Air Conditioning Tips for Summer: Hear from the Experts

Oklahoma City summers are anything but mild, leaving many residents across OKC, Edmond, Moore, and Norman rushing to the comfort of their air conditioners. With weeks of uninterrupted high temperatures and elevated heat indexes, residential and commercial air conditioners throughout the Oklahoma City metro run constantly, resulting in accelerated wear and tear.

As the Oklahoma City 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 City Summers

Calling Oklahoma City summers “warm” would be an understatement. Temperatures in mid-July frequently reach the mid-90s, often accompanied by high humidity that can linger across central Oklahoma for weeks at a time.

These long stretches of heat and humidity place serious strain on AC systems throughout the OKC metro. When an air conditioner is pushed to its limits, it often shows common signs of stress, including:

• Worn-out components such as compressors
• Restricted airflow due to clogged filters
• Low refrigerant pressure, often 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 in Oklahoma City due to heightened summer usage. While AC maintenance may not be at the top of anyone’s to-do list, it is one of the best ways to ensure your system keeps up with the intense central Oklahoma heat.

We recommend conducting annual AC maintenance in the spring, before Oklahoma City’s peak summer temperatures arrive. Below are some steps you can take to make sure your AC is 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 a local Oklahoma City HVAC professional ensures more thorough results and helps catch small problems before they turn into costly mid-summer breakdowns.

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. In Oklahoma City, dust, pollen, and red dirt can build up quickly during summer, clogging filters and restricting airflow.

It's recommended that you replace or clean your air filters every 1 to 3 months to maintain clean indoor air quality and efficient circulation.

Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit

Outdoor AC units in the OKC area are exposed to wind, dust, grass clippings, and storm debris. Regularly checking for dirt and leaves around the unit helps prevent performance issues.

Allow at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance around the condenser to prevent overheating and ensure proper airflow.

Test Thermostat Functionality

If your thermostat malfunctions, your entire system may be affected. Accurate temperature readings are especially important during Oklahoma City heatwaves.

Seal and Insulate Ductwork

Imagine your ductwork as the highway of your indoor cooling. In many older Oklahoma City homes, duct leaks allow cool air to escape into attics or crawl spaces.

Properly sealed and insulated ductwork keeps conditioned air where it belongs, improving efficiency and reducing system strain.

Evaluate Home Insulation and Air Leaks

Gaps around windows, doors, and attic spaces are common in Oklahoma City homes and allow hot outdoor air inside.

By improving insulation and sealing leaks, your AC system can cool your home faster while using less energy.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

For homeowners in the OKC metro looking for better control, smart thermostats allow you to manage cooling schedules remotely and reduce unnecessary runtime.

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

Regional Factors That Impact AC Performance in Oklahoma City

Several regional and geographical factors make air conditioning especially important in Oklahoma City and surrounding communities:

• High heat index: Central Oklahoma humidity can make temperatures feel significantly hotter, forcing AC systems to work harder.
• Severe weather: Thunderstorms and high winds can blow debris into outdoor units and cause power fluctuations.
• Red dirt and pollen: Oklahoma’s soil and seasonal allergens clog air filters faster than in many other regions.
• Older housing stock: Many OKC-area homes have aging insulation or ductwork that reduces cooling efficiency.

Because of these conditions, regular AC maintenance is especially critical for Oklahoma City homeowners and businesses.

Ongoing Maintenance During the Summer

When you are in the middle of a July heatwave in Oklahoma City, the last thing you need is an AC breakdown.

Monitor System Performance

Watch for warning signs such as short cycling, unusual noises, or reduced cooling performance.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Area Clear

Clear grass, weeds, and debris regularly to prevent overheating during peak OKC summer temperatures.

Keep Vents and Registers Unblocked

Proper airflow is essential for efficient cooling throughout your home.

Monitor Energy Bills

Sudden spikes in energy costs often indicate efficiency problems or system wear.

When to Consider an AC Replacement

After many Oklahoma City summers, your AC may need replacement if you notice:

• Systems older than 15 years
• Frequent repairs
• Inconsistent cooling
• Rising energy bills

Cool Off This Summer with Suntech’s Reliable AC Services

Oklahoma City summers arrive fast and stay hot. By following these air conditioning tips, you help ensure reliable comfort when temperatures climb.

Since 1986, Suntech has helped Oklahoma City-area homes and businesses stay cool through the toughest summer heat. Whether you need emergency service or routine maintenance, our local HVAC experts are ready to help.

Schedule service today and keep your Oklahoma City home comfortable all summer long. Contact our team today.