Use the cool nights
Evenings here often cool off well after sunset. When the outdoor air is cooler than inside, turn the A/C off and open the windows. In the morning, close the windows and blinds to hold the cool air in, then turn the system back on.
Let fans help
Fans cool people, not rooms, but the breeze makes a warmer room feel comfortable. Run a ceiling fan in the room you’re in (counterclockwise in summer) and turn it off when you leave.
Set the thermostat and leave it
A steady setting is easier on the system than big swings. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests 78°F when you’re home. If you raise it while you’re away, keep the change modest so the system isn’t racing to catch up during the hottest part of the afternoon. A programmable or smart thermostat handles this for you.
Block the afternoon sun
West-facing windows take the brunt of the afternoon heat. Close blinds or curtains on the sunny side of the house, and consider shade screens or exterior shades for the worst windows.
Give the outdoor unit room to breathe
- Keep plants, fences and stored items at least 2 feet from the outdoor unit.
- Hose off cottonwood fluff, dust and grass clippings from the outside of the coil (with the power off).
- Change the indoor filter: a clogged filter is one of the most common causes of a struggling A/C.
Get a tune-up before the heat
A spring tune-up catches weak parts before the first 100° day. Dayco doesn’t do routine maintenance in June or July because of the volume of summer service calls, so schedule yours in the spring. Our maintenance plans take care of the reminder. If your system is old and struggling, the instant quote shows what a new one costs.