If you’ve lived in the Denver metro area for any time, you know how fast the weather can turn. When a heat wave rolls in, we often turn to the air conditioner for relief. However, if your AC is running nonstop to keep up, it might be doing more than cooling your home. In many cases, it is struggling to keep up and wearing itself out. If you want to stay cool without pushing your system to the brink, here’s how to give your AC a break during Denver’s hottest days without sacrificing comfort.
What Happens When Your AC Works Too Hard
Air conditioners are built to handle summer heat. However, they are not designed to run full tilt every day. During a heat wave, you might hear your system kicking on early in the morning and not shutting off until after dark. That is not good for your system. That constant cycle can lead to:
- Rising energy bills
- Uneven or inconsistent cooling
- More wear and tear on parts
- Higher risk of breakdowns during peak demand
You want to stay comfortable during a hot spell and protect your investment. Here is how to help your AC work smarter, not harder.
Set the Right Temperature
You might want to step into a crisp, cool house on a hot day. However, dropping your thermostat to 68°F when it’s 98°F outside is asking your system to perform a miracle. In many cases, that is putting the unit in a position to burn itself out.
Instead, you want to set the temperature for something more manageable. For many people, a temperature of 76°F to 78°F is enough to feel comfortable. You can always supplement with ceiling fans to help move the air and create that windchill effect.
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, use it to your advantage. You can program it to adjust the temperature automatically when you are away or sleeping. In turn, that can take some pressure off your system. Plus, you might even notice the difference on your next utility bill.
Let the Sun Shine Somewhere Else
Denver gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year. During a heat wave, it can feel like every single ray is directed right at your living room. One of the easiest ways to help your AC out is to block that heat before it gets into your home. You will want to close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest part of the day.
Make sure to do this on west- and south-facing windows. If you have blackout or thermal curtains, that is even better. This is a small change. However, it can reduce the indoor temperature by several degrees. In turn, that means less work for your air conditioner.
Keep the Heat Out
Turning on the oven, running the dryer, or starting the dishwasher can add more heat to your house. During a heat wave, those sources of warmth can make your AC work harder than necessary. If you want to give your system a breather, make sure to:
- Cook outside or prepare cold meals during peak heat
- Run laundry or dishwashers in the early morning or late evening
- Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics when not in use
With these tips, you can keep your home cooler without forcing your AC into overdrive.
Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage
Those ceiling fans are like your AC’s best sidekick. They don’t lower the temperature in a room. However, they make you feel cooler by circulating the air. You want to make sure they operate counterclockwise in summer. With that, the fans can make it feel several degrees cooler.
You can nudge the thermostat up a bit without feeling any less comfortable. Fans also help with airflow. This is great for homes with multiple levels where hot air tends to rise. Keeping that air moving makes it easier for your AC to do its job.
Give the Air Room to Move
Sometimes, your air conditioner is working just fine, but you have air circulation issues. Blocked vents, closed doors, and clogged returns can all make it harder for cool air to flow. That means your system ends up running longer to compensate. Letting the air blow inside your home can make a big difference in how your AC cools each space. If you want to help things move, make sure to:
- Keep doors open between rooms to allow better airflow
- Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs
- If certain rooms always feel warmer, ask a professional to check your airflow
Reduce Foot Traffic During the Hottest Hours
The more people move in and out of the house during peak heat, the harder your air conditioner has to work. Hot air rushes inside your home every time a door opens, especially exterior doors. As a result, cool air escapes. When you have kids running in and out, a dog going out, or multiple deliveries, that starts to add up.
During a heat wave, you may want to limit trips in and out of the house between late morning and late afternoon. You can encourage the family to settle into indoor routines during these hours. They can read, relax, watch movies, or tackle indoor chores. If you need to go out, try to group errands together so that the waves of hot air don’t enter your home. This is a small behavioral shift. However, it gives your AC a better chance to maintain a steady indoor temperature without playing catch-up.
Get a Seasonal Checkup
If it has been a while since a technician looked at your system, you may want to call in some backup. A seasonal AC tune-up helps make sure everything is running efficiently. Plus, it gives you peace of mind that your AC isn’t quietly struggling. During a professional maintenance visit, your technician will:
- Clean the system and check for performance issues
- Inspect filters, refrigerant levels, and electrical components
- Address any early signs of wear or malfunction
This is about protecting your system from heat-related failures. You want to make sure it is up to the task of keeping you cool, especially when the temperatures are relentless. By following the steps above, you’re helping the system do its job without pushing it to the edge. But if you notice strange noises, warm air from vents, or uneven cooling, you may want to call your HVAC provider. Catching a problem early is better than facing a breakdown on the hottest day of the summer.
If something seems off or you want reassurance that your system is up to the task in Greenwood Village, reach out to Premier Heating and Air. Our NATE-certified HVAC services team can help with AC repairs, maintenance, and installation. We even offer monthly HVAC memberships that keep your home comfort systems in top shape. You don’t want to be left to deal with the heat. Give us a call to schedule an in-home visit.
