Considering AC? Here's what you need to know before you invest, from HVAC and industry pros

If the summer heat has left you considering AC for your home, I don’t blame you. My home doesn’t have it centrally, and heatwaves have been hellish, with each year feeling worse than the last.

Here, our expert guide delves into everything you need to know about having AC in your home, including the different types, how to pick the best one for your space, expected costs, and calculating the ideal capacity. Plus, HVAC pros answer your frequently asked questions and more.

In many scenarios, opting for AC, whether it's portable or central, and supplemented with the best fans, AC really is the best way to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Air conditioning types to consider for your home

Most air conditioning units operate by using a refrigerant chemical with a compressor, condenser coil, and evaporator coil, which all work together to deliver your fresh, cool air for working, relaxing and sleeping better at night. AC units remove hot air and humidity, and pump out cool air.

When choosing which air conditioner to install, Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi, says, ‘Think about your budget, climate, current AC setup, and home size and layout. Consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do and whether or not a noisy AC unit would bother you.

‘You should also think about the long-term costs and energy efficiency. A more efficient system will help drive down your utilities. If you’re not sure which type of AC to choose, bring in a pro to get their opinion. They’ll be able to tell you which type of air conditioner will work best for your home.’

To start you off, these are the vital things to consider when adding AC to your home:

• Budget: Air conditioning isn’t as expensive as it once was, but it is still a substantial outlay. Having a clear idea of what is necessary, the power of your units, number, type, as well as installation and maintenance costs, will all factor in.
• Size/type of space: Is it just one room that needs AC, or a whole house? For single rooms or rentals, portable or window units are the best option. Homeowners with big budgets are better off with a full central AC system, while those who need to watch their budget should go for split or ductless, or a portable unit where they can create a DIY cool room.
• Usage: Consider if the space needs cooling most of the time, some months of the year, or just a few weeks? If it’s sporadic use you have in mind, for instance, to keep cool in a heatwave, a portable AC unit may be most economical and more than enough to fulfill your home’s cooling needs.
• Limitations: Are you renting your home, or are you a homeowner? If renting, your lease will likely limit any structural changes or additions. If you own it, consider whether you will be staying in this home or if you are planning to move shortly. If you’re moving in the next year or two, installing or replacing an old AC system, though costly, may still be worth it, as it will add value to your home and make it appealing to future buyers.

Alongside the above considerations for AC, you’ll need to get to grips with features to help you pick the best air conditioner for your home.

Jack Miller, founder of How I Get Rid Of, advises looking into these three AC system functional features:

• Cooling capacity: This will depend on the square footage of your room. But if you’re dealing with a small one that’s at least 90 square feet, you'll need a unit with a capacity of up to 5,000 BTUs per hour. For rooms as big as 200 square feet, you'll need a unit with a capacity of up to 24,000 BTUs per hour to cool well and efficiently.
• Filtration system: If you’re using the AC regularly, go for a unit with top-notch filtration. In this case, ACs with anti-bacterial and dust filters are the way to go. As long as filters are kept clean, you can run it even if the outdoor air quality is bad.
• Energy efficiency: For this, you'll want an inverter unit. Not only is it more energy efficient, but it offers more consistent cooling as well.

1. Window air conditioners

Suitable for smaller rooms, window air conditioners are a great option for those with limited space, as they are usually window-mounted, saving valuable floor space.

Window AC units are easy to install as they go directly on the window frame, make use of the window's natural ventilation properties to provide consistent cooling for the whole home, without demanding too much energy in the process. Plus, you can move them anywhere, making them suitable for renters as well as homeowners on a budget.

The unit's condenser will stick out of the window, and condensation typically drips down to the pan on the bottom of the unit, where it's then distributed by a fan, throwing it against the condenser coils.

It will need ‘outdoor access for the exhaust tube to expel hot air from the room,' adds Glenn Wiseman from Top Hat Home Comfort Services.

The downside is that they’re unlikely to be aesthetically pleasing, and they block some of the window, reducing the amount of natural light. They can also be pretty noisy.

One of the most highly rated models is the MIDEA 5,000 BTU unit, available at Amazon for around $150-180 mark. The Amazon Basics window air conditioner is rated the same by customers, an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars, and costs from $120, making these cheaper than portable air conditioners.

Another brand of window air conditioner to look out for is Frigidaire. It’s a fairly basic design, isn’t that attractive and said to be noisier than the Midea but it is well priced at around $299, with occasional deals knocking $40 off.

Glenn Wiseman agrees that window ACs are generally more affordable and are very reasonably priced considering how effective they are. 'The cost per hour is usually well under $1.' This is a huge advantage if you're looking to cool your home on a regular and consistent basis on a budget, are renting (and have suitable windows) or you're moving soon.

