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Keeping your home comfortable during the summer doesn’t have to mean higher utility bills. With a few practical changes, such as improving airflow, sealing air leaks, or upgrading outdated equipment, you can reduce your energy use without sacrificing comfort. This guide will offer strategies to help you lower cooling costs. If you’re not sure which approach is right for your home, our team is always available to help you make changes.
Optimize Your Thermostat for Maximum Efficiency
When summer temperatures spike, it’s tempting to keep turning the thermostat down for fast relief. However, lowering it too far can lead to overworking your cooling system and higher energy bills without a noticeable boost in comfort. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and raising it by 7 to 10 degrees when you’re away can significantly reduce cooling costs.
You should also consider using a programmable or smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away and cool things down just before you return. Advanced smart models learn your routine and make automatic adjustments to keep your energy use in check while maintaining comfort.
Replace Your Air Filter Regularly to Keep Cooling Costs Down
A dirty filter blocks airflow. That means your system has to work harder to pull in enough air to cool, which slows the process and uses more energy. If the filter appears dark or feels fuzzy when held up to the light, it’s time for a new one.
Experts recommend changing your filter at least every three months. However, you may have to change yours out more often due to factors like how many people live in your household and if you have pets. Many homeowners inspect their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a new one.
Seal Air Leaks to Keep Cool Air Inside
Conditioned air can escape through small leaks in areas you rarely notice. Tiny gaps around windows, doors, or your attic hatch door let warm air in and allows cold air to escape, making your AC work harder to maintain the temperature. If one room always feels hotter than the rest, it might be a sign of ductwork leaks sending conditioned air into unused spaces like the attic or crawlspace.
Every bit of lost air still costs you. You’re paying for cool air that never reaches the rooms you are using. Fortunately, you do not need a major renovation to make a difference. Start by inspecting doors and windows for visible gaps or areas where sunlight peeks through. Weatherstripping, caulk, and foam tape can seal many of these problem areas quickly and affordably. If you suspect your ductwork is leaking, contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and seal your system for better performance and energy savings.
Clean Your AC Coils for Better Efficiency
Your air conditioner depends on clean coils to transfer heat effectively. They are essential for pulling heat out of your indoor air and releasing it outdoors. When dirt, dust, or debris collects on either the outside or inside coils, it acts as an insulator and slows down heat transfer.
Outdoor units often get clogged with grass, leaves, and airborne particles that block airflow. Indoor coils can accumulate dust, especially when air filters aren’t replaced regularly. As buildup increases, your system must work harder to maintain the same level of comfort.
Professional HVAC maintenance includes a detailed coil inspection and cleaning. Our technicians use specialized tools to gently remove buildup from the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor condenser coil without damaging sensitive fins or components. Annual maintenance helps your system run more efficiently, improves airflow, and reduces energy use throughout the summer.
Use Window Coverings
Sunlight brightens your home, but it also raises the indoor temperature in subtle ways. South-facing windows absorb direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. That heat builds up in the glass and radiates into your living space, warming your home by several degrees.
This added heat load forces your cooling system to run longer and use more energy without actually improving comfort. You can support your cooling efforts by using blackout curtains or reflective blinds during peak sun hours. Window film is another option that helps block solar heat while still allowing for natural light. These simple changes reduce indoor heat gain and help your air conditioner cool more effectively.
Fix AC Short Cycling Before It Raises Your Bills
If your air conditioner turns on and off every few minutes, it may be short cycling. This rapid cycling prevents your system from running long enough to cool your home properly. It also puts unnecessary strain on the components, which can lead to higher energy bills and early system failure.
Short cycling can happen for a few reasons. A common cause is an oversized air conditioner that cools the space too quickly and shuts off before completing a full cycle. It can also result from low refrigerant levels, poor airflow, or a clogged air filter. In some cases, a faulty thermostat or sensor may be to blame.
You might hear the unit click on, run briefly, and then shut off again without making your living spaces feel any cooler. If you notice this issue, schedule a professional inspection. Our technicians can pinpoint the cause and help restore smooth, efficient operation.
It May Be Time to Replace Your Cooling System
If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it might be time to evaluate how well it handles the summer heat. Older units gradually lose efficiency, so you may not notice the decline until your energy bills rise or your home never feels quite cool enough. Even with regular maintenance and clean filters, some components wear out over time.
You don’t need to replace your unit at the first sign of aging, but it’s smart to start planning ahead. Modern cooling systems offer higher efficiency ratings and advanced controls. They reach your desired temperature faster and maintain it more consistently with less energy use.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air but create a breeze that helps your body feel cooler. This allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. In summer, make sure the fan blades spin counterclockwise to push air downward. If a room feels stuffy or the air seems stagnant, a fan helps circulate air and supports your HVAC system in distributing cooled air more evenly. Fans are especially useful in rooms with high ceilings or limited ductwork, where cool air can settle or become trapped.
Contact Your Local Cooling Experts
At A/C Plus Heating & Cooling, we have been serving the residents of Murfreesboro, TN and the surrounding areas since 1997. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. You can also count on us for all your humidity control needs. Ask us about our maintenance agreement that takes the stress out of scheduling AC tune-ups!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for AC maintenance with one of our experienced technicians.
