How to Maximize Air Conditioning Efficiency

Air conditioning eats up a big chunk of your electricity bill. Home cooling makes up about 12% of your yearly energy use. But that number can shoot up to 70% when summer hits hard.

While there are many ways you can make your home more energy-efficient, including certain energy-saving home renovations.

However this article will focus specifically on lowering your air conditioner operating costs.

Here are 19 of the best ways to make your air conditioning as efficient as possible this summer.

Best Ways to Make Your Air Conditioner More Efficient

Let’s discuss how to stretch every dollar you spend on cooling.

1. Seal the Leaks

It doesn’t matter how powerful your AC is; if cool air leaks, you’re wasting energy and money. It’s like filling a bucket with a hole in the bottom.

Air leaks can be a big problem in older Canadian homes. Around 20% to 30% of heat or cooling is lost through cracks around windows, doors, attic hatches, or electrical outlets. Depending on how bad the leaks are and where you live, it could cost you anywhere from $250 to over $1,000 a year.

The best move is to seal it up by:

• Using weatherstripping around doors.
• Adding caulking to windows.
• Checking for drafts on windy days.
• Requesting a home energy audit to find the worst spots.

2. Keep the Sun and the Heat Out in the First Place

Your AC is working hard to cool the house. Meanwhile, the sun’s doing its best to heat it back up. Guess what? If you don’t step in, the sun usually wins.

Here’s how to tip the odds in your favour:

• Install Low-E Windows: These windows have a special coating that reflects heat. They help keep the sun’s warmth out while letting in the light.
• Use Window Coverings: Close the blinds and pull the curtains, especially during peak afternoon hours. Even something simple like blackout shades can block a lot of heat.
• Shade Outdoor Units: Your AC works better in the shade. Plant a tree or install a shade structure near the unit if possible. Just make sure there’s still enough airflow around it.
• Install Awnings: They’ve become less common on modern homes but they’re a great way to help your home stay cool.

3. Get Efficient Lighting and Appliances

Your lights, fridge, oven, and TV all emit heat. When it’s already hot outside, that extra heat makes your AC work harder to keep things cool.

Swapping out old bulbs for LEDs is one of the easiest fixes. They use way less power and barely give off heat. The same goes for appliances. ENERGY STAR®-rated models are built to run more efficiently and put out less waste heat.

Also, keep heat-producing appliances away from your thermostat. Lamps, TVs, and coffee makers can throw off their readings, making your AC run longer than needed.

4. Make Some Minor Lifestyle Changes

Little habits can go a long way. Here are a few simple ones that make a real difference:

• Grill outdoors when you can: Summer’s short in Canada, so make the most of it. Skip the oven and fire up the BBQ. Keeps the heat outside and gives you a break from indoor cooking.
• Take advantage of cooler nights: In many parts of Canada, summer evenings cool down nicely. Open the windows at night to let fresh air in, then close them early in the morning to trap the cool.
• Use ceiling fans or box fans with open windows: In provinces like B.C., Alberta, and parts of Ontario, fans can be very effective when paired with evening breezes. They’re a low-cost way to cool things down.
• Check your time-of-use hydro pricing: In Ontario and some other provinces, electricity costs less during off-peak hours. Run big appliances like laundry machines or dishwashers late in the evening to save on power and heat.

5. Add Your Vent Covers and Filter to Spring Cleaning

Dust builds up fast. Vent covers collect grime over winter, and clogged filters block airflow. That makes your AC work harder than needed, using less power and cooling.

Wash them with warm, soapy water, then let them dry completely before putting them back. You’ll be surprised how much gunk comes off.

6. Look for Duct Air Flow Problems

If some rooms in your home feel cooler than others, or barely cool at all, your ductwork might be the problem. Poor airflow means your AC works harder to keep the whole house comfortable.

Start by checking the vents. Make sure they’re open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. You can also hold your hand near each vent to feel if the airflow is strong or weak—it should be fairly even across rooms.

Don’t forget to vacuum the vents. Dust, pet hair, and debris can build up over time and block airflow. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean around and just inside the vent openings. If things still seem off, it might be time to call in a pro.

7. Get a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can take a lot of the guesswork out of cooling your home efficiently. Prices usually start around $100 and can go over $400, depending on the features. But even the basic models can make a noticeable difference on your bill.

Smart thermostats learn your schedule. It knows when you’re home, when you’re asleep, and when you’re out. That way, your AC only runs when it actually needs to. Some models use motion sensors or even your phone’s location to adjust the temperature automatically.

8. Add Some Rooftop Solar Panels

Most homes in Canada fall under the “private dwelling” category, which means the majority of homeowners have control over their rooftops.

