Regular maintenance is one of the most effective ways to improve cooling efficiency. Cleaning or replacing air filters every 1–3 months ensures good airflow and prevents your AC from working harder than necessary, which cuts energy use and improves air quality. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make the system less effective. Professional check‑ups each season can catch early issues, clean coils, check refrigerant, and ensure all components run smoothly.

Good airflow indoors makes cooling more even and efficient. Keep vents and registers unblocked by furniture or curtains, and consider ceiling fans to help circulate air. Fans don’t lower temperatures themselves, but they create a wind‑chill effect that allows you to raise the thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort. Strategic ventilation — opening windows early or late when it’s cooler — can also help reduce heat buildup.

Cool air escaping through gaps around windows, doors, or uninsulated walls forces your AC to work harder. Sealing leaks with weatherstripping or caulk and ensuring key areas like attics and walls are well insulated can maintain indoor temperatures more effectively. Keeping blinds or curtains closed during peak sunlight also prevents heat gain, reducing pressure on your cooling system.

The way you set your thermostat matters. Experts suggest keeping the temperature in a comfortable but efficient range — often around 24–26 °C (75–78 °F) — rather than trying to cool to a much lower setting, which dramatically increases energy use. Using a programmable or smart thermostat can adjust temperatures automatically when you’re away or asleep, reducing unnecessary cooling.

Heat from ovens, clothes dryers, and other appliances adds to the cooling load. Running heat‑generating appliances during cooler evening hours can prevent unnecessary heat buildup midday, lowering the AC’s workload. Similarly, using shading or window coverings during hot afternoons blocks solar heat gain.

Fans — especially ceiling fans set to rotate counterclockwise in summer — improve comfort by moving air and supporting the AC’s efforts. They allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher while still feeling cool thanks to improved circulation. Cross‑ventilation (opening windows on opposite sides of your home when it’s cool outside) can also bring in natural breezes, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling.