As temperatures rise, so does our reliance on air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable. But keeping your home chilled can also mean rising energy bills and environmental costs. Whether you're tech-savvy or prefer a simpler approach, there are a variety of ways - both high-tech and low-tech - to make your air conditioner work more efficiently. Here's how to get the most out of your AC system without breaking the bank (or sweating it out).

Low-Tech Methods: Simple Tricks That Go a Long Way

You don’t need a smart home setup to save energy and keep your space cool. These straightforward strategies can make a noticeable difference:

  • Close Curtains and Blinds During the Day

Direct sunlight can heat up your home quickly, especially through south- and west-facing windows. Using blackout curtains or even light-colored blinds can reflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. Keep them closed during peak sunlight hours, usually from late morning to early evening.

  • Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

Ceiling fans don't cool the air, they move it. But that movement can make a room feel up to 4°F cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat without sacrificing comfort. Just remember to run fans counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.

  • Seal Leaks and Insulate

Cool air is valuable, don’t let it escape through gaps in windows, doors, or poorly insulated attics. Use weather stripping, caulk, or foam insulation to plug leaks. Not only will this help your AC work less, but it also improves overall energy efficiency year-round.

  • Clean or Replace Filters Regularly

A clogged air filter makes your AC work harder to push air through, reducing efficiency and performance. For most systems, replacing or cleaning filters every 1–3 months keeps airflow optimal and indoor air quality higher.

  • Rearrange Furniture Around Vents

Check that furniture, rugs, or curtains aren’t blocking air vents. Even partial blockages can disrupt airflow and cause your AC to work overtime. Try to give each vent a clear path to circulate air throughout the room.

  • Cool at Night Naturally

Evenings usually bring cooler temperatures. Open windows (if it’s safe and allergen-free) at night to let in the breeze, and shut them during the day to trap the cooler air inside.

  • Turn Off Heat-Producing Appliances

Ovens, stoves, and incandescent lights generate heat that can counteract your AC. Opt for the microwave or grill instead, and switch to LED lighting where possible.

High-Tech Methods: Smart Solutions for Smart Cooling:

Tech lovers rejoice! There’s a wide range of gadgets and systems that can help automate, monitor, and optimize your cooling experience:

  • Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell’s Lyric adapt to your schedule and temperature preferences. They can learn when you're home or away and adjust accordingly. Many models allow remote control via smartphone and provide detailed energy reports to help you cut back on usage.

  • Use Zoned Cooling Systems

If your home is large or multi-story, zoned systems can regulate temperatures in different areas independently. Instead of cooling unused rooms, you focus energy where it matters. Some modern systems integrate with smart thermostats for even better control.

  • Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient AC Unit

If your unit is over 10–15 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Modern Energy Star-rated systems use up to 40% less energy than older models. Variable-speed compressors, inverter technology, and improved refrigerants make these newer systems far more efficient.

  • Install Smart Vents

Smart vents adjust the flow of air to individual rooms, working in tandem with your thermostat. If a room gets too cold or hot, vents automatically open or close to balance the temperature. This makes zoned cooling more precise and less wasteful.

  • Use Smart Home Integrations

If you already use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you can control your thermostat, fans, and blinds with simple voice commands. Set up routines like “cool down the house at 6pm” or “turn off the AC when I leave” using geofencing or automation triggers.

  • Monitor with Sensors

Temperature and occupancy sensors placed throughout the home can detect when a room is in use or getting too warm. Paired with smart thermostats or HVAC systems, they fine-tune cooling efforts in real time.

  • Energy Monitoring Tools

Devices like Sense or Emporia Energy can analyze how much electricity your AC consumes and when. These insights can help you schedule use during off-peak hours or identify when the system is underperforming or due for maintenance.

Bonus Tip: Combine Both Worlds

Some of the most effective strategies come from blending both high- and low-tech solutions. For instance:

  • Use a smart thermostat (high-tech) with blackout curtains (low-tech) to prevent overheating during the day and reduce cooling costs.
  • Run ceiling fans (low-tech) in rooms with occupancy sensors (high-tech) to enhance airflow only when needed.
  • Pair smart vents (high-tech) with sealing gaps around doors (low-tech) to stop cool air from escaping.

Maximizing your air conditioner’s performance doesn’t mean cranking it to the max. With a few low-cost habits and the right tech upgrades, you can stay cool while conserving energy and saving money. At One Hour Heating and Air, we also recommend a seasonal inspection as you start to boost the usage demands on your units this summer. Give us a call today! Our professionals are your go-to HVAC team in Charlotte and the surrounding area, including Indian Trail, Concord, and Mooresville. 

Visit www.onehourac.com for our weekly and monthly specials. Call our 24/7 customer service line today (704) 703-4220.