Summer Cooling Tips For Your Conroe Home
When summer temperatures soar, the first thing many of us do is crank up the air conditioning. But while staying cool is essential, it doesn’t have to come with sky-high energy bills.
Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling can help with a few helpful tips to maintain your comfort while managing your energy costs in Conroe, and all the neighboring areas.
With a few smart strategies, you can keep your home comfortable and efficient all season long. From optimizing your air conditioner’s performance to improving your home’s insulation, here’s how to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Start with Regular HVAC Maintenance
The most effective way to keep your cooling system running smoothly is with routine maintenance. A well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently, cools more effectively, and is less likely to break down in the middle of a heat wave.
Before the hottest part of the summer hits, schedule a professional HVAC tune-up with Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling. Our HVAC technicians will inspect and clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, replace the air filter, and make sure all components are working properly. This not only ensures peak performance but can also extend the lifespan of your system.
Don’t forget the simple DIY maintenance, too—like changing or cleaning your air filter every 1–3 months. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, wasting energy and reducing airflow.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely
Your thermostat can be one of your best tools for saving energy in the summer—if you use it strategically. Start by setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible. The Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home and need cooling, and a few degrees higher when you’re away or asleep.
A programmable or smart thermostat or zone control system can take the guesswork out of managing temperatures. Set it to automatically raise the temperature during the day when no one’s home and cool down before you return. Smart thermostats can also learn your habits, adjust based on humidity, and even be controlled from your phone.
That small change in habit can lead to noticeable savings. For every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save around 1–3% on cooling costs.
Seal Air Leaks and Insulate
If your Conroe, home isn’t properly sealed, you could be losing a significant amount of cool air, forcing your AC to work overtime. Common problem areas include windows, doors, attic hatches, and gaps around plumbing or electrical outlets.
Start by checking for drafts. Weatherstripping doors and caulking around windows are easy DIY fixes that can make a big difference. If your attic or walls are poorly insulated, consider investing in added insulation. It helps keep cool air in and hot air out during the summer (and reverses the benefit during winter).
You might also want to have a professional conduct an energy audit to identify hidden inefficiencies.
Keep the Heat Out with Smart Habits
Cooling your home isn’t just about the air conditioner—it’s also about minimizing the heat that enters in the first place. Sunlight streaming through windows is a major source of indoor heat during the day. Close blinds or curtains, especially on south- and west-facing windows, during peak sunlight hours. Thermal curtains or shades can provide even better protection.
If you can, delay heat-producing chores like laundry, dishwashing, and cooking until the evening. Use your microwave, outdoor grill, or a slow cooker instead of the oven when possible—it creates less heat indoors and keeps your kitchen from turning into a sauna.
Use Fans to Circulate Air
Ceiling fans, box fans, and even small desk fans can help circulate air and make rooms feel cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms—so turn them off when you leave the room.
Make sure your ceiling fans are spinning counterclockwise for summer. This pushes cool air downward and creates a breeze effect that helps you feel cooler.
You might also consider using a whole-house fan in the early morning or evening when outdoor temperatures are lower. These fans draw cooler air in through windows and push hot air out through the attic.
Upgrade When It Makes Sense
If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old, it may be worth considering a replacement. Today’s ENERGY STAR® certified systems are far more efficient than those from a decade ago, using less energy to provide the same (or better) cooling power.
Even upgrading your thermostat or adding zoning controls can provide greater comfort and savings. Zoning allows you to cool specific areas of your Conroe, home while leaving others at a higher temperature—perfect if your household has rooms that are rarely used during the day.
Mind Your Landscaping
Believe it or not, your yard can help keep your house cooler. Planting trees or tall shrubs near windows can block direct sunlight and reduce solar heat gain. Deciduous trees are ideal—they offer shade in the summer and shed leaves in the winter to allow sunlight to warm your home.
You can also shade your outdoor AC unit with landscaping or an awning, but make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance around the unit to allow for proper airflow.
Keep Humidity Under Control
High humidity can make your home feel warmer than it is, which means you’ll be tempted to lower the thermostat more than necessary. Use your air conditioner’s “dry” mode if it has one, or consider adding a dehumidifier—especially in basements or other naturally damp areas.
Keeping indoor humidity between 40% and 60% not only helps you feel cooler but also reduces the risk of mold and mildew.
Get Going Today
Keeping cool this summer in Conroe, doesn’t have to mean overworking your air conditioner or emptying your wallet. With a combination of smart habits, regular maintenance, and a few upgrades, you can stay comfortable and energy efficient no matter how high the temperatures climb.
Start with the basics—like sealing leaks, adjusting your thermostat, and staying on top of maintenance—and you’ll be surprised how much of a difference it can make. Small changes can lead to big savings, and your HVAC system will thank you with better performance and fewer breakdowns.
Call Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling at 281-645-9596 or request-service-online to learn more today.