As summer approaches, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority. A well-functioning air conditioner with optimized AC functions is essential for comfort during those hot summer months.
Regular ac maintenance and smart usage habits can significantly boost your ac efficiency, saving you money while keeping your home comfortable, and bring benefits for your 2025 summer.
We know that an inefficient air conditioner can lead to higher energy bills and inconsistent cooling. Simple actions like cleaning filters, managing your thermostat settings, and ensuring proper airflow can make a big difference in how well your AC functions. These steps don't require special skills but can have a major impact on your comfort and wallet.
In this article, we'll share seven practical ways to help your air conditioner work better this summer.
These tips range from basic ac maintenance tasks to smart usage strategies that anyone can implement. With the right approach, you can extend the life of your AC unit while maximizing its cooling power during the hottest days.
You'll learn:
- Optimize thermostat and temperature settings for AC efficiency
- Maintain and upgrade your HVAC system
- Enhance airflow and ventilation in your home
- Use strategic home adjustments to keep cool
Good reading!
Optimize thermostat and temperature settings for AC efficiency
Your thermostat settings play a crucial role in how efficiently your AC functions. Smart management of these settings can dramatically reduce your energy costs while keeping your home comfortable.
Set thermostat for maximum efficiency
The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're home during summer. This temperature balances comfort with ac efficiency.
Each degree below 78°F can increase your cooling costs by 6-8%. If this seems warm, try gradually adjusting by one degree each week until you reach the target temperature.
Use ceiling fans to make rooms feel 4-5 degrees cooler without changing the thermostat. Remember to turn fans off when leaving rooms since they cool people, not spaces.
Consider your home's humidity levels too. High humidity makes air feel warmer, so a dehumidifier might help you feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings.
Utilize programmable thermostats
Smart and programmable thermostats are excellent investments for maximizing ac efficiency. These devices allow precise temperature control based on your schedule.
Many smart thermostats learn your preferences and automatically adjust settings. They can detect when you're away and modify temperatures accordingly.
Some models offer zone control, cooling only occupied areas of your home. This targeted approach can reduce energy consumption by up to 20%.
Wi-Fi enabled options let you adjust settings remotely through smartphone apps. This feature is perfect for unexpected schedule changes or when returning home earlier than planned.
Make sure your cooling system installation is done properly.
Reduce energy costs with proper scheduling
Program your thermostat to run less when you're away or sleeping. Set it 7-10 degrees higher during these periods for significant energy savings.
A typical schedule might look like this:
- Morning (6-8am): 76-78°F while getting ready
- Day (8am-5pm): 82-85°F while away
- Evening (5-10pm): 76-78°F while at home
- Night (10pm-6am): 80-82°F while sleeping
Use the "recovery" feature on programmable thermostats to gradually reach your desired temperature. This is more efficient than cranking the AC down when you arrive home.
Avoid frequent temperature adjustments, as constantly changing settings makes your system work harder and reduces ac efficiency.
Maintain and upgrade your HVAC system
Keeping your HVAC system in top shape ensures your AC functions as intended. Regular ac maintenance, counting on good HVAC services, extends the lifespan of your HVAC unit while improving ac efficiency and performance during hot summer months.
Clean or replace air filters regularly
Air filters play a crucial role in your AC functions. Clogged filters force your AC to work harder, using more energy and reducing cooling power.
We recommend checking filters monthly during summer and replacing them every 1-3 months depending on usage. Homes with pets or allergies may need more frequent changes.
Many modern HVAC systems use disposable filters that are easy to replace. Simply slide out the old filter and insert a new one with the arrows pointing toward the unit.
Reusable filters should be washed with mild soap and water, then dried completely before reinstallation. Using the correct filter size and MERV rating ensures optimal airflow and filtration.
Schedule routine HVAC inspections
Professional ac maintenance keeps your air conditioning running smoothly. We recommend scheduling a tune-up every spring before the hottest weather arrives.
During an inspection, technicians will:
- Check refrigerant levels
- Test electrical components
- Clean coils and condensate drains
- Inspect ductwork for leaks
- Calibrate thermostat settings
These checks help identify small problems before they become expensive repairs. Many HVAC companies offer maintenance plans with discounted annual inspections.
Professional ac maintenance will also improve ac efficiency by up to 15% and extends the life of your system. The small investment in yearly service typically pays for itself through lower energy bills.
Want to understand what a professional visit should include? See what HVAC maintenance involves to make sure your system gets the care it needs.
Upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, upgrading to a newer model can significantly improve your AC functions and reduce cooling costs. Modern units use less electricity while providing better comfort.
