When summer temperatures soar in Middle Tennessee, your air conditioner becomes the MVP of home comfort. But relying too heavily on your AC can lead to skyrocketing energy bills, frequent breakdowns, and even a shortened system lifespan.
The good news? You don’t have to crank your thermostat down to stay cool. There are plenty of smart, simple ways to keep your home cool without overworking your AC. With a few adjustments to your habits and your home, you can improve comfort, extend the life of your HVAC system, and lower your monthly utility bills.
Here’s how.
1. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to reduce strain on your AC is by automating your cooling schedule. A programmable thermostat lets you raise the temperature when you’re not home and lower it before you return. A smart thermostat takes this a step further by learning your habits and adjusting automatically.
Benefits:
Avoids unnecessary cooling while you’re away
Reduces energy use during peak hours
Can be controlled remotely from your phone
Pro Tip: Aim to keep your thermostat at 78°F when you’re home and raise it by 7–10°F when you’re out for the day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this can save up to 10% per year on cooling costs.
2. Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed During the Day
Sunlight streaming through your windows looks nice—but it can significantly heat up your home. Up to 30% of unwanted heat in your home comes from windows, especially south- and west-facing ones.
Solutions:
Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day
Use blackout curtains or reflective shades for better insulation
Consider installing UV-blocking window film
Bonus Tip: At night, open curtains and windows when outdoor temperatures drop to allow cool air to circulate naturally.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Insulate Properly
Cool air can easily escape through cracks, gaps, or poorly insulated spaces—causing your AC to work harder and longer than it should.
Steps to take:
Seal gaps around windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk
Add insulation to your attic and walls
Check for air leaks around ductwork and light fixtures
Why it matters: Proper insulation and sealing can reduce your total energy usage by up to 20% and prevent conditioned air from going to waste.
4. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature of a room—but they make you feel cooler by enhancing air circulation and helping sweat evaporate from your skin.
How to use them effectively:
Run fans counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down
Turn them off when you leave a room to save energy
Pro Tip: Using a ceiling fan can let you raise your thermostat by about 4°F without sacrificing comfort.
5. Avoid Heat-Producing Activities During the Day
Appliances like ovens, stovetops, clothes dryers, and even dishwashers release a surprising amount of heat. Running them during the hottest part of the day can make your AC work overtime to cool your home.
What you can do:
Cook meals in the early morning or evening
Use the microwave, toaster oven, or grill instead of your oven
Run dishwashers and dryers at night
Opt for cold meals and no-cook recipes on extremely hot days
6. Keep AC Filters Clean
A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces your AC to work harder to cool your home, leading to inefficient operation and higher bills.
Solution:
Check your filter every 30–60 days
Replace it as needed (more often if you have pets or allergies)
Result: Improved airflow, better air quality, and a lighter workload for your AC system.
7. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
Even with all the right habits, your AC still needs professional maintenance to perform at its best. A seasonal tune-up includes:
Cleaning coils and filters
Checking refrigerant levels
Inspecting electrical connections
Ensuring airflow is balanced
This helps your system run more efficiently, reduces the risk of breakdowns, and can extend the life of your unit.
Bonus: A well-maintained AC system can use up to 15% less energy than a neglected one.
8. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency AC System
If your system is more than 10–15 years old, it might be time to upgrade. Modern air conditioners are far more efficient than older models and can cool your home using less energy.
What to look for:
ENERGY STAR® certification
High SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating
Variable-speed or dual-stage technology
Though an upfront investment, upgrading can lead to long-term energy savings and improved comfort.
9. Use Natural Ventilation When Possible
On cooler nights or early mornings, turn off the AC and open windows to let fresh air in. Cross-ventilation—opening windows on opposite sides of the home—can move hot air out and draw cooler air in.
Just be sure to close everything back up before the day heats up again!
10. Add Shade Around Your Home
Strategic landscaping and shading can make a big difference in how much your home absorbs heat.
Ideas:
Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home
Install awnings or pergolas over sunny windows or patios
Use exterior solar screens or shade sails
Result: Less direct sunlight hitting your home means your AC won’t have to work as hard.
Keep Cool, Save More with South Nashville Heating & Cooling
Managing indoor comfort in the summer doesn’t have to mean overloading your AC. By taking a few smart steps to reduce heat gain and improve airflow, you can keep your home cool—and your energy bills in check.
At South Nashville Heating & Cooling, we specialize in helping homeowners get the most out of their HVAC systems. Whether you need seasonal maintenance, AC repairs, or an energy-efficient upgrade, our experienced team is here to help.
👉 Fill out the form below to schedule your AC tune-up, indoor air quality check, or energy-efficiency consultation today. Let us help you stay cool without overworking your system.
