When you live in Cypress, TX, reliable air conditioning isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The local climate brings high temperatures and intense humidity that make indoor comfort essential. But what happens when staying cool becomes more expensive due to supply issues? That’s the situation many Cypress homeowners are facing with the recent refrigerant shortage, particularly the transition to R-454B. If you’re trying to keep your cool without blowing your budget, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll explore low-cost, practical tips for staying cool and extending the life of your HVAC system while refrigerant supplies are tight. We’ll also walk you through ways to increase your system’s efficiency and share how the team at Texas Eagle A/C & Heating is here to help.
Understanding the Refrigerant Shortage
What’s Causing the Shortage?
The refrigerant shortage isn’t just local—it’s part of a broader shift in the HVAC industry. As older refrigerants like R-410A are phased out to meet environmental regulations, newer alternatives like R-454B are becoming the standard. Unfortunately, demand is currently outpacing supply.
According to a 2024 report by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), refrigerant production in the U.S. has dropped by more than 30% compared to 2021 levels due to phasedown mandates. This has made refills and repairs more expensive and has left many homeowners scrambling to find affordable ways to stay cool.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
It means that repairs involving refrigerant can be delayed or costlier. Systems that rely heavily on refrigerant to stay operational may become a financial burden. But don’t worry—there are several ways to ease that burden without sacrificing comfort.
Tip #1: Maximize Your Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest ways to cut cooling costs is by adjusting your thermostat.
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Set your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal. Even a 2–3°F increase can reduce your AC’s workload by as much as 10%.
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Use programmable or smart thermostats to automatically raise the temperature while you’re away and lower it before you get home.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save about 1% on cooling costs for every degree the thermostat is raised over an eight-hour period.
Tip #2: Improve Airflow with Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a low-cost complement to your central AC system. They help circulate air, making rooms feel cooler even at higher thermostat settings.
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Run ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction during warmer months to create a wind-chill effect.
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Using a fan can allow you to raise the thermostat by 4°F without a noticeable loss in comfort, according to the DOE.
Fans don’t actually lower the room’s temperature—they just help you feel cooler. But when used strategically, they reduce the need for your AC to work overtime.
Tip #3: Seal and Insulate Your Home
A surprising amount of cool air escapes through poorly sealed doors, windows, and attics. When your home isn’t properly insulated, your AC works harder, which means more wear on the system and more refrigerant usage over time.
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Weatherstrip doors and windows
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Add insulation to attics and crawlspaces
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Seal air leaks around ducts and vents
According to ENERGY STAR, sealing and insulating can save homeowners up to 20% on heating and cooling bills. It also reduces system strain, extending the lifespan of your HVAC unit—especially important during times of refrigerant scarcity.
Tip #4: Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly
Dirty filters restrict airflow, which forces your AC to run longer to achieve the same level of cooling. That increases energy use and speeds up wear and tear on system components.
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Check your filter once a month during peak usage.
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Replace it every 1–3 months depending on filter type and indoor air quality conditions (pets, smoke, etc.).
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports that clean filters can reduce energy consumption by 5% to 15%, which helps keep utility bills lower and reduces system stress during tight supply periods.
Tip #5: Use Window Coverings to Block Heat
Your windows could be letting in more heat than you think. Uncovered windows can allow sunlight to raise indoor temps by several degrees.
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Close blinds or curtains during the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
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Consider reflective window film or thermal curtains to block radiant heat.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that medium-colored drapes with white plastic backings can reduce heat gains by up to 33%, offering another way to reduce AC use without compromising comfort.
Tip #6: Get a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
A well-maintained HVAC system operates more efficiently, meaning it uses less refrigerant to do the same job. A professional tune-up identifies potential problems before they become expensive repairs—especially important when replacement refrigerant is hard to come by.
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A tune-up typically includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, and calibrating the thermostat.
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Systems that receive annual maintenance are up to 40% more efficient than neglected ones, according to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers).
Even if you’re trying to save money, skipping your annual maintenance visit can end up costing more in the long run.
Tip #7: Reduce Indoor Heat Sources
Appliances like ovens, dryers, and incandescent light bulbs give off heat that your AC has to counteract. By limiting their use during peak heat hours, you can reduce your system’s workload.
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Cook outside on the grill or use a microwave instead of your oven.
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Run dryers in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler.
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Switch to LED lighting to reduce internal heat gain.
Reducing indoor heat not only makes your home more comfortable but also helps your AC work more efficiently when refrigerant availability is low.
Tip #8: Use Zoned Cooling Where Possible
If you have a zoned HVAC system or ductless mini-splits, you can cool only the areas you’re using rather than the entire home. This is especially helpful when refrigerant is scarce and you’re trying to extend system life.
Even if you don’t have zoned HVAC, you can mimic this with fans and portable AC units for bedrooms and high-use areas.
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Close vents in unused rooms (but not too many—this can increase pressure in the system).
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Use portable units rated for your room size to supplement your central AC.
A study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that targeted cooling could reduce whole-home cooling energy use by up to 30%.
Tip #9: Replace Older AC Units Proactively
If your current system is more than 12–15 years old, it might be time to start planning for a replacement—especially if it still uses R-22 or R-410A, which are both being phased out.
While a new AC system is a bigger upfront investment, it can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills and reduce your dependence on hard-to-find refrigerants.
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Look for ENERGY STAR certified systems that use R-454B or other newer refrigerants.
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Consider financing options or rebates to ease the financial burden.
According to the EPA, ENERGY STAR certified central AC units use about 15% less energy than standard models.
Tip #10: Work With a Trusted HVAC Provider
When refrigerant supplies are tight, working with an experienced HVAC contractor like Texas Eagle A/C & Heating becomes even more valuable. A knowledgeable team can help:
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Diagnose refrigerant leaks quickly to prevent further damage.
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Recommend low-cost upgrades or repairs that improve efficiency.
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Provide maintenance plans that extend equipment life and reduce breakdowns.
With the right support, you can stay cool, protect your investment, and reduce your reliance on refrigerants during supply shortages.
For AC Services in Cypress, TX, Contact Texas Eagle A/C & Heating Today
Whether you’re trying to stretch your current system a little longer or considering an upgrade, Texas Eagle A/C & Heating is here to help. Our team understands the unique climate demands of Cypress, TX and the impact refrigerant shortages are having on local homeowners. We provide honest guidance, affordable options, and expert service you can trust.
Let us help you stay comfortable while keeping your cooling costs under control. Contact Texas Eagle A/C & Heating today to schedule a service appointment, request a system inspection, or learn more about energy-efficient upgrades that fit your budget.
Call us today or fill out our contact form to get started—because staying cool shouldn’t mean breaking the bank.
