When a heat wave hits, your air conditioner can feel like it’s working overtime just to keep up. The good news is there are a few simple tricks for how to help AC cool better during extreme summer heat without immediately jumping to expensive repairs or replacements.
Summer is one of the most carefree times of the year, so don’t let AC troubles keep you from enjoying it. Follow these tips that we’ve listed, and you should be free and clear from AC problems all summer long!
Preventative Maintenance
There’s a reason that seasonal maintenance is so highly recommended by HVAC technicians everywhere. The change of seasons can be quite difficult on every aspect of your home, especially your HVAC unit. Invest a little now in your unit so you don’t have to invest in an entirely new one a short while down the road.
If we perform maintenance on your unit, our technicians will inspect it and the associated components, such as air ducts and filters. During the inspection, if they notice any significant issues, they will recommend the best course of action for you.
Request a service with our team.
Air Filters
If you’re wondering how to help AC cool better, start by checking your air filter and replacing it if it’s dirty.
If you live in a home with no kids, pets, or smokers, then you should only need to replace your air filters every six months. If you live in a home with any of the items mentioned above, you should change your air filters every 2 or 3 months. This is especially important for households with kids and babies since their immune systems have not yet fully developed.
Your air filters are crucial to your home’s indoor air quality, as they help trap and remove unwanted particles from the air. In addition to their benefit for your air quality, they also have an impact on your HVAC unit’s efficiency. If you leave dirty filters in place for too long, your HVAC unit will have to work harder and longer to pump clean air through your home, increasing your energy bills.
Thermostat
Keeping your home’s internal temperature as close to the outdoor temperature as possible will help keep your energy bills as low as possible. However, when it is 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you don’t exactly want it to be that warm inside your home just to save some money. In these cases, the ideal temperature for your home is 78 degrees, and it should only be this low when you are actually in the house.
When you are not at home, Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat 10 degrees higher than usual. This gives your system a much-needed break and saves you money on energy bills.
Open Vents
You might think that closing the air vents in rooms you’re not using will save energy since you’re not wasting temperature-controlled air on unused rooms. However, this is a big waste of money and energy. By doing this, you’re causing your system to work much harder to reach the desired temperature, which wastes energy and money.
To achieve the desired cooling in specific rooms, you would need to install a zoned HVAC system. These systems work by heating and cooling individual rooms or zones within your home, rather than the whole house at once.
Staying Cool Without Overworking Your AC
Keeping your home cool during extreme heat doesn’t have to mean pushing your AC to its limits. With a few smart habits, you can improve how your AC cools and ease the strain on your system. A more efficient AC not only keeps you more comfortable during a heat wave, but also helps your unit cool more effectively overall while lowering energy use and extending its lifespan.
At Coast Plumbing, Heating & Air, we are here to help get you and your AC equipment through the summer months. If you need some last-minute maintenance or repairs, then don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts!
FAQs About How to Help AC Cool Better
AC doesn’t usually worsen allergies. In fact, it can help by filtering dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. However, if filters are dirty or the system isn’t cleaned regularly, it can circulate allergens, worsening symptoms.
In most cases, it’s more efficient to keep your AC running at a consistent, moderate temperature rather than turning it on and off frequently. Constantly restarting the system uses more energy and can strain components, while steady operation helps maintain efficiency during the day.
Not necessarily. Constant operation can overwork the system if it’s not optimized, while short cycling can also reduce efficiency. A steady, moderate setting with good airflow management is usually more effective.
If your AC is blowing warm air, cycling frequently, or struggling despite basic fixes, it may need servicing. A technician can check refrigerant levels, coils, and system performance to restore proper cooling.