Keeping your home cool during summer doesn’t have to drain your wallet or stress out your air conditioning system. The experts at Martinico and Sons HVAC recommend a combination of regular maintenance, smart thermostat settings, and simple home improvements to stay comfortable when temperatures rise. Start by scheduling a professional AC tune-up before the heat arrives, change your air filters monthly, and set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home—these three steps alone can reduce your energy bills by up to 20% while keeping your system running smoothly all summer long.
Understanding Your AC’s Hardest Working Hours
What many homeowners don’t realize is that your air conditioner works hardest during the afternoon hours when the sun beats down on your roof and walls. This is when small changes make the biggest difference. Martinico and Sons heating and cooling technicians often find that customers who close their blinds during peak sunlight hours, use ceiling fans to circulate air, and avoid running heat-generating appliances during the hottest part of the day experience noticeably lower cooling costs. Your AC system doesn’t just cool air—it also removes humidity, so on particularly muggy days, running your system on “auto” mode rather than “on” helps it work more efficiently at pulling moisture from the air.
Why Professional Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance stands as the single most important factor in keeping your cooling system healthy. Before summer hits, have a qualified technician from Martinico and Sons HVAC inspect your unit. They’ll check refrigerant levels, clean the condenser coils, test the thermostat accuracy, and spot potential problems before they turn into expensive repairs. A well-maintained system uses 15% less energy than a neglected one, and it’s far less likely to break down during a heat wave when you need it most. Think of it like getting an oil change for your car—skip it, and you’ll pay more later.
Caring for Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit needs attention too. Clear away leaves, grass clippings, and debris from around the condenser. Trim back any plants or shrubs to allow at least two feet of clearance on all sides. The unit needs proper airflow to release heat efficiently. If it’s working in a cramped space or fighting through a wall of vegetation, it has to run longer and harder to cool your home. While you’re outside, spray down the fins with a garden hose to remove built-up dirt and pollen. Just remember to turn off the power first.
The Simple Power of Clean Air Filters
Inside your home, air filters deserve monthly attention during summer. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, wastes energy, and can even cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Standard one-inch filters should be changed every 30 days when you’re running your AC daily. If you have pets or allergies, you might need to change them even more often. This simple task costs just a few dollars but saves you money every month on your energy bill.
Smart Thermostat Settings That Save Money
Thermostat settings matter more than most people think. Every degree you raise your thermostat above 72 saves about 3% on cooling costs. Martinico and Sons hvac professionals suggest 78 degrees as the sweet spot for comfort and efficiency when you’re home. When you leave for work, bump it up to 85 or use a programmable thermostat to do it automatically. Don’t fall for the myth that leaving your AC at one temperature all day saves money—it doesn’t. Your system doesn’t have to “work harder” to cool down a warm house; it just runs longer, which is exactly what you want to avoid during the hours you’re not home.
Making Ceiling Fans Work for You
Ceiling fans are your AC’s best friend. They don’t actually cool the air, but they create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel about 4 degrees cooler. This means you can set your thermostat higher and still feel comfortable. Make sure your fans spin counterclockwise in summer to push air down. Just remember to turn them off when you leave a room—they cool people, not spaces.
Sealing Leaks and Adding Insulation
Air leaks around windows and doors waste cool air and money. Check the weatherstripping and caulk around all exterior openings. Feel for drafts on a windy day or look for daylight peeking through gaps. Sealing these leaks is cheap and easy, but it makes a real difference. While you’re at it, make sure your attic has adequate insulation. Heat that builds up in your attic radiates down into your living space, forcing your AC to work overtime.
Managing Indoor Heat Sources
Finally, pay attention to heat sources inside your home. Ovens, dishwashers, and dryers all generate significant heat. Run these appliances in the evening or early morning when it’s cooler outside. Switch to LED light bulbs if you haven’t already—they produce 90% less heat than old incandescent bulbs. Even your computer and TV generate heat, so turn them off completely rather than leaving them on standby.
Taking Care of Your Investment
The team at Martinico and Sons heating and cooling has seen it all, from frozen coils to failed compressors, and most problems could have been prevented with proper care. Summer cooling doesn’t require tricks or gimmicks—just consistent maintenance, smart habits, and knowing when to call in professionals. Your air conditioner is a big investment. Treat it right, and it’ll keep you comfortable for years to come.
Martinico and Sons, INC Heating and Cooling San Jose
1776 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112
408-508-5414
