Air Conditioning Tips for Summer: Hear from the Experts

Oklahoma’s summers are anything but mild, leaving many residents rushing to the comfort of their air conditioners. With weeks of uninterrupted high temperatures, residential and commercial air conditioners run constantly, resulting in accelerated wear and tear. 

As the Oklahoma heat sets in, you may be wondering how to keep your house cool in summer. Here are some AC tips for summer that will help your unit run strong all season long.

Understanding the Demands of Oklahoma Summers

Calling Oklahoma’s summers “warm” would be an understatement. Temperatures in mid-July can easily reach the mid-90s, along with high humidity that can last for weeks at a time. 

These long periods of hot and humid conditions strain your AC unit. When an AC unit is pushed to its limits, it will show common signs of stress, including:

• Worn-out components such as compressors
• Restricted airflow due to clogged filters, etc.
• Low refrigerant pressure, indicating a leak

So what can you do to stop this? We’ll dive into that in the next section.

Pre-Summer Air Conditioner Preparation

Routine AC maintenance becomes essential with heightened use. While AC maintenance may not be at the top of anyone’s to-do list, it is one of the best ways to guarantee that your unit will keep running at its best all summer.

We recommend conducting annual AC maintenance in the spring, before the intense summer heat arrives. Below are some steps you can take to make sure your AC is well-maintained and ready for summer.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

A DIY inspection may be easy, but it can result in underlying issues being overlooked. Leaving your system in the hands of an HVAC professional gives you more thorough, consistent results. It can also help you catch small problems before they snowball into costly repairs or a potential mid-summer breakdown. 

At Suntech, our HVAC technicians will check and tune up system areas such as

• Refrigerant levels
• Electrical connections
• Blower components
• Evaporator and condenser coils

Replace or Clean Air Filter

Your air filters keep the air you breathe cool and clean. Heavy AC usage during a hot season can cause your filter to clog with debris, potentially blocking your system’s essential air flow. 

It's recommended that you replace or clean your air filters every 1 to 3 months. This will allow your air quality to stay clean and your circulation to stay efficient and smooth. 

Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit

Being outside makes your outdoor unit vulnerable to outside elements, which can possibly affect your system’s performance. Check your system for debris, such as dirt and leaves, and remove it from the unit. 

Pay special attention to the condenser and allow at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance to prevent issues like overheating and allow for the best possible airflow. 

Test Thermostat Functionality

If your thermostat malfunctions, your entire system may be impacted. Test your thermostat’s temperature readings and responsiveness to ensure your system operates accurately. 

Seal and Insulate Ductwork

Imagine your ductwork as the highway of your indoor cooling. When issues like openings in the ducts are present, the circulating air cannot travel properly to its destination, often escaping into areas that don’t need it, like your attic. 

Sealing and updating your ductwork’s insulation keeps your cool air situated, allowing for your system to work more efficiently, causing less strain on the components and faster comfort for you. 

Evaluate Home Insulation and Air Leaks

A weak point in your insulation is another escape route for cool air. Check windows, doors, and even your attic for air leaks. 

By eliminating poor insulation, your AC unit can cool your home quicker, run far less, and reduce energy consumption. 

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

For those who want more hands-on control over their temperature settings, consider switching to a Smart thermostat. These models give you complete temperature control right in the palm of your hand through smartphones or tablets.

The programmable nature also allows for temperature settings to work around your schedule, such as only turning on when you are home. 

If you’re interested in installing a Smart Thermostat, get in touch with the pros at Suntech.

Ongoing Maintenance During the Summer

When you are in the middle of a July heatwave, the last thing you need is an AC breakdown. Consider the following summer maintenance steps to ensure your system runs smoothly, no matter how brutal the heat gets. 

Monitor System Performance

Consistently check on your system, especially during periods of heavy use. Watch out for operational issues such as the system short cycling, the system making odd noises, or even cooling worsening with time. 

These are common signs that issues like component malfunction have started affecting your AC’s performance and may need a tune-up 

Keep the Outdoor Unit Area Clear

Your outdoor unit works best when it has its own space. Remove any debris, clutter, or any nearby foliage that's been growing a little long. Clearing out these obstructions allows your unit to run without the risk of issues such as overheating. 

Keep Vents and Registers Unblocked

Clear circulation is key to keeping your system working at its best. Check each of your vents and registers, ensuring that nothing is blocking them, such as furniture or window curtains. 

