10 Surefire Strategies to Make Your AC Work Better

Tori Klein • May 11, 2023

Are you tired of feeling like your air conditioner is not keeping up with the summer heat? Discover 10 proven strategies that will make your AC work better and help you stay cool all summer long!

picture of a girl increasing the temperature in the thermostat

Keeping your house cool might be challenging due to the rising temperatures worldwide. Maintaining the ideal indoor temperature takes more than simply turning on the air conditioner.


Fortunately, there are methods and techniques you can use to get the most cooling from your air conditioner without spending a fortune. This article will examine the top 10 ways to improve the performance of your air conditioner during the sweltering summer months, from routine maintenance to purchasing sophisticated climate control technologies.


1. Maintain AC Filter Cleanliness

For your air conditioner to work at its best and eliminate impurities from the air, AC filters are crucial. The filters stop dust, filth, and other airborne pollutants from entering the system and spreading throughout your house.

But with time, dirt may block the filters and cause them to malfunction. When this occurs, your air conditioner must work harder to maintain the temperature you want, which may lead to decreased cooling effectiveness and energy costs.


Therefore, cleaning the filters every two weeks and replacing them every three to four months is crucial. The market is filled with many sorts of AC filters. Depending on your demands, choosing the proper one will also aid in improving the performance of your AC.


2. Invest in a Smart Thermostat for Central Home Cooling

An advanced thermostat may lead to considerable cost savings, improved convenience, and a cozy living space for central HVAC systems. With the help of smart thermostats like the Cielo Smart Thermostat, you can design personalized heating and cooling schedules that fit your daily routine. The smart thermostat will automatically apply your settings after you've specified your plans, ensuring that your AC operates well.


Additionally, smart thermostats can recognize whether you are home or not and automatically change the settings. It can assist you in lowering your energy costs; the thermostat will immediately adjust and cut AC consumption when you leave. The thermostat will be changed when you get home to make your home pleasant again.


They can be combined with other intelligent home gadgets, including home automation and voice assistants. This further optimizes energy use and boosts convenience by enabling even better temperature control and automation in your home.


3. Invest in a Smart AC Controller for Individual Room Cooling

For ductless systems, smart AC controllers are handy since they provide a great degree of control and flexibility in regulating the temperature and energy consumption of different rooms. These smart temperature control gadgets allow you to operate your air conditioner using a smartphone and outfit it with several intelligent features that increase its effectiveness.


By enabling you to create personalized schedules for each room and ensuring that your unit will only operate when necessary, they improve the cooling performance of your team and save AC expenses.


Additionally, by utilizing the geofencing option, you may turn the device off while no one is home and schedule it to come back on before you arrive.


The intelligent Cielo Breeze AC controls will also tell you when to clean your AC filters. Your air conditioning system's health improves dramatically as a result of this.


4. Avoid Direct Sunlight Entering the Room

It may be easier for the air conditioner to effectively cool down your room with direct sunshine. Close the curtains to block the heat to ensure your cooling system operates as efficiently and effectively as possible.

To lessen the quantity of heat coming inside, it is better to do so early in the day. Planting trees to block the sun's rays also aids in cooling down your living area.


5. Insulate Your Home

The quantity of heat that enters or exits a space is decreased because of the barrier that home insulation produces between the interior and exterior environments. This may be done using fiberglass, foam, or cellulose to insulate the walls, ceilings, floors, and doors.


A well-insulated room allows the system's cold air to circulate less often since it remains in the space longer. This improves your air conditioner's efficiency and may lengthen its life. Additionally, it might save your heating and cooling expenses by up to 15%.


6. Choose the Right AC Size

An air conditioner that is bigger than necessary can sometimes short cycle, meaning it will operate briefly before turning off. Because of this situation, the AC unit's inability to efficiently remove moisture from the air may affect your home's climate.


On the other hand, a smaller unit uses more power since it must operate longer while attempting to maintain the desired temperature. Installing the proper size of AC can assist in creating a pleasant atmosphere and contribute to energy conservation.


7. Focus on Preventative HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance must be performed on an air conditioner regularly. An air conditioner's efficiency may decrease as its components age or get damaged.


Concentrating on routine AC tune-ups is crucial if you want your AC to chill more effectively. They may improve your device's effectiveness, extend its parts' life, and safeguard it against errors.


8. Clean the Condenser Unit Outside

The effectiveness of an air conditioner is reduced since the exterior unit is often disregarded. The outside team must effectively release heat for the AC system to function.


