Prime Time for Poor Indoor Air Quality—And How to Fix It

June 16, 2025

At Custom Comfort Air, we know Texas summers are no joke. Blazing heat, high humidity, and long stretches of indoor living all combine to create the perfect storm—not just for your air conditioner, but for your indoor air quality (IAQ) too. If you or your family are experiencing more sneezing, stuffiness, or itchy eyes this time of year, it may not just be the heat—it could be what’s floating around in your home’s air. Here’s why indoor air quality tends to take a hit in the summer—and what you can do to fix it. Call 281.342.2512 Why Summer Makes Indoor Air Worse Pollen and Allergens Are in Full Force Texas is known for its beautiful landscapes—but with that comes seasonal pollen, grass allergens, and blooming plants. During the summer, pollen counts can be sky-high, and once you open doors or windows—or simply walk inside—those particles often tag along. More Dust and Debris Circulating Your A/C runs longer and harder in the summer, constantly circulating air through your home. If your air filter is clogged or your ductwork is dusty, you’re just blowing irritants from room to room. Humidity Makes It Worse Texas humidity doesn’t just make you sweat—it also...

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Top 5 AC Warning Signs to Watch for Before It Gets Hot in Sugar Land

May 19, 2025

As the Texas heat starts to roll in, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But before the summer temperatures hit triple digits in Sugar Land, it’s smart to make sure your AC is up to the task. Recognizing early warning signs of trouble can help you avoid costly breakdowns and emergency repairs when you need cool air the most. Here are the top five AC warning signs every homeowner should know: Call 281.342.2512 Weak or Inconsistent Airflow If your vents aren’t blowing strong, steady air, something’s not right. Poor airflow could mean: A clogged air filter Leaky or blocked ductwork A failing blower motor Don’t ignore it—weak airflow reduces your comfort and can overwork your system, leading to bigger problems later. Strange Noises Your AC should hum, not clank. If you hear: Grinding or screeching – It could be a worn-out motor or loose belt. Banging – Possibly a broken component inside the unit. Buzzing or clicking – Might signal electrical issues or a failing capacitor. Unusual sounds are never normal—get them checked out early! Warm Air Instead of Cool If your AC is running but blowing warm air, it could be...

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The Importance of a Pre-Summer HVAC Tune-Up in Sugar Land

March 25, 2025

As summer approaches in Sugar Land, Texas, the temperatures start climbing, and your air conditioner becomes your home’s best friend. But before the intense heat sets in, scheduling a pre-summer HVAC tune-up is essential to ensure your system is running efficiently, keeping you cool, and saving you money. At Custom Comfort Air, we’re here to help you stay comfortable all season long with a professional AC maintenance service. Call 281.342.2512 Why a Pre-Summer Tune-Up is Essential 1.Ensure Peak Performance A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, meaning it can cool your home faster while using less energy. This not only improves comfort but also helps lower your electricity bills during the scorching Texas summer. 2.Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns The last thing you want is for your AC to fail during a heatwave. A professional tune-up helps catch potential issues before they turn into costly breakdowns, ensuring your system stays reliable when you need it most. 3.Improve Indoor Air Quality A dirty HVAC system can circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants throughout your home. Cleaning or replacing filters, checking ductwork, and removing debris from the system can significantly enhance your indoor air quality, keeping your family healthier. 4.Extend the Lifespan of...

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Upgrade Your HVAC for Summer in Sugar Land

February 19, 2025

Even though it’s still winter, summer will be here before you know it! If your HVAC system struggled to keep you cool last year, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Winter is an off-season for contractors, meaning quicker installations and great deals on high-efficiency systems that save you money and energy. Call 281.342.2512 Why Upgrade? Lower Energy Bills According to ENERGY STAR, the average household spends around $2,000 annually on energy bills, with cooling and heating accounting for 42% of that cost. Upgrading to a high-efficiency cooling system—such as a smart air conditioner, air source heat pump, or ductless mini-split—can save you up to 60% on cooling (and heating) costs. Consistent Comfort Older systems often cause hot and cold spots throughout your home. A new system solves this with: Zoning: Control temperatures in different areas of your home for personalized comfort. Programmable Thermostats: Adjust temperatures based on your schedule for maximum efficiency. Variable Speed Motors: Unlike traditional systems, these adjust airflow to maintain even temperatures and reduce energy waste. Quieter Operation Tired of your HVAC sounding like a jet engine? New high-efficiency systems include sound insulation, variable-speed motors, and optional sound blankets for outdoor units—giving you a quieter,...

