As the weather warms up, your home can become hot and stuffy fast, especially if you make a few mistakes regarding climate control and air conditioning. Fortunately, by being thoughtful, you can prevent unwanted heat gain and keep your home comfortable, without spiking your utility bills. Here are a few important do’s and don’ts for keeping your house cool during the hottest months of the year.

Do: 

Change your air filters.

Your air conditioning system can only cool air that it can access, which is why clogged filters can be so problematic. If your air filter is dirty or clogged, it could make it harder for your system to pull in hot air and cool it properly, making your home warmer. As a general rule of thumb, change your air filters every 30 to 60 days, or sooner if they appear dirty. 

Schedule routine maintenance. 

Air conditioning systems may also struggle to cool and dehumidify your home properly if they have low refrigerant levels or cooling coils covered in debris, which is why it pays to schedule routine HVAC maintenance. Before you turn your air conditioning system on for the year, have it inspected to ensure it’s clean, functional, and safe to operate. 

Don’t: 

Use heat-generating appliances during the day. 

Appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers use heating elements to operate at peak capacity, but this component can also warm up the air in your home. Try not to use heat-generating appliances during the day. Instead, wait until the sun goes down to start a load of laundry or wash your dishes. 

Keep blinds open.  

Sunshine carries ultraviolet light that is capable of heating the air, so keep your blinds closed as much as possible during the day. If possible, use light-blocking curtains for the westward-facing windows of your home, since the late afternoon sun can heat up your house quickly. 

Whether you have concerns about your home’s energy consumption or you suspect that you need a new air conditioning system, the team at Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling can assist. With a commitment to carrying all of the best HVAC products on the market, this team of heating and cooling experts can help with everything from preventative maintenance to new installations. They know that unexpected breakdowns sometimes can’t wait, especially during spring and summer, so they’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs. To schedule service in your home today, send the team a message online or call (251) 967-4822.