August in Staten Island can feel downright relentless—with high humidity, sweltering temperatures, and little relief in sight. For many homeowners, your air conditioner isn’t just about comfort: it’s a lifeline during these peak summer weeks. But what happens when your AC starts to struggle, or worse, shuts down completely?
At our HVAC company, we know how hard your cooling system works during this time of year. The good news? With the right preventive care and a few smart home strategies, you can keep your home comfortable, cut down on energy costs, and avoid mid-season AC meltdowns. Here’s how to survive the August heat with a strong-performing air conditioner—and when to call in the pros for help.
Change Your Air Filter—It’s the Easiest Fix
Let’s start with the simplest way to improve airflow and AC efficiency: replace your air filter. A clogged or dirty filter makes your system work harder to push cool air, leading to higher bills, reduced performance, and increased wear on components.
Pro tip for Staten Island homeowners: Check your filter every 30 days during heavy-use months like July and August. Replace it if you see dust buildup or reduced airflow.
Use Your Thermostat Strategically
It may be tempting to crank your thermostat to 65°F during a heatwave, but doing so can overwork your system and barely move the temperature needle. Instead:
- Set your thermostat to 78°F when home
- Raise the temp 5–8°F when you’re away
- Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for automatic efficiency
Your AC runs more efficiently when it’s not forced to make extreme temperature jumps.
Keep the Cool in and the Heat Out
If your home isn’t sealed properly, your AC is cooling the outdoors. Combat August heat with these simple tricks:
- Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours
- Use weather stripping to seal doors and windows
- Limit oven/stove use during the hottest parts of the day
- Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to boost cooling
Every bit of insulation and air sealing helps your AC run less and last longer, and it’s normal to replace insulation after 5–10 years.
Schedule Preventive Maintenance
The best way to ensure your AC survives August is to schedule a mid- or late-summer tune-up. During this service, our HVAC pros:
- Clean condenser coils
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect electrical components
- Clear debris from the outdoor unit
- Test thermostat and system performance
A small issue like a low refrigerant charge or dirty coil can lead to a system shutdown if ignored during extreme heat.
Know the Signs of Trouble
Even a well-maintained system can run into problems in August. Don’t ignore these common warning signs:
- AC blowing warm or weak air
- Strange noises like buzzing, rattling, or grinding
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Water pooling around the unit
- Skyrocketing utility bills
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Call our team for professional AC repair before a small issue becomes an emergency.
Contact Scaran today to schedule an appointment with our professionals for your AC service.
