Cut cooling costs

If you're a homeowner with a central air system, you know the cost of cooling a house all summer long.  

The good news is that with a bit of elbow grease, you can make your system run more efficiently and save money. Follow these tips from Noah Laird, operations manager of Laird and Son, a Toronto-based heating and air conditioning company.

Draw the shades

Laird recommends keeping your blinds and curtains closed, particularly in south-facing rooms. This can help lower the room temperature.

Check your air filters

The filter on your furnace blower, which circulates cold air, will get dirty and make your system work harder—especially if you have pets. If you use your AC daily, check the filter every month or two. If it's covered in debris, you should replace it.

Clean your coils

Over time, the condenser coils on your outdoor unit can become caked with dirt, forcing your system to work harder and consume more power. To clean them, Laird says to use a pistol nozzle on your hose and spray the coils at a 45-degree angle. The coils in an outdoor AC unit are usually wrapped around the inner components, essentially acting as exterior side walls. In some cases, you may need to have the outer casing and top removed to gain access.

Seal it up

In older houses, precious cold air can escape through the walls. Make sure any cracks in the walls and foundation are sealed and reviewed by a professional and that your home is well insulated, including in overlooked spaces, like the attic and garage.

Keep the fan going

Even when your AC is off, you can still chill your house by running the system fan. The fan draws cold air from the basement and provides a couple of extra degrees of cooling. 

Check your policy

Speak with a licensed CAA Insurance Agent to review your home insurance policy to ensure your home is fully protected.