“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Hoosiers know this phrase all too well. When the temperature climbs past 90°F and the air feels like soup, it’s more than just uncomfortable—it can be downright dangerous. That’s why keeping your home cool, efficient, and safe during the blazing Indiana summer isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
At Hoosier Indoor Air, we’re local HVAC professionals who’ve seen it all—from overloaded systems to homes that can’t keep up with the heat. In this post, we’re sharing our best AC tips for surviving Indiana’s toughest summer days. Let’s dive in.
The Ideal Thermostat Settings for Comfort & Efficiency
Finding the Ideal AC Temperature in Summer
Wondering what the ideal AC temperature in summer actually is? According to energy experts and the Department of Energy, the magic range is typically 75°F to 78°F during the day when you’re home. This strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency.
At night, a slight drop—around 72°F to 75°F—can help you sleep better without overworking your system.
And when you’re away? Don’t turn the system off entirely. Instead, raise your thermostat to 80°F to 85°F. Your AC won’t have to work as hard when you return, and you’ll still save energy.
Smart Thermostat Scheduling for Smarter Cooling
Let Technology Do the Work
Smart thermostats are a game-changer, especially during Indiana’s hottest stretches. These devices learn your schedule, adjust automatically, and even let you control your settings remotely. Here’s a sample schedule we recommend during the summer:
- 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Set to 74°F as you start your day.
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Raise to 80°F while you’re at work.
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Bring it back to 75°F for evening comfort.
- 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM: Drop to 72°F for better sleep.
The goal? Keep it cool when you need it and conserve when you don’t.
Improve Efficiency Without Sacrificing Comfort
Small Changes, Big Impact
Not every solution requires a technician. Here are some quick AC tips you can implement right away:
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A dirty air filter restricts airflow and reduces efficiency. We recommend changing it every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and indoor air quality. Not sure where to buy your filters or what size to get? We now sell HVAC filters and send them right to your door!
2. Seal Gaps & Cracks
Inspect your windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to block leaks where cool air could escape—and hot, humid air might sneak in.
H4: 3. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way
Fans don’t cool the air, but they do help circulate it. Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer to push cool air down and reduce the need to lower the thermostat.
Schedule Routine Maintenance Before the Heat Hits
Prevent the Breakdown Before It Happens
Think of your AC system like a car—it needs regular check-ups. Our Hoosier Indoor Air technicians recommend a full tune-up each spring, before the first real heatwave rolls in. Here’s what a professional maintenance visit typically includes:
- Inspecting refrigerant levels
- Cleaning coils and blower components
- Tightening electrical connections
- Testing airflow and thermostat calibration
Keeping your system in top shape helps reduce energy bills, avoid surprise breakdowns, and extend the life of your AC.
Avoid These Common AC Myths
Faster Cooling? Not Exactly
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
- Myth: Setting the thermostat lower cools your house faster.
Truth: It doesn’t. Your AC cools at a fixed rate. Setting it to 65°F won’t speed things up—it just runs longer, wasting energy. - Myth: Turning off the AC saves more energy than keeping it on at a higher temp.
Truth: Not always. It often takes more energy to cool a hot house back down than to maintain a moderate temperature.
Call in the Pros When It Counts
Whether your AC is blowing warm air or struggling to keep up during a brutal heatwave, we’re here to help. Hoosier Indoor Air is proud to serve the Indianapolis area with responsive, professional HVAC service backed by years of experience.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Indiana is no joke. But with the right strategies—and a little help from your local pros—you can keep your cool all season long.
If you’re ever in doubt about your AC’s performance or want to upgrade your system before the next big heatwave, give Hoosier Indoor Air a call at 317-466-7437. From thermostat guidance to full system tune-ups, we’re here to help you stay comfortable, efficient, and stress-free—no matter how high the mercury rises.
Need help beating the heat? Contact Hoosier Indoor Air today for expert HVAC solutions built for the Indiana summer.