The system works too hard if the unit is blocked with debris, which affects heat dissipation. Performance suffers as a result, and expensive repairs follow. For adequate cooling, be sure you often clean the area surrounding the outside unit.


9. Keep the Drain System Clean

The drain removes condensation and extra moisture from the HVAC system. When the AC drain is blocked, water may build up in the system, producing problems that can impair its efficiency. Reduced cooling efficiency is among the most frequent issues that may arise from blocked drains.


This occurs because your unit has to work harder than average, putting more pressure on it and raising your power costs. Additionally, there will be much humidity since your team cannot efficiently remove moisture from the air. Here's how to keep summertime humidity levels at their appropriate levels.


If a drain is blocked, mold and bacteria may grow there, harming the air quality within your home and causing unpleasant odors. These contaminants may also damage the AC system, creating more issues with performance.


10. Pay Attention to Your Thermostat Placement

Your air conditioner's efficacy and efficiency system may be significantly impacted by where your thermostat is located. The temperature measurements will be erroneous if the device is placed too near a heat source, such as direct sunshine, lights, or electric appliances.


Please keep it away from draughty doors and windows since doing so might lead to inaccurate readings. It is advised to put the thermostat in a central location as it monitors the average temperature of your house.

The area you use the most regularly, like the living room, is also the ideal position.



Tried-and-Tested Ways to Enhance AC Performance

In addition to providing instant relief from the summer heat, improving the efficiency of your air conditioner may also result in financial savings. There are several inexpensive methods to enhance the performance of your air conditioner. Therefore, take action right now to combat the heat like a pro, and don't allow the season to get to you.


Implementing these 10 surefire strategies will help you maximize the performance of your air conditioner and enjoy a comfortable indoor environment all summer. From regular maintenance and filter replacements to adjusting your thermostat settings and improving insulation, there are plenty of easy and effective ways to improve your AC. By following these strategies, you can save money on your electricity bill and reduce your environmental footprint. So, take action today and start enjoying the benefits of a fully optimized air conditioning system!


Ready to beat the summer heat and save money on your electricity bill? Contact us now to learn more.



Get a Free Quote Today!

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

Contact Us

Contact Us

Best Owner Direct is your local, independent, family-owned and operated, residential and commercial HVAC service, repair and installation team. We're a trade ally of the Energy Trust of Oregon and our certified professionals offer services for all major brands. With over 20 years of experience, our team can handle all of your HVAC needs.


Free estimates available for installations. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment!

Find us on Facebook

Call us today

Find us on Google

Read More Tips from the Experts Below:

By Best Owner Direct February 13, 2025
Heat pump acting up? ❄️🔥 Learn about common heat pump issues like refrigerant leaks, compressor failures, and airflow blockages. Call Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical for expert repairs & maintenance.
By Best Owner Direct January 22, 2025
Improve air quality and HVAC efficiency with professional air duct cleaning from Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical in Cornelius, OR. Breathe cleaner, healthier air today!
By Best Owner Direct December 23, 2024
Explore ductless mini-split systems and heat pumps with Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical. Enjoy energy-efficient, year-round comfort with professional installation and expert guidance in Cornelius, OR. Contact us today to upgrade your home’s HVAC system!
By Best Owner Direct November 7, 2024
Learn the top signs that your furnace needs repair, including unusual noises, uneven heating, high energy bills, and more. Stay warm this winter with expert help!
By Best Owner Direct October 14, 2024
Learn the critical role of capacitors in HVAC systems, how they help motors start, and why proper maintenance is essential for system efficiency and longevity.
By Best Owner Direct September 25, 2024
Discover the top 8 common furnace installation mistakes that can jeopardize your home's safety and efficiency with Best Owner Direct HVAC & Electrical.
furnace repair
By Best Owner Direct August 19, 2024
When winter arrives in Cornelius, OR, know the signs that your furnace needs attention and when it's time to call us for repair and maintenance.
thermostat replacement
By Best Owner Direct July 12, 2024
Discover the benefits of upgrading your old thermostat with Best Owner Direct in Cornelius, OR. Learn how modern thermostats can save you money.
By Best Owner Direct June 10, 2024
Understanding and Addressing AC Capacitor Failures
Best Owner Direct HVAC in Cornelius OR provides HVAC repair and installation
By Best Owner Direct May 7, 2024
Recognizing the Right Time to Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
More Posts
Share by: