Summer heat waves can push any air conditioner to the breaking point. As temperatures in Chillicothe climb, many homeowners notice increased energy bills, warm areas throughout the home and cooling systems that often run all day without keeping up. 

You may think the AC alone determines how comfortable your home feels. The fact is, your home’s airflow, insulation and shade all play a major role in cooling performance.  

This guide covers three practical strategies that can increase comfort and cooling efficiency: increasing airflow in your home, making sure your home has adequate insulation and adding shade to reduce heat from the sun. Using these summer AC tips from the pros at Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating, you’ll keep your house cool during heatwaves. 

Start with Airflow: Make Your Air Conditioner Work More Efficiently 

AC units lower the temperature of air and send it through ductwork to every room in your home. For that cooled air to keep your home comfortable, it must be able to move freely throughout your house. If airflow is blocked, some rooms may not cool properly. 

Many homeowners blame their air conditioning system for poor cooling performance. In many cases, the AC is often working properly—the real problem is limited airflow. A clogged air filter, blocked vents and other HVAC issues can all limit airflow. 

Home Airflow Optimization Checklist 

Taking these easy steps to boost airflow in your home can enhance comfort, lower strain on your AC and reduce energy costs. 

  • Swapout dirty air filters. Routine AC air filter replacement helps your HVAC system move air more effectively while improving indoor air quality. 
  • Makesure supply and return vents are free from obstructions. Furniture, rugs and curtains can create blocked air vents that prevent cooled air from circulating throughout your home. 
  • Open up doors in unused rooms. This allows air to move more evenly between rooms. 
  • Relocate furniture covering registers.Keeping registers clear allows conditioned air to circulate freely. 
  • Book preventiveAC maintenance services. During a professional HVAC tune-up, a technician can check and clean dirty blower components that may reduce your system’s ability to circulate air. 

Insulation Plays a Bigger Role Than Many Homeowners Think 

Insulation acts as a barrier against outdoor heat. As your air conditioning removes heat from inside your home, insulation helps keep that heat from getting inside. Proper insulation enhances comfort, decreases cooling run times and can help extend the life of your HVAC system. 

The attic is one of the biggest sources of solar heat gain during heatwaves. Proper attic insulation and cooling are closely connected because attic insulation limits heat transfer through the roof. Proper weatherstripping and sealing around doors and windows also help prevent hot outdoor air from entering your home. 

When insulation levels are too low or air leaks let warm air into your home, your air conditioning has to work harder. As a result, many homeowners ask, “Why is my house hot with the AC running?” In many cases, insufficient insulation—not the air conditioner—is the problem. 

Signs of Low Home Insulation Levels 

  • Upper floor rooms are always hot 
  • Hotand cold spots 
  • High utilitybills 
  • Air conditioner runningconstantly 

Use Shade to Reduce Heat Gain 

Sunlight streaming through windows and heating up your roof and exterior walls increases indoor temperatures, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. 

Direct sunlight can also affect your outdoor cooling unit by reducing its ability to release heat efficiently. Using shade around your property can limit solar heat gain, improve comfort and decrease summer energy bills. Using trees or other landscaping to shade your air conditioner’s outdoor unit can also help—but never restrict airflow around the condenser. Avoid fences, enclosures or dense landscaping that limit air movement. 

5 Summer AC Tips for Using Shade to Cool Your Home 

  1. Plant trees and landscaping strategically. Place trees to shade your roof, walls, windows and outdoor AC equipment. While providing shade for your outdoor AC unit, maintain at least 2–3 feet of clearance on all sides and 5 feet above the unit to maintain enough airflow. 
  2. Add window coverings. Light-colored curtains, cellular shades and thermal drapes limit heat gain from sun streaming through windows. 
  3. Install solar screens in your home. Solar screens, which are specially designed mesh curtains, placed on sun-facing windows help reduce the sun’s heat while still providing natural light. 
  4. Make use of outdoor shade. Use landscaping and design features like awnings, pergolas, shade sails or exterior shutters to stop direct sunlight off windows so it can’t heat up your home. 
  5. Close your blinds during the afternoon. Shut blinds or shades closed on west- and south-facing windows during the hottest part of the day to reduce indoor temperatures and ease the load on your air conditioner. 

Additional Hot Weather Survival Tips 

Airflow, insulation and shade all make a big difference, but these AC efficiency tips can further improve comfort during intense summer heat. 

  • Settheappropriate ceiling fan direction. Operate ceiling fans counterclockwise to provide a cooling breeze. 
  • Reduceuse of heat-generating appliances during the hottest part of the day. Run ovens, dryers and dishwashers in the morning or evening to helpreduce indoor heat. 
  • Set thermostat settings. Avoid frequent temperature changes that cause your AC to work harder. 
  • Arrange preventative maintenance. Professional service helps your system run efficiently before peak cooling season.
  • Monitor unusual system performance. Take care of strange noises, weak airflow or inconsistent cooling before they become more expensive repairs. 

Know When It’s Time to Call an HVAC Professional 

DIY AC maintenance and energy-saving cooling strategies can help, but some problems call for professional attention. When warm air is coming from your vents, airflow feels weak, your AC runs almost constantly, energy bills increase for no reason, rooms cool unevenly or your system turns on and off repeatedly, it’s time for an expert evaluation. 

At Botts & Tye Air Conditioning and Heating, our cooling specialists inspect airflow, duct performance, insulation-related comfort concerns and overall system health to pinpoint the actual cause to help your HVAC system operate at its best throughout the summer. 

Stay Comfortable All Summer Long 

Staying cool during a heat wave requires more than just your air conditioner. Proper airflow, adequate insulation and well-planned shade work together to increase comfort, boost efficiency and lower cooling costs. When paired with regular summer HVAC maintenance, these strategies can help your system run at its best when you need it most. 

has the knowledge and experience to keep you comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside. If you’re in need of AC maintenance, a cooling system inspection, an airflow evaluation or a complete summer tune-up, we’re here to help boost efficiency and comfort during hot summers. Schedule cooling services online or call today to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer AC Performance 

Why is my home still hot even when the AC is operating? 

If your living space remains hot even though your AC is running, the problem isn’t always your air conditioner. Restricted airflow, too little insulation, incorrect thermostat settings or HVAC system issues can all affect cooling performance and keep cool air from reaching every room. 

Does adding shade really help reduce cooling costs? 

Yes. Trees, landscaping, awnings and window coverings reduce solar heat gain, helping your home stay cooler. When less heat enters your home means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. That uses less energy, which helps reduce your cooling expenses. 

How often should I check and replace my HVAC air filter during summer? 

Most homeowners should check their air filter every month during peak cooling season and replace it as necessary. The best air filter replacement schedule depends on the air filter you use, pets, allergies and the amount of time your air conditioner runs. 

Can insulation {help|make my air conditioner run more efficiently? 

Yes. Proper home insulation limits heat transfer into your home, reducing strain on your air conditioning. Verifying your home has adequate insulation levels, especially in your attic or around windows, helps maintain more consistent indoor temperatures while lowering energy. 

Should I cover my outdoor AC unit during hot weather? 

No. You should never cover your outdoor air conditioning unit while it’s operating because the condenser needs open airflow to release heat. Adding shade for your outdoor AC unit is a good idea, but always maintain at least 2–3 feet of clearance around the unit and 5 feet above it to allow proper airflow. 

What temperature should I adjust my thermostat to in the summer? 

For many homes, setting the thermostat around 78 degrees when you’re home offers an excellent balance of comfort and energy efficiency during a heat wave. Use the highest temperature that keeps you comfortable, and don’t make large thermostat adjustments that force your air conditioner to work harder.