Young homeowning female sits in front of gray couch and uses fan to cool off.

6 Ways to Cool Your House Without Straining Your A/C in Wisconsin Rapids

Finding ways to cool your house is imperative during the hottest months here in Wisconsin. Doing so while giving your A/C a little break is even better—that way, you can save on energy and system stress. The Bryant® pros at ComfortAire Heating Cooling Fireplaces are here to help. We’re sharing ways to cool your house while limiting wear and tear on your air conditioner. Find those below. And when you’re ready for number six, give us a call at 715-325-3969 in Wisconsin Rapids or 715-342-0911 in Stevens Point.

Why It's Important to Prevent A/C Strain

Constantly running your air conditioner can significantly increase your energy costs over a few months. So, running your A/C only when necessary can extend system lifespan and limit the number of repairs you may need. Also, limiting A/C usage (and following the tips below) can increase your comfort without having to adjust your thermostat at all.

Easy Ways to Cool Your House Without Overworking Your A/C

1. Take advantage of ceiling fans

Running your ceiling fans counterclockwise helps push air towards the ground and enables a cooling effect.

2. Don't use appliances that generate heat

Pay attention to which appliances you use that create heat and limit their use when possible. Ovens and dryers in particular can leave you feeling warmer than necessary. Try using them early in the morning or later at night.

3. Close curtains and blinds during the day

During peak sunlight hours, direct light can quickly warm up your home and tempt you to lower your thermostat even more. By simply closing these windows, you can avoid this temperature jump.

4. Ensure vents and registers remain clear

You may not realize it, but furniture, rugs, and other household items can block airflow from vents. Check that your registers are open and unobstructed so conditioned air can circulate freely throughout your home.

5. Change your air filter every 30 to 90 days

A dirty air filter can become clogged, restricting airflow and forcing your air conditioner to work harder than normal. Replacing your filter every 30 to 90 days can improve unit efficiency and overall comfort.

6. Schedule preventative A/C maintenance

Annual A/C maintenance helps ensure your system is operating as efficiently as possible. A professional inspection can identify minor issues before they worsen, break down your system, and necessitate repairs. This regular service will help your unit handle Wisconsin's summer heat more effectively.

Discover More Ways to Cool Your House With ComfortAire

It's possible to keep your home cool in many other ways besides lowering the temperature on your thermostat. Learning the ways to help your unit work more efficiently makes a big difference. Improve your comfort, save on energy bills, and extend your air conditioner's lifespan with ComfortAire. Call us today at 715-325-3969 in Wisconsin Rapids or 715-342-0911 in Stevens Point—or contact us online.

Air Conditioning FAQs

Unit age and energy costs are the two biggest signs that your system needs replacing. If your current A/C is 10 or more years old or needs frequent repairs—or your energy bills are sky high—it’s probably time to upgrade it.

Check the circuit breaker box or electrical panel. Are the breakers in the ON position? Check that your thermostat is ON and set to COOL.

When running your A/C, both fan settings do different things. Setting it to “auto” will help you keep cooling costs at a minimum, as the fan only runs when needed to hit your set temperature. For more consistent temperatures and uninterrupted airflow, set the switch to “on.”

Just like your heating system, your air conditioner needs a yearly clean and check. Schedule a routine appointment in the spring, just before the warmer weather arrives, to make sure it’s ready for the season.