Long Island summers are no joke, especially when the humidity kicks in and the mercury climbs past 90 degrees. Your air conditioner becomes your best friend, but during extreme heat, even the most dependable systems can feel the strain. The good news? A few smart habits can help your AC stay efficient, effective, and ready, no matter how hot it gets outside.

This month, we’re sharing some tips with you that can help your air conditioning system run smoothly during hot weather, so you won’t sweat it out while you wait for repairs. And, we’ll tell you how T.F. O’Brien can help you keep your cool by ensuring your system can manage the heat. Keep reading to learn more!

8 Tips to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly This Summer

Set It and Forget It (Smartly): Keep your thermostat around 75–78°F when you’re home and bump it up a few degrees when you’re out. Lower isn’t always better; it just makes your system work harder for longer.
Cool Early, Not Just Often: Start cooling your home in the morning before the sun hits its peak. It’s easier (and more energy-efficient) to maintain a cool space than to cool down a hot one.
Clean Filters = Cool Air: Dirty filters are one of the top reasons AC systems underperform. Check them every few weeks during peak season and clean or replace them as needed. The bonus? Clean filters can also improve indoor air quality.
Shut Out the Sun: Close blinds or curtains during the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective film can also make a noticeable difference.
Seal the Leaks: Drafty windows and doors let cool air escape. A quick weekend project with weather stripping or caulk can help your AC work less and keep the cool air inside, which can help you save money on your utility bills, too.
Time Your Household Chores: Appliances like ovens, dryers, and even dishwashers generate heat. Run them in the evening or early morning to avoid adding extra warmth to your home or consider hanging your clothes on the line and cooking outdoors on the grill.
Use Fans to Circulate, Not Cool: Ceiling and box fans help move cool air around, making rooms feel more comfortable. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room, since their purpose is to cool people, not spaces.
Book a Summer Tune-Up: This is the number one thing you can do for your air conditioning system! A professional check-up can catch small issues before they become big problems. T.F. O’Brien’s expert technicians are here to help keep your system running smoothly all season long.

Count on T.F. O’Brien to help you stay cool this summer.

At T.F. O’Brien, we’ve been serving Long Island families for over 85 years. Whether you need air conditioning maintenance or a full system upgrade, we’re here to help you stay comfortable. And remember, when you enroll in our energy saver plan (ESP), you’ll get priority service and discounted fees, along with the peace of mind of annual maintenance! Call us today and we’ll be more than happy to tell you more about ESP and its many benefits!