Clearing these blockages allows for air to circulate as intended, keeping your system from straining itself and delivering your cooling at the efficiency you need. 

Monitor Energy Bills

When your monthly energy bills only seem to be rising, it may be a red flag that something is wrong. A skyrocketing energy bill is typically linked to an efficiency issue or possible component malfunctions, resulting in worse cooling and higher energy usage. 

When to Consider an AC Replacement

After many summers of keeping you cool, your reliable AC might be at the end of its run if you notice any of the following: 

• AC models older than 15 years
• Frequent repairs
• Inconsistent cooling
• Skyrocketing energy bills
• Loud noises when running
• Poor airflow
• High humidity indoors

While making the switch to a brand-new AC system can be an investment, modern units allow for a myriad of benefits for your home or business, including:

• Higher cooling efficiency
• Reduced energy usage
• Enhanced humidity management
• Smart controls for simple, precise temperature monitoring

When problems start rearing their ugly heads, it's time to call an HVAC professional for an in-depth evaluation. With the proper expertise and tools, an expert accurately diagnoses your system’s issues and provides an informed recommendation, such as whether repair or replacement is necessary. 

Practical Tips to Keep Your House Cool Without Overworking the AC

Staying comfortable during a hot Oklahoma summer is all about balance. While your AC does a fine job keeping your home or business cool, too much usage can wear it down and lead to more costly issues.

To balance your system use while still keeping your home cool, you’ll want to try out these methods:

• Install blackout curtains or thermal blinds to block out direct sunlight
• Have your ceiling fans run counterclockwise to push the air down on you
• Reduce your usage of heat-generating appliances, such as ovens or dryers
• Try eco-friendly options like upgrading to Energy Star-certified equipment
• Open the windows in the early morning or at night to bring in the fresh, cooler air

Energy Efficiency Strategies That Lower Cooling Costs

Staying cool doesn’t need to come with an expensive energy bill at the end of the month. If you are looking to keep your home comfortable but slash costs at the same time, we have a few strategies that may help:

• Install Zoned Cooling: These systems allow you to precisely control the temperatures of individual rooms or zones, reducing the energy used by only focusing on the areas of your home that need cooling. 
• Check Insulation: Inspect areas around your home, such as doors, windows, and even your air ducts, to make sure they are properly insulated. Lackluster insulation can lead to air leaks, resulting in cool air escaping before your home is fully cooled. 
• Temperature Settings: Setting your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature (like 78 degrees) while you are away from home reduces the difference between inside and outside temperatures. This means that your AC system has to work far less to meet the cooling requirements, thus using less energy. 
• Energy Audit: If you are unsure why your energy costs are the way they are, consider an energy audit. These evaluations of your property’s energy usage and efficiency help identify where energy is wasted and how it can be improved. 
• Routine Maintenance: Consistent tune-ups keep each part of your system running smoothly, allowing for efficient operation and reduced energy waste. 

Importance of Professional Maintenance Services

While a DIY project always seems like a great idea in theory, hiring a professional to do the dirty work usually turns out to be better in practice. So why invest in professional preventative AC maintenance? Because trained professionals know exactly what to look out for and can identify minor issues before they become major problems.

Looking for ways to save on annual AC maintenance? Join the Suntech Club. Our worry-free HVAC maintenance agreement includes annual tune-ups, exclusive benefits, and discounts.  

We don’t stop at just seasonal maintenance, as our club members enjoy:

• Automatic maintenance reminders
• Priority service scheduling
• Member discounts, including 15% off service repairs

Cool Off This Summer with Suntech’s Reliable AC Services

Oklahoma summers arrive fast and stick around for a long time. No one wants to be stuck in a hot home with a broken AC. By following these air conditioning tips both before and during the summer season, you keep your unit running smoothly when you need it most.

Proper maintenance starts with a professional touch. When HVAC is the concern, Suntech is the local team that will keep your systems running perfectly no matter the temperature outside. Since 1986, we have helped countless homes and businesses stay cool during the scorching Oklahoma winters, and we are ready to bring our expertise to you.

Whether it's a late-night emergency or a simple inspection, Suntech’s experts have the tools and skills to keep your HVAC experience 100% worry-free. Contact our team today to schedule a service.