How to Improve Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

When summer is in full swing, your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home cool and comfortable. But all that hard work often comes with a price: skyrocketing energy bills and a system that might feel like it’s struggling to keep up.

The good news? You don’t necessarily need to upgrade your AC to see better performance. With a few smart steps, you can improve your air conditioner’s efficiency, cut down on energy use, and help your system last longer – which is good for your wallet and the environment. Here’s how.

10 Tips to Lower Energy Costs Without Upgrading Your System

1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Changing your air filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to improve your system’s efficiency. A dirty or clogged air filter can reduce airflow, forcing your AC to work harder than it needs to, which leads to more wear and tear, higher bills, and less comfort.

You should change your HVAC filter every 1-3 months, depending on your home, pets, and allergies. Set a reminder on your phone or tie it to the start of each new season.

2. Don’t Skip Routine AC Maintenance

Think of HVAC maintenance like getting your car serviced. Without it, small problems can turn into expensive breakdowns. During a basic AC tune-up, a technician will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect parts, and make sure everything is running as efficiently as possible.

Regular maintenance can also catch issues before they become expensive repairs, which can save more of your hard-earned money down the road.

3. Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate Air

Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature, but they do help you feel cooler by moving air across your skin – referred to as the windchill effect. That means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. For every degree you raise the thermostat, you can save about 1-3% on your cooling bill.

Make sure your ceiling fan is spinning counterclockwise in the summer. That creates a downdraft and helps with cooling.

4. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are great for helping homeowners save on their energy bills. It learns your schedule and preferences, automatically adjusts temperatures when you’re away, and even gives you energy-saving tips based on your habits.

You can also control it from your phone, so if you forget to bump the temp up before leaving for the day or going on vacation, you’re covered.

5. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

If your cool air is escaping through cracks around doors and windows, your air conditioner has to work twice as hard to keep things comfortable. Use weatherstripping or caulk and seal up those problem spots.

Consider doing this in the spring or early summer before the temps spike. You’ll notice a difference in both comfort and your energy bill.

6. Add or Upgrade Your Insulation

Insulation doesn’t just help in winter – it’s key in summer, too. A well-insulated home keeps cool air inside and hot air outside, which reduces how often your AC has to cycle on.

Focus on your attic, walls, and crawl spaces. If your home is older, it might not have enough insulation to meet today’s energy standards.

7. Address Duct Leaks

Leaky ductwork can lose up to 20-30% of your cooled air before it even reaches your living spaces. That’s like filling a bucket with holes in it. A professional can inspect your ducts and seal any leaks with mastic or foil tape. It’s a relatively quick fix that can have a huge impact on your system’s efficiency and your indoor comfort.

8. Close Curtains and Blinds During the Day

Sunlight streaming through your windows might look nice, but it also heats up your home faster. Keeping blinds or curtains closed – especially on south- and west-facing windows – can block that heat and give your AC a break. Consider light-colored curtains or thermal shades to reflect sunlight and help keep things cool.

9. Keep the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Clear

Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit (the condenser) needs room to breathe. If it’s clogged with leaves, dirt, or surrounded by shrubs, it can’t efficiently release heat, which means your system has to work harder to cool your home.

Every few weeks (maybe after you mow), take a few minutes to clear away debris and trim back any plants or weeds nearby.

10. Use Heat-Generating Appliances Wisely

Running your oven or dryer during the hottest part of the day adds unnecessary heat to your home. Try using these appliances in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. If possible, grill outside and hang dry laundry when possible.

When It Makes Sense to Replace Your AC

While these tips can boost your current system’s performance, there are times when upgrading to a new air conditioner is the smarter, long-term choice. Here are some signs it might be time to replace your AC:

• Your system is more than 15 years old. Most air conditioners have a lifespan of 12-15 years. If yours is nearing the end of its life, a new system will likely be more energy efficient and reliable.
• You’re facing frequent or costly repairs. If your AC seems to be breaking down every summer – or you’re staring down an expensive repair bill – it might make more sense to invest in a replacement.
• Your energy bills keep rising. Older systems tend to lose efficiency over time. If you’ve already tried all the tips above and your bills are still climbing, an upgrade could help lower your monthly costs.
• Your home isn’t staying comfortable. If some rooms are always too warm or your AC can’t keep up on hot days, it may be undersized or simply too worn out to perform well.
• You’re still using R-22 refrigerant. Older AC units that use R-22 (Freon) are more expensive to maintain and recharge, and the refrigerant is no longer produced. Replacing it with a newer system using modern refrigerants is better for your budget and the environment.