When the heat kicks into high gear, your air conditioner becomes a lifeline. But running it nonstop isn’t always the best move. Not only can it drive up your energy bills, but it also puts a lot of strain on your system, leading to wear and tear and even surprise breakdowns.
At Lawrence Air Systems , we want you to stay comfortable all summer long, without burning through your budget or overworking your AC. These smart, sustainable tips will help you stay cool, save energy, and protect your system all season.
1. Be Smart With Your Thermostat
One of the simplest (and most effective) ways to keep your AC from working overtime is to set your thermostat with intention.
- Ideal Range: Try keeping it between 74–78°F whether you’re home or gone for the day. A properly sized and operating system will feel comfortable at these temps because humidity has been effectively removed.
- Set it and Forget It: Figure out what temperature you are most comfortable at and leave it set there. Modern systems operate most efficiently this way.
- Turn on your cooling system before the heat wave hits: Giving your system a couple day’s head start ensures the system can provide comfort. It also gives you a better chance of detecting an issue with the system before the actual heat wave arrives.
- Pro Tip: Avoid opening your windows when the heat wave subsides. The air may feel nice and cool, but it often has high humidity levels. That moisture gets absorbed by everything in your home. When you go to fire up your a/c again, the system needs to dry out your home all over again which wastes more energy than we think we’re saving by opening the windows in the first place.
2. Don’t Forget the Filters
Clogged filters make your system work overtime and mess with your indoor air quality. Clean filters mean better airflow, lower energy use, and less stress on your system.
- Check filters once a month if you have pleated 1” filters (because they are so restrictive)
- The filters we install with every system are 4” pleated cartridges that are designed to last an entire cooling or heating season
- Have pets or allergies? Go for a higher MERV-rated filter
Not sure what kind of filter you need? Our team can help you pick the best one during a routine maintenance check.
3. Use Fans to Your Advantage
Fans don’t lower the temperature, but they sure make it feel like they do.
- Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise in summer
- Only run them in rooms you’re using
- Combine with your AC to raise your thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort
4. Keep the Cool Air In
Even the best AC system can’t compete with leaky windows and poor insulation.
- Seal up gaps around doors and windows
- Get your ductwork sealed and upgrade insulation – a 1” hole in your ductwork is equivalent to a 10” window open to your home year-round!
- Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawlspaces
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal up air leaks
Want a pro’s opinion? We offer energy efficiency audits to show where your home might be losing cool air.
5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Annual maintenance keeps your system running strong and efficiently and helps catch small problems before they become major (and expensive) ones.
A seasonal tune-up with Lawrence Air Systems includes:
- Coil and blower cleaning
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Inspecting electrical systems
- Replacing filters
- Testing airflow and system performance
6. Manage Sunlight and Heat Indoors
The sun pouring into your home can quickly undo your AC’s hard work.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day
- Install UV-blocking window films
- Use awnings or exterior shades to block direct rays
- Skip the oven and cook outside or prep no-heat meals
Small changes like these can significantly reduce the temperature inside—and give your AC a much-needed break.
7. Keep an Eye on Your Ductwork
Up to 30% of cooled air can be lost through leaky or poorly insulated ducts. That’s a lot of wasted energy.
Watch for signs like:
- Uneven cooling between rooms
- Whistling or hissing from vents
- Unexpected spikes in your energy bill
Need a duct check? We offer duct inspections and repairs to restore airflow and boost efficiency.
8. Consider Zoned Cooling for More Control
Why cool the whole house when you only use a few rooms at a time? Zoned systems let you choose where to send the cool air.
Great options include:
- Ductless mini-splits for individual rooms
- Electronic damper systems for ducted systems
- Smart thermostats with zoning controls
We specialize in Mitsubishi and LG ductless systems and Aprilaire Zoning Systems—ideal for homes that need flexible, room-by-room cooling.
9. Thinking About a New System?
If your AC is:
- Over 12–15 years old
- Needs repairs every summer
- Can’t cool evenly
…it might be time for an upgrade.
Benefits of a new system:
- Lower energy bills
- More even cooling
- Quieter operation
- Dependability
- No unexpected repair costs
We’ll walk you through the entire upgrade process—from choosing the right system to claiming available rebates to setting up affordable financing.
Stay Cool the Smart Way
Staying comfortable during the summer doesn’t mean you have to run your AC 24/7. With smart HVAC strategies—like regular maintenance, better insulation, smart tech, and high-efficiency systems—you can enjoy the cool without overworking your unit.
Why Choose Lawrence Air Systems?
With over 50 years of trusted service through Barrington, East Providence and Bristol out to Westport, Little Compton and across to Newport and Jamestown.
Here’s what we offer:
- After hour service for maintenance program members
- Certified Trane and Mitsubishi installations
- Factory-trained and licensed technicians
- Rebate program assistance
- Financing options for new systems
Whether it’s a quick tune-up, a smart thermostat install, or a complete AC replacement, we’ve got your back.
Ready to get your system summer-ready?
�� Call (401) 213-1516 or visit www.lawrenceairsystems.com to schedule your consultation.
Let’s keep your home cool, efficient, and stress-free—all summer long.