'For example, in Ontario, window units can run 12 hours a day in the summertime and only cost the user about $20-$30 a month.'

Window units will drain themselves too, whether that's by distributing the condensation onto the condenser coils or directly to the ground below.

However, window ACs are typically noisier and will likely demand more maintenance down the line as they're a more permanent system. They're also not the most renter-friendly, and you'll need to think carefully about whether the design will work in harmony with your windows.

‘Window air conditioners are a budget-friendly way to cool down a specific room in your home,’ agrees Mallory Micetich, a home expert at Angi. ‘These units are affordable, easy to install, and energy efficient, but they can’t cool down your entire home when it’s hot outside.

'They also tend to be noisy and need to be winterized when the cooler months come around. However, window air conditioners are a great way to boost your central AC unit when it’s particularly hot outside.'

2. Portable air conditioners

‘Portable air conditioners are ideal for temporary cooling because you can pick them up and move them from room to room,’ adds Mallory Micetich of Angi. ‘They’re affordable and easy to install, but they can’t cool down an entire house on their own.’

You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a portable AC unit, and they’re worth watching out for in sales, especially out-of-season ones where steeper discounts for shifting the last of summer stock may help you grab a great deal.

The advantage of portable AC is that you can move the unit from room to room, whether it’s to make a DIY cool room, or to specifically cool down a hot area of the home, such as a south-facing bedroom or home office.

The downside is that they can be quite noisy and you’ll need to empty the water basin often, especially when it’s really humid.

I spoke to Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician at Air Conditioner Lab, who has more than a decade of AC engineering and maintenance experience. He explains, ‘A portable AC is a self-contained unit ideal for cooling single rooms. It’s typically mounted on wheels and can be moved from one room to another, requiring only access to a window or venting solutions using a kit or tube for exhaust. These are crucial to how they operate and are offered in single or dual-hose format. The dual hose is always the better option.

'Portable units are louder than central units, less efficient for large spaces, require window access and depending on the brand you buy, can be unreliable.'

Josh explains that portable units such as Amazon's bestselling Black and Decker 12,000 BTU unit) and central units remove hot air and reduce humidity, which helps us cool down faster, adding, ‘These are best for renters, those in smaller spaces, or homeowners who need a temporary or flexible cooling solution when Central AC is not physically available or out of budget.'

‘Central AC units use a system of ducts to distribute cooled air across multiple rooms or an entire building,’ Josh adds. ‘It involves an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, typically installed permanently in a single location.'

I have the Euhomy portable AC, available on Amazon, and have been genuinely impressed with how easy and well it cools the home. It is in my bedroom and can be noisy, but it's the sort of white noise I can block out and sleep well with. Or, a simple pair of silicon earplugs will do the job to block out the noise.

Here are the pros and cons of portable AC vs central AC:

When choosing a portable AC unit, HVAC pro Josh advises checking energy efficiency and capacity before shopping. Look for a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating to ensure energy cost savings and make sure the BTU (British Thermal Units) capacity matches the size of the space you need to cool. These are usually detailed in the retailer listings.

For running costs of a portable AC unit, find the wattage in the manual (these are usually also available on the retailer listings), convert to kilowatts (just divide by 1000), and times by the hours you will run the portable AC unit daily. Then multiply that by the cost per kilowatt-hour charged by your energy provider. You can find that rate on your latest bill.

• Shop portable AC units at Amazon
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• Shop portable AC units at QVC
• Shop portable AC units at Best Buy

3. Split or ductless air conditioners

Split systems consist of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and can be the most cost-conscious choice when your home already has a furnace. Adam Graham, construction industry analyst at Fixr says, ‘The most common and affordable central air conditioning type is a split system, which costs between $2,500 and $7,500.'

For larger rooms, you’ll need a larger budget. The benefit of a split or ductless system is that you’ll be able to cool rooms of any size, though you’ll need to have a few thousand dollars to hand.

‘Not only do these machines provide superior cooling performance, but they also come with all the features and versatility that you could want,’ explains Alex Woollam, licensed plumber and founder and CEO of Waterline Plumbing.

‘For example, some models allow you to control your temperature in multiple rooms simultaneously, while others feature automatic climate control functionality. And if noise is a significant issue for you, check out units designed without noisy fan technology. The cost of installing a split (ductless) air conditioner typically depends on the size and type of unit and location. However, you can generally expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for installation. You may also be required to purchase an annual service contract if you choose this system.’

Additionally, if you opt for a packaged system, which has its components in one unit outside to provide cooling for a home, Adam says it can cost between $3,000 and $8,000, but requires more maintenance than a split system, with a packaged HVAC system ranging from $8,000 to $9,000.’

4. Central air conditioners

The most effective and efficient solution is a central air conditioner, which can be used to cool the whole house but the cost to install varies. ‘The average cost to install central air conditioning ranges between $5,000 and $12,000, with most homeowners paying $7,000 for a 2,000 square foot home,’ adds Adam.

