When the summer heat rolls into White Bear Lake and the surrounding Twin Cities area, your air conditioner becomes your best friend. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills, unnecessary wear and tear, and even a shortened system lifespan. The good news? You can stay cool and protect your AC with a few smart strategies.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping Minnesota homeowners stay comfortable and energy-efficient since 1974. Here are our top tips to keep your home cool—without pushing your AC to its limits.
Close Curtains and Blinds During the Day
Sunlight pouring through your windows may look beautiful—but it also adds a surprising amount of heat to your home. Known as “solar gain,” this can make your AC work harder than necessary.
🪟 Tip:
Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed on the sunny side of your home during the hottest part of the day, especially in the afternoon. For even better results, consider blackout or reflective window treatments.
Use Ceiling Fans Wisely
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they help you feel cooler by moving air across your skin.
🌬 Tip:
Run fans counterclockwise in summer to push air downward. This allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
💡 Bonus: Turn off fans when you leave the room—fans cool people, not spaces.
Seal Leaks and Insulate Smartly
If your cool air is escaping through gaps in doors, windows, or poorly insulated walls, your AC is working overtime to make up for it.
🛠 Tip:
Use weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows
Add insulation in attics and crawl spaces
Close gaps around ductwork and utility entrances
Result: Less cool air lost = less strain on your air conditioner.
Cook and Wash Strategically
Appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers generate a lot of heat—which can raise your indoor temperature and trigger your AC to kick on more often.
🍽 Tip:
Cook outside on the grill or use a microwave, slow cooker, or air fryer
Run dishwashers and laundry machines in the early morning or late evening
Always use exhaust fans to vent heat and humidity
Keep Up with AC Maintenance
A clean, well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and cools your home faster—without working harder.
🧰 Tip:
Schedule annual maintenance with Four Seasons Air Specialists. Our certified technicians will:
Clean your coils and filters
Check refrigerant levels
Inspect for wear and tear
Ensure your system is running at peak performance
Set Your Thermostat for Efficiency
It’s tempting to crank the AC on hot days, but small adjustments can save you big money.
📉 Tip:
Set your thermostat to 76–78°F when you’re home
Raise it a few degrees when you’re away
Use a programmable or smart thermostat to manage settings automatically
💡 Every degree you raise your thermostat can save up to 3% on cooling costs.
Block Heat Outside Before It Gets In
Your home’s exterior can play a big role in keeping things cool indoors.
🌳 Tip:
Plant shade trees near windows and outdoor units
Use awnings or reflective films on windows
Paint or re-roof with light-colored, heat-reflective materials if remodeling
Don’t Forget Your Ductwork
Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can reduce your system’s efficiency by as much as 30%—causing your AC to work harder and cool less effectively.
🛠 Tip:
Have your ductwork inspected and sealed. Our team can also clean out dust and debris to help improve airflow and system performance.
Stay Cool Without the Stress
You don’t have to choose between comfort and efficiency. By taking a few proactive steps, you can beat the heat, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning system.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’re here to help you keep your home cool the smart way. Whether it’s maintenance, repairs, or a full system upgrade, you can count on our team to get the job done right.
✅ Serving White Bear Lake and the surrounding area since 1974
✅ Family-owned, trusted, and highly rated
✅ Expert HVAC service with honest pricing
📞 Ready to tune up your system or improve your home’s efficiency? Call us today 651.426.5254
