7 Summer Air Conditioning Tips for Your Home

Summer is here, and temperatures are climbing. At home, that means one thing: cooling mode, activated.

Your home’s air conditioning system works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. But in certain situations, it’s possible for your air conditioner to work too hard, which can result in higher energy use and therefore higher energy bills.

Use these summer air conditioning tips to achieve peak home comfort and HVAC performance.

1. Keep windows and doors closed.

When windows and doors remain open, cool indoor air escapes while hot, humid outdoor air enters your home. Additionally, poorly sealed windows can allow heat to continuously infiltrate your living space.

Both scenarios force your air conditioner to work harder, increasing energy use and reducing efficiency. To maintain peak performance, keep windows and doors properly sealed and closed.

2. Keep shades closed.

Even with windows shut, direct sunlight can introduce significant heat into your home. Using shades, curtains, window tint, or blinds helps block solar heat gain. This keeps indoor temperatures lower and reduces the workload on your air conditioning system.

3. Consider a smart thermostat.

Frequently turning your air conditioner on and off can lead to inconsistent comfort and decreased efficiency. A smart thermostat, such as EcoNet^®, can enhance both comfort and efficiency by learning your household’s patterns and automatically adjusting temperatures for optimal performance.

The new ecobee Smart Thermostat Lite | Works with EcoNet^® Technology allows homeowners to monitor and adjust home energy usage from anywhere with the ecobee app. This can help homeowners save up to 23%—that’s $250—on heating and cooling.

4. Check your air filters.

Airflow is restricted when filters become dirty or clogged, which forces your system to work harder to circulate cool air. This not only increases energy consumption but can also add strain to system components. Check your air filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed to maintain proper airflow and efficiency.

5. Check vents and air ducts.

Just as your air filter needs to stay clean, your ductwork must remain free of dust and obstructions to properly circulate air. Keeping vents and ducts clear allows conditioned air to move efficiently throughout the home, supporting consistent temperatures and overall comfort in every room.

6. Keep your outdoor units clean and shady.

A beautifully landscaped yard can be a nice summer getaway, but if bushes, trees, or other plants are crowding your outdoor HVAC unit, debris can block proper airflow. Keeping a clear radius of about 4 feet around the unit limits the potential for debris to cut off air movement.

Additionally, providing adequate shade can help improve efficiency, as units exposed to direct sunlight tend to run hotter and work harder to cool your home.

7. Get your AC unit checked regularly.

Ultimately the only way to ensure that your air conditioning system is working at peak performance to cool your home is to schedule regular maintenance checkups. These tuneups are important check-ins to ensure that every part and AC function is working without issue and can handle hot temperatures ahead.

If any issues arise, address them promptly to prevent larger, more costly problems. Partnering with a trusted contractor ensures your system remains reliable and your home stays comfortable all season long.

Find a trusted contractor in your area today to schedule a maintenance tune up.