The central air system selected, whether there is existing ductwork, the square footage of your home, as well as its type, all count when it comes to what you can expect to pay.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro, adds, ‘If you're a homeowner, and happy to splurge on that initial outlay and invasive drilling and wall mounting, a fixed AC unit is a great addition to any house.

‘Central AC units are better suited for homeowners who need a long-term, robust solution for cooling large spaces like an entire family home. They do have a high cost upfront, so homeowners will need to fork out a large lump sum initially.'

To save energy, look for inverter units rather than conventional units. The difference is that once a room is cooled, inverter air conditioners lower the speed of the compressor motor to save energy.

Central air conditioners work by distributing cooled air through existing ducts in every room and all the equipment is installed outside, apart from the air handler, which is usually shared with the furnace. As well as being cheaper to run, it’s also exceptionally quiet and unobtrusive, so a great all-round choic,e though be prepared for costly annual maintenance.

‘Central air conditioners are the most popular choice among homeowners,’ adds Mallory Micetich of Angi. ‘These units are effective, quiet and easy to program, making them a great option for large spaces. However, they tend to be pricey and require a professional installation with ducts. On average, central AC units cost between $3,800 and $7,500.’

HVAC pro Josh Mitchell adds, ‘Central AC has higher upfront installation costs, need regular duct cleaning and maintenance, and installation will be complex, requiring professional help.’

It is recommended to have these units serviced professionally annually and clean filters regularly. Bear in mind, though, if you don’t have existing ductwork in your home, ducts will need to be installed in order to have central air conditioning, which means a higher bill to begin with.

‘Installing central air with no existing ductwork can cost between $1,800 to $3,300 for both labor and materials,’ adds Fixr's Adam.

5. Geothermal hybrid or dual fuel air conditioners

For an eco-friendly option, a geothermal hybrid or dual fuel system uses less energy and emits fewer harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, and uses the natural and relatively stable temperature of the earth to function.

The cost of installation is pretty steep, however, ranging from around $7,500 to $12,000.

‘These units are typically more efficient and require less maintenance over time,’ adds Alex Woollam of Waterline Plumbing. ‘Heat pumps convert thermal energy from the earth into mechanical or electrical energy that can be used for heating purposes.

'The cost of installing a smart Geothermal Hybrid/dual fuel air conditioner can vary depending on the type and size of the unit that you choose. Typically, hybrid units are less expensive to install than traditional air conditioners, but they may not be as efficient in energy usage.

'Dual fuel units are more costly to install but typically use less oil or gas throughout the year, which benefits the environment. When choosing an installation company, ask about their fees and estimate how much it will cost you.’

Which AC brands are best?

Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and Founder of Air Conditioner Lab, breaks down by AC type, the best AC brands in the US, as what works great for central air doesn't always translate to window units or portable systems:

• Best central air conditioner brands: Josh says, 'For central air, I usually recommend Trane, Carrier, and Lennox. All three have been around a long time, and their parts are easy to get. Trane systems last the longest in my experience. I’ve seen them still running after 20+ years with regular maintenance. Carrier has some of the best variable-speed units out there, which are good for controlling humidity. Lennox is efficient, but replacement parts can take longer to get.
• Best window air conditioner unit brands: 'For window units, I lean toward Midea and LG[both available at Amazon]. Midea’s U-shaped inverter unit is one of the quietest and most energy-efficient models available. It uses about 35% less energy than standard window units and has Wi-Fi control built in. LG also makes solid inverter models that are reliable and easy to service.
• Best portable air conditioner brands: 'These don’t cool as well as window units, but if you’re going that route, Whynter and Black+Decker [both available on Amazon] are the two I’ve had the least trouble with. Whynter’s dual-hose models pull heat out faster and don’t fight against negative pressure like single-hose ones do. If you want portability and basic smart controls, Black+Decker's newer models are decent for rooms up to 450 square feet.
• Best geothermal and dual fuel (hybrid) AC systems: 'For geothermal, I’ve had the best luck with Bosch, WaterFurnace, and ClimateMaster. These systems can hit 500% efficiency depending on soil conditions and loop design. They’re a bigger upfront investment, usually between $18,000 and $30,000, but they qualify for federal tax credits and can cut energy use in half over time. For dual fuel, Goodman and Trane make reliable hybrid systems that switch between gas and electric based on outdoor temperature.'

How long does it take for AC to cool a room?

'For a properly sized and functioning air conditioner, you can generally expect it to cool a moderately sized room (about 150-300 square feet) by approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit within 15 to 30 minutes,' says Josh.

‘For larger spaces or whole homes, the central air conditioning system might take longer. The cooling time can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on a range of factors,’ he adds.

