There are a number of ways in which you can maximize both your comfort and your savings by running your air conditioning properly. Using a programmable or smart thermostat is a good start, as this will help you reach and maintain your desired temperature of comfort when you need it; and then can keep your home a bit less cool at night or when you are out of the house. Some people ask whether they should close off vents in rooms that are not occupied; while this may seem like a good plan, in general we advise against it for best air flow. You’ll want to clean and replace your air conditioner filters regularly. Many people also prefer to keep the blower ‘on’ the whole time, rather than on ‘auto,’ to provide a constant air flow and better filtration throughout the home (it may cost you a slightly higher hydro bill, but the comfort & benefits usually well outweigh the costs). However, if the outside humidity is higher, running the blower constantly may end up pumping more humidity through the system, so monitor and adjust as needed. Keep shades & blinds closed during the hours the sun will be hitting those windows, so that the house doesn’t begin to heat up and require the air conditioner to run more. We’ve mentioned it before, but proactive maintenance is also strongly advised; an annual air conditioning service will include a tune-up of the A/C system and find potential issues that are best attended to now rather than wait for costlier air conditioning repair later.