The Texas summer is just getting underway and the temperatures are already starting to rise. We are not far from the consecutive 100 degree days, and your home’s AC is going to be working overtime.
Despite the sweltering heat, there are steps that every homeowner can take to protect their HVAC. Little adjustments can optimize efficiency and ensure that your AC stays up and running.
Whether you are looking to prolong the life of your unit, save on your energy bills, or a combination of the two, the steps outlined below are a great starting point. If your HVAC system has been stressed to the point of no return, know that the Dial1 Johnson team is only a call away. With offices across south Dallas, we provide the HVAC service Midlothian homeowners trust.
8 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Stress
It is safe to say that our home’s air conditioning units are working overtime during the summer months. Transitioning to a fully remote work position or kids home on summer vacation? Regardless, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is high on the priority list this time of year.
1. Replace Air Filters
Our team sees a huge uptick in the number of emergency HVAC calls during the summer months. What would be a minor inconvenience during other times of the year, can turn into an emergency situation as the mercury starts to rise. The overwhelming majority of repairs encountered could have easily been prevented by regularly replacing the system’s air filter.
When filters become clogged, they restrict airflow, causing air conditioners to strain. The frequency at which air filters should be replaced varies depending on the manufacturer. A good rule of thumb is to check the filter every 30 days and replace it accordingly. When your system is working overtime, don’t let a small investment in a good air filter be the reason for an emergency call.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
You might be shocked to learn that one of the most important tools to reducing air conditioning stress lies with your home’s thermostat. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat is a small investment that can pay huge dividends. Homeowners that are heading back to the office should program their thermostat to a higher temperature when no one is home. Does your house really need to be 70 degrees during the hottest part of the day when you are at work?
When looking into a new thermostat, consult with a licensed HVAC technician to ensure compatibility with your existing system. With a wide variety of options available, you are sure to find one that fits your home’s needs.
3. Reduce Heat Inside Your Home
Believe it or not, homeowners are sometimes an air conditioner’s worst nightmare. Our activities and luxury items inside the home often generate heat. Those high temps have to be handled by your AC cooling system. Home appliances, using the stovetop or oven, electronics and more all generate heat. Use high heat-producing appliances in the mornings and evenings when temperatures are lower.
4. Block Out The Sun
The summer sun might be great for jumping in the pool or a day at the lake, but it can add an undue burden on your home’s air conditioner. Investing in quality blinds or thermal curtains can drastically reduce the amount of heat entering your home and your HVAC system will thank you.
Homeowners worried about living in a cave can strategically close blinds or curtains in windows with direct sunlight for a happy medium. Those that are at the office working all day can make their home dark enough for Dracula to slumber.
5. Don’t Neglect Your Attic
Attics are one of the more forgotten frontiers in keeping an air conditioner operating at peak performance and yet they are frequently the hottest part of the home. Despite housing the overwhelming majority of ductwork, attics are frequently hotter than the outside temperature. Hot air becomes trapped, causing your ducts to heat up. This, in turn, increases the temperature of the air being pushed through the duct.
A simple, and relatively inexpensive solution is to place a small fan in your attic. This will help circulate air, which has more than one benefit. Not only will this help reduce the temperature inside the attic, but it will also help reduce moisture in your home. Homes in areas with excessive humidity can build up mold and mildew, introducing a host of issues. The circulating warm air will dry out the attic and prevent these harmful issues from forming.
6. Improve Insulation
Insulation is a home’s number one defense against extreme temperatures, but not all insulation is created equally. Modern homes are likely to be better insulated than their aging counterparts. Antiquated materials like rock wool, popular in the 1950s, simply do not insulate as well as more modern materials.
Homeowners exploring insulation options should take note to consider window replacement as well. Single pane windows let out air at an alarming rate, making it difficult to regulate heat. Double-paned windows that use argon gas are a real investment, but one that will benefit your home for years to come.
7. Shade Your Outside Unit
As the temperature hits triple digits, the outside unit in every home often takes a beating. Maintaining airflow around the outside unit is essential for it to function properly. That being said, creating shade for the unit can help remove some of the stress induced by direct sunlight.
Trees that can cast a shadow during peak hours are a great option, just take care to give the unit plenty of space. Consult with a licensed technician before planting to make sure that your system will not be negatively impacted.
8. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Last, but certainly not least, is creating a maintenance schedule for your air conditioning unit. Most manufacturers require annual maintenance by a licensed technician to maintain the warranty. In addition to addressing any immediate maintenance needs, a professional will be able to spot potential problems, saving homeowners time and money.
Finding HVAC Service Midlothian, TX
Arming yourself with a number of ways to reduce the stress on your Midlothian heating and air conditioning system, is a great start to prolonging the life of your system and ensuring your family stays cool and comfortable. Just remember that even the best maintenance cannot prevent issues from popping up from time to time.
Whether you are scheduling an annual system checkup, or have encountered an HVAC emergency, the Dial1 Johnson team is ready to help. Having served homeowners across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for over 50 years, we have the experience needed to get your system up and running so you can beat the Texas heat. Contact us today at 469-518-4211 or
visit our website to learn more about the HVAC service Midlothian homeowners have come to know and trust.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.