When August brings relentless heat, your air conditioner isn’t just about comfort—it’s essential for your health and well-being. If you’re relying on your cooling system to keep your family safe, efficient performance matters more than ever. As a trusted provider of AC service in Raleigh, NC, we’ve helped countless homeowners stay cool through the toughest summer conditions. Here’s what we recommend to keep your system running strong.
1. Optimize Thermostat Settings
Keeping your thermostat consistent—not constantly lowering it—is key. Lowering the thermostat drastically won’t cool your home faster—it just forces your system to work harder and can raise your energy bill by 6–8% for every degree below 68°F.
For maximum comfort and efficiency, aim for 78°F during the day and around 74°F at night. Smart or programmable thermostats can automate this for better comfort and efficiency—saving up to 10% on bills.
2. Fans & Circulation
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—but they help you feel cooler through wind-chill. Set them to spin counterclockwise in summer, and turn them off when you leave the room to save energy.
This simple trick can let you raise the thermostat by 4°F without sacrificing comfort. And remember—don’t block vents or close off too many doors. Your system needs balanced airflow to do its job.
3. Appliance Usage
Be smart about your appliance use: cooking or drying clothes during the peak afternoon heat dumps extra warmth into your home. Use those appliances in the early morning or evening instead.
4. Seal Leaks and Control Heat Gain
Air leaks and solar heat add an unnecessary workload—and so does that door that gets left open “just for a second.” Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping to keep cool air in and hot, humid air out. Even small leaks can raise your energy bill and force your system to work overtime.
During the hottest part of the day (10 AM to 4 PM), keep blinds or curtains closed on sun-facing windows. Blackout curtains, solar shades, or reflective film can significantly reduce heat gain—and make a noticeable difference in how hard your system has to work.
5. Keep Air Filters Clean
A dirty air filter chokes your system, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work overtime. We recommend monthly filter checks and replacements—especially during late summer. For households with pets or allergies, change the filter every 3–4 weeks. For washable filters, a simple soak in warm water and vinegar can help. Regular filter changes are one of the easiest ways to support both efficient AC service and better indoor air quality in your home.
6. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit needs space to breathe. Keep at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides, and regularly remove leaves, grass clippings, and dirt. Hose it down gently from the side (never from above) while powered off to avoid damaging internal components.
7. Schedule Preventive Maintenance
One of the smartest ways to beat the August heat is to make sure your AC system is running at peak performance—and that begins with regular preventive maintenance. These seasonal checkups do more than just catch problems early. They help prevent mid-summer breakdowns, improve energy efficiency, and extend the life of your system.
That’s where Jay’s Comfort Plan comes in. Designed to give your family peace of mind, this plan includes two precision tune-ups per year—one in the spring and one in the fall—so your system is always ready for the season ahead. You’ll enjoy priority scheduling, preferred pricing on repairs, and the confidence of knowing your comfort is protected season after season—all while saving money in the long run.
Why It Matters
With continuous run times during summer heatwaves, your AC is working overtime. Small issues like dirty filters, clogged coils, or thermostat misfires can quickly escalate into major problems, often when you need cool air the most.
We’re here to take that worry off your plate. Whether it’s a seasonal tune-up, a quick fix, or improving your indoor air quality, we deliver dependable AC service Raleigh, NC homeowners count on.
Don’t wait for a breakdown. Let’s make sure your system stays strong through the hottest stretch of the year. Contact us to schedule service or ask about our preventative maintenance plans. Your comfort is our priority—and we’re just a call or click away.