Everything You Need to Know About Home Cooling

You know that feeling when you walk into a cool space on a hot day? It’s almost impossible not to let out a sweet sigh of relief. Are you adding air conditioning to your home? Upgrading an existing HVAC system? Wondering how you can save on cooling costs? Or wondering how home cooling works? Knowing more can lead to a big difference in your comfort and energy costs.

Explore our guide to learn everything from types of air conditioning systems to maintenance and energy-saving tips.

Types of Cooling Systems

There are three primary types of cooling systems. Air conditioners use a lot of energy, so choosing an efficient model will save you money down the line, even if it costs a little more up front. Learn more below about each of these systems.

Central Air Conditioning

How it works: A home with central air conditioning typically has an indoor unit (evaporator) and an outdoor unit (compressor). The indoor unit is often incorporated into the furnace. Cool air is delivered through the whole home via ducts in the ceiling or walls.

Life expectancy: 15-20 years

Works well for: Homes that already have ductwork

Energy-saving tip: Insulating and sealing your ductwork reduces leakage so you get more cool air for every unit of energy used.

Window Air Conditioning

How it works: A single unit containing the evaporator, condenser, and compressor is installed in the window of a single room in your home. Check out our Window AC Guide to find the correct size for your space.

Life expectancy: 10-15 years

Works well for: Cooling the most important areas in your home

Energy-saving tip: Look for an ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient window unit, which uses about 30% less electricity and is significantly quieter than traditional window units.

Ductless Heat Pumps

How it works: A wall-mounted indoor unit (evaporator) provides zone air conditioning in your home. Ductless heat pump systems can be configured with a single indoor unit or multiple indoor units connected to one outdoor unit (compressor), allowing you to control temperatures in different areas independently. A ductless heat pump can cool a larger area than a room air conditioner but typically not your entire home.

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

Works well for: Homes without ductwork; supplemental heating

Energy-saving tip: Cleaning the air filter monthly and having a professional clean the compressor annually helps keep your unit running efficiently.

Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your air conditioner will help it run as efficiently as possible and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. That means you can rest easy knowing you’re not overpaying for AC and getting the most value from your system.

Clean your filters monthly: When your air filter is clogged, your air conditioner has to work harder to produce the same amount of cool air. A clean air filter helps your unit use less energy.
Clean your outside coils annually: If you have a central AC or a ductless heat pump, dust off your exterior coils once a year. Clean coils are more effective at removing heat from the air.
Keep your compressor free of debris: Try not to mow your lawn facing the compressor unit. Grass clippings, leaves, and other debris make your compressor work harder than it needs to.
Seal your window: For room air conditioners, seal the space around the unit with rigid foam boards or the like to reduce the amount of cold air escaping outside.
Get an annual professional cleaning: For central AC and ductless heat pumps, it’s a good idea to get an annual professional cleaning. (Make sure to get multiple quotes so you can get the best price.)
Call a professional if your unit isn’t cooling properly: If you’ve done all these maintenance tips and your unit isn’t providing as much cooling as you expect, it might be time to call a professional to help troubleshoot.

More Ways to Stay Cool and Save

There are several additional ways to keep your home cooler. You might be surprised by how much impact they have.

Use a smart thermostat to optimize your home’s temperature throughout the day.
Use window shades to block the sun on hot days.
Insulate your attic and basement to help keep the cool air inside.
Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise in the summer.

Learn More

Efficiency Smart's energy experts can help you with your home cooling questions. Call us at 877-889-3777 or email [email protected].

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