Posted: May 12, 2025
When the summer heat hits Pennsylvania, there’s nothing more satisfying than stepping into a cool, air-conditioned home. But with energy bills soaring and environmental concerns growing, finding ways to use your air conditioning efficiently has never been more important. At Harned Durham, our primary goal is to ensure that your home remains comfortable during the summer months while also being energy efficient. So whether you’re in Lehigh Valley or Greater Allentown, we’ve compiled the tips below to help you stay comfortable while saving energy and money.
It might be tempting to crank the AC to 65°F during a heatwave, but setting your thermostat too low forces your system to work overtime. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat as high as you find comfortable when you’re home and higher when you’re away. The closer you can keep your thermostat set to the outdoor temperature, the lower your cooling bills will be. Also resist the urge to crank your AC to the max when you first turn it on. Your home won’t cool any faster. You’ll just be wasting money.
If you’re still using a manual thermostat, you’re missing out on serious savings. Programmable and smart thermostats let you schedule temperature changes based on your routine. For example, you can program your AC to ease up while you’re at work and cool down before you get home. Some smart thermostats even learn your habits and adjust automatically.
Dirty filters make your AC system work harder than necessary, increasing energy use and wearing out components faster. Check your filters monthly during the summer and replace or clean them as needed—typically every 1 to 3 months. This simple maintenance step improves airflow and efficiency.
In many Pennsylvania homes—especially older ones—air can escape through small cracks around windows, doors, and ductwork. Sealing these leaks and adding insulation can dramatically reduce how hard your AC needs to work. Weather stripping and caulking are easy DIY solutions, or you can hire a pro for a full home energy audit.
Ceiling and portable fans can help your air conditioning work more effectively by circulating cool air. This creates a wind-chill effect, making rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room—they cool people, not spaces.
Sunlight streaming through your windows can heat your home significantly. Use blinds, curtains, or reflective window film to block out the sun during peak hours. For long-term savings, consider planting trees or shrubs strategically outside your windows to provide natural shade.
Just like your car, your air conditioning system needs routine check-ups. Schedule annual maintenance with a Harned Durham technician to inspect and tune up your system. They can catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs—and ensure your unit is running as efficiently as possible.
Efficient AC use isn’t just about comfort—it’s about smart living. By taking the simple steps outline above, you can keep your home cool all summer long without draining your wallet or the power grid. So before the next heatwave rolls in, give your air conditioning habits a tune-up—you’ll feel the difference.
At Harned Durham we’re here to help keep your home comfortable. We offer cost-effective service plans for HVAC systems that not only include an annual maintenance tune-up, but also cover many parts and labor costs associated with repairs. And if you’re looking to add central air conditioning to your home or upgrade from your current system, we can help with that as well. And we offer free estimates.
Contact Harned Durham Energy today to learn more about the air conditioning services we offer.
