May 27, 2025
Summer in Little Rock isn’t just hot—it’s hot and humid. With temperatures regularly soaring into the 90s and humidity levels that can make it feel even hotter, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes essential—not just for your comfort, but for your health and energy bills too. At Bert Black, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in the Little Rock Metro prepare their HVAC systems for summer’s worst. Here are 8 smart HVAC tips that will help you stay cool, lower your electric bill, and avoid emergency repairs this season. 1. Get a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Before the Peak Heat Start the summer off strong by scheduling a pre-season tune-up. Our certified HVAC techs will clean your coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect ductwork, and test for efficiency and safety. This service ensures your system isn’t working overtime just to keep up—and helps you avoid a breakdown during a heatwave. We recommend Little Rock homeowners have their systems serviced before summer, especially if you live in an older home or haven’t had maintenance in over a year. 2. Change Your Air Filters—Often When was the last time you changed your air filter? A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and making your home less cool. In Little Rock’s dusty, pollen-filled spring and summers, you should change your filters every 1–2 months, especially if you have pets or allergies. Bert Black can also recommend high-efficiency filters or install a whole-home air purification system for even better indoor air quality. 3. Seal Leaks in Ductwork and Around Doors and Windows Cool air escapes fast through cracks and gaps in your ductwork, windows, and doors. If your AC seems to be running constantly but the house still feels warm, you may be losing air through leaky ducts or unsealed windows. Our HVAC team can inspect your duct system, seal problem areas, and help identify trouble spots in your insulation—common issues in many older Little Rock neighborhoods. 4. Install a Smart Thermostat to Maximize Efficiency A smart thermostat can make a huge difference in how efficiently your HVAC system runs. You can schedule temperature changes throughout the day, cool down the house before you arrive home, or adjust settings remotely during a heatwave. Plus, smart thermostats provide detailed energy reports so you can see how your usage changes over time. Bert Black offers expert installation and integration with your existing system—no guesswork needed. 5. Use Ceiling Fans to Help Circulate Cool Air Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—but they help you feel cooler by moving air across your skin and distributing your AC’s airflow more evenly. Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer to create a downward breeze. This small adjustment can allow you to bump your thermostat up a few degrees without sacrificing comfort, helping you save on energy bills. 6. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit needs airflow to function efficiently. Over time, leaves, grass clippings, and debris can block vents and reduce performance. Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit and hose it off occasionally during the summer. If you’re unsure whether your outdoor unit is functioning properly, Bert Black’s HVAC techs can do a quick inspection to make sure it’s not being overworked or showing signs of wear. 7. Consider a Zoning System or Mini-Split for Trouble Spots Many homes built in Little Rock prior to the 1980s often have one room that never seems to cool down—like an upstairs bedroom, sunroom, or home office? It may be time to consider HVAC zoning or adding a ductless mini-split unit to target specific areas. Zoning systems let you control the temperature in different parts of the house independently, reducing strain on your central system. Mini-splits are ideal for converted garages, new additions, or spaces that don’t get good airflow. 8. Know the Signs of a Struggling System—and Act Fast Strange noises, weak airflow, musty smells, or unusually high energy bills? These could be early warning signs that your system is under stress—or about to fail. Don’t wait for a total breakdown in the middle of a 98° day. At Bert Black, we offer fast, honest HVAC repair service for homes across Little Rock. Our techs will diagnose the issue, explain your options, and get your system back to keeping you cool—fast. Stay Cool All Summer—With Help From Bert Black Summer comfort doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the right equipment, regular maintenance, and a team you can trust. Whether you need a simple tune-up, an emergency repair, or a whole new system, Bert Black is here for Little Rock homeowners. Schedule your AC service today or give us a call—and stay cool out there!
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