Keep your filters clean! Homeowners often do not realize that a dirty filter raises the static pressure in the system making it use more electricity to do its job. Even more importantly, a dirty filter reduces air flow to all the outlets and cause a unit to be cut off by built in safety devices, but worst of all it can cause condensation leaks. Do not believe the hype about only changing filters once a year. Those are written for a national audience and we are in Texas where it is hot! Your system runs more than most other places. The most time between changes is probably about 2 months for a one inch filter…but keep an eye on its conditions with visual inspections at the filter grille. If you have duct mounted filter (media or electronic air cleaner) they can usually go approximately 6 months before servicing or replacing. By the way, do not buy over a MERV 8 filter for one inch return air filter. Anything higher has higher resistance and your system was not sized for higher one inch MERV ratings. If you think you want to spend money on higher MERV rated filters you need to check with an air conditioning contractor to see about adding more return air to the system. You can also keep blinds and drapes closed to block out direct sunlight and to reduce heat transfer through the glass. Do not let grass or shrubs grow up around your condenser outside. Use programmable thermostats programming feature to set back the temperatures when the home is unoccupied. Have your system serviced by a reputable service company two times a year. Working parts need maintenance (just like a car or truck). Raise your thermostat setting and run ceiling fans in the summer. The physiological effect of higher air movement from a ceiling fan is as much as three to five degrees on the surface of the skin. A relatively new residential upgrade is a dehumidifier. Austin summers have high humidity; a dehumidifier control (called a humidistat) lowers the humidity in a house. Lower humidity feels cooler. This would be especially helpful along the Highland Lakes with waterfront homes. Be sure to run exhaust fans in bathrooms when showering (and for up to 30 minutes after turning off the water). Have an audit done of your home. We can check for whole air leakage and duct leakage. Many older homes have, by today’s standards, poor structure sealing and high ratesof duct leakage.