When the weather gets hot, an air conditioner often must work hard—that is, run frequently and for long periods—to keep a home at a comfortable temperature. Considering the energy cost of running an air conditioner, the net result of this is high energy bills.

If you’re able to minimize the indoor temperatures of your home, on the other hand, you can cut down on the work the air conditioner must do. In fact, you can reduce the load on your central air-conditioning system by taking just a few simple measures.

For starters, clean or replace your furnace or air-handler’s filters per the owner's manual. Clogged filters restrict the movement of air through the system, which reduces efficiency. (For more information, see Basic Forced-Air Heating System Maintenance.)

Then consider the many improvements that can reduce your home’s heat gain such as utilizing heat-reflecting film on windows that face the sun, installing a foil radiant barrier in the attic, and improving your home’s insulation.

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You can also block the sun with trees, large bushes, awnings, and the like. (For more about these types of measures, see How to Cool Your House Without Air Conditioning.)

Or, to reduce heat gain, you can simply pull shades or window coverings over sun-facing windows. Ventilation helps, too. Stir up breezes using a whole-house fan or ceiling fans, or circulate air using the “Fan Only” setting on your heating system.

Also, when possible, minimize mid-day activities that add humidity to the air, such as washing clothes, showering, and cooking. Humidity makes the temperature feel warmer, and the air conditioner must work harder to remove humidity from the air.