End-of-Summer AC Tips: How DuPage County Homeowners Can Stay Cool and Save Money
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Late-August AC Tune-Up: Easy Wins to Cut Cooling Costs Before Fall
Serving Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and all of DuPage County
Late August in DuPage County means sticky afternoons and AC systems working overtime. The upside? A few smart tweaks right now can lower your electric bill, prevent surprise breakdowns, and set your home up for a smooth transition into fall.
1) Swap Your Air Filter (Small part, big payoff)
A dirty filter chokes airflow, forcing your AC to run longer to hit the same temperature.
Do this today: Check the filter; if it’s gray or dusty, replace it. Homes in Naperville or Elmhurst with pets or allergies should check twice as often.
Quick win: Better airflow = shorter cycles and lower bills.
2) Open Up Your Air Paths
Walk room-to-room and make sure supply vents and return grilles aren’t covered by rugs, furniture, or curtains. Aim for 12 inches of clearance.
Why it matters: Improved airflow reduces strain on the blower and helps even out temps in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Lombard homes.
3) Give the Outdoor Unit Some Breathing Room
Your condenser rejects heat outdoors—if it’s smothered, efficiency tanks.
• Clear grass clippings, leaves, and cottonwood fluff.
• Trim shrubs at least 2 feet back from the coil.
• Rinse the coil gently with a garden hose (no pressure washer).
You’ll help lower head pressure and keep performance steady on the hottest Downers Grove afternoons.
4) Dial In Your Thermostat
Every degree counts.
• Raise the setpoint 2–3°F while you sleep or when you’re away.
• Use “auto” fan to avoid constant blower run.
• A smart thermostat can learn your schedule and trim wasted cooling—great for our variable late-summer weather across DuPage County.
5) Control Humidity to Feel Cooler at Higher Temps
High humidity makes 74°F feel like 78°F. A whole-home dehumidifier lets you bump the thermostat up a couple of degrees while feeling just as comfortable—and your AC won’t have to run as long.
Want a deeper dive on late-summer savings? Read our guide: August Electric Bill Shock? Here’s How to Lower It Before the Month Ends.
6) Stop Cool Air From Escaping
If your conditioned air is slipping out through leaks, your AC will never keep up.
• Add weatherstripping to drafty doors and windows.
• Close the damper on unused fireplaces.
• Consider professional duct sealing if you notice rooms that are consistently warmer, especially in older homes in Glen Ellyn and Lombard.
7) Book a Late-Summer Maintenance Visit
A quick tune-up now can prevent a Labor Day weekend breakdown and set up an easy handoff to heating season. During an AC maintenance visit we typically:
• Clean indoor and outdoor coils
• Verify refrigerant charge (superheat/subcool)
• Check capacitors, contactor wear, and electrical connections
• Test thermostat calibration and temperature split
• Inspect the condensate drain and safety switches
8) Think Ahead: Furnace Check Before the First Cold Snap
While you’re in maintenance mode, go ahead and schedule your fall furnace inspection. You’ll beat the rush, confirm safe operation, and avoid first-cold-night surprises across Naperville, Wheaton, Elmhurst, and surrounding communities.
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Bottom Line
Late-summer tweaks pay off fast: cleaner airflow, a tidier condenser, smarter thermostat settings, and basic air sealing can cut run times and energy costs across DuPage County—without sacrificing comfort.
Ready to save and stay comfortable?
📞 Call 630-HVAC-995 or request service at AffordableAmericanAir.net → https://www.affordableamericanair.net/contact
Affordable American Air proudly serves Naperville, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, and nearby DuPage County communities with reliable AC repair, AC maintenance, and energy-efficient cooling solutions.
