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HVAC Tips for Summer: Keep Your Home Cool Without Overworking Your AC
On average, most air conditioners will last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance and care.
Of course, this doesn’t always account for the strain on your system!
With too much regular stress and a constant struggle to cool your home, you might face higher energy bills and a shorter AC lifespan.
That’s why it’s a good idea to reduce the strain on your air conditioner where you can.
Here in Arizona, where the temperatures tend to creep into the high nineties in the warmer months, it’s even more important to stick to some essential HVAC tips for summer.
Let’s look at how to get through this year’s heat waves without overworking your system.
Install a Smart Thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, now is a great time to get one.
Smart thermostats can make your entire system more efficient, saving you money on your utility bills and reducing the strain on your system.
With a smart thermostat, you can set your AC to lower temperatures while awake and raise the temperatures at night or when you’re out of the house.
Because you can adjust the system to your schedule, it’s an easy way to ensure that your home is always cool when you need it while giving your AC a much-needed break when you don’t.
Maintain Your AC
AC maintenance is crucial if you’re trying not to overwork your system.
Regular inspections of your indoor and outdoor units can ensure that your AC runs as intended without damage, broken parts, or unnecessary strain.
Many elements of AC maintenance are easy to do on your own.
Change your filter every one to three months, clean the area around your outdoor unit, dust and open your air vents, and check for leaking fluids and obvious damage.
In addition, you may want to reach out for a professional tune-up every year before you start using your AC in the cooling season.
This ensures that your system is clean, well-maintained, and up-to-date before using it.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans may not be enough to combat our Arizona heat, but they supplement your HVAC system.
With the air circulation they provide, you might even be able to increase your thermostat’s temperature by a degree or two.
However, make sure you’ve set the blades to rotate clockwise.
This creates an updraft that moves cool air downward, keeping warmer air overhead where it belongs.
Close Your Curtains
Abundant sunlight is one of the perks of summer, but you may want to keep the light at bay to keep your home cool.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 76% of the sunlight on double-pane windows will enter your home as heat.
This is especially problematic for west-facing rooms that get a lot of sunlight in the afternoon and evening.
Blinds, curtains, or other window treatments can help keep your home much cooler.
If you want to go above and beyond, consider getting thermal curtains or blackout shades, which greatly reduce heat.
Consider Solar-Reflective Window Film
Do you want to let the summer sunlight in any way? One great option is solar-reflective window film.
Installing the right solar film can reduce up to 78% of the heat entering your windows while allowing your home to remain bright and sunny.
Even better, these films also insulate your home in the winter months, making your heater’s job easier.
Seal Gaps and Seams
One of the best HVAC tips for summer and beyond is to seal gaps and seams throughout your home.
These small gaps allow your valuable cooled air to escape outdoors, raising your energy bills and making your system work harder to keep up.
Use a caulking gun around your windows and doors to keep cool air from escaping.
This is especially important if you have a window AC unit, which can create opportunities for air to escape through your window if not installed right.
Remember to use weather stripping or draft stoppers around your doors, just as you would in winter.
Add Insulation to Your Attic
With poor insulation, the temperature in your attic can creep well into the triple digits during the summer.
This can drive up your home’s cooling costs and strain your AC.
Consider adding high-quality attic insulation on your own or via a professional service.
This can enhance your HVAC’s energy efficiency in the summer and winter.
Use Warmer Appliances With Care
Some household appliances create more heat than others.
When it comes to overheating your home, your oven, stove, dishwasher, and dryer are common culprits.
Plan to use these appliances later in the night or evening when you can.
This can not only help you keep your home’s temperature more manageable during the day, but it also means your AC won’t have to work twice as hard to get rid of heat outside and inside your home.
One bonus tip: Summer grilling season is a great way to reduce your stove and oven use.
There are plenty of ways to cook a range of meals outside on the grill, which adds variety to your plate and keeps your home much cooler.
Try These HVAC Tips for Summer
If you’re ready to get more out of your air conditioner, it’s time to put these HVAC tips for summer to the test!
With the tactics above, you’ll have no trouble reducing the strain on your system while reducing your cooling costs.
As you work to make your home more energy efficient, don’t forget that our team is here to help.
For expert maintenance and AC summer tips tailored to your home and system, Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating offers fast, friendly service.
Call now at (480) 571-7219 or request service online.
Looking for an air conditioning contractor in Sun Lakes and put these HVAC tips to the test? Reduce strain and cut cooling costs effortlessly. Our team at Mark Daniels Air Conditioning & Heating offers expert maintenance and tailored tips. Call (480) 571-7219 or request service online now!
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