The upfront cost can be high, but there are federal and provincial incentives available to help cover it. For more information, check our guide on government HVAC rebates.

9. Schedule Regular, Preventive Maintenance

Your AC needs regular checkups. Skipping maintenance might not seem like a big deal now, but dust, worn parts, and low refrigerant over time can quietly drain efficiency and drive up your power bill.

A typical maintenance plan in Canada runs between $100 and $250 per year. That usually includes a full tune-up:

• Cleaning the coils,
• Checking the refrigerant level,
• Tightening electrical connections,
• Inspecting key parts like the blower and fan motor.

10. Landscape Around the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor AC unit needs space to breathe. If it’s buried in bushes or surrounded by debris, it can’t pull in enough air, which makes it work harder, which means higher energy use and faster wear.

Here’s what good landscaping around your unit should look like:

• Clear at least 2–3 feet of space on all sides: Keep plants, fences, or patio furniture away. The unit needs open airflow to release heat properly.
• Leave at least 5 feet of clearance above: Avoid placing anything directly over it—no decks, awnings, or low-hanging branches.
• Use gravel or mulch under and around the unit: It helps with drainage and prevents weeds or grass from growing too close. Just don’t pile it up against the base.
• Choose low-growing plants: If you want to hide the unit, pick shrubs that won’t get taller than 3 feet and keep them trimmed. Boxwood, dwarf grasses, or hostas work well in many Canadian climates.
• Clean around the condenser unit outside: Leaves, grass clippings, and dirt can build up fast around the unit. Make it a habit to clean the area every few weeks during the cooling season.

11. Clear the Drain Line

Your AC pulls moisture out of your room. That moisture needs somewhere to go, and that’s where the drain line comes in. If it gets blocked, your system can’t remove humidity properly.

In many modern systems, a clogged drain line can cause water to back up and trigger safety switches. These switches are designed to shut the system down before it causes water damage.

12. Change Your AC Filter

ENERGY STAR® recommends changing your air filter every three months, especially during the peak cooling season. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you might need to do it more often. It’s an easy, low-cost task that pays off in the long run.

13. Use Ceiling Fans to Complement Your AC

Ceiling fans movement makes the room feel cooler on your skin, so you can raise the thermostat a few degrees without feeling the difference. That means less work for your AC and lower energy use.

If you want the most efficient option, choose an ENERGY STAR®-rated ceiling fan. These models use up to 64% less energy than standard models.

Depending on the speed and model, they cost as little as 0.17 to 1.9 cents per hour to operate. That’s way less than your air conditioner.

14. Close Doors and Vents in Unused Rooms

No need to cool the whole house if you’re only using part of it. If you’ve got guest rooms, storage spaces, or a basement that doesn’t need cooling, close the doors and shut the vents.

15. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient AC Model

If your air conditioner is over 10–15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Newer systems are built to cool more efficiently, using less power to do the same job.

Households that upgrade from a SEER 14 to a SEER 20+ system can save around 18% a year on cooling costs.

16. Have Your AC System Serviced

If you think something’s off—strange noises, weak airflow, weird smells, or higher bills—it’s time to call a pro. Don’t wait until the AC stops working completely.

Clicking, buzzing, rattling, or grinding sounds are all red flags. So is warm air coming from the vents when the system should be cooling. Get a free quote today!

17. Monitor and Adjust Humidity Levels

Humidity plays a big role in how cool your home feels. When the air is too humid, your body can’t cool down as easily, even if the AC is running. You might crank the temperature lower than needed, driving up your energy bill.

Use a hygrometer to check your indoor humidity levels. It’s a small, inexpensive tool that gives you accurate readings so you can make better decisions about ventilation and cooling.

• In winter, Health Canada recommends keeping humidity between 30% and 35% to avoid condensation and dry air problems.
• In summer, keep it below 50% to prevent mold, mildew, and that sticky, uncomfortable feeling.

18. Optimize AC Temperature Settings

Aim for the higher end of that range in summer—around 24°C when you’re home and 26°C or higher when you’re out. Every degree you raise the thermostat can save you about 3–5% on cooling costs.

19. Don’t Use the Registers to Control the Temperature

Your HVAC system is designed to move air through the whole house. When you close too many vents or registers, it creates pressure in the ducts. That can strain your system, reduce efficiency, and even lead to leaks or damage over time.

If you want better control over room temperatures, consider zoned cooling systems or talk to an HVAC pro about smart vent options.

Stay Cool and Save Big This Summer

When the summer heat kicks in, your air conditioner shouldn’t leave you sweating over energy bills or last-minute repairs. Don’t settle for guesswork or risky hires. We’ve made it easy.

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