San Antonio summers are no joke—and neither are your energy bills if your air conditioner isn’t running at peak performance. The good news? A few simple steps can make a big difference in how efficiently your AC cools your home.
At ASC Heating & Air, we’re all about helping our neighbors stay comfortable and save money.
In this blog, we’re sharing five practical tips to help you prep your system before the real heat sets in—so your AC works smarter, not harder, all summer long.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters
Your air filter plays a key role in maintaining your AC’s efficiency, but it’s often overlooked. A dirty or clogged filter can significantly impact airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and consume more energy.
When filters become clogged with dust, debris, and pet dander, they block airflow, reducing the amount of cool air that circulates in your home. Restricted airflow makes the AC unit struggle to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Over time, a dirty filter can cause frozen evaporator coils, reduce indoor air quality, and even shorten the lifespan of your AC system.
How often you should change your air filters will depend on several factors, such as the type and size of your unit. Standard 1-inch filters should be replaced or cleaned every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and household conditions. For example, homes with pets may require more frequent filter cleanings or replacements. High-efficiency pleated filters can last up to 6 to 12 months, while washable or reusable filters should be cleaned at least once a month.
The most common types of air filters include:
- Fiberglass Filters – These low-cost filters offer basic filtration. They are disposable and prevent large debris from entering the system. However, they can be less effective at trapping smaller particles like dust and pollen.
- Pleated Filters – Pleated air filters offer enhanced filtration capabilities, improve indoor air quality, and last longer than fiberglass. They can be more expensive and can restrict airflow if not changed regularly.
- Washable Filters – A washable air filter is a reusable, cost-effective filter that can save money over time. As they are reused, they require regular washing and drying to prevent mold buildup.
- HEPA Filters – High-efficiency filters are best for households with asthma or allergy sufferers. These filters can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles but can be costly and may require professional installation.
At ASC, we offer a VIP Membership Maintenance Plan that makes it easy to stay-up-date on your HVAC maintenance. Choosing a maintenance plan means greater energy savings, peak performance of your HVAC equipment year-round, and extended equipment life. Our technicians will regularly inspect, clean, and service your heating and cooling equipment to protect your investment.
2. Check and Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks around your home can significantly reduce your AC’s efficiency, making it harder and more costly to keep your home cool. Sealing these leaks before summer arrives will help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, lower energy costs, and reduce strain on your AC system.
Gaps and cracks around windows and doors are some of the biggest culprits for air leaks. These gaps allow hot outdoor air to seep in and cool indoor air to escape, forcing your AC to work harder. Up to 30% of cooled air can be lost through leaks in your ductwork, reducing airflow and unevenly cooling your home. Leaks can also develop in attics and basements. These often-overlooked areas can contribute to major energy loss by allowing warm air to enter and disrupt indoor temperature balance.
There are several simple sealing solutions that many homeowners can do at home to boost their AC efficiency, such as:
- Weather Stripping – Weather stripping for doors and windows can help block gaps that allow air to enter and escape. These adhesive-backed foam or rubber pieces are user-friendly and inexpensive.
- Caulking – Use acrylic latex or silicone caulk to help seal cracks and gaps around window frames, baseboards, and entry points for cables and pipes. Ensure that the area is dry and clean before applying.
- Duct Tape or Mastic Sealant – Inspect exposed ductwork in basements, attics, and crawl spaces for leaks. Use specialized HVAC duct tape or mastic sealant to help seal these loose connections.
Checking for and sealing air leaks is an easy, cost-effective way to improve AC efficiency and keep your home cooler before summer arrives. These few simple fixes can lead to noticeable energy savings and a more comfortable living space.
3. Optimize Thermostat Settings
Adjusting your thermostat settings is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your AC’s efficiency before summer. By setting the right temperature and using a programmable or smart thermostat, you can keep your home cool while reducing energy costs.
When you’re at home, set your thermostat to a temperature that allows for a balance of comfort and efficiency, about 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re away from home, raise the temperature to reduce cooling costs and keep humidity under control, ideally around 85 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, consider increasing the temperature slightly or using fans to circulate air, allowing your air conditioner to run less.
There are several benefits to switching to a programmable or smart thermostat. You can program temperature changes based on your daily schedule so that your AC runs efficiently without manual changes. Smart thermostats also let you adjust settings from your phone, ensuring that your home is cool when needed. Many modern smart thermostats also offer insights into energy usage and suggest ways to optimize settings.
4. Improve Insulation & Ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation are key to maintaining a cool, energy-efficient home during the summer. Without them, your AC has to work harder to compensate for heat infiltration, leading to higher energy bills and unnecessary strain on the system.
Insulation acts as a thermal barrier, slowing down heat transfer between the indoors and outdoors. Well-insulated walls, floors, and ceilings help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the need for constant AC use. Proper insulation also minimizes air leaks, preventing cooled air from escaping and warm air from entering.
Attic insulation and the use of reflective barriers can be especially useful for boosting AC efficiency. The attic is a major source of heat gain, as it traps warm air. Adding or upgrading insulation in the attic helps keep heat from seeping into your living spaces. Insulating the attic floor with fiberglass or foam can prevent heat from rising and reduce the load on your AC.
Reflective barriers, also known as radiant barriers, are typically installed in attics and help reflect heat away from your home instead of absorbing it. These barriers can be especially effective in hot climates by preventing the sun’s rays from raising attic temperatures and reducing the amount of heat transferred into the living areas.
5. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
As summer approaches, scheduling a professional AC tune-up is one of the best ways to ensure your system runs efficiently when you need it most. Preventative maintenance helps catch potential issues early, improves performance, and extends the lifespan of your air conditioner.
Preventative maintenance can offer countless benefits. Regular tune-ups can help identify and fix minor issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns during peak summer months. A well-maintained AC runs more efficiently, using less energy to cool your home, which can lower your electricity bill. Cleaning and servicing your system reduces dust, allergens, and mold buildup, leading to cleaner air circulation.
When you contact a professional HVAC company for a tune-up, you can expect a thorough inspection and servicing of your AC equipment. Your technician will typically inspect refrigerant leaks and check for leaks, ensuring that the system has the proper refrigerant charge for optimal cooling. A tune-up may also include coil cleaning, thermostat calibration, electrical and mechanical component inspection, and an airflow and duct inspection.
Keeping AC service affordable is a top priority for us at ASC. That is why we offer specials and promotions throughout the year to help you save when it comes to maintaining and repairing your HVAC system. Ask about our air conditioning service tune-up provided by our NATE-certified technicians.
Stay Cool and Save More with ASC Heating & Air
Getting your AC ready before the summer heat hits isn’t just smart—it’s essential for staying comfortable and keeping energy costs in check. By following these simple tips, you can improve your system’s efficiency and avoid unexpected breakdowns when temperatures soar.
Need a hand getting your system in shape? The trusted team at ASC Heating & Air is here to help with expert maintenance and honest advice you can count on. Give us a call today or schedule your AC tune-up online—and enjoy a cooler, more efficient home this summer.
