Summer is in full swing across Chicagoland, and with July’s heat and humidity settling in, homeowners and business owners alike are looking for ways to stay comfortable without driving up their energy bills.
At Alltech HVAC, we’re committed to keeping your home cool, your energy usage efficient, and your HVAC system running at peak performance. Whether you’re in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs, like Des Plaines, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, or Elmhurst, or near the city limits in Evanston, Rodgers Park, or Elmwood Park, these pro tips will help you handle the heatwave like a pro.
Why Keeping Cool in July Matters
July is often the hottest month of the year in Illinois, with average highs pushing the upper 80s and heat indexes soaring into the 90s and beyond. High temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable — they can strain your HVAC system, increase your utility bills, and even lead to expensive breakdowns if you’re not prepared.
Here are our top HVAC-approved tips to stay cool and efficient all month long.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are more than just trendy tech — they’re powerful tools for managing your cooling system.
Benefits:
- Automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away
- Keeps your home cooler when you’re there
- Tracks energy usage to save money
In fact, ENERGY STAR reports that smart thermostats can save users up to 10% on heating and cooling annually.
Keywords: smart thermostat installation, energy-efficient cooling, HVAC tech upgrade
Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
A clogged or dirty filter can:
- Restrict airflow
- Force your AC to work harder
- Spread dust and allergens throughout your home
Alltech Pro Tip: Check your filter once a month during summer and replace it at least every 60 days.
Keywords: air filter replacement, indoor air quality, HVAC maintenance tips
Schedule a Mid-Summer AC Tune-Up
If you missed a spring tune-up, it’s not too late. A quick professional check-up can:
- Catch problems before they become breakdowns
- Improve airflow and cooling efficiency
- Extend the life of your system
Our AC tune-ups include coil cleaning, refrigerant level checks (R-32 and R-454B compatible), thermostat calibration, and more.
Keywords: AC tune-up Chicago, HVAC repair near me, air conditioning service Des Plaines
Block Out Sunlight
Direct sun through your windows can raise the temperature in your home by up to 10°F. Reducing indoor heat gain makes it easier for your AC to keep up.
Try this:
- Use blackout curtains or solar shades
- Keep blinds closed during peak sun hours (11 AM – 4 PM)
- Apply heat-reflective window film
Keywords: reduce cooling costs, energy-saving window tips, keep home cool
Avoid Using Heat-Producing Appliances During the Day
Appliances like ovens, dryers, and even dishwashers release heat that warms your home. Avoid using them during the hottest parts of the day.
Instead:
- Grill outside or prep no-cook meals
- Run the dishwasher or dryer at night
- Air dry laundry when possible
Keywords: summer energy-saving tips, reduce heat indoors, smart cooling practices
Use Fans Strategically
Fans don’t lower the temperature — they move air to help your body feel cooler. This lets you raise the thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Tips:
- Use ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer
- Place box fans in windows at night to pull in cooler air
- Turn off fans when leaving the room to save energy
Keywords: cooling with fans, ceiling fan tips, efficient home cooling
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear
Your outdoor condenser unit needs proper airflow to work efficiently. Obstructions or debris can cause overheating, poor performance, and eventual system failure.
Quick checklist:
- Clear away weeds, leaves, and grass clippings
- Trim shrubs at least 2–3 feet around the unit
- Hose off dirt buildup on the coils (gently!)
Keywords: HVAC maintenance tips, AC condenser care, air conditioner performance
Consider a High-Efficiency Upgrade
If your system is more than 10–12 years old, you could be spending up to 50% more on cooling than necessary.
Today’s high-efficiency HVAC systems use less energy, cool more effectively, and are often compatible with eco-friendly refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.
Ask Alltech HVAC about:
- SEER2-rated energy-efficient systems
- Ductless mini-split options
- Whole-home upgrades for better zoning
Keywords: HVAC installation Chicagoland, high-efficiency air conditioning, best AC units for 2025
Trust Alltech HVAC for Cooling Comfort This Summer
From tune-ups to full system installs, Alltech HVAC is your trusted local expert for home cooling solutions in Chicagoland. We’ve been keeping our customers comfortable for over 20 years — and we’re here when you need us.
📞 Call today to schedule your mid-summer AC service or request a quote on a new system.
Serving Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Schaumburg, and surrounding areas
Targeted SEO Keywords
HVAC tune-up July special
HVAC company near me
Air conditioning repair Northwest Suburbs
How to keep your house cool
Smart thermostat installation Illinois
AC maintenance Chicago
R32 and R454B refrigerant systems
Best HVAC tips for summer
Alltech HVAC services
Energy-efficient air conditioning