Air Conditioning Tips for Summer to Keep Cool and Cut Down on Costs

✔ Schedule Preventative A/C Maintenance

Set up a time for an HVAC technician to come out to your house and perform preventative maintenance before the busy summer season hits. Waiting too long could leave you stuck in a stifling house if the A/C fails.

Just what can you expect from this spring service call? Read “The Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist That Will Help You Keep Your Customers Happy.”

Make sure to mark your appointment on the calendar! Having service techs come out when you’re not there could increase your air conditioning maintenance cost.

✔ Change or Clean Air Filters

Did you know that indoor air is two to three times more polluted than outdoor air? It’s pretty alarming, especially when you consider that 90 percent of the average American’s life is spent inside.

It’s the job of air filters to remove pollution from the air in your house. But sometimes these helpful devices need to be cleaned.

Cleaning or replacing your air filter every 30 days can cut the energy your air conditioning unit uses by up to 15 percent.

Remember to keep track of air filter cleanings or replacements as part of your home HVAC maintenance routine.

✔ Check and Clear the Drainage Line

Humidity plays a big role in how hot you feel: 90° F heat can feel like 132° F at 100 percent humidity^[4]. The key to maximizing your A/C system’s dehumidification capacity is keeping the drainage line clear.

Suction out debris with a shop vac. Pour a cup of bleach in the access opening to prevent mildew, mold or algae from building up. Learn more about “Preventing Mold in Your Home.”

Note when you’ve cleared the drainage line on your calendar.

✔ Clear Obstructions Around the Condenser Unit

Typically located outside, the condenser unit can get clogged with loose vegetation and debris. Clear it out at least two times each month, and be sure to mark them on your calendar to keep your HVAC preventative maintenance schedule up to date.

1. Install a Smart Thermostat

Save up to $131 to $141 a year on air conditioning by automating temperature control with a smart thermostat. Learn more about smart homes and HVAC technology.

2. Adjust Temperature

Want to save 10 percent on your summer air conditioning bill? Turn the thermostat dial back by 10° F. The ideal setting is 78° F in hot months.

3. Turn on Ceiling Fans

Take advantage of the wind chill effect from ceiling fans. They’ll also allow you to turn up the thermostat by 4° F.

4. Purchase Energy Efficient Windows

Windows can be huge energy wasters, impacting your energy use for cooling by as much as 30 percent. Paying the upfront cost of Energy Star windows can earn you huge returns: up to $465 a year. Discover more in “Windows and Home Energy Efficiency.”

5. Seal Up Cracks in Windows and Doors

Your home is essentially an envelope, keeping its contents inside—including cool air. A gap as little as an eighth of an inch can let in as much air as a 2.4-inch diameter hole in a wall. Seal up leaks with weather stripping or caulk. If a dollar bill can still slip through, you’re losing money by allowing conditioned air to escape.

1. Call HVAC Techs for Regular Check-Ups

Routine HVAC maintenance is usually much cheaper than repairs or replacements. In fact, a lack of maintenance is typically a factor in the failure of HVAC equipment. Regular HVAC maintenance also boosts A/C efficiency.

2. Don’t Blast the A/C

It’s tempting to fling the thermostat dial to 65° F on a sweltering summer day. Don’t! It’s really not necessary and will drive up your utility bill. Choose a realistic level to achieve air conditioning temperature setting energy savings.

Consider investing in a smart thermostat to regulate the temperature for you while you’re away at work or sleeping.

3. Place the Air Conditioning Unit in a Cool Location

Sitting directly in the sun isn’t a wise idea for you or your air conditioning equipment. Place the A/C unit on the north side of your home in the shade. The localized air temperature is lower, making operation easier for your unit and extending its life span.

4. Keep the Heat out With Energy Saving Blinds

Sun shining through your window may be beautiful, but that bright scenery comes at a price: higher cooling costs. The light carries heat into your indoor spaces. Keep it outside with energy saving blinds.

5. Give Your Unit a Break

Who doesn’t want a little downtime now and then? Rest is restorative, even for HVAC equipment. Turn it off on spring and fall days when you don’t need it.

1. Noisy Operation

Sound can be your first alert that something is amiss with your A/C unit. HVAC systems aren’t usually silent while operating, but they shouldn’t be loud, either.

A cracked or partially broken belt is a common source of noise. A faulty ignition can make a whining sound. These are signs that it’s time to call out an HVAC technician to perform some home A/C troubleshooting.

2. Rapid Cycling

Is your air conditioner suddenly turning on and off quickly? It could have a problem known as “rapid cycling condition.” This may be an indication that there’s an issue with the wiring, thermostat or ignition.

3. Rising Monthly Utility Bills

A steady increase in your electric bill over the summer could be a sign that it’s time to repair or replace it. Buying a new, energy-efficient HVAC unit can be a big up-front cost, but you’ll save in the long run. Read “6 Tips to Updating Your HVAC System.”

4. Poor Cooling Capacity

If you’re blasting your air conditioner but not feeling any cooler, it may be time for maintenance. A/C components can fail during periods of extreme heat. Dirt or debris in the air filters or ductwork could be obstructing air flow, causing the evaporator coils to freeze.