In this article, you’ll learn tricks to keep your AC costs at a minimum during the summer:

- Make sure your ceiling fan settings are correct
- Get HVAC system maintenance

If you live in the East Valley area, you know first-hand that summers are unbearably hot. Therefore, working AC is essential if you want to live comfortably from May through August. However, running the air conditioning all day can send your utility bill skyrocketing. So how can you balance your health and your wallet? Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to stay cool without breaking the bank.

1. Set Your Fan Correctly

Did you know that your ceiling fan has different settings? When it spins counter-clockwise, it pushes air down; when it rotates clockwise, it pulls air up. During the summer, you want air blowing on you for a cooling effect, so your fan should spin counter-clockwise.

2. Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Reading Correctly

If your thermostat is going on too often for comfort, light may be to blame. Lamps, ceiling lights, and even sunlight can heat the thermostat, making it think the house’s temperature is higher than it is.

3. Close the Blinds

Sunlight doesn’t just heat thermostats — it can turn rooms into ovens. Keep the sun from cooking your home by closing the window shades on the east in the morning and the west in the evening. You can also get sunscreens installed, which block heat while allowing you to look outside.

4. Install Weather Stripping

Windows and doors are weak points in insulation since they have seams through which air can escape. So even if you keep windows and doors closed, heat may be leaking into your home through razor-thin cracks. You can install weather stripping to combat this issue, which creates an airtight seal along the thresholds and windowsills.

5. Upgrade Your AC Unit

If your AC unit is more than ten years old, it’s probably not as efficient as today’s models. While replacing your air conditioning is an investment, it can save you money in the long run by using less electricity for the same cooling effect.

6. Avoid Using the Oven

The oven doesn’t just heat your food — it can increase the temperature of the entire kitchen. That heat will eventually disperse through the house, raising the overall temperature. If you cook at home but want to avoid this issue, you can try grilling outside or only using the oven for a short amount of time.

7. Schedule HVAC System Maintenance

Over time, your air ducts get filled with dust, pollen, and other particles. If the buildup is significant, it can affect efficiency, which means it takes longer to cool your home.

Your AC unit may also need cleaning or repair, especially if it’s outdoors. The East Valley area is subject to monsoons and haboobs in July and August, which can coat units in dust or bury them in debris. Dirty units struggle to pull in air, which means more energy use and higher air conditioning costs.

Superstition Cooling serves both commercial property owners and homeowners in the East Valley area. No matter the real estate, we can install, repair, and perform maintenance on your HVAC system. So if your AC isn’t up to par, all you have to do is give us a call — we’ll come out if it’s in the middle of the night or on a holiday. To learn more or to request a quote, contact us online or give us a call at 480-983-7407.