July in Kansas City is sizzling and we’re not just talking about the BBQ! As heat indexes soar into the triple digits, reliable air conditioning isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Here’s the question many homeowners face: How do you keep your home cool, comfortable, and efficient without the sky-high energy bills?
Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has been helping families in Shawnee, Mission, Lenexa, Roeland Park, and the greater Kansas City metro stay comfortable for decades!
We’re local, licensed, insured, and women-owned, dedicated to keeping your home cool and your wallet happy!
Whether you’re in need of AC repair, installation, or seasonal AC maintenance: Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today! In the meantime: Read our advice to stay cool & comfortable this summer!
What Makes KC Summers Tough on Your Air Conditioner
Kansas City weather can be unpredictable, but one thing is certain every July: The heat can be relentless. High humidity adds an extra layer of discomfort, pushing heat indexes even higher.
These conditions put extreme strain on your AC system. Common signs of issues that may need addressed include:
- Your home’s cooling system running nonstop
- Weak airflow
- High or higher-than-usual utility bills
- Uneven temperatures between rooms
- Frozen coils
- Breakdowns during the hottest days of the year
Proactive care and professional service are crucial. Give us a call today to schedule service!
Beat KC’s July Heat with These Expert AC Tips
1. Proactively Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Think of your air conditioner like your car: It needs regular tune-ups to run efficiently. Regular, professional maintenance service by Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing includes:
- Coil cleaning for better heat transfer
- Refrigerant level checks
- Filter replacements
- Electrical component inspections
- Preventative diagnoses and repairs to prevent costly emergencies down the road.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regular maintenance can improve your AC’s efficiency by up to 15%, keeping you cooler for less money.
Pro Tip: Schedule maintenance in Spring or early Summer to avoid the July rush!
2. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient AC System
Older air conditioners often work harder, use more electricity, and cool less effectively. If your unit is:
- 10+ years old,
- struggling to keep your home cool, and/or
- requiring frequent repairs…
… it may be time to give us a call! A modern, high-efficiency system for your home in contrast can lower your energy bills, improve the comfort of your home, and reduce your carbon footprint, oftentimes qualifying you for rebates or incentives!
Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing proudly installs top-rated systems tailored for Kansas City’s climate. Don’t take our word for it: See what our customers have to say!
3. Keep Air Filters Clean and Clear
This simple step is often overlooked! Dirty filters block airflow, forcing your AC to work overtime. A clean, fresh air filter provides better performance, lower energy costs, reduced system wear, and improved air quality.
Pro Tip: Check your filters monthly during heavy use seasons and let us replace them every 1-3 months.
4. Seal Up Air Leaks for Better Efficiency
Even the best AC system struggles if cool air is escaping your home. Gaps around windows, doors, or ductwork let heat creep in and cool air slip out. If you notice your home has uneven temperatures throughout its rooms, higher-than-usual energy bills, or your home’s cooling system is constantly running: It may be time to service your AC!
Call Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to assess your home for leaks and recommend affordable solutions.
5. Don’t Ignore Strange Noises or Warm Air
If your AC starts making odd noises or blowing warm air instead of cool: Give us a call ASAP! These are telltale signs of an issue with your home’s cooling system. Prompt repairs help you avoid major breakdowns and costly damage. Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s licensed technicians provide fast, reliable ac repair, so you’re not left sweating during a heat wave.
What’s the Cost of New AC Installation in KC?
Many homeowners worry about the price of replacing an AC system. The cost can vary depending on the system’s size, SEER or efficiency rating, the complexity of the installation, ductwork needs, and more.
The average cost of an AC system installation in a Kansas City home is around $4,500 to $12,000 depending on the factors mentioned above.
This investment means:
- Modern systems work more efficiently and more reliably. Lower energy bills over time will help pay for the installation!
- Rebates and tax credit opportunities can also offset the cost.
- Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers flexible financing options for you and your family.
Home Cooling Tips by Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
While we always recommend professional service, there are simple things homeowners can do to keep cool during the summer months:
Use Ceiling Fans for Air Circulation
If your home is equipped with ceiling fans (or if you have portable fans), you can increase the overall air circulation in your home and maintain a lower overall temperature by using these during the hottest hours of the day.
Keep Window Coverings Drawn to Block Heat
A significant amount of preventable heat buildup in your home is caused by radiant heat from the sun entering through your windows. By closing your blinds and drawing your curtains to “block” this light, you can lower the temperature in the immediate area by several degrees. If this practice is adopted throughout your home, the average temperature can be reduced, though at the cost of some natural light.
Adjust Your Routine: Keep The Oven Off
Consider a slightly earlier lunch, or pushing dinner back an hour or two in order to avoid using heat-generating appliances in your home during the hottest parts of the day.
Consider the Location of Your Thermostat
If your system’s thermostat is near a heat source like a lamp with a warm light bulb, in an unused area, or isolated from the main living section(s) of your home, you may not be getting the temperature you’ve set the device to. Consider relocating your thermostat (give us a call for help) or adjusting the thermostat accordingly, though we don’t recommend adjusting your thermostat to a low temperature for “better” results as this may strain your system!
Utilize The Outdoors and Add Shade
Trees, awnings, or shade sails are a few examples of outdoor solutions to influence the temperature on the inside of your home. A shade tree outside of your east-facing window can block the light and heat we mentioned earlier, giving you the view from your window back!
Call Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing This July
Kansas City summers shouldn’t leave you sweating! Whether you’re in need of emergency repair, preventive maintenance, or a new system, Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has you covered.
Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today to get started!
