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.
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:
- Cleaning or changing your air filters
- Checking and testing the thermostat
- Turning on fans to circulate air and put less stress on the AC unit
- Avoid opening and closing doors too frequently to keep the indoor air consistent
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:
- Drains. When an AC unit runs, it creates moisture and condensation, which is funneled away from the system using a drain line. However, if the drain line becomes clogged (with anything from pollen to attic insulation, depending on the location of your unit), this water has nowhere to go except back the way it came. This means your unit could cause water damage to your home and ultimately fail to function properly.
- Filters and coils. Over time, even the most sheltered units will eventually need some cleanup. Keeping the filters and coils free from buildup ensures that they work at peak performance, which keeps your system running in good condition for as long as possible and lowers your energy bills.
- Air flow. Air conditioning units can transport a lot of air—in fact, the average AC unit will move more than a thousand cubic feet of air per minute. The suction required to bring in this air means that the area around the unit itself should be free from debris, such as weeds and shrubs or tall grass.
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!
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
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