Summer is the season your home works hardest to keep you comfortable. A few small moves now keep the house cool, protect your AC, and keep the energy bill from climbing. None of this takes special tools.
Give your AC an easy summer
Start with the cheapest fix, a clean air filter. Then clear leaves and grass from around the outdoor condenser so it can breathe, and gently rinse the fins with a hose. Make sure furniture and rugs are not blocking indoor vents. An AC that can move air freely uses far less energy.
Set the thermostat a few degrees higher when you are out. A smart or programmable thermostat does this automatically and pays for itself over a summer.
Keep the heat out
Close blinds on the sunny side during the afternoon, and add weatherstripping to doors and windows that leak. Ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down. These small changes let you raise the thermostat without feeling it.
Water and storms
Summer is peak storm and humidity season. Test your sump pump before the first big rain, check that gutters are clear so water drains away from the house, and add a leak sensor near the water heater and washer. Catching a small leak early is the difference between a mop and a claim.
Your summer checklist
- Replace the AC air filter
- Clear and rinse the outdoor condenser
- Set the thermostat higher when away
- Add or refresh weatherstripping
- Reverse ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise
- Test the sump pump before storm season
- Place leak sensors by the water heater and washer
Handy for a cooler summer
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Common questions
What temperature should I set in summer?
Around 78 F when home and higher when away is a good balance of comfort and cost. Every degree lower adds noticeably to the bill.
How do I know if my AC needs a pro?
Weak airflow, warm air, strange smells, or short cycling are signs to call an HVAC contractor before a small issue becomes a breakdown.
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