Your air conditioner plays a crucial role — keeping your home livable during the warmest parts of the year. Although cooling your home can sometimes feel out of your control, you can improve your system’s efficiency by making a few changes. Here are three ways to help your air conditioner cool your home more efficiently.

Tips for Better Indoor Air Conditioning

1. Replace Your Air Filter

The air filter attached to your home’s hot air return helps clean fine particulates out of the air as your system operates, preventing buildup on your cooling coils. Unfortunately, if your filter becomes dirty, it can also force your air conditioner to work harder to pull air through, which can leave your home warm and shorten the lifespan of your unit. Replace air filters at least once every 30 to 60 days — or whenever they are visibly dirty. 

2. Shade Your Outdoor Unit 

Since the shade is cooler than areas in direct contact with sunshine, shading your unit cools the air before it enters your system, reducing the strain on your air conditioner. In fact, studies have shown that shading air conditioners can improve AC unit efficiency by as much as 10%, saving energy. 

3. Program Your Thermostat

This feature allows your system to take necessary breaks, so programming it can improve your air conditioner’s lifespan. For instance, programming your system to turn off when you will be away at work for the day can give your AC unit components the chance to rest and save power. Additionally, the less frequently your system runs, the longer air filters will last since they will be processing less air.

To get your home ready for the hottest months of summer, give Duncklee Cooling & Heating in Stonington, CT, a call. With over 40 years of experience and a commitment to doing things the right way the first time, these professionals can help with everything from HVAC troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance to hot water heater installations and air quality inspections. To learn more about their air conditioner services, visit their website or call (860) 535-2552.