Seven Air Conditioning Hacks

If you’re running your AC every day, it makes sense to help it work smarter not harder? These 7 simple tips will help you save cash and keep your cool all season long.

1. Start with the Air Filter

AC filters get dirty over time, which blocks airflow. This makes the system work harder, lowers efficiency, and raises the chance of it breaking down.

What to do: 

• Inspect your filter monthly when it's heavily used. 
• Replace it, or clean it if it's reusable, when it gets dirty. 

This simple habit can make a real impact on air quality and system efficiency.

2. Use a Thermostat That Works with Your Schedule

Your thermostat doesn’t need to keep the same temperature all day. If you’re often away, setting it differently can save energy without making your home less comfortable.

Try this: 

Use a smart or programmable thermostat to reduce cooling while you're away and lower the temperature again before you return. Even small changes can lead to big savings over time.

3. Manage Sunlight to Reduce Heat Buildup

Natural light is great until it starts heating your home and making your air conditioner work harder. Sunlight shining directly through windows can raise indoor temperatures a lot, especially in the afternoon.

A useful habit: 

Keep curtains, blinds, or shades closed during the hottest part of the day, especially on windows with direct sunlight. This simple step helps reduce heat inside without using extra energy.

4. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your system needs good airflow to work properly. If the outside unit is blocked by leaves, dirt, or plants, it can’t release heat well, which puts extra stress on the system.

Things to consider:

Make sure there’s enough free space around the unit on all sides. Especially in summer, regularly check and gently clean the unit to remove any dirt if needed.

5. Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation

When cold air escapes through cracks around windows, doors, or poorly insulated areas, your air conditioner has to work harder to keep the temperature steady.

What to do: 

Look for air leaks around your windows, door frames, and attic. Seal gaps with weatherstripping, fill cracks with caulk, and add insulation where needed. These easy fixes can boost your home's energy efficiency and help your air conditioner run more smoothly.

6. Have the System Serviced Once a Year

Even if your air conditioner seems to be working fine, regular professional maintenance is important to prevent future issues and keep it running well. A technician can check refrigerant levels, clean inside the unit, and spot any signs of wear or problems before they get worse.

When to book:

Schedule a check-up in spring, just before the hot months begin. It’s a small step that can help you avoid costly repairs later.

Ask about our CoolProtect maintenance plan at Taqeef and book a package tailored to your specific needs.

7. Avoid Cooling Rooms You Don't Use

It’s easy to overlook the fact that we often cool rooms we don’t use much. Whether you have a central air system or a window AC, direct the airflow to the areas you use most, and conserve it in areas  you don’t - this  saves energy and improves efficiency.

A quick adjustment: 

Close doors to rooms you’re not using. If you have central AC, close the vents in those rooms too. This helps your AC cool the rooms you use better.