Utah’s summer heat hits hard, especially in the late afternoon when the sun hangs heavy in the sky. Your air conditioner works overtime just to keep things bearable indoors, but if it runs all day, your energy bill can spike fast. We help homeowners stay cool while using less energy.
Set Your Thermostat to Do the Heavy Lifting
Your thermostat doesn’t have to be fancy to make a difference. Just changing the temperature setting a little can help you use less energy without feeling hot indoors. When it’s extra warm outside, keeping your thermostat around 78°F during the day works well for most people. If you’re leaving for a few hours, bump it up to 82°F. That gives your system a break while you’re away, but cools things back down quickly when you return.
Keep Filters Clean to Help Air Flow Right
When your air filter gets full of dust, your AC has to work harder to pull air through. That slows things down and makes your system use more energy. Dirty filters also let more particles float around your house, which makes indoor air feel stuffy or dusty.
Most people use basic pleated filters that need to be replaced every 30 to 90 days, depending on how much dust or pet hair builds up. If your house has lots of foot traffic or pets, you’ll probably need to change yours more often. This simple swap helps your AC cool faster and breathe easier.
Stop Air Leaks Before They Waste More Cooling
If your house has gaps around windows, doors, or attic access panels, your air conditioner keeps pushing cool air out without you knowing. That forces the system to keep running to replace what’s lost. Sealing those gaps can help your household hold on to the air you paid to cool. You can check for leaks by feeling around the edges of windows and doors with your hand.
If warm air seeps in, there’s probably a gap that needs sealing. Use weatherstripping or caulk to patch those spots. If you have an older home, your ductwork could also leak air into crawlspaces or unfinished basements. A professional can test those ducts and seal them, which can make your AC work a lot better.
Give Your System a Maintenance Check Before It Struggles
A lot of people wait until their AC stops working before calling for help, but that approach usually costs more in the long run. Getting your system looked at in the spring or early summer gives you a better chance to catch small problems before they turn into breakdowns. A maintenance visit checks refrigerant levels, tightens loose parts, and clears out debris from the coils.
These small fixes help your system run the way it’s supposed to. If you skip these visits year after year, you’ll start to notice your home doesn’t cool evenly or your energy bills keep rising. A well-maintained unit doesn’t just work better, it also lasts longer. That gives you more years before needing to replace the whole thing.
Think About Upgrading if Your System Feels Tired
If your AC is older than 10 or 15 years and seems to run all the time without keeping the house comfortable, it might be time to think about a newer model. New systems are built to use less energy while keeping your home cooler. They also come with better features like variable-speed fans that adjust how hard they work depending on how hot it is.
If your current unit runs at full speed all the time, it’s likely wasting energy. Replacing your old system might seem like a big expense, but it can save money in the long run by lowering your monthly energy bills and avoiding emergency repair costs. You also get more peace of mind knowing your system won’t give out during a heatwave.
Close Curtains and Block Out Afternoon Heat
Sunlight can turn your living room into a greenhouse, even if your AC is running full blast. During the hottest parts of the day, keeping your blinds or curtains closed can make a big difference. That simple habit stops sunlight from warming up your floors, furniture, and walls, which helps your AC catch a break. If you have rooms that face west or south, consider using blackout curtains or shades that reflect sunlight.
Prepare for High Temps With a New AC Set-Up
It doesn’t take fancy tech or major changes to get more life out of your AC and less shock from your electric bill. Just a few smart shifts in how you use your system can make a difference. We also offer water heater repair and installation, sump pump services, and trenchless sewer line replacement. If you’d like personalized help, schedule a service visit today with us and let’s fine-tune your setup together.
