Tips for Improving Air Conditioner Efficiency: Smart Strategies for Ontario Homeowners to Stay Cool and Save Money

When Ontario summer heatwaves hit, your air conditioner becomes the MVP of your home. But as temperatures climb, so do utility bills, and if your system isn’t operating efficiently, you’re likely paying more than you should for less-than-ideal comfort.

The good news? A few simple adjustments can make a big difference. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have relied on the same cooling system for years, improving your air conditioner’s efficiency can save you money, reduce wear and tear, and make your home noticeably more comfortable.

Here are practical, proven tips to boost your air conditioner’s efficiency, avoid unnecessary air conditioner repair, and extend the life of your HVAC system.

1. Change or Clean Your Air Filters Regularly

It might sound basic, but this is one of the most overlooked aspects of air conditioner maintenance. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder than necessary. That not only drives up energy use but can also cause parts to overheat or break down.

Tip:

Check your filters once a month during peak usage months (typically May to September in Ontario).
Replace or clean them every 30–90 days, depending on the type of filter and your indoor air quality.

2. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear and Clean

Your air conditioner’s condenser unit, the part outside your home, needs space to breathe. Dirt, leaves, overgrown shrubs, and even fencing too close to the unit can block airflow and reduce performance.

Tip:

Clear a 2-foot radius around the unit.
Rinse off dirt or debris from the fins with a garden hose (on a gentle setting).
Make sure nothing is stacked or leaning against the system.

3. Seal Leaks in Ductwork and Windows

If your ductwork or windows are leaking cool air, your AC has to work overtime to reach the desired temperature. That wasted air equals wasted energy and money.

Tip:

Have your ductwork professionally inspected for leaks.
Seal cracks in windows, doors, and attic spaces with weather stripping or caulking.
Insulate exposed ducts in unconditioned areas like basements or crawlspaces.

4. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Manually adjusting your thermostat might work in theory, but most homeowners forget or adjust inconsistently. A programmable thermostat automates energy-saving habits and ensures you’re not cooling your home when no one’s around.

Tip:

Program higher temps (around 25°C) during the day if no one is home.
Lower the temperature a half-hour before people return.
Consider a smart thermostat that adjusts based on your habits or outside temperatures.

5. Close Curtains and Blinds During Peak Sun Hours

Sunlight streaming through your windows may look beautiful, but it also heats up your home, forcing your air conditioner to cool spaces that are warming faster than it can manage.

Tip:

Keep curtains or blinds closed between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially on south- and west-facing windows.
Blackout curtains or reflective window film can also reduce heat gain.

6. Keep Heat-Producing Appliances Away from the Thermostat

Your thermostat reads the temperature of the surrounding area to determine when to run the AC. If it’s near a lamp, TV, or oven, it may get a false reading and run the air conditioner longer than necessary.

Tip:

Relocate heat-producing devices or shift your thermostat’s position if needed.
Avoid placing the thermostat on walls that receive direct sunlight.

7. Avoid Overcooling – Aim for Comfort, Not Cold

Setting your thermostat extremely low doesn’t cool your home faster, it only keeps the AC running longer. This adds stress to the system and drives up energy use.

Tip:

Raise it to 27–28°C (80–82°F) when you’re sleeping or away.

In summer, aim for 24–25°C (75–77°F) when you’re home and awake.

8. Use Ceiling Fans to Supplement Cooling

Fans don’t cool air, but they circulate it, making the room feel cooler by several degrees. This lets you raise the thermostat without sacrificing comfort.

Tip:

Set fans to rotate counterclockwise in summer to push air downward.
Use fans only when people are in the room; turn them off when the room is empty.

9. Schedule Annual HVAC Maintenance

A tune-up might sound like an optional expense, but it’s one of the best ways to improve system performance and catch small issues before they turn into big repairs. Regular inspections ensure your unit is running efficiently, safely, and within manufacturer specs.

Tip:

Book annual maintenance every spring before peak cooling season.
Look for packages that include a full system check, refrigerant level assessment, and thermostat calibration.

10. Don’t Delay Air Conditioner Repairs

If your system is making strange noises, not cooling evenly, or causing unexplained spikes in your hydro bill, get it checked. A small issue today can snowball into a major system failure tomorrow.

Tip:

Don’t ignore signs of strain. Delaying an air conditioner repair can cost more in the long run.
Seek out trusted local technicians who offer same-day or emergency HVAC repair service in case of breakdowns during heat waves.

Bonus Tip: Consider System Upgrades for Older Units

If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old, you’re likely spending more on electricity and repairs than necessary. Older units have lower SEER ratings and may use outdated refrigerants like R-22. Newer systems offer superior energy efficiency, quieter operation, better humidity control, and eco-friendly refrigerants.

Tip:

If you’re facing frequent breakdowns or rising utility bills, ask your HVAC technician whether an upgrade would be more cost-effective over the next 5–10 years.

Why Efficiency Matters

Improving your air conditioner’s efficiency isn’t just about saving money, though that’s a major perk. It also:

Extends the lifespan of your unit by reducing unnecessary wear and tear
Improves indoor air quality by ensuring proper airflow and filtration
Reduces your carbon footprint by lowering your home’s energy consumption
Delivers better comfort throughout your home, even during the hottest days

Trust Maintemp Heating and Air Conditioning for Lasting Comfort

At Maintemp Heating and Air Conditioning, we understand how important your home’s comfort is, especially during the hot and humid Ontario summers. Whether you’re looking for a quick air conditioner repair, routine maintenance, or a full system upgrade, our team is here to deliver honest advice and expert solutions.

We don’t just fix HVAC systems—we help you get more out of them. That means lower energy bills, longer-lasting equipment, and fewer surprise breakdowns.

Why homeowners across Burlington, Mississauga, and Oakville choose Maintemp:

Experienced, certified technicians
Transparent pricing and no upselling
Fast, local response times for HVAC repair
Preventative maintenance programs that keep your system in top shape
Reliable service that puts your comfort first

Stay cool, save money, and take the stress out of summer. Trust Maintemp to keep your air conditioner running at its best.Ready to schedule a service or need expert AC advice? Contact Maintemp Heating and Air Conditioning today.