While the rest of the country mentally prepares for cooler fall weather, Arizona residents will still need to run their air conditioner for several months. If you’ve noticed yours becoming less effective lately—taking longer to bring the temperature down, for example—it’s worth enlisting the help of an air conditioning repair specialist to resolve the issue before it can affect your utility bills. The following tips can also help improve efficiency for more cost savings.

How to Make Your AC More Energy-Efficient

1. Keep It Clean

As with any appliance in your home, your AC is going to perform better if its components are not clogged with dust. If your system utilizes an outdoor component, it will take more effort to keep dirt, leaves, and other natural elements away from the fan and vents. Therefore, consider installing a cover over it to protect it and make a point to sweep the area within two feet of the unit every couple of weeks. Vacuum both the indoor and outdoor elements to further improve airflow.

2. Change Filters Regularly

In addition to cleaning the exterior of your unit, the internal elements need attention as well. Air conditioners contain filters designed to retain any of the pollen and other pathogens that pass by it, which improves indoor air quality inside your home. They need to be changed out regularly—approximately every three months, and more so if your family contains pets, smokers, or someone with respiratory issues. Neglecting this task can cause the HVAC to overwork itself, trying to sense the temperature of the room and get cooled air through this clog. Left unaddressed for long enough, this wear and tear may lead to the need for air conditioning repair.

3. Kick It Up a Notch

Adjusting the temperature on the thermostat by just a few degrees can stop the unit from working itself so hard. For example, when it’s warm out, keep the temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit instead of 68. You can also install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when everyone is away from the house for the day to help cooling costs stay low.

Kool-Wave Air Conditioning & Heating is the heating and air conditioning repair service residents of Lake Havasu City, AZ, turn to when they are in need. Their experts will come to your home to inspect your system, perform maintenance, and offer suggestions for how to lower your cooling bills. They can also upgrade your system to something more energy efficient. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or give them a call at (928) 855-5665 to schedule an air conditioning repair appointment.