There are also plenty of simple things you can do to maximize the effectiveness of your home’s air conditioning system and stay cool this summer. Check out these air conditioning hacks and keep your cool all summer long.

1. Weatherize Your Home

Small air leaks in your home can cause temperatures to rise. These small gaps allow cold air to escape and hot air to enter your home. Over time, these small leaks can even cause damage to your AC! When your air conditioner has to work hard against drafty windows and doors, it’s put under unnecessary stress. Help your air conditioning system out, and don’t make it work any harder than it already has to in the Texas heat!

Seal any leaky windows, replace weather stripping on doors, and check closets and cabinets for any holes that could be leaking air. These few small steps can help keep your home cooler for longer, and extend your air conditioner’s lifespan since it isn’t battling drafts.

2. Keep Windows Covered and Doors Closed

Small leaks and drafts can cause your home’s temperature to slowly rise, and open windows and doors can make temperatures rise FAST. The best air conditioner in the world is no match for an open door in the middle of a summer heatwave. Keep your doors and windows firmly closed during the hottest hours of the day to keep the cold air inside and the hot air outside.

3. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

Nothing lasts forever, air conditioners included. Even if you have your AC serviced twice a year and you keep up on maintenance, every system has a lifespan. If your system is constantly in need of repairs, running inefficiently, or just flat out isn’t working, then it may be time for an upgrade.

If you choose to upgrade your system, consider investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system. Check out our post 3 Reasons to Upgrade to a High-Efficiency HVAC System to learn more about how these awesome options save you money and keep you comfortable year round. The price tag for a new system might be scary, but if your current system is draining your wallet, you’ll likely recoup the cost of a new system through energy savings and higher property value.

4. Inspect and Vacuum Your Vents Monthly

Dust and hair can accumulate on and in your HVAC vents surprisingly fast. This is especially true if you have pets! Take time once a month to do a quick inspection of your vents and vacuum around them. It doesn’t take much hair and dust to negatively impact your system’s effectiveness and cause temperatures to climb.

During your monthly inspection, make sure that your air vents aren’t being blocked by furniture or other belongings. If you have air conditioning vents with closures, make sure they’re open! Vents get covered or closed on accident all the time. If the cold air can’t get out of the vents, then the temperatures in your home are going to go up. Keep your airflow unobstructed to keep your home cool.

5. Use Properly Sized Air Conditioning Units

Air conditioning units are designed to cool a specific amount of cubic feet. For example, if you’re using a window unit designed to cool 800 cubic feet (roughly the size of a 10 foot x 10 foot room), then it’s probably safe to say the unit won’t be very effective at cooling an entire 1400 square foot home. Running multiple window units may seem like a hassle, but if you’re looking to keep your home cool, then using the appropriate size and number of units for your home’s size is vital.

The only way to know for certain that your central AC is sized properly for your home is to have a professional perform a room-by-room heat load. Texas Ace offers these evaluations at no cost, and with no obligations. If an AC unit is rated for a smaller space than what you’re using it for, it will work too hard to keep your space cool. This in turn will cause it to wear out more quickly, leading to costly repairs, or causing the unit to burn out.

Air Conditioning Services in Dallas/Fort Worth

If you’re located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and you’re looking for prompt, friendly, and expert HVAC services, Texas Ace is here for you! If you need help battling the summer heat, give us a call or submit an appointment request online.