BLOGS

Rocky Mountain High AC

Ahhh, Colorado summers. One moment you’re sipping cold brew on your deck under the bright blue sky—and the next, you’re melting into your camping chair wondering if it’s legal to live inside your fridge.

While our beloved Centennial State is famous for its cool nights and crisp mountain mornings, let’s be real: midday in July can turn your house into a baked potato. And if you're blasting your AC without a strategy, you're basically feeding your paycheck straight to the utility company with a side of regret.

But don’t worry, your friends at Montano Homes have some cool tricks up our flannel sleeves. In this article, we’ll cover how to make your AC work smarter (not harder) this summer.

Aim for the Sweet Spot: 78°F (Really!)

It may feel counterintuitive, but the U.S. Department of Energy (aka the guys who know energy bills) say that 78°F is the goldilocks temperature: comfy, energy-efficient, and totally manageable when paired with other cool moves—like a fan or iced tea.

And when you’re out hiking in Estes Park or hitting a brewery in Fort Collins, bump that thermostat up to 85°F. No need to cool an empty house—unless you want your dog to host a pool party.

Embrace the Fan Club

Fans are the unsung heroes of summer survival. Ceiling fans, box fans, oscillating fans—they all help circulate the air, which means you can feel cooler without actually lowering the temp.

Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer so they push air down like a gentle breeze off the Rockies.

Work With Colorado’s Cool Evenings

One of Colorado’s best-kept secrets? Low nighttime temps. Even when it's 90°F by lunch, you’ll often wake up to a breezy 55°F.

Here’s your hack: open those windows at night, especially on opposite sides of the house for cross-ventilation. Then, seal the house shut before the heat creeps in around 9–10 a.m. It’s basically natural air conditioning—on the house!

Check Your Insulation & Seal the Sneaky Spots

You might think insulation is just for winter, but surprise! It’s a year-round MVP. Insulated homes stay cooler longer, so your AC doesn’t run itself ragged trying to fight the sun.

Also, check for sneaky leaks: around windows, doors, and even electrical outlets. A little weather stripping or caulk can go a long way toward keeping the cool in and the hot out.

Ditch the Heat Machines

Ovens, dryers, dishwashers—they’re basically miniature bonfires. Save those heat-making chores for the cooler parts of the day, or go full summer mode with grill dinners and air-dried laundry. After all, no one ever complained about burgers at sunset or the smell of summer breeze.

Lighten Up—Literally

Heavy drapes and dark-colored curtains? They’re basically heat magnets. Switch to light-colored blinds or thermal curtains to block out that aggressive afternoon sun while keeping your space stylishly chill.

Even better: invest in reflective window film or solar screens. They repel UV rays and look like your windows went to tech school.

Let Your Thermostat Do the Thinking

If you're not already using a smart thermostat, now’s the time. These little geniuses learn your habits and adjust the temperature automatically, whether you’re on the couch bingeing mountain documentaries or off hiking a 14er.

Many models also let you adjust settings remotely, which is handy when you're mid-road trip and realize you left the AC on high. Whoops.

---

Be As Chill As the Top of the Rockies

Last but not least: go easy on the thermostat wars. Don’t crank it down to 60°F expecting instant Arctic bliss—it won’t cool faster, it’ll just run longer and make your energy bill feel personally offended.

Be patient. Sip something cold. And remember, it’s Colorado—the snow will be back before you know it.

Colorado summers are glorious—sunny hikes, late sunsets, and yes, the occasional "why is it this hot?!" moment. But with a few tweaks, you can keep your home cool, efficient, and easy on the wallet.

Stay frosty, Colorado. You've got this.

By Montano Homes Staff | 7-1-2025