How to Make Your AC Blow Colder in 5 Minutes (No Tools Needed)
ROBERTSON COUNTY IN TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News) – With temperatures holding steady in the mid to high 90s and no sign of relief on the horizon, many in Robertson County are feeling the pressure, and so are their air conditioning units.
If your AC has been running around the clock, you’re not alone. But there are a few simple steps you can take right now to give your system a break, help prevent expensive repairs, and even reduce strain on the power grid.
Change Your Filter Every Two to Four Weeks in Extreme Heat
One of the most effective things you can do is also one of the easiest. During long heat waves, replace your air filter every 2 to 4 weeks instead of waiting the usual 90 days.
Here’s why: when your system runs constantly, the filter picks up more dust, hair, and pollen much faster. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder, increasing energy usage, and shortening its lifespan. We replaced the filter on one of our own systems, and the output temperature at the vent dropped by five degrees, a clear example of how much impact a clean filter can have. In fact, if a filter is badly clogged, it can restrict airflow so much that ice can build up on the evaporator coil (inside unit). If enough ice forms, airflow is blocked entirely, leaving you with no cooling at all.
Tip: Hold your filter up to a light. If light doesn’t pass through easily, it’s time to change it. When you change your filter, hold the old one up to the light next to the new one, you will definitely see a difference. If you’re not sure what to do but know where the filter is, just open the filter housing and take a photo of the front and side of the filter. Then show the photo to one of the friendly folks at ACE Hardware in Springfield, MAP or White House, MAP., They’ll walk you through the process and help you find the correct filter. It’s very easy.
If you’re in any way a do-it-yourselfer, Walker Hardware in Springfield not only carries air filters, but they also offer a wide variety of HVAC supplies, plus they also have a very knowledgeable staff. They’re located on Tom Austin Highway, not far from Memorial Boulevard. Here’s a map link.
Reduce the Load on Your AC
Here are some ways to take pressure off your system and help it run more efficiently:
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Close blinds and curtains -> Block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day, especially on west- and south-facing windows.
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Limit heat-producing activities during peak hours -> Avoid using ovens, stoves, and dryers from noon to 6 PM. Consider grilling outside or using a microwave.
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Use ceiling fans and box fans -> Fans help circulate cool air and reduce the load on your AC. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
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Bonus Tip — Got High Ceilings?
If your home has high ceilings, consider leaving your ceiling fans off during extreme heat. Fans push warm air down into the living space, forcing your AC system to cool a much larger volume of air. Letting the hot air stay higher can help your system work more efficiently and keep the lower part of the room cooler. -
Raise your thermostat a few degrees -> If your house stays reasonably cool, consider raising the thermostat just 1–2 degrees during the hottest part of the day.
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Check attic and crawlspace ventilation -> Poor ventilation traps heat. Make sure vents are clear and working properly.
Prevent Future Repairs
High heat puts real strain on older systems. While you can’t fix everything yourself, these steps can help avoid breakdowns:
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Make sure the outdoor unit is clear of leaves, grass, or debris
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Keep pets and plants away from the condenser
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Don’t block vents with furniture or rugs
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Schedule a tune-up if your unit hasn’t been serviced this year
If your system sounds strange, smells odd, or can’t keep up, turn it off and call a professional before it fails completely.
Lower Demand on the Power Grid
Extreme heat can trigger power warnings if demand surges too high. You can help by:
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Using major appliances early in the morning or after dark
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Unplugging electronics when not in use
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Charging devices overnight instead of during the day
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Switching off unneeded lights
Quick Checklist–> How to Help Your AC Survive the Heat
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Change your air filter every 2–4 weeks
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Close blinds and block sunlight
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Avoid cooking indoors during peak heat
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Run ceiling or box fans to circulate cool air
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Raise thermostat 1–2 degrees
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Keep outdoor unit clear of debris
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Don’t block indoor vents
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Use major appliances early or late
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Unplug unused electronics
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Schedule a maintenance check if needed
Air conditioning is more than a luxury during Tennessee summers, it’s a necessity. A few smart changes can help your system survive the heat, keep your family cool, and reduce energy costs. Don’t wait until it breaks. A few simple habits now could save you a lot of money later.
“This heat wave puts everyone at risk — especially the young, the elderly, and people with health conditions. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, and check on family, friends, neighbors, and outdoor animals,” says Deputy Director, Blake Pierce with the Robertson County Emergency Management Agency.
