Get Your Home Summer-Ready (Part 1: Cooling Efficiency & Energy Bills)
If you live in the Salt Lake Valley, you know the drill. One day we’re pulling out the snow shovels, and the next, we’re cranky because the thermometer hit 90 degrees and the living room feels like a sauna. But the real "heat" doesn't usually come from the sun. It comes from that utility bill landing in your inbox in July.
Why does your energy bill explode every summer? It’s usually not just because you’re running the AC; it’s because your home is working way harder than it needs to. Whether you’re in Herriman, Riverton, or West Valley City, getting your home’s efficiency dialed in right now is the best way to keep your wallet happy when the triple digits arrive.
Here is Part 1 of our summer-ready series: focusing on the big-ticket items that drive up your costs.
1. The HVAC Filter: The $15 Fix for a $500 Bill
We’ve mentioned filters before, but from an energy perspective, a dirty filter is an absolute disaster. Think of it like trying to breathe through a thick wool sweater while running a marathon. Your AC unit has to work harder to pull air through a clogged, dusty filter.
In Utah, where we deal with seasonal pollen and dust, those filters fill up fast. When airflow is restricted, your system runs longer cycles, consumes more electricity, and stays under constant strain. Replacing your filter every 30–60 days is the easiest way to immediately drop your cooling costs. If you aren't sure which filter size you need or how to access a tricky ceiling vent, Your Handyman Pros can help get your maintenance schedule on track.
2. The Outdoor Unit: Clear the Clutter
Your outdoor condenser unit is responsible for releasing the heat from inside your home. If it’s buried under last year’s dried leaves, overgrown weeds, or "stuff" stored against it, that heat has nowhere to go.
Some homeowners plant beautiful shrubs to hide the "ugly" AC unit, but those plants end up choking the system. You need at least two feet of clear space around the unit for proper airflow. Check for "cottonwood snow" stuck in the fins, too. That stuff acts like a blanket and traps heat. A quick cleaning of the exterior unit can significantly boost efficiency. For more on keeping your exterior in shape, check out our tips on exterior home inspection red flags.
3. Attic Insulation and Heat Gain
If your upstairs bedrooms feel like an oven while your basement is a walk-in freezer, you probably have an insulation problem. In many older homes across the Salt Lake Valley, attic insulation has settled or was never sufficient to begin with.
In the summer, radiant heat from your roof transfers into your living space. If your insulation is thin, your AC is fighting a losing battle against the sun. Adding or replacing insulation acts as a barrier, keeping the cool air where it belongs. This is one of the most effective upgrades for comfort and energy savings.
Save Money Immediately
Don't wait until you're sweating through your shirt to think about efficiency. Taking these steps now ensures your home stays comfortable and your budget stays intact.
At Your Handyman Pros, we’re more than just a repair service. We are a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor, and we specialize in helping homeowners across the Salt Lake Valley, from Riverton to Salt Lake City, optimize their homes for every season. Whether you need an efficiency audit, insulation upgrades, or help sealing up air leaks, we’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into exterior prep and how to prevent summer storm damage!
