It’s still technically winter, but it’s already starting to warm back up some here in Texas, so we thought we’d share a few quick A/C tips for the days ahead when it gets a little too warm to not utilize the A/C. These tips should be kept in mind going forward, especially during the hotter months – keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during the intense hot season in Texas doesn’t have to be expensive. If you follow these simple tips and tricks, you might just find your electricity bill lower than you’ve ever imagined!

1. Be sure to change your air filters each month during the hot season. It only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of money by allowing your air conditioner to work more efficiently.
2. You can lose a lot of airflow because of leaky duct connections and leaky window unit mounts. A quick and easy way to find leaks is to hold a lit stick of incense near the duct connection or near the window unit–if the smoke blows around, you definitely have a leak. For window units, fill any small gaps between the window frame and the AC unit itself with foam. For ducts, use foil tape for small gaps.
3. Many people think that shutting off the AC before they leave their house for the day is a good way to save money on their bill, but that’s usually not true. When you get home and turn the AC back on, you wind up using more electricity to get the house back to a desirable temperature. The exception to this rule is when you’ll be gone for several days or more. For days when you’ll only be gone from morning until evening, you can invest in a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature based on when you leave and when you’ll return.
4. Insulate your ducts in hot attics. The easiest way is to spray them with foam. For cramped spaces, you can always use a wrap to help with insulating.
5. Clear the area around your central AC’s compressor/condenser (most often found outside your house near the house’s foundation). Give it at least 2 feet of clear space on all sides for maximum efficiency. Remove everything from tall grass, piles of leaves, bushes, etc.
6. Your windows can prolong your air conditioning unit’s life. Keep your blinds down while the sun is out, to allow your unit to work a little easier. If you can afford it, have some double-pane insulated windows installed. They help keep your house better-insulated by allowing less cool to escape and less heat to enter (and vice-versa in the winter). They aren’t cheap, but they pay for themselves in savings on your electricity bill.
7. Use a ceiling or floor fan to help circulate cooled air around your home. When running the AC and fan together, the air is distributed more evenly and can help cool the house quicker.
8. Be sure to schedule a yearly maintenance checkup with a reliable local air conditioning/HVAC maintenance company. The best time of year to have your maintenance performed is right before it starts to get hot outside. An in-depth checkup can help keep your AC unit running for a long time, and help keep your bill down by ensuring that it’s running at peak efficiency. If your home or office is located in Central Texas and you’re looking for an HVAC company to help with your AC repair, installation, or maintenance, give us a call, we’d love to help!