The summer heat is here, and your air conditioning unit is about to become your best friend. But here’s the thing: running your AC all season long doesn’t have to break the bank. With new 2025 regulations coming into play and energy costs still climbing, smart homeowners are looking for ways to stay comfortable without watching their electricity bills skyrocket.
At Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric, with our founder’s 30 years of industry experience and serving customers, our plumbing experts in Tulsa, OK have learned a thing or two about making AC systems work smarter, not harder. These nine proven tips will help you beat the heat while keeping more money in your pocket this summer.
1. Master Your Thermostat Settings for Maximum Savings
Set your thermostat to 72°F during the day when you’re home. This is the optimal temperature that balances comfort with energy efficiency for most households.
At night, consider setting it to 70-71°F. Your body temperature naturally drops while you sleep, so you’ll still be comfortable while maintaining efficient operation.
Pro tip: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set it to automatically adjust throughout the day. This automation ensures you never forget to adjust temperatures when leaving home, leading to consistent energy savings.
2. Keep Up with AC Maintenance (It Pays Off Big Time)
Regular maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns – it’s about keeping your system running efficiently all summer long.
Change your air filters monthly during peak summer use. A dirty filter makes your AC work harder, using more energy and potentially shortening its lifespan. Clean filters also mean better air quality for your family.
Clean your outdoor unit before the heat really kicks in. Remove leaves, debris, and anything blocking airflow around the condenser. Your AC needs room to breathe.
Schedule a professional inspection if you haven’t already. At Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, our qualified technicians can check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. For comprehensive heating and cooling services in Tulsa, we’re here for you.
Regular maintenance keeps your system running efficiently and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days of summer.
3. Use Ceiling Fans to Feel Cooler at Higher Temperatures
Ceiling fans are your AC’s best friend. They don’t actually cool the air, but they make you feel 4-6 degrees cooler by moving air across your skin.
This means you can set your thermostat higher while maintaining the same comfort level. Run ceiling fans counterclockwise (when looking up at them) to push air down and create that cooling breeze.
Turn fans off when you leave the room – they cool people, not spaces. Running them in empty rooms just wastes electricity.
4. Block the Heat Before It Gets In
Close your blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south and west-facing windows. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your home.
“Make sure your blinds or shades are closed during the hottest parts of the day, particularly if you don’t have updated windows.”
The Washington Post (2023)
Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows if your current ones are old or single-pane. Better windows provide superior insulation year-round.
5. Seal Your Ductwork for Better Efficiency
Leaky ducts waste significant energy. They can reduce your AC’s cooling capacity by 20-30%, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy.
Check accessible ductwork in basements, crawl spaces, and attics for gaps, loose connections, or damage. Seal any leaks with foil tape or mastic sealant (not regular duct tape, which doesn’t last).
Insulate ducts that run through unconditioned spaces like attics or garages. This prevents cool air from warming up before it reaches your living spaces.
Regular ductwork inspection is essential for maintaining system efficiency. Professional assessment can identify issues that impact your entire cooling system.
6. Prepare for 2025 Air Conditioning Regulations (And Save Money)
Big changes are coming to the AC industry. Starting January 1, 2025, new air conditioners must use refrigerants with much lower environmental impact. The new refrigerants (like R454B) have a Global Warming Potential of 750 or less, compared to current refrigerants that range from 1,800 to 2,200.
What this means for you: New AC units will cost more after January 2025 due to updated technology and installation requirements. However, performance and efficiency won’t be affected.
If you’re planning an upgrade, make sure to be ready for the price increase. Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric can help you navigate these changes and find the right system for your needs. The new refrigerants work just as well, but the transition period will likely drive up costs.
Understanding these changes helps you make informed decisions about your home comfort systems and budget accordingly for any necessary upgrades.
“Starting in 2025, new air conditioners will use refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 750 or less, compared to the current standard of 1,800–2,200.”
Cliff Bergin & Associates (2025)
7. Time Your Energy Use Around Peak Hours
Many utility companies charge higher rates during peak demand hours, typically from late afternoon to early evening when everyone’s running their AC.
Run heat-generating appliances like your oven, dishwasher, or dryer in the early morning or late evening. This reduces the heat load in your home during the hottest part of the day.
Cook outdoors when possible, or use a microwave or slow cooker instead of your oven during peak hours.
8. Check for Refrigerant Issues During Maintenance
Your AC system needs the right amount of refrigerant to work efficiently. Too little refrigerant (usually from leaks) makes your system work harder and use more energy.
Signs of refrigerant problems include:
- AC running constantly but not cooling well
- Ice forming on the indoor unit
- Higher than normal energy bills
- Hissing sounds from the unit
Professional diagnosis is essential – refrigerant work requires special licensing and equipment. This isn’t a DIY job.
9. Consider Integrated Services for Complete Home Comfort
Your AC system doesn’t work in isolation. It relies on proper electrical connections for power and plumbing for condensate drainage.
Electrical services ensure your AC has adequate power supply, especially important if you’re upgrading to a more efficient unit. Proper wiring and connections prevent energy waste and safety issues.
Plumbing services handle condensate drainage, preventing water damage and maintaining proper humidity levels. Clogged drain lines can cause your AC to shut down or create moisture problems.
Working with a company like Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric that handles AC, plumbing, and electrical services means coordinated maintenance and repairs. We can spot issues that affect multiple systems and fix them efficiently, leveraging our comprehensive expertise in home comfort solutions.
Ready to Beat the Heat and Save Money?
These nine tips will help you stay cool while keeping your energy bills under control this summer. The key is being proactive – small adjustments and regular maintenance can lead to significant savings over the entire cooling season.
Don’t wait until your AC breaks down in the middle of a heat wave. At Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we believe actions speak louder than words, which is why we’re ready to help you implement these energy-saving strategies. Regular maintenance and smart usage habits will keep your system running efficiently when you need it most.
Contact Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today to schedule your pre-summer AC repair and maintenance in Owasso, OK and start saving on your energy bills. Our comprehensive approach to home comfort means you get expert service for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I change my AC filter during summer? A: Change or clean your AC filter monthly during peak summer use. Dirty filters make your system work harder and use more energy.
Q: Will the new 2025 AC regulations affect my current system? A: No, the new refrigerant regulations only apply to new AC units manufactured after January 1, 2025. Your existing system can continue using its current refrigerant.
Q: Can ceiling fans really help me save on AC costs? A: Yes, ceiling fans can make you feel 4-6 degrees cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat higher while maintaining comfort. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
Q: How much can sealing ductwork save on energy costs? A: Sealing leaky ductwork can save 20-30% of your AC’s cooling capacity, significantly reducing energy waste and lowering your bills.
Q: Should I close vents in unused rooms to save energy? A: Generally no. Modern AC systems are designed to work with all vents open. Closing vents can actually make your system work harder and may cause pressure imbalances.
