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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:

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

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. 

how to keep your house cool during the summer

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: 

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

While an air conditioner is nice to have almost any time of year in Oklahoma–thanks to warm springs and falls and mild winters–it’s absolutely essential during the dog days of summer. Humidity and wind can make the triple-digit temperatures brutal at best and deadly dangerous at worst.

However, an AC isn’t any good if it isn’t actually cooling your home. It can be baffling–and maddening–to hear your AC running but feel no relief from the heat. So what’s going on?

The Most Asked Air Conditioning Questions

Q: Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?

A: If your air conditioner is running but the air is warmer than the ambient temperature, there could be a few things happening, because warm air indicates that your AC is working harder than it’s meant to. The most common problem is a dirty air filter,  which reduces air flow throughout the indoor system and will cause your system to freeze up. Low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a blocked condenser unit could also be the culprit and require more in-depth work. You can clean or replace the filters on your own, but you'll need a professional for refrigerant or electrical issues.

Q: What if the AC is running, but not cooling enough?

A: If your AC isn’t blowing cool air, but it isn’t blowing enough cool air to actually reduce the temperature in a room, this means that something about either the volume or temperature of the air being produced is the issue. A dirty or blocked condenser coil is one possible cause. A condenser coil takes the heat from the air and moves it outside, resulting in cool air being blown around. If it’s blocked or covered in dirt, it can’t perform this job as well anymore, which may cause your air to be a little cool, but not as much as it should. To resolve this, try cleaning the condenser coil. If this doesn't help, you may need professional assistance to check for other issues.

Q: Can a thermostat issue cause the AC not to cool?

A: Yes, it can. The thermostat reads the temperature in a room and communicates this information to the AC unit, which then turns on or off based on the reading. If the thermostat is improperly calibrated, it might not signal the AC to cool. Check if the thermostat is set to cool mode (many devices have a separate fan mode, which turns the blower on but does not produce hot or cold air, which can be part of the confusion), and set the desired temperature.

If the AC still doesn't work properly, check whether there is something in the vicinity impacting the thermostat. For instance, a thermostat that is in direct sunlight might interpret the room to be hotter than it is.

If none of these resolve the problem, the thermostat might need replacement.

Q: How can I tell if my AC has a refrigerant leak?

A: The refrigerant in an air conditioning system travels through the copper coils inside it, absorbing heat and then releasing it to keep things cool. When this substance begins to leak, your AC might not cool, even if it’s running. If you have a refrigerant leak, you might hear a hissing sound coming from the AC, your energy bills could be higher than you expect, and you might even see ice on the refrigerant line. You will need a professional to properly repair a refrigerant leak.

Q: What can I do if my air filters are dirty?

A: Cleaning or replacing air filters is one of the simplest things you can do to improve the output of your AC. It's recommended to replace your air filters every 1-3 months for optimum performance. Pay attention to any directional arrows on the filters as you replace them, because they indicate which direction a certain side should be facing for correct airflow.

Q: Can a circuit breaker issue cause the AC not to cool?

A: Yes. If the breaker has tripped, the AC may still run, but it might not cool. The reason for this is because the unit inside your house, which circulates the air, has been turned back on when the breaker is reset. However, the outside components, which are responsible for cooling, do not turn back on automatically after tripping. Reset the circuit breaker by flipping it off and then on. If it keeps tripping, it's safer to call an electrician.

Q: What should I do if my condenser coils are dirty?

A: Clean condenser coils can save you big money when energy bills are the highest, but in Oklahoma’s dry, windy conditions, it doesn’t take long for them to get dirty. You can clean the condenser coils with a garden hose (after turning off power to the unit), but if they are extremely dirty, consider hiring a professional to clean them.

Q: Could a malfunctioning fan be the reason my AC isn't cooling?

A: Yes—the fan is the powerhouse behind your AC’s blower, and cold air won’t circulate if the fan isn’t working to blow it. Listen for unusual noises (such as grinding or clicking) or look for ice on the coils. You might need to replace the fan motor if it's not working, which requires a professional.  Your heat and air system is based on proper airflow.

Q: What if my air ducts are leaking?

A: If your AC is running but not cooling, the air conditioning system itself may not be the problem. Leaky air ducts can cause cool air to escape before it reaches its destination, leading to poor cooling or can infiltrate your system from the return side, causing your system to work harder than it should.  Check visible ducts for holes and loose connections. For a more thorough check or for repairs, call a professional.

