Summer in Statesville can bring soaring temperatures—and with them, rising energy bills and overworked air conditioners. At Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, we believe in smart, energy-efficient solutions that keep your home comfortable without putting unnecessary strain on your HVAC system. Whether you're trying to lower your electric bill or extend the life of your unit, here are some practical tips to help you keep your cool without overworking your AC. 1. Close Blinds and Curtains During the Day Sunlight streaming through your windows may look nice, but it also heats up your home—fast. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows, to block out the sun’s heat and reduce your AC’s workload. 2. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely Ceiling fans don’t cool the air, but they help you feel cooler by moving air across your skin. By running your ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer, you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room to save energy. 3. Seal Leaks and Insulate Cool air escaping through poorly sealed doors, windows, or attic spaces makes your AC work harder. Sealing cracks and gaps, adding weatherstripping, and improving insulation are easy upgrades that make a big difference in efficiency. 4. Avoid Using Heat-Generating Appliances Midday Try to limit the use of ovens, stoves, dryers, and even dishwashers during the heat of the day. These appliances add unwanted heat to your home and force your AC to work overtime. Consider grilling outside or using smaller appliances like toaster ovens or microwaves in the evening hours. 5. Set a Smart Thermostat Schedule Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature more efficiently. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away from home can reduce strain on your system and lower your energy usage—without compromising comfort. 6. Keep Your Air Filters Clean A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes your AC system less efficient. Checking your filters monthly and changing them as needed—usually every 1–3 months—can improve indoor air quality and help your AC run more smoothly. 7. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance Preventative maintenance is key to a long-lasting, efficient HVAC system. At Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend scheduling a professional tune-up at least once a year to clean components, check refrigerant levels, and catch small issues before they turn into costly breakdowns. Stay Cool the Smart Way with Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning Keeping your Statesville home cool shouldn’t come at the cost of high energy bills or a worn-out AC. These small changes can go a long way toward making your home more comfortable and efficient. Need help improving your home’s cooling performance? Contact Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a tune-up , explore energy-saving upgrades, or get advice tailored to your home and budget.

At Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, we know how frustrating it is when your AC system starts blowing warm air—especially during the peak of a North Carolina summer. If you’ve cranked down the thermostat and your home still feels more like a sauna than a sanctuary, there could be several reasons behind the problem. Here’s a look at some of the most common issues that could be causing your air conditioner to blow warm air, and what you can do about it. 1. Thermostat Issues Let’s start with the basics. Sometimes the issue is as simple as an incorrect thermostat setting. Double-check the mode. Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” and not “heat” or “fan.” Check the set temperature. Someone in the house may have bumped it up higher than you realized. Dead batteries or faulty sensors in your thermostat can also cause communication issues with your AC unit. If everything looks correct but the problem persists, it may be time for a professional inspection. 2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter A clogged air filter restricts airflow and can cause your system to overheat and blow warm air. Check your filter monthly and replace it at least every 1–3 months during the cooling season. Dirty filters can lead to poor airflow, frozen evaporator coils, and reduced efficiency overall. This is one of the easiest (and most affordable) problems to prevent. 3. Low Refrigerant Levels Refrigerant is the substance your AC system uses to absorb heat from inside your home. If the system is low on refrigerant (usually due to a leak), it won’t be able to cool effectively. Warning signs include: warm air, ice on the refrigerant lines, and hissing or bubbling noises. Solution: A licensed technician from Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning can locate and repair the leak, then recharge the refrigerant to proper levels. Refrigerant issues are not DIY-friendly, so give us a call if you suspect this is the problem. 4. Dirty Outdoor Unit (Condenser) Your AC’s outdoor unit releases the heat removed from inside your home. If it’s dirty or blocked, the system can’t release heat efficiently, and warm air may circulate back inside. Keep the area around your unit clear of leaves, grass clippings, and debris. If the coils are dirty, a professional cleaning may be needed. Regular maintenance helps keep this part of your system working properly. 5. Electrical Problems or Blown Fuses Electrical issues like a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse can shut down key components of your AC system, including the compressor. If the fan is running but the air isn’t cold , your outside unit might not be powered on. Don’t repeatedly reset breakers—call a pro to check things out safely. 6. Frozen Evaporator Coils When airflow is restricted—often due to a dirty filter or blocked vents—the evaporator coils can freeze over. Once that happens, your AC can’t properly cool the air. You may notice ice buildup on the coils or refrigerant lines . Turn the system off and allow it to thaw before restarting, then call a technician to prevent it from happening again. Need Help Fast? Call Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning If your AC is blowing warm air, it’s best to act quickly—what starts as a small issue can turn into a major repair. At Duncan Heating & Air Conditioning, we proudly serve Statesville, NC and surrounding communities with prompt, honest, and affordable HVAC service. Whether you need a quick repair, a full system tune-up, or a second opinion, we’re here to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long. 📞 Call us today at 704-872-2431 🌐 Or schedule service online today!