To make your AC more efficient, adjust thermostat settings, clean filters, seal ducts, and schedule regular maintenance.
Homeowners in Coachella Valley know the struggle of high cooling costs and constant AC use during long, dry summers. Dust buildup, poor insulation, and aging equipment all make your air conditioner work harder than it should. This increases energy bills and reduces performance.
In this guide, learn tips for making your air conditioner more efficient so your cooling system runs smoothly, saves energy, and lasts longer.
If you have more questions or need AC maintenance in Coachella Valley, call 760-895-2621.
1. Schedule Routine AC Maintenance with Anthem Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Regular maintenance keeps your AC system efficient and reliable, especially in Coachella Valley’s extreme heat. A professional tune-up ensures your unit runs smoothly, uses less energy, and avoids costly breakdowns during peak summer months. During a maintenance visit, our technicians inspect components, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, tighten connections, and calibrate your thermostat for optimal performance.
At Anthem Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide thorough AC maintenance tailored to Coachella Valley homes. Our team helps extend your system’s lifespan, improve efficiency, and keep your cooling costs low.
Call 760-895-2621 today to schedule AC maintenance and ensure your cooling system is ready for the hottest days of the season.
2. Set the Right Thermostat Temperature
Set your thermostat to around 78°F when you’re home and raise it a few degrees when you’re away to reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort. Each degree you raise can reduce cooling costs by 3–5%.
3. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. By automatically adjusting the temperature according to your schedule, it keeps your home comfortable when you’re there and conserves energy when you’re not. When used correctly, a programmable thermostat can reduce your annual cooling costs by $180 or more.
4. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly
Check your air filter every month, especially during high-use seasons like summer and winter. If it appears dirty after a month, replace it immediately. Otherwise, you should change it every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool. On the other hand, a clean filter prevents dust and dirt from accumulating inside the unit.
For more details on filter maintenance, see our guide on How Often Should I Replace My Filters.
5. Seal Your Heating and Cooling Ducts
Ducts that move air to and from a forced-air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often major energy wasters. Sealing and insulating them improves system efficiency by up to 20% or more. Start with ducts running through the attic, crawlspace, basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed foil tape to seal seams and connections, then wrap them with insulation to prevent heat loss or gain. Once those are sealed, inspect and seal any accessible ducts inside the conditioned areas of your home.
6. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Your air conditioner works best in a closed environment. When doors or windows are left open, warm outdoor air enters and forces the system to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Always keep windows and doors tightly closed while the AC is running to maintain consistent cooling, reduce strain on the system, and improve overall energy efficiency.
7. Consider Installing ENERGY STAR® Qualified Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old or struggling to maintain a comfortable home, it may be time for an upgrade. In Coachella, we recommend replacing it with an ENERGY STAR-certified unit. Generally, upgrading to an ENERGY STAR® model can reduce your annual energy bills by over $115. Before investing in new equipment, make sure your home’s air leaks and ductwork are properly sealed, as these issues often cause inefficiency more than the unit itself.
8. Ask About Proper AC Installation
Installing new, energy-efficient equipment is only effective if it’s set up correctly. Poor AC installation reduces system efficiency by up to 30%, resulting in increased energy costs and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC. Always hire a qualified professional to handle the installation and verify that proper sizing, airflow, and refrigerant levels are maintained.
9. Keep Vents and Outdoor Unit Clear
Make sure all air vents inside your home are open and unobstructed by furniture, curtains, or rugs to allow proper airflow. Outside, clear away leaves, dirt, and debris around the condenser unit to prevent overheating and restricted air movement. Maintain at least two feet of open space around the unit, and clean the coils periodically to keep your system running smoothly.
10. Use Ceiling Fans to Support Cooling
Ceiling fans help circulate cool air more evenly throughout your home, reducing the need to lower your thermostat. Set fans to spin counterclockwise during summer, which pushes cool air downward and makes rooms feel several degrees cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat setting slightly without losing comfort.
Signs Your AC is Running Below the Efficiency Threshold
Below are a few ways to assess your AC’s performance and determine whether it’s efficient. If you observe these signs, dig further for clarity and action.
- Increased energy cost
One way to assess your AC performance is to check whether your energy costs are increasing. Usually, one expects the cost to rise during the hotter months. If it’s more than the usual, check your AC.
- Frequent cycling
Your AC thermostat helps to regulate its performance. However, if the cycle is too often, try checking if it needs replacing. Another reason for frequent cycling is the compressor; have your AC technician check if all is well.
- Ice on the compressor
Ice on the compressor or any part of your AC system is an indication that something is not right. A continued buildup of ice could lead to inefficiency. You should call in your AC technician for a check and recommendation.
- Unfamiliar sounds
You should be familiar with the sounds your AC usually makes. If you start hearing strange or unusual sounds, it’s an indication that your AC needs to be checked.
