Top Tips to Make Your AC More Efficient This Summer

Summer in Minnesota can bring warm, humid days—especially in areas like Carlton, Duluth, and Cloquet. As temperatures rise, homeowners rely heavily on their air conditioning systems to stay cool. The good news? A few smart adjustments can make your AC run more efficiently, reduce energy bills, and keep your home comfortable all season long. Here are the top tips from Brent’s Heating & Cooling to help maximize your AC performance this summer.

1. Set Your Thermostat for Summer Efficiency

Your thermostat plays a huge role in how efficiently your air conditioner performs. During the summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat around 78°F when you're home and increasing the temperature when you're away. This helps reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.

Installing a smart thermostat can make managing your home’s temperature even easier. Smart thermostats automate temperature changes, learn your habits, and help you save energy—making them a popular upgrade for homeowners in Duluth MN and surrounding areas.

2. Improve Airflow Throughout Your Home

Good airflow is essential for AC efficiency. When air can move freely, your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home.

Improve airflow by:

• Keeping vents and registers open and unobstructed
• Using ceiling fans to help circulate cool air
• Regularly vacuuming return and supply vents
• Ensuring furniture or drapes aren’t blocking airflow

If you notice certain rooms not cooling well, Brent’s Heating & Cooling can help diagnose airflow issues such as duct leaks, blocked vents, or failing blower components.

3. Replace Your HVAC Filters Regularly

A dirty filter forces your AC system to work harder, increasing energy use and reducing cooling efficiency. For most homes in Carlton MN, filters should be replaced every 1–3 months, especially during heavy cooling season.

Clean filters improve airflow and help reduce the dust, pollen, and allergens circulating through your home—an added bonus during Minnesota’s high‑pollen months.

4. Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep your air conditioner running efficiently is with annual AC maintenance. A tune‑up helps identify issues early and ensures your system is performing at its best before peak summer heat arrives in Duluth, Cloquet, Hermantown, Esko, and nearby areas.

During a maintenance visit, our Brent’s Heating & Cooling technicians will:

• Clean coils and components
• Check refrigerant levels
• Inspect electrical connections
• Test system efficiency
• Ensure proper airflow and thermostat operation

Regular maintenance can extend your system’s lifespan and help prevent breakdowns on the hottest days of the year.

5. Insulate and Seal Your Ductwork

Poorly insulated or leaky ducts can waste a significant amount of cool air—especially in older Duluth and Carlton County homes. When cool air escapes into attics, crawl spaces, or basements, your AC must work harder to keep your living spaces comfortable.

Benefits of insulating ducts include:

• Improved cooling performance
• Reduced energy waste
• More consistent temperatures throughout the home

Our team at Brent’s Heating & Cooling offers duct inspections and sealing services to help ensure your system is delivering cool air where it’s needed most.

6. Keep Heat Sources Away from Your Thermostat

Lamps, electronics, and even direct sunlight can cause your thermostat to read higher temperatures than the room actually is—forcing your AC to run more often. Make sure your thermostat is positioned away from heat sources to ensure accurate temperature control.

7. Consider Upgrading to a High‑Efficiency AC or Heat Pump

If your air conditioner is more than 10–15 years old, upgrading to a newer, high‑efficiency AC or cold‑climate heat pump can deliver significant energy savings. Brands like Trane and Mitsubishi Electric offer ENERGY STAR®‑rated systems designed to perform exceptionally well in Minnesota’s summers and winters.

Brent’s Heating & Cooling provides expert AC installation and heat pump installation across Duluth MN, Cloquet MN, Carlton MN, and nearby areas.

Stay Cool and Save Energy This Summer

With a few simple adjustments and proper HVAC maintenance, your air conditioner can run more efficiently and keep your home cool all summer long. Whether you need an AC tune‑up, duct inspection, thermostat upgrade, or advice on improving airflow, Brent’s Heating & Cooling is here to help.

Ready to optimize your AC system for summer? Contact Brent’s Heating & Cooling for maintenance, repairs, or new AC installation in Carlton, Duluth, Cloquet, and surrounding communities.