Published September 21, 2026 · Prime AC & Heat
When power returns after a storm, do not rush to cycle the AC on and off. First make sure there is no visible electrical or outdoor-unit damage. If everything looks normal and utility service is stable, make one controlled restart from the thermostat. Stop if the breaker trips, the system makes an unusual sound, you smell burning or the home still is not cooling.
Why this matters in North Texas this week
The National Weather Service Fort Worth/Dallas forecast posted September 21, 2026 called for scattered late-afternoon and evening storms, with some potentially strong to severe and capable of gusty winds or small hail. It also forecast mid-90s heat, so a storm-related AC problem can become a comfort problem quickly. Forecasts change; use the latest local warning and outage information for your address. NWS Fort Worth/Dallas forecast — checked September 21, 2026.
1. Put electrical safety ahead of cooling
Stay away from downed lines, nearby water, damaged electrical equipment and anything touching a line. Oncor says a line on the ground, a fence, a vehicle or another object could still be energized; keep people and pets away and call 911 for a downed line. Report and track the outage through your electric utility rather than assuming the problem is inside the HVAC system. Oncor Storm Center and outage safety — checked September 21, 2026.
2. Look before you restart
After the active storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, look at the outdoor unit from a safe position. Do not open a panel or reach into the equipment. Leave the system off and request help if you see a branch against the unit, a bent cabinet or fan guard, a pulled electrical conduit, standing water around electrical parts, or obvious damage near the meter or service entrance. Oncor notes that storm damage to customer-owned electrical equipment may require an electrician before utility service can be restored.
3. Use one controlled restart
If the utility reports service restored, the lights are steady and you found no visible damage, set the thermostat to Off first. Let the thermostat finish restarting, then follow the instructions for your thermostat and equipment. Select Cool once, choose a normal temperature setting and give the system time to respond. Many controls intentionally delay compressor operation after a power interruption, so rapid thermostat changes can make the situation harder to understand.
Do not keep resetting a breaker or repeatedly switching the system on and off. A breaker that trips again, a blank thermostat, lights that continue to flicker, or an outdoor unit that does not start can point to an electrical, control or HVAC problem that needs diagnosis.
4. Stop and call when the system gives you a warning
- You smell burning, see smoke or hear buzzing, grinding or repeated clicking.
- The HVAC breaker trips or will not remain on.
- The thermostat is blank, rebooting repeatedly or reporting an equipment fault.
- The indoor blower runs but the outdoor unit does not, or the air is not getting cooler after the system has had a reasonable time to operate.
Turn the system off at the thermostat if you can do so safely. If there is smoke, fire, a downed line or an immediate electrical hazard, leave the area and use emergency or utility help first. HVAC service is the next step only after the property is safe to approach.
5. Give the office a short, useful description
You do not need to diagnose the part. Tell the office when the outage or storm occurred, whether the thermostat and indoor blower have power, what the outdoor unit is doing, whether a breaker tripped and which rooms are uncomfortable. Photos or a short video of visible damage can help when taken from a safe location; never remove a panel just to get a picture.
If you use a portable generator
Do not connect a portable generator directly to home wiring. Oncor warns that improper connection can cause electric shock or send dangerous voltage back toward utility workers. Its guidance says generators belong outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, and that a qualified electrician should install the correct connection equipment under local code. Follow the generator manufacturer’s instructions. Oncor portable-generator safety — checked September 21, 2026.
Choose the right next step
If your system does not return to normal after one careful attempt, request AC diagnostic service and share the short description above. Routine maintenance is appropriate for a working system; it is not a substitute for diagnosing a storm or outage problem. Prime AC & Heat exclusively serves owner-occupied single-family homes. The office must confirm service eligibility and appointment availability. Request AC repair and diagnosis. AC repair for Lewisville homeowners. Review maintenance options for a working system. Check current offers and full terms.
For advice about your current system or a new installation, contact Prime AC & Heat. Equipment requirements and program availability can change over time.