Louisiana summers bring the heat — and the humidity. When the air outside feels like a sauna, it’s easy to rely heavily on your air conditioner. However, overusing your AC not only drives up your utility bills, but it can also lead to system failures when you need it most.
Luckily, there are several effective ways to reduce strain on your AC without sacrificing comfort. Here’s how to beat the heat more efficiently this summer:
1. Use Ceiling Fans to Stay Comfortable
Fans help cool your skin by improving air circulation, making your space feel 4–5 degrees cooler, even if the thermostat is set a little higher.
Did you know? Using fans alongside your AC allows you to increase the thermostat by a few degrees, saving you up to 10% on energy costs.
Make sure your ceiling fans spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward.
2. Block Sunlight with Window Treatments
Sunlight streaming into your home through windows can significantly raise indoor temperatures, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Solutions:
- Close blinds and curtains during peak daylight hours.
- Use blackout or thermal curtains to block heat and UV rays.
- Add UV-reflective film to windows that get direct sunlight.
Even small changes here can keep rooms 10–15 degrees cooler!
3. Improve Insulation and Seal Gaps
Warm, humid air from outside can seep into your home through cracks, gaps, and poorly insulated areas, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a cool temperature.
Easy fixes include:
- Sealing cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping.
- Adding insulation to attics and crawlspaces.
- Checking ducts for leaks and ensuring vents are unobstructed.
These steps improve overall comfort and reduce cooling costs.
4. Avoid Creating Extra Indoor Heat
Cooking dinner or doing laundry during the hottest part of the day can significantly raise your home’s temperature, and your air conditioner will have to work harder to remove that heat.
Try these tips:
- Use the microwave, slow cooker, or outdoor grill instead of the oven.
- Run appliances like dishwashers and dryers after sunset.
- Switch to LED lighting, which produces far less heat than incandescent bulbs.
5. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a game-changer for efficient cooling. They automatically adjust based on your routine and preferences, optimizing comfort while reducing energy use.
Bonus: Many smart thermostats qualify for energy rebates, and you can manage them remotely from your phone.
LenAire’s team can help you install and set up a smart thermostat for maximum energy savings and convenience.
6. Get a Seasonal AC Tune-Up
No matter how energy-efficient your habits are, a poorly maintained AC system will struggle to keep up, especially during a Louisiana heatwave. Routine maintenance ensures your system runs at its best and prevents breakdowns before they start.
Our LenAire tune-ups include:
- Filter replacement
- Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning
- Refrigerant level checks
- Fan motor inspection
- Drain line clearing
- System performance testing
Regular service keeps your AC running smoothly — and your home comfortably cool.
Don’t Sweat It — Let LenAire Help You Keep Your Cool
You shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and efficiency. With these simple strategies — and expert support from LenAire — you can stay cool all summer long without overworking your AC system.
Call LenAire today to schedule your AC maintenance or ask about smart thermostat installation in Shreveport or Bossier City!
