Living in San Antonio, TX means you get to experience beautiful weather throughout most of the year. But in the summer, the intense heat can put extra strain on your HVAC system as it keeps the home cool. If you don’t give your AC equipment the attention and care it needs, it will work harder and experience problems that could cost a lot of money. Scheduling an early summer tune-up with Damiani’s Comfort Design is a great way to boost AC efficiency and prevent unexpected breakdowns. We service all neighborhoods in San Antonio, including Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, and Shavano Park. Keep reading to learn practical and expert-backed HVAC tips that you can use to stay cool and save money this summer.
Why Summer HVAC Tips Matter in San Antonio
The hot, dry climate in San Antonio can leave your home feeling extremely stuffy and uncomfortable during the summer. You might find yourself running your AC non-stop to stay cool, especially between May and September. Regular service is important for these hardworking units to prevent them from overheating. The motor may even seize, causing the wiring to warm up to the point where it catches fire. It’s also not uncommon for ACs to freeze during the summer due to the evaporator coil not receiving enough airflow. Some systems will even fail to turn on at all when they experience electrical failure that goes without
professional repair.
With strategic
HVAC maintenance in San Antonio from Damiani’s Comfort Design, your system will last longer and use less energy. Most importantly, you’ll stay comfortable and avoid costly surprises, allowing you to skip unexpected breakdowns and repairs.
Set Your Thermostat for Summer Success
We highly recommend using a programmable or smart thermostat to achieve the most energy savings. These devices not only reduce how much energy the system uses by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule but also give you convenient features, like remote access and geofencing technology. By accessing the system using your smartphone, it becomes much easier to adjust temperature settings when you’re away from the house. Geofencing technology works by detecting your phone’s location and communicating with the thermostat. When you get close to home, the AC will automatically turn on to start the cooling process. This type of climate control offers enhanced convenience. You won’t have to worry about walking into a hot, stuffy house.
Many smart thermostats even learn your cooling preferences over time by tracking your habits and analyzing usage patterns. They use what they learn to alter temperatures and fan speeds at certain times of day. This allows your system to function using as little energy as possible. Many experts agree you can save up to 10% on cooling costs with a thermostat that uses smart technology. Best of all, when you let Damiani’s Comfort Design do the thermostat installation, we’ll ensure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. The ideal temperature range for your home during the summer is 78°F when home and 85°F when away, as per Energy Star guidelines.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
You don’t want to run your AC equipment with a clogged filter. The system can experience reduced airflow that translates into longer cooling times and uses more energy. Plus, it prevents the filter from trapping dust, pollen, and pet dander. Instead of getting captured, they’ll circulate in the air, increasing allergies and asthma symptoms. High-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA for short, are a good option when indoor air quality is a concern. However, you must check compatibility with your AC unit. Its dense material will restrict airflow and strain the system if it’s not compatible.
The number of filter changes that you should complete during the summer all depends on the type of filter and your home’s unique environment. If you have several pets in the house, you’ll likely need to change your filter more frequently. Smoking and ongoing home renovations can also increase the frequency of replacements by introducing more airborne particles.
Here’s a basic guideline for filter changes based on different types:
- Fiberglass filters: Replace every 30 days.
- Pleated filters (1 to 2 inches): Replace every 60 days.
- HEPA filters: Replace every 60 to 90 days.
- Washable Filters: Clean every 30 days and dry completely before reinserting.
- Electrostatic Filters: Replace or clean every 30 to 60 days depending on use and exposure.
Keep Vents and Outdoor Units Clear
You must keep all vents open and clear of blockages to avoid uneven airflow that leads to higher energy bills. Homes with lots of landscaping, especially in areas like Bulverde or Garden Ridge, must take extra care to keep the outdoor condenser unit clean of leaves and twigs. The outdoor unit should always have at least three feet of clearance.
Schedule a Pre-Summer HVAC Tune-Up
Regular inspections catch early signs of damage. This prevents you from having to deal with unexpected breakdowns that leave your home hot and uncomfortable. Our team can check refrigerant levels to determine whether you have a leak. Testing the capacitor and compressor is paramount to the AC’s overall performance. Cleaning the coils keeps the evaporator and condenser from overheating so they don’t freeze or shut down entirely. Scheduling your summer tune-up now is the best way to avoid peak-season delays.
Stay ahead of the heat and book a tune-up with Damiani’s Comfort Design today!
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Check for Air Leaks in Ductwork and Doors
Holes and tears in ductwork lead to air loss, which causes energy waste and higher energy bills. We can seal joints and holes with mastic or foil-backed tape to prevent cooled air from escaping. To stop air leaks around doors and windows, we suggest using weatherstripping. This is especially valuable for older homes, like those in Terrell Hills and Castle Hills.
Use Fans to Support Your HVAC System
Using ceiling or portable fans will help circulate air and reduce the perceived temperature so you can keep the thermostat set to a higher temperature. You must make sure the blades rotate clockwise so they push the air downward to create a breeze effect. Turning the fans off when no one is in the room will help save energy and lower your electricity bill.
Upgrade Older AC Units If Needed
Upgrading your old AC with a new high-efficiency unit can help your home use less energy while boosting comfort and convenience. Many Energy Star systems even qualify for rebates. When you need to schedule a new
AC installation in San Antonio, you must hire a reliable HVAC contractor to perform the job safely and correctly. You can trust Damiani’s Comfort Design to get the job done right.
Call Now to Get Expert AC Maintenance in San Antonio
Proactive AC maintenance helps your system last longer while also reducing your energy bills. Your home will be more comfortable, and everyone will enjoy the summer. Don’t wait until the peak of summer to act—schedule your inspection now with Damiani’s Comfort Design.
To get the most out of your cooling system, don’t wait until the peak of summer. Call now to schedule your summer HVAC inspection with San Antonio’s trusted comfort experts.
Call Today
FAQs
It’s normal to have questions about summer HVAC tips. If you don’t see your question below, give us a call.
How early should I schedule summer HVAC maintenance?
We recommend booking service in late spring or early summer. This helps prevent worry about long wait times or mid-season breakdowns. Plus, this lets us catch problems like refrigerant leaks or worn components before they render the AC completely useless when you need it most.
What temperature should I set my thermostat at in the summer?
The best temperature during the summer is 78°F when you’re home. This energy-efficient setting will help keep your cooling costs affordable. You can adjust your settings 7 to 10 degrees higher when you’re not home to enjoy savings. Having a smart thermostat will make this even easier if it is able to recognize your cooling preferences.
Can ceiling fans help reduce my cooling bill?
Yes, fans can help keep your cooling costs low by making sure air moves more effectively throughout your house. The produced wind chill effect can even allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher to promote comfort while using less energy.
