For numerous reasons, summer is a harsh season for HVAC systems, and it can be worse for some, depending on location. For instance, folks living in the dry, arid region of the United States are constantly challenged by the extreme heat in the summer. From the nearly constant blazing sun beating down on the air conditioner units outside the homes to the fashion in which the condensers and fans have to work double hard, it’s safe to say summer isn’t a friend to HVAC hardware.

While many people see the benefits of living in desert-like conditions for health and the warm touch of the sun, it must be understood that this also means dealing with freezing nighttime temperatures during the winter and excessive heat during the summer. When the summers get especially brutal, temperatures that run higher than 90 degrees pose a challenge to keeping a residence cooled if the air conditioner unit is not working correctly.

Into this mix comes the issue of energy consumption and your average bill, and with everything getting excessively expensive nowadays, it’s a perfect time to talk about ways to reduce that energy bill in the summer months. All this can be done without purchasing a new air conditioner, whole-home fan, or whole-home purifier system, which can improve your HVAC system and, in return, work better at keeping your home cooler and reducing energy bills.

The Power of Sunlight on an Air Conditioner

Milder climates don’t affect an AC’s condenser like hotter temperatures. Indeed, locales such as New Mexico, Texas, or Arizona, for example, often experience triple-digit temperatures once June arrives. The sunlight shining directly on a condenser can decrease the AC system’s efficiency more than in other states. It is still a problem for the rest.

Powerful sunlight raises the condenser unit’s surface temperature mainly because it comprises metal. As a result of the sun beating on the condenser, the temperature inside the unit goes up. In response, the condenser is presented with a much harder job of releasing heat from the building while providing the air handler inside the structure with cold refrigerant.

The Impact of Direct Sunlight on a Thermostat

An even more serious issue than the sunlight on the air conditioner is the thermostat, primarily if it’s located in an area exposed to direct sunlight. As one of the most essential elements of your HVAC system, the thermostat is responsible for measuring the home’s inside temperature and sending a signal to the air conditioner or furnace when it’s time to engage. Central location for a thermostat is essential, specifically in an area that allows it to determine the temperature inside the structure accurately.

If direct sunlight is pounding your thermostat, it cannot accurately measure the temperature. The sun’s rays can trick the thermostat into thinking the house is hotter than it is, leading to unnecessary cooling and increased energy consumption.

Other Ways Sunlight Can Affect Heating and Cooling

Suffice it to say that direct sunlight constantly beating on a home and through its windows and skylights will increase the temperature inside, and the reverse is true if shade covers the home mostly. During the hottest parts of the day, keeping windows covered remains the simplest way to sidestep this landmine while preventing your AC from needing frequent running.

1. Raise Your Air 7 Degrees in the Hot Months

You can save up to 10% on your electricity bill by setting your thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher than the preset value, and this is because the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to lower the temperature in your home. By setting the air temperature to the highest degree you are comfortable with, the gap between the temperature outside and inside your home will be reduced. Thus, you’ll use less energy to cool your home.

2. Consider Opening Your Windows

Depending on your location, you may consider opening windows in the early morning and around dusk when the temperature is lower. Of course, air conditioning is a great way to keep houses and buildings cool when summer temperatures go through the roof. Still, you’ll have an alternative to running the HVAC system by letting in the cooler air in the evening and morning.

3. Go Back to the Old Days: Think About Line-Drying Clothes

When summer arrives, and the temperatures begin heating up, not to mention the extra hours of sunshine accompanying them, you can consider going old school and drying your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack outside or inside near a window. Using a clothesline or drying rack eliminates the need for an electric dryer, saves electricity, and reduces your monthly utility bill.

4. Light Your Room Naturally

This summer, a simple way to save money while reducing your electricity is to use natural lighting to illuminate rooms during the day instead of using the lights in your home, wherever possible. For those who are working from home, like so many of us now, place your desk or workspace near the window to eliminate the need for lamps or indoor lighting.

5. Unplug Chargers and Devices When Not in Use

Unbeknownst to many, an appliance still uses electricity when it’s not in use so long as it’s plugged in. An appliance that still uses electricity is known as “phantom power” and can cost homeowners up to $150 a year in energy costs. By keeping your devices, appliances, lamps, and other chargeable items plugged in when not in use, these items continue sucking electricity from the grid. This summer, we recommend walking around your home to note which appliances are plugged in but not being used and put them away.

6. Use Ceiling Fans and Ventilation Strategies to Cool Your Home

Did you know that ceiling fans cool people, not rooms? That’s right. Ceiling fans create a “wind chill effect,” and turning them off when you leave a room can save energy. Using a bathroom’s spot ventilation exhaust fan during showering or bathing to remove heat and humidity is helpful. Your laundry room may also benefit from a spot ventilation exhaust fan. Spot ventilation exhaust fans remove indoor air pollution and moisture and help reduce stress on your HVAC that does the same.

7. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System and Keep It Running Efficiently

Having your air conditioner serviced every spring by an HVAC contractor can extend the life of your AC, but it also can improve its performance immediately. Maintenance usually consists of cleaning internal components, checking the refrigerant levels for leaks, testing the system for performance, and recalibrating the thermostat. Our technicians will inspect and clean the blower components, check for wear and tear, lubricate moving parts, and confirm the electrical connections. Additionally, our HVAC professionals will check the overall system performance to identify any potential issues before they become significant problems, ensuring the longevity of the air conditioning unit and maintaining indoor air quality. Plus, we can help you prevent AC repairs!

Kulacz & Sons Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Peotone, IL remains a family-owned and operated business that’s taken extra care to ensure your family is comfortable since 1979. Satisfaction in our work is an understatement, as we put our name on the line every day with our work. Discover how we can help you save money in the summer by contacting Kulacz & Sons Heating & Cooling, Inc. for more valuable ways to stay cool this summer.

company icon