When summer rolls around and humidity and temperatures start climbing, the soothing breeze from your air conditioner is a breath of fresh air. The best way to run your AC in summer involves more than turning the thermostat knob down, though — your whole house must work in unison to keep the stuffy heat out and the crisp air in. These nine AC tips for summer will optimize your home for the ultimate temperature regulation while saving you money and boosting your HVAC system's efficiency.

1. Clean Your Air Filters Clean

Replacing your air conditioner's old, clogged filter with a fresh one can reduce your AC's energy consumption by 5% to 15%, saving you money on electricity by boosting your HVAC system's efficiency. A new filter will also improve how well your cooling system lowers your home's temperature. For best results, check your system’s air filter once a month, and replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Supplement Your AC System with Fans

While your central air conditioner might be your first line of defense against the summer heat, you can always supplement with fans. According to the Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan allows you to set your thermostat 4 degrees warmer without sacrificing comfort. Be sure to turn off the fan when the room is empty — the fan cools the people, not the space.

3. Add Window Treatments

Window treatments create privacy and can also help you manage your comfort. Keeping your blinds or shades closed reduces direct sunlight and blocks radiant heat from windows. You might even consider investing in weatherstripping and insulated shades for additional protection against radiant heat when the sun is out in full force.

4. Manage Indoor Heat

Though AC tips for summer generally focus on battling heat from the outside, there are many sources of extra warmth inside your home, too. You can stay comfortable by reducing them.

Cooking appliances: Avoid using your oven. Instead, make microwave meals, grill outside or use your stovetop with the hood vent fan on.
Steam from the bathroom: Turn on the extractor fan or open a window when bathing or showering.
Washers and dryers: Add spot ventilation to your laundry room, or better yet, don’t wash your clothes with hot water during the summer.
Other radiant heat sources: Limit electronic devices such as computers, stereos, TVs, dishwashers, unnecessary refrigerators and incandescent lamps.

5. Ensure Good Ventilation

Consider turning off the AC system and ventilating your home by opening windows during cooler, less humid times. A window fan, a whole-house fan or your central AC’s fan-only function can be an effective and efficient solution for cooling during these times. Some rooms in your house, like lofts and attics, heat up faster because they receive more direct sunlight or have less insulation. These hotter areas need extra ventilation if you use them frequently. Otherwise, close their doors so the hot air from inside doesn't escape and heat the rest of the house.

6. Use a Dehumidifier

While humidifiers are fantastic during chilly, dry winter months, there's often far more moisture in the air in summer. This humidity stops your body from naturally cooling itself off, making warm temperatures feel hotter and giving the air a muggy feeling. Dehumidifiers pull water from the air, reducing humidity and helping your body cool off through transpiration.

7. Program Your Thermostat Prudently

You may try cranking your thermostat as low as possible to cool down a room quickly. However, picking a sweet spot at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit and keeping it consistent is more energy-efficient and cost-effective than veering too far in either direction and constantly correcting yourself. Programmable thermostats automatically regulate your home's temperature — you can even control them with your smartphone.

8. Insulate Your Home

The best way to run your AC in summer is to give it the maximum chance of success, and that includes properly insulating your home. Quality insulation keeps cold air in and hot air out during heat waves — with extra warmth in winter as a bonus. If your home lacks adequate insulation, you can add blown-in, spray foam or foam boards to your walls and roofs to help your AC do its job.

9. Maintain Your Air Conditioner

The most critical air conditioner tips for summer are to get your cooling system in peak condition with seasonal maintenance and scheduling necessary repairs. You can keep your rooms cool in summer by scheduling an annual or semiannual spring clean and check visit with a professional HVAC service provider. If you hire our team at Boss Mechanical, you'll have access to certified HVAC technicians' expertise and advice.

With a little effort and a few minor lifestyle changes, these tips could help you lower your utility expenses and stay cooler in the process. To beat the heat efficiently in the greater Toronto area, schedule your next AC service with Boss Mechanical and receive a free quote with outstanding customer service. Have a great summer!

Keep Your Cool — 9 Essential AC Tips for Summer