Is your house too hot? The summer-time heatwave made the mercury rise outside—and inside of your home. Before you settle for sweaty days and sleepless nights, take a look at how to get the most out of your HVAC system in the summer.

Schedule HVAC Service

Did you skip your annual or pre-season AC service call? Even though it may seem like your home's central air conditioner works perfectly at the start of the summer, it could have unseen issues or need extra care before it kicks into high gear. A regular maintenance service call can help you to spot problems before they go from minor to major. This reduces the risks of mid-summer AC failure—and the resulting hours or days of unbearable heat.

Not only can a routine service decrease the likelihood of a breakdown during the peak heat, but it can also increase your system's efficiency. Professional cleaning and maintenance removes buildup that can force your air conditioner to work harder. This can increase energy use and cooling costs. Along with the higher price you'll pay, a clogged system that doesn't work at peak performance may not cool effectively. This can leave you with a hot home.

Replace Your AC System

How old is your air conditioner? According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), a central air conditioner has an average lifespan of between seven and 15 years. If the air from your older cooling system suddenly seems warm, it's possible you need to replace it. While age isn't the only reason to replace an HVAC system, it is a factor you shouldn't ignore.

To get the most out of an older air conditioner you have a few options. You can schedule HVAC service and ask the technician to repair worn or damaged parts. Even though this type of service may help to cool your home, it isn't a permanent fix. It's likely the system will need future repairs next summer or sooner.

If you have an old system that has significant issues, a full replacement can keep your home cool consistently this summer, next summer, and for many years to come. While a replacement is more expensive than a repair, it may save you money in added costs over time. Discuss your options with an HVAC contractor. Central systems are available at a variety of price points to fit almost every home improvement budget.