How to Keep Your House Cool in Summer: AC Preparation and Home Tips
Arizona summers are intense, and for many homeowners, staying comfortable becomes a top priority. As the temperatures rise, so does the need to keep your house cool in summer, without causing your energy bills to skyrocket. While your air conditioning system is your first line of defense, there are several smart strategies you can combine to help your home stay cooler, longer.
Here’s how you can prepare both your AC system and your home to beat the summer heat effectively and efficiently.
1. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance to Keep House Cool in Summer
Regular professional AC maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to ensure reliable cooling throughout the hottest months. A system that’s running at peak performance will cool your home faster and more evenly, using less energy.
During an annual inspection, your HVAC technician will:
- Clean or replace filters.
- Check refrigerant levels.
- Inspect and lubricate moving parts.
- Look for worn-out or faulty components.
Addressing these issues early reduces the risk of breakdowns and helps your system last longer, keeping your house cool in summer without interruption.
2. Insulate and Seal Your Home Properly
If your home isn’t well-sealed, cooled air will escape, and hot air will sneak in. Poor insulation and air leaks force your AC to work harder, which leads to higher energy bills and uneven cooling.
To improve efficiency:
- Seal window and door gaps with weatherstripping.
- Add insulation in attics or crawl spaces.
- Use caulk around baseboards, vents, and plumbing entries.
Better insulation not only reduces strain on your AC system but also helps keep your house cool in summer even during peak daytime heat.
3. Use Fans and Window Coverings Strategically
While air conditioners do the heavy lifting, ceiling and oscillating fans can greatly improve air circulation, making rooms feel cooler without changing the temperature. Fans help move the cooled air more effectively throughout your home.
Tips:
- Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during summer.
- Close blinds or blackout curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
- Consider reflective window films to reduce radiant heat.
By managing airflow and sunlight, you support your AC unit in maintaining consistent indoor comfort.
4. Upgrade Your Thermostat for Better Efficiency
Outdated or inaccurate thermostats can sabotage your cooling efforts. Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat lets you automate your cooling schedule, reducing waste and optimizing comfort.
Smart thermostats offer:
- Remote control via smartphone.
- Learning behavior to auto-adjust for your schedule.
- Energy usage reports and efficiency insights.
When used effectively, these upgrades help save money in the long run.
5. Evaluate the Age and Condition of Your AC Unit
Air conditioners typically last 10-15 years. If your system is older or frequently needs repairs, it might be time to consider a more efficient AC replacement. Newer models often feature:
- Higher SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).
- Improved filtration and humidity control.
- Quieter operation and smarter controls.
A modern system can drastically reduce energy consumption while maintaining better overall comfort, especially in extreme Arizona heat.
6. Give Your AC a Test Run Before It’s Needed
Don’t wait for a 110°F day to find out your AC isn’t working. Turn it on early in the season and make sure it:
- Starts smoothly.
- Blows cool air evenly.
- Doesn’t emit strange noises or smells.
If anything seems off, contact a trusted HVAC professional right away. Preventive attention now can spare you from mid-summer emergencies.
7. Replace Air Filters Frequently
Clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency. Dirty filters make your unit work harder, increasing energy use and reducing cooling capacity. Replace them every 1-3 months, or more frequently if you have pets, allergies, or live in a dusty area.
Clean filters also support better indoor air quality and help your AC run at full power.
8. Embrace Nighttime Cooling Strategies
Once the sun goes down, take advantage of naturally cooler outdoor air:
- Open windows in the evening to create a cross-breeze.
- Use window fans to pull in cool air and exhaust warm air.
- Shut everything again in the morning and close blinds to trap the cooler air inside.
This method is especially effective in Arizona where nighttime temps often drop significantly. Leveraging these hours can help keep your house cool in summer without relying solely on your AC system.
9. Keep the Outdoor Condenser Clear and Clean
The outdoor portion of your AC system plays a huge role in heat exchange. To ensure it works efficiently:
- Clear away leaves, grass, and debris.
- Trim plants or shrubs at least two feet away.
- Hose off dust buildup from the fins regularly (with the power off).
When the condenser has proper airflow, it’s better equipped to keep your indoor space cool.
10. Frequently Asked Cooling Questions
Q: How low should I set my thermostat in summer?
A: Most experts recommend 76-78°F when you're home and 80-85°F when you're away. Each degree lower can increase your energy use by 3-5%.
Q: Does turning my AC off during the day save money?
A: Not necessarily. It’s usually more efficient to raise the temperature rather than turning the unit off completely. Smart thermostats help regulate this balance for you.
Q: How else can I cool down without cranking the AC?
A: Cook outside, use LED lighting, switch to cotton bedding, and stay hydrated. All of these habits can help your body feel cooler indoors.
Stay Cool This Summer with Wolfgang’s Cooling & Heating
When the Arizona sun is blazing, Wolfgang’s Cooling, Heating, & Plumbing is here to help. From tune-ups and filter changes to full system upgrades, we offer everything you need to keep your house cool in summer, and do it efficiently.
Need AC maintenance or a consultation? Contact our team today to schedule your appointment and stay comfortable all season long.
