Home: Here Comes the Sun

In a city where heat is a given, preparation makes all the difference. Locally owned and family-operated since 1970, AC Heating and Air Conditioning Services continues to prove that smart maintenance is the coolest investment you can make.

Owner Bobby Westbury, who remains committed to the same values the company was built on: integrity, honesty, and reliable service. “We treat each home as if it’s our own,” he says—a philosophy that has earned the trust of homeowners and businesses across the tri-county area.

As summer approaches, we asked Westbury to share his no-nonsense advice for keeping cool, cutting costs, and avoiding mid-July emergencies.

Summer’s coming. What’s the one mistake that guarantees an emergency AC call in July? Not replacing air filters. It sounds simple, but it’s the number one cause of breakdowns. A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces the system to work harder, increasing wear and tear.

Why a maintenance plan—and does it really save money? A maintenance plan lets us catch small issues—like a weak capacitor or burnt wire—before they turn into major failures, such as a compressor replacement that can cost thousands. Preventative care always costs less than emergency repair. Regular maintenance can also improve efficiency enough to noticeably reduce summer power bills.

How can you tell if a system needs a tune-up—or if it’s nearing the end? We use a simple guideline: multiply the repair cost by the age of the system. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually the smarter investment. It helps homeowners make practical, long-term decisions instead of pouring money into aging equipment.

Where do homes quietly lose efficiency? Often around the outdoor unit. Keep a 2-foot wide area around the condenser clear of tall grass, leaves, branches, and especially ant nests. Proper airflow around that unit is critical for performance and efficiency.

Why do some rooms never seem to cool evenly? Bedrooms and sunnier rooms—especially in older homes—tend to struggle. Keep bedroom doors slightly cracked to maintain airflow. Close blinds on the sunniest side of the house and use ceiling fans to circulate air. Small adjustments can prevent big thermostat battles.

What’s the best “set it and forget it” thermostat strategy? Set it at the warmest temperature you’re comfortable with and leave it there. Constant adjustments make the system work harder. A steady setting keeps energy use in check and maintains consistent comfort.

What should pet owners know? Pet hair and dander clog filters quickly. In homes with dogs or multiple pets, use high-quality filters and check them every two weeks. Replace as needed to protect airflow and efficiency.

Heading out of town? Set the thermostat between 80–82 degrees. That allows the system to cycle on periodically to remove humidity without running constantly. Or Install a Wi-Fi Thermostat to remotely monitor temperature and humidity.

What’s the smartest thing homeowners can do right now? Clear the area around the outdoor unit and replace air filters regularly. Those two simple steps prevent many of the emergency calls we see every summer. 

To contact AC Heating and Air Conditioning go to ACHVAC.com or call (843)-556-7641.