5 Ways To Make Your AC Work Smarter (and Save Money) in Brooklyn

When summer hits Brooklyn, your air conditioner becomes the hero of your home. But even the best units can run up your utility bill if they’re not working efficiently. The good news? A few simple habits and low-cost upgrades can help your Brooklyn air conditioning system cool more effectively, use less energy, and last longer.

Here are five practical, expert-backed ways to help your AC work smarter this summer—without sacrificing comfort.

1. Be Strategic With Your Thermostat

If you haven’t already, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These let you raise the temperature while you’re at work or asleep and cool things down again before you get home or wake up. You can cut your energy usage significantly just by avoiding unnecessary cooling during the hours you’re not around.

Also, make sure there are no lamps, electronics, or direct sunlight hitting your thermostat. Heat sources like these can cause your system to misread the temperature and work harder than it needs to.

Need help getting started? The experienced air conditioning technicians near you can help with thermostat installation and system calibration.

2. Don’t Skip Seasonal Maintenance

Routine maintenance isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the key to keeping your AC system running at peak performance and avoiding surprise breakdowns during a Brooklyn heatwave.

During a professional AC maintenance service, technicians check refrigerant levels, inspect wiring and belts, clean coils, and test airflow. They’ll also replace your air filter if it’s clogged, which alone can improve efficiency by up to 15 percent.

When systems go unmaintained, even small issues can snowball into major repairs. For example, a dirty condenser coil forces your system to work harder, which can lead to overheating and compressor failure.

If it’s been more than a year since your last tune-up, scheduling an air conditioning maintenance service in Brooklyn NY could save you serious money over the long term.

3. Use Fans and Curtains to Support Your AC

You don’t have to rely solely on your AC to stay cool. There are easy, low-effort ways to take the edge off indoor heat—and help your system work more efficiently in the process.

Use ceiling fans on their summer setting (counterclockwise) to create a gentle breeze that makes you feel cooler. This can allow you to bump the thermostat up by a few degrees without noticing a difference in comfort.

Window treatments also make a big difference. Keeping blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows, blocks out direct sunlight and reduces indoor heat gain. Thermal curtains or blackout shades are even more effective if you’re looking to upgrade.

And if you’re using heat-producing appliances like ovens, stovetops, or clothes dryers in the middle of the day, you’re working against your AC. Consider shifting those activities to early morning or evening hours. Or better yet, take it outside and fire up the grill!

4. Keep Airflow Unblocked and Ducts Clear

Think of your home’s ductwork like your AC system’s lungs. If airflow is blocked or restricted, your system has to push harder to keep your space cool.

Start by checking that supply and return vents aren’t covered by furniture, rugs, or drapes. Even partial blockages can affect airflow and cause hot and cold spots around your home. It’s also a good idea to vacuum your vents regularly to remove dust and pet hair that can accumulate over time.

Keep interior doors open whenever possible, especially if the room has a return-air vent. Closed doors can disrupt air circulation and strain your system.

If you’re dealing with consistent airflow issues, or one room is always warmer than the rest, it might be time to explore a zone control system. The HVAC experts at Petri can help identify the cause and recommend the right solution.

5. Know When to Repair or Replace

Even with good habits and regular maintenance, air conditioners don’t last forever. Most systems have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and performance can start to drop off well before that.

If your AC is frequently cycling, making odd noises, leaking, or failing to cool your space evenly, don’t ignore it. Many of these issues can be addressed with a simple AC repair—as long as they’re caught early.

But if your system is older or you’re dealing with constant repairs, a more cost-effective long-term solution might be a full AC replacement. A newer, high-efficiency system can dramatically lower your cooling costs and improve comfort throughout your home.

For small spaces or older homes without ductwork, ductless mini-split AC systems offer flexible cooling with excellent energy efficiency.

A Smarter Summer Starts Here

Making your AC work smarter doesn’t mean overhauling your whole system. Small upgrades, seasonal maintenance, and a few mindful habits go a long way toward keeping your Brooklyn home comfortable—and your energy bills in check.

If you’re ready to give your system a boost, contact Petri today to book your AC tune-up, repair, or replacement. Let’s make this summer your most comfortable one yet!