This summer heat has been brutal, and we’ve only just gotten started. If you notice that your air conditioning is working harder than normal, or your electricity bills seem higher, you may need to give your HVAC system a little love. 

I talked with several HVAC experts on the best care tips for your unit in extreme heat. Pairing their advice with advice from Local Handyman - Oklahoma City (@localhandymanokc) on TikTok can help you prolong the life of your unit and run it more efficiently.

Change Your AC Filter and Seal Air Leaks

According to the OKC Local Handyman, you may just need a filter change if you feel like your AC isn’t working all that well or if your electricity bill seems higher than usual. In the video, he recommends changing it at least once a season.

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Chris Hunter, Director of Customer Relations at ServiceTitan, reiterates that air filters are important but also mentions you should check the space around your equipment as well as your home’s efficiency. 

“The first thing to do is to address the simple stuff like changing the air filters, keeping the outdoor unit clean, and ensuring there is no leaking of air in your house from door and window openings,” says Hunter. 

He also mentions practical things you can do to help your unit keep your house cool. “Keeping blinds closed during the hottest part of the day and waiting until the evening to use the oven can also help reduce the amount of heat your AC has to fight.”

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Personally, my AC is set to 79 degrees, and I haven’t turned my oven on in a month. This is easier to do if you use the air fryer as I do, but I love to bake and just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it while it’s regularly over 90 degrees in Los Angeles. 

Clean Debris From Your Outdoor AC Unit

Ryan Osterkamp, Owner at Quality Comfort Home Services, has tips for keeping your outdoor unit in pristine condition.

“Make sure your outdoor unit doesn't have any debris blocking airflow. Grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and dust can all impact the AC's coils and block airflow. Your outdoor AC unit gets rid of all of the heat in your home, so when its airflow is blocked, it can quickly make the unit overheat and lead to broken parts,” he explains. 

He also notes, “If you have buildup on your AC unit, use gloved hands to pick off big pieces of debris and then use a garden hose to rinse off dirt. Don't use high-pressure water on the unit because the fins are very fragile and can get bent.”

Close Your Fresh Air Intake During Heat Waves

I run an air purifier in my home, but I didn’t realize how much your air quality can impact your HVAC system. You can, however, help your equipment out. 

“If your HVAC system has a fresh air intake, close the damper,” recommends Rick Hoskins, CEO and HVAC, Air quality, and filter expert at FilterKing.

“While they’re not as common in older homes, new construction homes with central air systems often have fresh air intakes that suck in outdoor air. This is beneficial for reducing indoor VOCs and improving air quality under normal circumstances, but it’s harmful during heat waves when outdoor pollutant levels are high,” explains Hoskins.

“If someone has one of these modern systems, they should close the damper entirely once heat wave and air quality warnings start. Every system is different, but it can generally be done manually, through the thermostat, or through a separate control panel. To identify the switches that control the damper, look for words like “ventilation,” “intake”, and “recirculate.” Consult your manual if you need more guidance.”

If you don’t have your manual, get all the necessary information off your unit, then do an internet search for the manual. You can find most of them online, but make sure to have the exact model number and any other pertinent information so you’re getting the right information. 

How Often You Should Service Your AC This Summer

With this year’s Super El Niño and rising temperatures due to human-led climate change, our HVAC systems are working hard this summer. By doing small maintenance things now, you can care for yours so it lasts for years.