Hosting a summer party is one of the best ways to enjoy the season—grilling, music, laughter, and great company. But when temperatures soar and your home fills with friends or family, keeping everyone cool and comfortable becomes a priority. Your central air conditioner is your best ally, but only if you use it wisely. Here’s how to keep your party chilled without melting your energy bill.
Don’t forget, we’re offering $50 off any repair to keep people safe and comfortable this summer season.
Prep Your Home Before Guests Arrive
Give your AC a head start. A couple of hours before the party begins, set the thermostat a few degrees cooler than your desired temperature. This pre-cools your space before the extra body heat and door traffic start affecting indoor comfort. Once the guests are inside, return the thermostat to your normal setting, your AC won’t have to work as hard to maintain the cool. Just don’t set the thermostat any lower than 20 degrees below the outside temperature, since that kind of cooling is just not feasible.
Also, close blinds or curtains on sun-facing windows to block out heat. Natural light is lovely, but it can quickly raise indoor temperatures.
Don’t Overwork the Thermostat
It might be tempting to drop your thermostat to 65°F in the hopes of turbo-chilling your home, but that won’t speed things up. Central air conditioners cool at a constant rate, so setting the thermostat drastically low only forces it to run longer, wasting energy and potentially freezing your coils. Stick to 72-74°F for comfort and efficiency.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat if possible, since it can automatically adjust the temperature as the day cools down or when people start leaving.
Optimize Airflow for Comfort
Good airflow can make your home feel cooler without dropping the temperature. Keep vents and returns clear of furniture or rugs, and consider using ceiling fans to complement the AC. Set fans to spin counterclockwise in summer, which pushes cool air downward and creates a breeze effect.
If you’re using pedestal or box fans, position them strategically near high-traffic areas or where heat may accumulate, like the kitchen.
Minimize Indoor Heat Sources
Summer parties often revolve around food, but ovens and stovetops can add serious heat to your home. Prep meals in advance or grill outside to keep indoor temps manageable. Use slow cookers, air fryers, or even outdoor coolers for drinks and snacks instead of frequently opening the fridge. Salads and fresh foods can be a great way to eliminate cooking heat altogether!
LED lighting is another smart move. Traditional bulbs emit a surprising amount of heat; switching to LEDs can keep rooms cooler while saving energy.
Check Your Filters and System Health
Before the party season begins, make sure your AC system is in top condition. A dirty air filter reduces airflow and efficiency, making it harder to cool your home. Change filters monthly during heavy use and consider a professional tune-up if your system hasn’t been serviced in a while.
Contact Kennihan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We treat your home like it’s our grandma’s home.