As summer hits full stride, life in humid cities like Westport, CT, becomes a sticky, sweltering affair. While the town’s coastal charm is undeniable, its humid summers can make even the smallest home maintenance issues feel unbearable. Add to that the high cost of living (over 75% higher than the national average), and every small problem has the potential to become a nightmare.
It’s not just about comfort. A few overlooked maintenance tasks can lead to a spike in your monthly bills. Fortunately, many of these issues have simple fixes—if you catch them early.
In this article, we’re breaking down seven essential summer maintenance tips that help you stay cool, save money, and avoid surprise expenses. These fixes are quick, smart, and often inexpensive.
Let’s get into it.
1. Inspect Your Air Conditioner—Is It Doing Its Job?
When summer rolls in and the temperatures climb, your air conditioner becomes one of the most essential appliances in your home. But if it’s underperforming, it can quickly become a source of frustration and rising energy costs. Especially in a high-cost-of-living area like Westport, CT, letting your AC run inefficiently is like pouring money down the drain.
You should start with basic checks. Make sure the air filters are clean and replace them if needed. If your AC runs all day but the house never really cools, there could be an issue with the calibration or the sensor. Also, check your air vents and make sure they’re open and unblocked.
However, there’s only so much you can do on your own. Scheduling a professional AC maintenance in Westport, CT, is one of the smartest decisions you can make at the start of summer. A trained technician can inspect refrigerant levels, clean evaporator coils, and test for worn-out parts. These routine checks help your unit run efficiently and extend its lifespan.
2. Seal Up Drafts and Gaps
You might not notice the tiny gaps around your windows and doors during cooler months, but when summer heat hits, they become a major energy leak. These gaps allow warm outdoor air to sneak inside, forcing your AC to work overtime just to maintain the temperature. That constant struggle pushes your energy bills higher than necessary.
It’s surprisingly easy to check for these gaps. If you can see light around the edges of a door or feel a faint breeze near a closed window, you’ve got an air leak. One simple trick is to use a smoke pencil or incense stick—watch where the smoke drifts to detect airflow.
To ensure your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient during the sweltering summer months, it’s crucial to address any HVAC issues promptly. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and improve system efficiency. For those in need of expert assistance, Coastal Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc. offers comprehensive services to keep your cooling systems running smoothly. Their team of professionals can help identify potential problems before they escalate, ensuring your home stays cool without breaking the bank. By investing in timely repairs and maintenance, you can enjoy a more comfortable living environment while also saving on energy costs.
Once you’ve identified problem areas, use weatherstripping for doors and caulk for window frames. These supplies are inexpensive, and the installation can usually be done in under an hour.
3. Upgrade or Install Ceiling Fans
While air conditioners cool the air, ceiling fans circulate it. That circulation makes the room feel cooler by helping sweat evaporate from your skin faster. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in comfort without lowering the thermostat.
If your home already has ceiling fans, check that they’re rotating counterclockwise for summer use. This direction pushes air downward, creating a gentle breeze. If you don’t have fans in key rooms like bedrooms or living areas, installing one can reduce your reliance on AC and help cut costs.
Plus, newer ceiling fans are designed to be energy-efficient, quiet, and stylish—making them a smart upgrade.
4. Switch to LED Bulbs
Lighting plays a bigger role in summer cooling than most people realize. Traditional incandescent bulbs waste a large portion of their energy as heat, adding to your indoor temperature. In contrast, LED bulbs stay cool to the touch and consume far less electricity.
Making the switch to LEDs can be done gradually or all at once, but even replacing just the most-used lights—like those in kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms—can have a measurable impact. LEDs also last longer, meaning you won’t have to deal with constant replacements.
5. Clean Refrigerator Coils
Your refrigerator might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to summer energy savings, but it plays a bigger role than most realize. During the hot months, your fridge works extra hard to maintain its internal temperature, especially if the kitchen gets warm. If the condenser coils behind or beneath the unit are covered in dust and grime, that job becomes even harder.
Dirty coils reduce efficiency and force the compressor to run longer, using more electricity than necessary. Cleaning them is simple. Unplug the fridge and gently move it away from the wall. Use a coil brush or vacuum with a nozzle attachment to remove any buildup. This maintenance should only take a few minutes, but it can improve energy efficiency by up to 30%.
6. Block the Sun—Inside and Out
Direct sunlight can quickly raise the temperature inside your home, especially through south-facing windows. That extra heat doesn’t just cause discomfort; it also increases your reliance on air conditioning. Blocking the sun’s rays is an easy and effective way to reduce indoor temperatures without running the AC nonstop.
Inside the home, blackout curtains, solar shades, or even reflective window films can make a noticeable difference. These solutions help trap cool air and block heat gain during peak sunlight hours. For even better results, take it outside. Installing awnings or planting trees and tall shrubs near windows can create shade and lower the surrounding temperature.
These small changes reduce the heat load on your home and make your cooling system’s job much easier.
7. Check Your Attic Ventilation
Your attic plays a huge role in regulating your home’s overall temperature. Without proper ventilation, heat builds up quickly, especially under a sun-soaked roof. This excess heat seeps down into your living space and makes it harder for your AC to keep up.
Take time to inspect your attic vents. Make sure they’re not blocked by insulation or debris. If you don’t have enough ventilation, consider adding more soffit or ridge vents. Another option is to install a solar-powered attic fan to increase airflow. These fans pull hot air out of the attic, helping to lower the temperature throughout your home. Keeping your attic cooler means your entire house stays cooler, too—with less strain on your air conditioning system.
Every home has hidden areas where energy is wasted and comfort is compromised—especially during the peak of summer. Fortunately, many of these issues are easy to identify and simple to fix. Whether it’s something as basic as cleaning refrigerator coils or as strategic as adding attic ventilation, these efforts add up.
Take the time now to address these commonly overlooked fixes, and you’ll enjoy a cooler, more cost-effective summer without sacrificing comfort.
