As temperatures soar during the summer months, air conditioning becomes essential for comfort—but it can also be one of the biggest contributors to high utility bills. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to stay cooler without breaking the bank. By making a few strategic changes and being mindful of your energy usage, you can enjoy a comfortable home while keeping your AC costs under control. At Air Controls, we can conduct AC service to help ensure that your AC system runs as efficiently as possible. Here are five tips to help lower your AC expenses this summer. Use a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat is one of the easiest and most effective tools for reducing your cooling costs. By automatically adjusting the temperature based on your schedule, you avoid cooling an empty home. Setting the thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away and lowering it only when needed helps minimize energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. Seal Leaks and Insulate Properly Cool air can easily escape through gaps around doors, windows, and ducts, making your AC work harder than necessary. Inspect your home for leaks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulking. In addition, make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated. Good insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed During the Day Sunlight streaming through your windows can significantly raise the temperature inside your home, forcing your AC to work overtime. Keeping blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day can help block out the heat. This simple step can potentially make a noticeable difference in your energy bills. Use Ceiling Fans to Help Circulate Air Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, making it feel cooler even if the thermostat is set a few degrees higher. When used in conjunction with your AC, fans allow you to reduce the cooling load without compromising comfort. Make sure your fans are set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward and enhance airflow. Maintain Your Air Conditioner Regular AC maintenance is crucial for efficient performance. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow and makes your system less effective, which can lead to higher energy consumption. Replace or clean filters at least once a month during peak usage periods. Also, have your system professionally inspected and serviced each year to ensure that all components are working efficiently. AC Service in Bozeman When you need HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our nearbyHVAC company can expertly handle your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

As temperatures start to rise, your air conditioning system becomes one of the most important components of your home. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your AC runs smoothly and efficiently during the hottest months of the year. Taking time to get your system summer-ready can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, reduce energy bills, and stay comfortable all season long. At Air Controls, we provide expert AC service in the greater Bozeman area. Here are four tips to get your AC system ready for summer. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up Before summer heat kicks in, it’s wise to have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced by a qualified HVAC technician. A professional tune-up includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, cleaning coils, and ensuring the system is operating efficiently. Regular maintenance not only helps catch small issues before they become costly repairs but also keeps your system running at peak performance when you need it most. Change or Clean Your Air Filter One of the simplest ways to improve your AC system’s performance is by changing or cleaning the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and increasing energy use. Dirty filters can also reduce indoor air quality. Check your filter monthly during heavy-use seasons and replace it as needed to keep air flowing freely and your home comfortable. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit The outdoor condenser unit plays a vital role in expelling heat from your home. Over time, leaves, grass clippings, and debris can accumulate around the unit, reducing airflow and efficiency. Before summer starts, clear away any debris and trim back vegetation from the unit. A clean, unobstructed condenser can operate more efficiently. Check Your Thermostat Settings Your thermostat is the control center for your cooling system, so it’s important to make sure it’s working correctly and at the proper setting. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat, which allows you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day to save energy while keeping your home cool. HVAC Service in Bozeman When you need HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our nearby HVAC company can expertly handle your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Your commercial building’s ductwork plays a vital role in maintaining air quality, temperature control, and energy-efficiency. When ducts develop issues, it’s important to address them ASAP. At Air Controls, we provide expert commercial ductwork services in the greater Bozeman area. Here are four signs that your commercial building’s duct system may need attention. Uneven Heating and Cooling If some areas of your building feel much warmer or cooler than others, it could be a sign of ductwork problems. When ducts have leaks or blockages, they may fail to distribute air evenly throughout the space. This results in inconsistent temperatures, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to maintain comfort. If employees or tenants frequently complain about hot or cold spots, it’s time to have your ductwork inspected. Weak Airflow A noticeable decrease in airflow from vents is another common sign of duct issues. Weak airflow can stem from blockages caused by debris. If airflow is restricted, your HVAC system has to work harder to push air through, leading to increased energy consumption and potential strain on the system. Poor airflow can also reduce indoor air quality, making the environment less comfortable for occupants. Unusual Noises Coming from the Ducts While it’s normal for HVAC systems to produce some noise, loud rattling, banging, or whistling sounds coming from the ductwork can indicate problems. Loose or disconnected duct sections may rattle when air moves through them, while whistling noises can signal air leaks. These sounds suggest that your ductwork is not sealed properly, leading to energy loss and reduced system efficiency. If strange noises persist, it’s best to have the system professionally checked. Increased Energy Bills If your energy costs have risen unexpectedly without a clear reason, your ductwork may be to blame. Leaky or damaged ducts allow conditioned air to escape before it reaches its intended destination, causing your HVAC system to overwork. As a result, your heating and cooling expenses climb higher. If your energy bills keep increasing despite regular HVAC maintenance, an inspection of the duct system can help pinpoint any inefficiencies. Commercial HVAC Service in Bozeman, MT For commercial HVAC service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our nearby HVAC company can expertly handle your residential or commercial HVAC needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Your furnace plays a crucial role in keeping your home warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months. To help ensure it operates efficiently and lasts for years to come, it’s worth taking some maintenance precautions. A well-maintained furnace not only provides consistent heating, but can also help reduce energy bills. Here are four important tips to keep your furnace in strong condition. Change the Air Filter Regularly One of the simplest ways to help maintain your furnace is to change the air filter regularly. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and reducing its efficiency. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear and higher energy costs. Most filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on usage and the type of filter. Checking and replacing the filter as needed enables optimal airflow and improves indoor air quality. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clean Ensuring that the space around your furnace is clean and free of clutter is important for both safety and efficiency. Dust, pet hair, and debris can accumulate around the furnace, potentially getting inside and causing issues. Storing flammable materials near the furnace can also pose a fire hazard. Keeping proper clearance around the unit allows for good airflow and easy access for maintenance or repairs. A clean and unobstructed furnace is safer and more efficient. Check and Maintain the Thermostat Your furnace relies on the thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home, so it’s essential to keep it in good working order. If your thermostat is outdated or malfunctioning, it can lead to inconsistent heating and unnecessary strain on your furnace. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat allows you to set heating schedules, which can improve energy-efficiency and reduce heating costs. Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance Having your furnace inspected and serviced by a professional at least once a year is vital for its longevity and efficiency. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will check for wear and tear and ensure all parts are functioning correctly. They can also identify potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently, providing reliable heat while consuming less energy. Heating System Maintenance in Bozeman, MT When you need heating system service in Bozeman and the surrounding area, contact Air Controls at (406) 587-6292. Our nearby HVAC company can expertly handle your home’s heating and cooling needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!