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Summer brings sunshine, cookouts, and those dreaded high cooling costs. But with a few smart tweaks, your AC doesn’t have to struggle to keep you cool. Practical tips are easy to implement and make a real difference. Arctic Air Conditioning & Heating in El Centro, CA, shares insights to help you get the most out of your system without sacrificing comfort. Let’s dive into the most innovative ways to keep cool this season.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Your AC works a lot harder when it must push air through a clogged filter. The airflow slows down if your filter’s packed with dust, pet hair, or pollen. That means your system runs longer to cool your home, increasing your energy bill. Check your air filter at least once a month in the summer. If it looks gray or dusty, swap it out. A clean filter doesn’t just help your system breathe easier; it also keeps the air in your home cleaner. You’ll probably feel a difference in the air quality within a day or two, making your home instantly more comfortable.
2. Bump up Your Thermostat
When you leave your AC on full blast all day while at work or running errands, you’re wasting a lot of electricity. The system’s working to keep a space cool that no one’s using. A better move is to bump up your thermostat 5–8 degrees Fahrenheit higher when you’re gone. That keeps the house from being extremely hot but stops the AC from running nonstop. A programmable thermostat makes this easy. You can set a schedule, so your house starts cooling off before you return home. Even better, smart thermostats let you change the temperature from your phone.
3. Keep Your Blinds Closed
Direct sunlight heats your home faster than you think. Those sunny windows may be great for houseplants, but they’re terrible for your AC. When sunlight pours through your windows, it can heat the inside of your home quickly. Then, your system must work harder to catch up. A quick and easy way to help your home stay cooler is by closing your blinds or curtains when the sun is at its strongest. If your windows face east or west, those are the ones to pay extra attention to. You don’t need blackout shades, but you’ll probably need something to block or soften the direct light. If you still want daylight, try sheer curtains. They let light in while reflecting some of the heat.
4. Clear Space Around the Outdoor Unit
Your AC’s outdoor unit needs space to breathe. It pulls in air from outside and uses it to cool your home. But the airflow gets blocked if weeds, bushes, or forgotten pool toys surround the unit. That puts a strain on your whole system. Go outside and make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit. You should have about two feet of open space all around that box. If anything is crowding it, tall grass, leaves, or overgrown shrubs, clear it away. Also, don’t stack anything on top, like garden tools or flowerpots.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Your AC cools the air, but ceiling fans help spread it around. When a fan turns counterclockwise, it pushes air downward, making the room feel cooler without lowering the temperature. That breeze across your skin can make it feel like the room is 4 degrees Fahrenheit cooler. In summer, you want the blades spinning counterclockwise. That’s what creates that gentle wind-chill effect. When your fans work with your AC, you can keep the thermostat a little higher and feel comfortable. Just remember, turn the fans off when you leave the room.
6. Avoid Heat-Making Appliances
Using your oven or running the dryer in the middle of the day produces a lot of heat. That raises your indoor temperature, and your AC must work harder to cool the space. It’s better to cook dinner on the stove in the evening or use a microwave, air fryer, or outdoor grill when possible. Even dishwashers and washing machines produce heat when they run. If you can, do laundry early in the morning or after the sun goes down. Spreading out your heat-producing chores helps keep your home cooler and reduces how often your AC cycles on. Less heat inside means less work for your system.
Abolish Heat at Home
Keeping your home cool doesn’t mean spending a fortune or constantly adjusting the thermostat. Call Arctic Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule a summer tune-up. We offer expert HVAC repairs, installations, and AC maintenance to keep your home comfortable year-round.