Q: Why does my AC keep cycling on and off?

A: If your AC is not cooling your home, listen carefully to its operation. Is it turning on, blowing, and then turning off shortly after, only to repeat this cycle? This is often due to a dirty or blocked condenser unit, a dirty air filter, or low refrigerant. Try cleaning the condenser and replacing the air filter. If the problem persists, it could be a refrigerant issue, which will require professional service.

How to Prevent the Most Common AC Problems

The bulk of AC problems can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance, reducing the chances you’ll find yourself in the middle of a heatwave without cool air.

Some actions you can take as a homeowner include:

However, air conditioning systems are complex. For many issues, especially those related to refrigerant, electrical components, or internal parts, it's safer and more effective to hire a professional. An AC tune-up from Suntech Heat and Air can help make sure all of the components of your unit are working properly and efficiency, including:

Keep Your Home Cool With Suntech's AC Services

For more than 30 years, Suntech Heat and Air has been keeping Oklahomans cool with professional, reliable, and trusted AC services. Our team of experienced, licensed technicians is trained to service all makes and models of HVAC units–traditional and geothermal–and our comprehensive 15-point inspection checklist ensures we don’t miss a thing.

Whether you’re preparing for the summer heat ahead or find yourself in the middle of an AC meltdown, Suntech Heat and Air can help with emergency service and affordable prevention tune-ups that keep you cool all year round. For even more peace of mind, join the Suntech Heat and Air Club, our annual maintenance and service agreement that gives you price protection, extra value and discounts, automatic tune-up scheduling, and preferred scheduling for unexpected repairs.

Don’t trust your family’s comfort to just anyone; trust the experts at Suntech Heat and Air and call today!

Oklahoma is notorious for its unseasonable weather. From snow in March and ice in October to heat waves in February and 90-degree days in May, you never know when you’ll need to kick on the air conditioner. One thing is for sure–summers in Oklahoma without AC can be brutal, so it's important to make sure you have yours ready to work as soon as summer comes to town.

Maintaining an efficiently working air conditioner does more than keep you comfortable when you need it; it keeps energy costs down, helps avoid expensive repairs, prolongs its lifespan, and protects your investment. Knowing how yours operates and what you can do to prepare it for the heat will save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

How Your AC Works

There are two main parts to your central heat and air system –the outdoor unit, which collects and cools the air, and the indoor unit, which distributes the air throughout your home and is often paired with a central heating system.

The Outdoor AC Unit

The outdoor unit is also called the condenser or compressor, and works to convert refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back again. The refrigerant gas is compressed before entering the condenser coils, and heat is released as the refrigerant converts back to a liquid. The outdoor unit consists of the following:

The Indoor AC Unit

The indoor unit, also called the indoor air handler and evaporator, houses the evaporator coil and fan and distributes and circulates air throughout your home. The air handler draws warm air, which is blown across the evaporating coil and cooled.

How To Prepare Your AC for Summer in OKC

There is a lot you can do as a homeowner to prepare your AC for the summer, starting with some simple checks. Before you begin, be sure to turn off the electricity to the AC unit to prevent accidents or injury.

  1. Replace your air filters on the schedule recommended by the unit’s manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce your AC unit’s efficiency. Additionally, dirty filters will recirculate the dust and allergens that have collected in your home.
  2. Find, check, and clear your drain line. A clogged drain line can cause the entire system to back up and run ineffectively. It can also cause water damage when it spills over.
  3. Clean your condenser coils. To do this, turn the unit off, get a garden hose with a spray nozzle and gently wash the coils until they are clear of grass, fur, cottonwood, and other debris and the water running through the coils is clean and no longer contains dirt or debris.
  4. Clear away any grass, shrubs, and debris from your condenser unit and vents. A two-foot radius is usually considered the proper amount of space around an outdoor unit. This allows the maximum airflow around the unit and helps keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. Once you have cleaned around the unit, carefully remove the grill cover and remove any debris that has found its way inside. It is a good idea to turn your AC unit off when mowing to help keep debris from getting sucked into the coils.
  5. Check the coolant lines, which are the tubes or pipes that carry the refrigerant from the evaporator inside your home to the condenser outside of it. These lines should also be free of debris and covered with foam insulation, which allows them to save as much energy as possible. Check that the lines and foam insulation are in good condition and that the foam does not need replacement.
  6. Test your unit and thermostat to make sure they are properly connected and working. If your home isn’t equipped with a smart thermostat, you can upgrade to one for big savings in energy, money, and time.
  7. Schedule a tune-up. Once you’ve performed all of these basic checks, schedule a tune-up with Suntech Heat and Air Plumbing Geothermal for a final professional inspection. Our technicians can assess the condition and function of your entire system, including identifying and correcting potential problems, to make sure it’s primed and prepped for the summer to come.

