When the summer sun is blazing, there’s nothing better than stepping into a cool, air-conditioned home. But if your air conditioner isn’t quite giving you that cool, refreshing feeling, you might be making some common mistakes without even realizing it. Here are six big mistakes people make with their air conditioners—and how to avoid them so you can stay cool and save money this summer.

1. Setting the Thermostat Too Low to Cool the House Faster

A lot of people think that turning the thermostat way down will make their house cool off faster. But the truth is, your air conditioner works at the same speed no matter how low you set the thermostat. Setting it to a really low temperature just makes it run longer, which can make your energy bill go up without cooling the house any faster.

Instead, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature—around 24-26°C (75-78°F) is usually best. This will keep your home nice and cool without making the AC work too hard or costing you too much.

2. Not Changing the Air Filter Often Enough

Your air conditioner filter collects dust, pet hair, and other debris. Over time, the filter gets clogged, which makes it harder for air to pass through. When this happens, your AC has to work harder, which can lower efficiency and increase energy costs.

To keep your air conditioner working well, you should change the filter every one to three months, depending on how much you use it and the type of filter you have. A clean filter means cleaner air, better efficiency, and a more reliable cooling system.

3. Not Using Ceiling Fans to Help the Air Conditioner

Ceiling fans are great for helping your air conditioner. Some people think they don’t need to use fans if the AC is running, but that’s not true. Ceiling fans help move the cool air around the house, making you feel cooler even if the thermostat is set a little higher.

Using ceiling fans along with your AC can help you save money—you’ll feel just as comfortable while using less energy. Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room since fans cool people, not rooms.

4. Skipping Yearly AC Maintenance

Your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to keep working well, just like a car. If you skip yearly check-ups, small problems can turn into big, expensive ones before you even notice.

An HVAC technician will check things like refrigerant levels, clean the coils, and make sure everything is running smoothly. These yearly visits can catch small issues before they become big problems, saving you money in the long run.

5. Leaving Doors and Windows Open While the AC Is On

A lot of us have done this: running the air conditioner while a window or door is open. Even a small crack can let out a lot of cool air, which makes your AC work harder to keep the house cool. This wastes energy and makes your utility bills go up.

To keep your AC working well, make sure all doors and windows are closed when it’s on. If you want some fresh air, turn off the AC before opening things up.

6. Putting Heat-Producing Appliances Near the Thermostat

If you have lamps, TVs, or other heat-producing devices close to your thermostat, it can trick your AC into thinking the house is warmer than it really is. The thermostat will detect the extra heat and make the AC run longer than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills.

To avoid this, keep heat-producing devices away from the thermostat. This way, your AC will get a true reading of the home’s temperature.

Most of these common air conditioner mistakes are easy to fix—and making these changes can have a big impact on your comfort and your energy bill. By setting the thermostat to a reasonable temperature, changing the filter often, using ceiling fans, scheduling regular maintenance, keeping windows closed, and placing appliances in the right spots, you can stay cool without spending too much.

Taking care of your air conditioner doesn’t have to be hard. With these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a more efficient cooling system that keeps you comfortable all summer long.

Are you ready to make a few changes to get the most out of your AC this summer?