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Saving Money This Winter in Sugar Land

January 6, 2025

Winter is here, and heating bills can be a worry for many homeowners. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to reduce your energy costs this season—some you can do yourself and others that may require a professional touch, but will ultimately save you money in the long run. Call 281.342.2512 Money-Saving Tips for Winter Let the Sunshine In During the day, open your curtains to allow the sun’s natural warmth to heat your home. Not only does this provide free heat, but it also reduces your reliance on artificial lighting, saving even more money. You’ve probably noticed how your pets love basking in the sun—now you can benefit from it, too! Close Your Curtains at Night To retain the heat you’ve gained throughout the day, close your curtains at night. Consider investing in insulated curtains, which are a cost-effective way to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Check for Air Leaks Air leaks are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. Check your doors and windows for any gaps, and replace weatherstripping or seal cracks with caulk. Don’t forget electrical sockets and wall switches—insulation kits for these areas can make a noticeable difference. Also, inspect your attic for gaps in insulation and add more as needed. An insulated attic pull-down cover is a small investment that helps prevent cold air from entering your home, ultimately lowering heating costs. Lower Your Thermostat Reducing your thermostat by just a few degrees can lead to significant savings. The lower you set it, the less energy you use to heat your home. Add an Extra Blanket Bundling up with extra blankets can allow you to lower your thermostat by 10-15 degrees, saving up to 10% on your heating costs. This simple change keeps everyone cozy while reducing energy usage. Close Your Fireplace When Not in Use Remember to close the flue damper when you’re not using your fireplace. An open flue allows warm air to escape, pulling it up and...

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Understanding SEER Ratings for Texas Homeowners

November 22, 2024

What is SEER, and Why Should You Care? In HVAC lingo, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Simply put, a SEER rating tells you how energy-efficient your AC unit is over a typical cooling season. Think of it like the miles per gallon (mpg) for your car—higher SEER means better energy efficiency. For Texas homeowners, this can directly translate to lower utility bills and a cooler, more comfortable home during those blazing hot summers! Call 281.342.2512 Why Does SEER Matter? Older AC units, typically those over 10-15 years old, often have lower SEER ratings (usually around 8-10), which means they use more energy to keep your home cool. If you have an older unit, upgrading to one with a higher SEER rating could save you up to 40% on energy costs annually! Plus, new U.S. energy standards require ACs to have at least a 13 SEER, with most units today ranging between 13 and 21 SEER. How Can I Find My AC’s SEER Rating? You can check your AC unit’s SEER rating in a few ways: Look for the yellow EnergyGuide sticker on your outdoor unit. Check for a label or paperwork on the indoor air handler. Check...

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The Benefits of a Fall HVAC Tune-Up

September 14, 2024

As fall approaches, it’s time for your annual HVAC tune-up. Just like vehicles and other equipment, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to ensure smooth, efficient operation and a comfortable home. Call 281.342.2512 Why a Fall HVAC Tune-Up Is Necessary As the temperatures begin to drop, ensuring your HVAC system is ready for the colder months is crucial for both comfort and efficiency. A fall HVAC tune-up is a preventive measure that keeps your system running smoothly throughout the heating season, avoiding unexpected breakdowns and saving you money in the long run. Here’s why it’s important: Your Heater Has Been Idle All Summer Just like any mechanical system that sits unused for long periods, your heating system requires a tune-up after months of inactivity. Over the summer, dust, debris, and general wear and tear can build up in your furnace or heat pump, affecting its efficiency and performance. A fall HVAC maintenance ensures your heater is properly cleaned, lubricated, and ready to operate at peak performance when the first cold snap hits. Think of it like your car – if you let it sit idle for months, it wouldn’t run as efficiently without a bit of maintenance first. The...

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How to Transition Your HVAC System from Summer to Fall

September 7, 2024

As the blazing heat of summer fades into the cooler, crisper air of fall in Sugar Land, Texas, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the seasonal shift. Proper maintenance now can ensure your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient as temperatures drop. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transition your HVAC system from summer to fall. Call 281.342.2512 Change Your Air Filters One of the simplest yet most important tasks is changing your air filters. Over the summer, your HVAC system worked hard to keep your home cool, and air filters can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other particles. A clean filter not only improves indoor air quality but also helps your system run more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of your HVAC system. Tip: Consider using high-efficiency filters to capture more allergens, especially during the fall when ragweed and mold can be prevalent. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Fall is the ideal time to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up. A qualified technician will inspect your system, clean essential components, and identify any potential issues before they become costly repairs. This preventative maintenance ensures your system is ready to switch from...

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After the Storm: HVAC Care and Recovery Tips for Sugar Land Residents

July 18, 2024

In the aftermath of a hurricane, the impact on homes and HVAC systems can be significant. At Custom Comfort Air, we understand the importance of restoring comfort and safety to your home quickly. Here are essential tips to help you navigate HVAC care after a storm. Call 281.342.2512 Safety First: Assessing Damage After a hurricane, prioritize safety when assessing your home and HVAC system. Look for any visible signs of damage such as debris around the unit, dents or dings on the exterior, or any signs of water intrusion. If there’s flooding or standing water near the HVAC unit, do not approach it until it’s safe to do so and the power supply is disconnected. Always prioritize personal safety and consider professional help if needed. Power Restoration: Restarting Your HVAC System Once the storm has passed and power is restored, cautiously restart your HVAC system. Begin by setting the thermostat to “off” to prevent immediate operation. Check for any visible signs of damage or unusual sounds coming from the unit. If you suspect water damage or if the system was submerged, refrain from restarting it yourself to avoid potential hazards. Instead, contact a qualified HVAC technician for...

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