Look for air conditioners with a high SEER rating, at least 16 SEER for optimal efficiency. Each additional SEER point can save 5-8% on cooling costs.
Features worth considering include:
- Variable-speed technology that adjusts output based on needs
- Smart thermostats for programmable temperature control
- Zoned systems that cool specific areas of your home
Many energy-efficient models qualify for utility rebates or tax credits that offset purchase costs. We recommend getting quotes from 2-3 HVAC contractors who can help determine the right size unit for your home.
Enhance airflow and ventilation in your home
Good airflow ensures your AC functions effectively.
When air moves freely throughout your home, your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures.
Clear vents and return grill of obstructions
Many homeowners unknowingly block their air vents with furniture, curtains, or decorative items. This restriction makes your AC system work harder than necessary. We recommend checking all supply vents (where cool air comes out) and return grills (where air goes back into the system) to ensure they're completely unobstructed.
Move any furniture that sits in front of vents at least 10 inches away. Don't place beds, sofas, or bookshelves directly over floor vents. This simple change can improve airflow by up to 25%.
Clean your vents and grills regularly to remove dust buildup. A vacuum with a brush attachment works well for this task. For deeper cleaning, remove vent covers and wash them with warm, soapy water.
For comprehensive guidance on maintaining your cooling system, refer to our Cooling Systems Maintenance services.
Improve circulation with ceiling fans
Enhancing your home's airflow is a key aspect of improving AC functions and overall ac efficiency.
Ceiling fans are powerful allies for your AC system. They help distribute cooled air more effectively throughout rooms, creating a wind-chill effect that can make you feel 4-6 degrees cooler.
Set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise during summer. This direction pushes air downward, creating a cooling breeze. Most fans have a small switch on the motor housing to change the direction.
Use ceiling fans strategically in occupied rooms only. Fans cool people, not rooms, so there's no benefit to running them in empty spaces. This practice saves electricity while maximizing comfort where it matters.
For best results, keep fan blades clean and dust-free. Dusty blades are less efficient and can circulate allergens throughout your home.
Use strategic home adjustments to keep cool
Making simple changes to your home can significantly reduce the need for constant air conditioning. These adjustments work with your AC system instead of against it, creating a more comfortable environment while saving energy.
Install window coverings and blinds
Blackout curtains, blinds, and shades are powerful tools in keeping your home cool. They block solar heat that would otherwise pour through windows and raise indoor temperatures by up to 10-15 degrees.
We recommend keeping curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south and west-facing windows. This simple habit can reduce heat gain by up to 33%.
For maximum effectiveness, choose light-colored window coverings with white plastic backings to reflect heat away from your home. Cellular or honeycomb shades also provide excellent insulation.
At night, you can strategically open windows and curtains on opposite sides of your home to create cross-ventilation. This helps flush out accumulated heat and brings in cooler air without using your AC.
For more tips on preparing your home for summer, check out our article on The Benefits of AC You Need to Know Before Summer 2025.
Reduce indoor heat sources
Many everyday activities and appliances generate surprising amounts of heat. Being mindful of these sources can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures.
Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs immediately. Incandescent lights convert 90% of their energy to heat rather than light, essentially working as small heaters in your home.
Plan your cooking strategically. Use microwaves, slow cookers, or outdoor grills instead of ovens during hot days. When possible, cook larger meals in the evening when temperatures drop.
Run heat-generating appliances like dishwashers, dryers, and computers during cooler morning or evening hours. This simple scheduling change prevents them from fighting against your AC system.
Consider unplugging electronics when not in use. Many devices generate heat even in standby mode, contributing to your home's overall temperature.
Implementing these strategies enhances your ac efficiency and supports effective ac maintenance practices.
Conclusion
Ensuring your AC functions at peak performance doesn't require major investments, just smart choices. By fine-tuning your thermostat, performing regular ac maintenance, improving airflow, and reducing indoor heat sources, you can dramatically boost your system’s ac efficiency and comfort throughout the summer.
Simple adjustments like cleaning vents, installing ceiling fans, and scheduling professional HVAC inspections go a long way toward lowering energy bills and extending the life of your unit. These proactive steps also help prevent unexpected breakdowns during the hottest months.
Recognizing potential issues early, such as warning signs your AC motor might be overheating, can help prevent more serious system damage.
For homeowners looking to get the most value out of their cooling systems, the combination of smart usage habits and professional support is essential. Explore our full range of air conditioning services to keep your system in top shape, and enjoy a cooler, more efficient home all season long.
