Written on: August 17, 2026
Energy costs continue to stretch household budgets. Meanwhile, your central air conditioning system needs to work overtime to battle the summer heat. But running your cooling system around the clock doesn’t have to send your energy bills soaring.
Use these air conditioning dos and don’ts to save energy, lower cooling costs, and reduce unnecessary wear on your system.
One of the easiest ways to improve air conditioning efficiency is to stop fiddling with your thermostat. Lowering the temperature dramatically when you get home won’t cool it down any faster. It just makes your system use more energy.
Instead, choose a comfortable temperature, typically around 78°F when you’re home, and leave it there. You’ll enjoy steady comfort without making your system work harder than necessary.
Setting your thermostat to 65 degrees won’t cool your home any faster than setting it to 72 degrees. If your home struggles to stay cool, the problem may be poor insulation, blocked vents, dirty air filters, or an A/C system that needs maintenance.
A smart thermostat lets you program the temperature according to your schedule. When you set it to raise the temperature when you leave the house and lower it again before you get home, you may be able to cut cooling costs by as much as 10%, according to the United States Department of Energy. You can earn similar savings when you use it to control your heat in the winter.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. Check your filter every month during cooling season, more often if you have pets that shed, and replace it as needed.
A clean filter improves airflow, helps maintain indoor air quality, and supports better system performance.
Furniture, rugs, and curtains can block supply and return vents, preventing cool air from circulating properly. Good airflow helps every room cool more evenly and reduces strain on your air conditioning system. Walk through your home and make sure nothing blocks your vents.
Ceiling fans don’t lower the room temperature, but they make you feel cooler by moving air across your skin. That lets you raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Remember to turn fans off when you aren’t in the room.
Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly warm your home. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows.
You can also limit indoor heat by grilling outside, using smaller appliances, or waiting until evening to run the oven or dishwasher.
Regular maintenance helps your air conditioner perform efficiently. A professional tune-up includes cleaning key components, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, and identifying small issues before they become costly repairs.
When it comes to keeping your cool, high energy bills don’t help. With electricity prices spiking, making sure your air conditioning system is performing efficiently will help you stay comfortable while keeping your energy bills under control. Find out why so many homes and businesses across Long Island trust their comfort to Swezey.
Contact us for more information or to schedule your A/C maintenance today.