As Oklahoma summer temperatures climb, turning on the air conditioner will be a necessity. But as your HVAC system delivers relief, watch for increasing energy bills. While they are always a danger in the summer, by sticking to the advice below, you can keep the house comfortable without spending all your money on cooling costs.  

Do:

Replace the air filter.

Change out the air filter about once every 60 to 90 days. Without routine replacement, the filter can become clogged with contaminants, making it more difficult for air to flow through. If air isn’t able to move freely, your system will have to work harder to produce the desired temperatures.

Turn on ceiling fans.

When ceiling fans are turned on and move counter-clockwise, they will blow air back down to improve overall circulation. This movement will help your home stay cooler without having to keep the AC on for extended periods.

Schedule routine maintenance.  

Hire a licensed heating and cooling specialist to provide routine air conditioning maintenance at least once a year. During the check-up, these technicians will make sure all mechanical issues are resolved before they turn into larger, costlier problems. Additionally, this work will help the system run more efficiently for extra cost savings.

Don’t:

Use heat-producing appliances during the day.

Dishwashers, ovens, and dryers are all appliances that can generate excess heat and make it more difficult for the HVAC system to maintain cool temperatures. If possible, avoid using these appliances during the day when your AC system is working at its hardest. You can also use the warmer summer weather as a reason to grill outside more, where it won’t affect the house’s internal temperature.

Leave shades open.

While the sunlight may brighten your home, it can also add heat to the interior. To keep the indoors cool—and reduce your reliance on the air conditioner—be sure to block out the sun with energy-efficient blinds, shades, or curtains.

Ignore signs of system failure.

If your HVAC system has experienced frequent breakdowns, is over 10 years old, or is not delivering the performance you want, it might be time to think about replacing the equipment. Fortunately, if you’re due for an upgrade, an HVAC contractor can replace the system with a more energy-efficient solution that will cost you less to run and may even qualify for local rebates.

In need of air conditioning maintenance, repairs, or replacement? Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling can provide the care you need to keep your system functional and energy-efficient this summer. Known for delivering personalized HVAC services in the Tulsa Metro area, these technicians will pinpoint and fix issues that may be causing your electric bills to climb. Visit this contractor online to learn more about these capabilities or call (918) 455-5993 to request assistance.