What AC Maintenance Should a Professional Handle?

While much of an AC’s preventative maintenance can be performed by you as the homeowner, there are some tasks you should leave to the professionals. These include:

The technicians at Suntech are trained, licensed, and certified to service all makes and models of HVAC units, including traditional and geothermal, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs with no extra charges or overtime fees for nights, weekends, or holidays.

air conditioning service

Make Sure Your AC is Ready for Summer with Suntech Heat and Air

For more than 30 years, Suntech Heat and Air has been helping Oklahomans prepare their ACs for the summer. With $89.95 tune-up specials, a comprehensive 15-point inspection, and annual maintenance and service agreements with our Suntech Heat and Air Club membership, you can stay cool and confident. We can also do full HVAC replacements or upgrades–with $500 off a complete system installation–to keep you even more comfortable longer.

Don’t let Oklahoma’s summer heat catch you by surprise. Call Suntech Heat and Air Plumbing Geothermal today at (405) 785-0950 to schedule your AC inspection and tune-up and find out why we earned The Oklahoman’s Readers’ Choice Award for HVAC and Plumbing services.

Ready For a Vacation? Your Home Should Be Too

Your home should be too! Careful planning can not only help protect your home and your belongings while you travel but also provide your family with some energy savings to spend on souvenirs! Follow these five simple tips to prepare your home for your absence. Whether it’s a weekend road-trip or a stay at the lake house, remember to follow some of these energy-saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re away.

Important Things To Do Before You Leave

1. Turn off the lights.

If you decide to keep any of your lights on as a security measure, invest in an automatic timer. It can be programmed to turn on your lights during late evening and early morning hours while preventing wasted energy during the day.

2. Turn down your air conditioner.

While it’s important to keep the air circulating in your home while you’re gone, you can drastically cut down on energy usage by turning your thermostat up to 85 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, simply use the “vacation” feature to maintain safe and efficient indoor temperatures while you’re gone.

3. Unplug appliances and electronics.

Even when they’re turned off, anything that’s plugged into the wall can continue to consume energy. By unplugging your devices or using a smart power strip, you’ll avoid wasting standby power. Don't forget to unplug your washer and dryer, too.

4. Adjust your water heater(s).

Turn your water heater down to "low" or to "vacation” mode. If your pool also uses a heater, consider purchasing a pool cover that will help minimize heat loss so that you can avoid the cost to reheat it.

5. Take care of your refrigerator.

If you’ll only be gone a few days, turn your refrigerator’s thermostat up a few degrees. If you’ll be gone more than two weeks, clean and empty the refrigerator, prop the door open, and unplug the unit.

Whether it’s a weekend road-trip or stay at the lake house, remember to follow some of these energy-saving tips to avoid unnecessary expenses while you’re away.

Need a Professional? Call Suntech

To set up an appointment with one of our Experts who check your current systems for efficiency improvements!

Preparing-Home-Vacation-Expert

Our Top Air Conditioning Tips For Summer

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the forecast for August through October calls for hotter than normal temperatures everywhere. How can you prevent your AC from breaking down when you need it most?

Regular maintenance like changing air filters and duct cleaning help keep your HVAC system running efficiently potentially saving energy and lowering your cooling bills. However, extreme heat, clogged vents or faulty wiring, can overtax your system and may cause AC failure at the worst time possible.

The Importance of Comprehensive Preventive Maintenance

We're ready to handle all your HVAC needs, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs, to new system recommendations and installation.

A comprehensive preventive maintenance inspection and service by a certified HVAC technician could save you from a costly repair or two.  Being uncomfortable in your own home is the last thing you need.

Let one of our licensed HVAC pros ensure your AC is prepared for the rest of the summer. Regular maintenance like changing air filters and duct cleaning help keep your HVAC system running efficiently potentially saving energy and lowering your cooling bills. However, extreme heat, clogged vents or faulty wiring, can overtax your system and may cause AC failure at the worst time possible.

Our comprehensive HVAC tune-up package includes:

Call 405-785-0950 today

Make an appointment with Suntech! We're ready to handle all your HVAC needs, from preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to new system recommendations and installation.

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