The Wasatch Front doesn't mess around in July and August. Salt Lake City regularly hits 100°F+, and with Utah's dry heat and intense sun, your home can become an oven fast — especially if your AC isn't running at full capacity. The good news: a few smart moves make a big difference in how comfortable your home stays and how much your cooling bill hurts.
1. Get your AC tuned up before the heat hits
The single best thing you can do is have your AC inspected and tuned up in spring — before you actually need it. A system running on a dirty coil, low refrigerant, or a weak capacitor won't cool efficiently, and it'll fail on the hottest day of the year when every HVAC company in Utah is booked solid. A tune-up typically costs $80–$150 and can cut your cooling costs by 15–20%.
Summer Sky's Comfort Club includes seasonal tune-ups automatically so you never have to remember to schedule it.
2. Change your air filter
A clogged filter makes your AC work harder, reduces airflow, and can cause the system to freeze up or overheat. In summer, with your system running constantly, you should check your filter every 30 days and replace it every 1–3 months depending on the filter type. This is the cheapest maintenance task with the biggest payoff.
3. Set your thermostat to 78°F when home, 85°F when away
The Department of Energy recommends 78°F as the sweet spot between comfort and efficiency. Every degree below 78°F increases your cooling costs by about 3%. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, set it to bump up while you're at work and cool back down before you get home. You'll save real money without sacrificing comfort.
4. Block the sun with blinds and curtains
Up to 30% of unwanted heat comes through your windows. Close blinds and curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day (noon–6pm). Blackout curtains or cellular shades make a noticeable difference. This is free if you already have blinds — just use them.
5. Use ceiling fans the right way
Ceiling fans don't cool the air — they cool people by creating a wind-chill effect. Make sure your fans are set to run counterclockwise in summer (look for a direction switch on the motor housing). And turn them off when you leave the room — there's no point cooling an empty space.
6. Seal air leaks and add insulation
Cool air escaping through gaps around doors, windows, and attic hatches is money literally flying out of your house. Run your hand around door frames and window edges — if you feel warm air coming in, weatherstrip it. Attic insulation is one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make in Utah's climate, keeping heat out in summer and warmth in during winter.
7. Avoid heat-generating appliances during peak hours
Ovens, dishwashers, and clothes dryers all pump heat into your home. Run them in the early morning or after 8pm when outdoor temps drop. Grilling outside instead of cooking indoors on hot days isn't just more fun — it keeps your house cooler and your AC from working overtime.
8. Check your ductwork for leaks
The EPA estimates that the average home loses 20–30% of conditioned air through leaky ducts before it reaches the living space. If some rooms in your house are noticeably harder to cool than others, leaky or undersized ductwork is often the culprit. A professional duct inspection can identify where you're losing cold air — and fixing it can dramatically improve comfort and efficiency.
9. Consider a smart thermostat
Google Nest and Ecobee thermostats learn your schedule and optimize cooling automatically. Most homeowners save $100–$200 per year after switching. They're easy to install (usually under an hour), and many Utah energy utilities offer rebates that reduce the upfront cost significantly.
10. Know the signs your AC is struggling
Don't wait for a full breakdown. Watch for these warning signs that your system needs attention before it quits on a 105°F day:
- Warm air blowing from vents even when the system is running
- Weak airflow throughout the house
- Unusual sounds — grinding, squealing, or banging
- Ice forming on the refrigerant lines or outdoor unit
- Short cycling (turning on and off every few minutes)
- Humidity levels that feel high indoors
- A sudden spike in your energy bill with no change in usage
Any of these symptoms means your system is working harder than it should — and a small repair now beats an emergency replacement in the middle of a heat wave.
Having AC problems this summer?
Summer Sky offers same-day AC repair across the Wasatch Front. Licensed, insured, and upfront pricing — no surprises.