15 Air Conditioning Tips for Summer

Published 6/23/2025

Summer can put a lot of strain on your home's air conditioning system. In the Chicagoland area, air conditioning often accounts for a large portion of summer energy bills and is essential for indoor comfort during heat waves. Proper maintenance and smart habits can keep your AC running efficiently, prevent breakdowns, and save you money. We've created a comprehensive guide with 15 air conditioning tips for summer, each with explanations and actions to take.

If you're looking for expert support, Mr. Duct offers full-service AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements to keep your cooling system running efficiently all summer.

Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up

Before summer heat hits, it's important to have your air conditioner inspected by a reputable HVAC company like Mr. Duct. An AC tune-up makes sure that your cooling system is running at the best efficiency and can help catch small issues before they turn into expensive problems. Regular AC maintenance services improve cooling performance, lower energy usage, and reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown. Many HVAC experts recommend an AC tune-up once a year during springtime.

This is one of the most effective air conditioning tips to keep your system reliable during the hottest days of the year. Schedule a visit with one of Mr. Duct's certified technicians for a thorough AC tune-up.

Change Your Home's Air Filters

Check and replace your AC filters regularly, especially during the summer when the AC is running frequently. This small component traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles in order to keep your home's air clean. HVAC experts recommend replacing filters every 3 months because if it gets clogged with debris, your air conditioner will need to work harder to pull air through. Changing filters regularly is one of the easiest air conditioning tips that homeowners can follow to improve airflow.

Clean and Inspect Your Air Ducts

Your central air conditioning system uses a network of air ducts to distribute cool air throughout the home and return warm air back to the system. Over time, these ducts can accumulate dust, pet hair, and other debris, examples of which you can see in our gallery. This diminishes indoor air quality and is why you should visually inspect any accessible ducts for obvious gaps, loose connections, or holes. Consider hiring a professional HVAC company like Mr. Duct to clean your air duct system thoroughly with specialized equipment.

Clean Around Your Outdoor HVAC Unit

The outdoor portion of your central air conditioner needs good airflow to do its job. The outside unit contains a large coil and a fan that expels heat from your house. If the area around the unit is cluttered with leaves and dirt, the condenser coil can't release heat effectively. Take a look at the area surrounding your outdoor AC unit and clear away any debris. It's also recommended to trim back any bushes or plants until there is at least 2-3 feet of open space around the unit, a space requirement emphasized in most professional air conditioning tips.

Keep Interior Doors Open to Promote Airflow

Keeping interior doors open is beneficial to airflow, reducing trapped air in rooms that don't have a separate return vent. Closed interior doors can lead to uneven cooling and can force your air conditioner to run longer to reach the thermostat setting. It's generally best to avoid closing off multiple rooms for long periods when the AC is on.

Weatherproof Your Doors and Windows

One of the biggest sources of undesired heat in the summer is air leakage around doors and windows. Even when closed, many doors and windows have small gaps or cracks that let hot outside air seep inside. To weatherproof doors, install or replace the weatherstripping. For windows, use caulk around the frame where it meets the wall.

Keep Your Blinds and Curtains Closed

Sunlight streaming through your windows can dramatically heat up your home's interior. This is known as solar heat gain, and its effect can make your air conditioner's job more difficult. By keeping blinds, shades, or curtains closed during peak sun hours, you can keep rooms significantly cooler. You can install thermal or blackout curtains for even better results.

Use Ceiling Fans to Circulate the Air

Ceiling fans are a homeowner's best friend for staying comfortable in summer without over-relying on the AC. Fans do not actually lower the air temperature, but they make you feel cooler by creating a breeze. You should set up your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise so it pushes the air downward. Also, make sure to turn ceiling fans off when you leave the room to avoid wasting electricity.

Avoid Using Heat-Producing Appliances Midday

Your air conditioner not only has to contend with heat coming from outside but also heat generated inside your home. Everyday appliances like ovens, stoves, and dishwashers all produce heat when in use. If you run these during the hottest times of the day, you're adding extra heat to your house. It's recommended to avoid these tasks in the middle of the day.

Provide Shade for Your Outdoor Unit

Shading your outdoor air conditioner unit can help the equipment run more efficiently. This is because the cooler condenser can condense refrigerant more effectively. Make sure not to obstruct airflow and leave plenty of space around the condenser so it can “breathe”. One natural approach is planting tall shrubs a safe distance away to cast cooling shade on the AC unit.

Keep An Eye Out For Common Warning Signs

The earlier you catch warning signs of trouble, the easier and cheaper the fix. If you're hearing a loud or strange noise, that's a sign something is wrong. Read our guide about the sounds your HVAC makes that should not be ignored. If you hear unusual sounds, contact Mr. Duct, and we'll have a professional inspect your unit. Following up on early red flags is one of the most proactive air conditioning tips to avoid major repair costs.

Check and Calibrate Your Thermostat

If your thermostat is not reading temps accurately, it can lead to inefficient cooling or discomfort. For example, if the thermostat thinks it's 75 degrees Fahrenheit when it's actually 72, it may not turn the AC on when you need it. You can check the accuracy by placing a thermometer right next to your thermostat on the wall. Wait 15 minutes and compare the readings; they should be very close; if not, it may be time for replacement.

Check for Signs of Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is the lifeblood of the cooling cycle. It's the substance that absorbs heat inside your home and releases it outside. If your HVAC system develops a refrigerant leak, the AC's ability to cool drops, the system can run longer, and the pressure drop can lead to compressor damage. It's important to call a professional HVAC company like Mr. Duct right away if you see any signs of a leak.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a great modern upgrade that can enhance your control over cooling your home. They allow you to create specific schedules, adjust settings via your smartphone, and even learn your preferences automatically. Smart thermostats are also great at preventing overcooling and wasted energy.

Work With a Trusted HVAC Company like Mr. Duct

Even the most diligent homeowner can only do so much themselves. Air conditioning systems are complex, and having a trustworthy and experienced HVAC company like Mr. Duct in your corner can be invaluable. Our extensive list of testimonials and reviews will show you why customers choose Mr. Duct for all of their HVAC needs. Get in touch with our AC experts today to learn more about how we can improve your system and help implement the best air conditioning tips for your home setup.