4 Tips to Minimize the Strain on Your AC During Summer

No homeowners look forward to the surge in energy costs that summer brings each year. Not to mention, summer also puts an extra strain on your AC system that increases the risk of problems and even full breakdowns. Here are four tips to minimize that strain — and save some money — this summer.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the easiest ways to minimize the strain on your AC during the summer is to change your air filter. Filters should typically be changed every couple of months, but you should change them as often as every month during the summer to maximize airflow. This is especially important if you have pets that shed. Set a reminder on your phone to check your air filter each month and replace it if it’s dirty.

Adjust the Thermostat

Nothing is better than feeling the sweet cool of your air conditioner on full blast after time out in the summer heat, but that doesn’t mean your AC should be on full blast all the time. If you and your family are leaving for a few hours or more, set the thermostat to a higher temperature to give your AC a break. Programmable and smart thermostats allow you to easily control these temperature differences.

In addition, it’s important to understand that your AC can only do so much against the heat of summer. The hotter it is outside, the harder it is for your AC to sustain a crisp 68 degrees (or whatever temperature you prefer). To minimize strain and save money over the summer, we recommend setting your AC to a more realistic 78 degrees, which is the most efficient temperature in warmer months. This temperature will keep your AC running well, and you won’t feel the difference compared to the often triple-digit heat outside.

Reduce Heat Inside

While it feels great to let natural light into your home, all that sunshine is actually heating your house. It’s a good idea to have blinds, curtains or shutters so you can cover your windows and keep the sunlight out during the heat of the day. This keeps heat out of your home, making your air conditioner’s job a bit easier.

Another way to reduce heat inside your home is using heat-generating appliances during the mornings and evenings. Running appliances, cooking and even showering during the heat of the day can allow heat to build up faster, so doing these things at cooler times of day can make a big difference. Summer is also a great time for cookouts and grilling, providing the perfect opportunity to cook more meals outside on the grill and reduce heat inside.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

The best way to set your AC system up for success during the summer is to schedule an AC tune-up each spring before it gets too hot. Comprehensive tune-ups include the inspection, cleaning and testing of every part of your HVAC system, so you can be confident that your AC is in top condition before the heat of summer hits. If there’s a problem with your AC, you can fix it and avoid being blindsided by a breakdown in the middle of summer.

Barker’s Heating & Cooling provides high-quality air conditioning service in College Station, from installations to tune-ups. Contact us to schedule your AC tune-up today.