7 Tips to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer from Trademark Heating and Air Conditioning
As summer temperatures rise across the Inland Northwest, keeping your home comfortably cool can be a challenge—especially without sending your energy bill through the roof. At Trademark Heating and Air Conditioning, we know how to balance comfort, efficiency, and cost with proven strategies that make a difference in homes across Idaho and Washington.
Whether you’re dealing with heat waves in Coeur d’Alene or humidity in Spokane, these expert-approved tips will help you stay cool all season long.
1. Schedule a Pre-Summer AC Tune-Up
Before the hottest days of the year hit, it’s essential to have your air conditioning system professionally inspected and serviced. A well-maintained system performs more efficiently, cools faster, and is less likely to break down during extreme heat.
A comprehensive AC tune-up from Trademark includes:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Cleaning the condenser coils
- Inspecting wiring and controls
- Verifying airflow and thermostat settings
Regular maintenance can extend your system’s lifespan and even improve indoor air quality—something that’s especially important in homes with pets, allergies, or smoke exposure during fire season.
2. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats can reduce your cooling costs by 10% or more by learning your habits and adjusting temperature settings automatically. For instance, you can program your thermostat to raise the temperature when you’re away at work and cool things down just before you return.
Popular brands like Ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell offer features like:
- Remote control via smartphone
- Energy usage reports
- Voice assistant integration (Amazon Alexa, Google Home)
Learn more about ENERGY STAR thermostat savings guide.
3. Seal and Insulate for Better Efficiency
Many homes—especially older ones—have hidden air leaks that make it harder to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Common culprits include gaps around windows and doors, uninsulated attics, and leaking ductwork.
Trademark Heating and Air Conditioning offers home energy audits to identify and seal these trouble spots. Adding insulation and weather stripping can prevent hot air from seeping in and cold air from escaping—making your home more efficient year-round.
4. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air, but they create a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler. During summer, make sure your fans spin counterclockwise to push air downward. This allows you to raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Tip: Turn fans off when you leave a room—fans cool people, not spaces.
5. Upgrade to a High-Efficiency AC System
If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Today’s high-efficiency systems use up to 50% less energy than older models. Many even qualify for federal tax credits and utility rebates.
Trademark specializes in AC installation and replacement using trusted brands that fit your budget and efficiency goals.
6. Keep Sunlight Out with Shades or Window Film
Sunlight streaming through windows can raise the temperature in your home significantly—especially on south-facing walls. Installing blackout curtains, reflective shades, or UV-blocking window film can help block up to 78% of solar heat.
Exterior shading options, like awnings or pergolas, are another great way to keep indoor temperatures down naturally.
Read more about DOE energy-saving tips for windows.
7. Avoid Generating Heat Indoors
Many of your daily activities—cooking, drying clothes, running computers—generate excess heat. Try these simple changes:
- Use the microwave or grill outside instead of the oven
- Run dishwashers and laundry machines at night
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting
Small lifestyle adjustments like these can help reduce your cooling load and lower your energy bills during peak summer months.
FAQs About Keeping Your Home Cool in Summer
1. What temperature should I set my thermostat in the summer?
For optimal energy savings and comfort, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away.
2. How often should I service my AC unit?
You should schedule AC maintenance once a year—ideally in spring before the heat of summer kicks in.
3. Are there rebates for upgrading my AC system?
Yes! Many utility companies and government programs offer rebates and tax incentives for installing energy-efficient systems.
4. How do I know if I need a new AC system?
If your system is over 10 years old, requires frequent repairs, or struggles to keep your home cool, it may be time for a replacement.
5. What is SEER rating and why does it matter?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system.
6. What’s the benefit of a ductless mini-split system?
Mini-splits allow you to cool specific rooms independently, making them ideal for additions or areas not served by central HVAC. Learn all about ductless mini-split systems.
Ready to Beat the Heat?
This summer, don’t sweat it. Let the experts at Trademark Heating and Air Conditioning help you create a cool, efficient, and comfortable indoor environment. Whether you need a quick tune-up, a smart thermostat upgrade, or a whole new cooling system, we’ve got your back.
Contact us today at (208) 772-5629 or schedule your service or consultation online!
