As temperatures rise across Spokane and the surrounding areas, keeping your home cool and your family comfortable becomes essential. But blasting the air conditioner all day can lead to sky-high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning, we believe you can stay cool while saving energy if you know how.
These eight expert-approved tips will help you beat the heat this summer while keeping your home efficient and your loved ones happy.
1. Book an Early Season AC Tune-Up
Before the summer heat peaks, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning system is ready for the challenge. An annual AC tune-up helps your system run efficiently, reduces the risk of breakdowns, and extends its lifespan.
Benefits of a professional tune-up:
- Increases system performance
- Lowers monthly energy bills
- Prevents mid-season emergencies
- Enhances indoor comfort
2. Install a Smart Thermostat for Maximum Control
Smart thermostats are one of the easiest ways to improve both comfort and efficiency. These devices automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your habits, and most can be controlled from your smartphone, even when you’re not home.
Why upgrade to a smart thermostat?
- Set schedules to reduce usage during peak hours
- Monitor energy consumption
- Enjoy remote access and automation
- Receive maintenance reminders and reports
Many energy providers offer rebates for installing energy-efficient thermostats. Check Energy Star’s resources to learn more.
3. Seal Leaky Windows and Doors
Cool air can easily escape through gaps in your windows and doors. Sealing these leaks with caulk or weatherstripping can dramatically improve your home’s ability to stay cool, especially in older houses.
Key areas to check:
- Window and door frames
- Attic hatches
- Plumbing and ductwork penetrations
- Fireplace dampers
Proper sealing not only keeps your home cooler in summer but also warmer in winter—saving money year-round.
4. Block Heat with Curtains, Blinds, and Films
Direct sunlight can turn your home into a greenhouse. By simply closing your blinds or installing reflective window film, you can block out up to 80% of solar heat.
Cooling window options:
- Blackout curtains in bedrooms
- Thermal-lined drapes in living spaces
- Reflective or UV-blocking film for large windows
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77%.
5. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Air
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air, but they do make you feel cooler by creating a wind-chill effect. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting by 4°F without reducing comfort.
Tips for using fans effectively:
- Set fans to spin counterclockwise in summer
- Use in occupied rooms only
- Combine with AC for better airflow
6. Limit Indoor Heat from Appliances
Many household appliances release heat while running, especially ovens, dryers, and dishwashers. Reducing their use during peak heat hours can help keep your indoor temperature manageable.
Energy-saving alternatives:
- Grill outdoors instead of using the oven
- Wash dishes and do laundry in the evening
- Switch to LED lighting to reduce heat
7. Optimize Your Home’s Insulation
Insulation isn’t just for winter. In the summer, it prevents hot outdoor air from seeping into your living spaces. Focus on attics, basements, and crawl spaces to keep your home cooler naturally.
Insulation upgrades to consider:
- Add or replace attic insulation
- Install radiant barriers in the roof
- Use insulated garage doors
If your energy bills are climbing every summer, poor insulation may be the culprit. Cougar can perform an energy efficiency evaluation to help identify problem areas.
8. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency AC System
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. New AC systems are significantly more energy-efficient and can cool your home faster and more evenly.
Signs it’s time to replace your AC:
- Frequent repairs
- Rising energy bills
- Uneven cooling across rooms
- Loud or inefficient operation
Bonus Tip: Improve Indoor Air Quality
Summer often means windows are closed and AC is running constantly. This can lead to stale, polluted indoor air. Adding a whole-home air purifier or dehumidifier can improve comfort and health, especially for allergy sufferers.
Why Homeowners Choose Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning
For decades, Spokane families have trusted Cougar Heating and Air Conditioning for reliable service and honest advice. Whether you’re upgrading your cooling system or just want to make your current one run better, we’re here to help.
- 24/7 emergency availability
- Certified, background-checked technicians
- Upfront pricing with no surprises
- Family-owned values with a customer-first focus
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my AC is the right size for my home?
A proper load calculation based on your home’s size, layout, insulation, and climate ensures your AC isn’t too large or too small. Cougar can perform this assessment during installation or evaluation.
Should I turn off my AC when I leave the house?
Instead of turning it off, raise the thermostat by 7–10 degrees. This avoids high energy spikes when you return home and reduces wear on your system.
What’s the best temperature to set during summer?
Most homeowners find 72–74°F comfortable when home and 78–80°F when away. A smart thermostat can automate these settings.
Can sealing windows really make a difference?
Absolutely. Sealing air leaks around windows and doors can cut energy bills by up to 20%, according to the EPA.
When should I replace my air conditioner?
If your system is over 10–15 years old and frequently needs repairs or fails to cool efficiently, replacement may be more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.
Are smart thermostats hard to install?
Many are plug-and-play, but compatibility varies. Cougar can ensure proper installation and integration with your HVAC system.