Factors that impact how long it takes will vary depending on your space, but may include:

• Room size: 'The size of a room significantly affects how long it takes to cool,' says Aaron Adams, CEO of Aaron Services. 'Larger rooms require more time to reach the desired temperature compared to smaller spaces. If your air conditioner seems to be taking a long time to cool a large area, it may simply be a matter of the room's volume.' A small room (100-200 square feet) typically cools down in 10-20 minutes, a medium-sized room (200-400 square feet) in 20-40 minutes, and a large room (400+ square feet) could take 30 minutes to over an hour.
• AC unit power: 'Air conditioners come in various sizes and power levels. A unit that's too small for a large room will take longer to cool the space if it can achieve the desired temperature,' says Josh Mitchell. 'Conversely, a unit that is too large can cool the room quickly, causing short cycling and stopping proper dehumidification.'
• Starting temperatures: The temperature inside your home and the temperature outside play crucial roles in cooling time. The room's initial heat affects the cooling duration since higher starting temperatures make the AC work harder and longer to achieve the desired temperature. Consider other ways to cool down a room, including using the best fans to circulate cool air, and adding thermal curtains or blackout blinds to reduce or stop the ‘greenhouse’ effect. Suction-on portable blackout blinds, available at Amazon, are very effective.
• Outdoor temperatures: Air conditioners can typically cool air to about 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature. Aaron Adams explains, 'If it’s 90°F outside, your AC can cool your room down to approximately 70°F. This limitation means that higher initial indoor temperatures will require more time to cool down to a comfortable level. If you've already met that lower threshold of temperature decrease, you won't be able to cool the room any further from air conditioning alone.' The more significant the difference, the longer it takes to cool down with AC.
• Insulation and seals: Good attic insulation and in other areas of the home will help maintain desired temperatures faster by reducing heat exchange. Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro adds, ‘This keeps the air cool for longer, enabling the AC unit to achieve target temperatures in rapid succession. In contrast, poorly insulated rooms and air leaks let heat in, slowing down cooling and boosting energy use.’ Upgrading insulation and sealing gaps around windows and doors with caulk (a caulk tool kit is handy), weatherstripping, and expandable foam (both available on Amazon will help to improve cooling efficiency by preventing warm and cool air from escaping. Draftproofing will enhance indoor comfort and reduce cooling costs.
• High humidity: This prolongs the cooling process as the AC has to work harder to remove moisture from the air. Using hygrometers, available at Walmart, and your best dehumidifier to control humidity at home, improves AC efficiency.
• Regular maintenance: 'A properly maintained AC unit with clean filters and coils will cool a room more efficiently than one that is poorly maintained,' says Josh Mitchell. Be sure to clean your air conditioner regularly, including cleaning or replacing filters and ensuring coils are free of dust and debris for optimal performance.

The best temperature to set your thermostat to balance cooling capabilities, comfort, and costs is 78°F. According to Energy Star, a program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, this is the ideal temperature for air conditioners in the summer.

Home servicing expert Tommy Mello, adds, ‘Each degree you raise the thermostat during the summer might result in a 1% to 3% reduction in your cooling costs.’

However, it’s worth noting that whilst this AC temperature rule works across most of the USA, for certain dry, arid regions such as Arizona, a cooler temperature may be necessary to compensate for the very low humidity.

Randy Huckstadt, a licensed HVAC contractor, says the optimum temperature range for indoor places during the summer is normally between 72°F (22°C) and 78°F (26°C).

Getting the best from your AC

A few factors to consider when trying to get the best and most efficient cooling from your chosen AC include:

• Use a SMART Thermostat: setting a sensible schedule so your home is kept consistently cool, but not running 24/7, or repeatedly cooling your house from a starting point of high heat, will help you keep it running most efficiently and without stressing the system, making it last longer with less issues. The Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell Home T9, all available at Walmart come highly recommended by HVAC pro Josh Mitchell.
• Keep windows closed: Having them open will have your AC unit battling outside temperatures and humidity.
• Maintain: Service and maintain your AC regularly, as well as cleaning it, to help it run well. Dirt, grime, and dust can impact function, whilst failing to maintain it regularly can lead to costly repairs in the longer term.
• Ideal humidity: Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro, explains that any home with a humidity above 60% will automatically feel warmer, so you should aim for an average humidity of between 30% and 50%. Whilst one of the best dehumidifiers, such as the GE ADEL50LZ 50-Pint Dehumidifier, available at Best Buy will not make the room cooler, less moisture in the air will make your home feel less oppressive, helping your body lose heat more easily to make you feel more comfortable in hot weather.

Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro, adds, 'Make sure your thermostat or AC app supports local temperature swing settings. That lets you control how much the room warms up before the AC kicks back on.

'The default setting is often 1.5°F, but lowering it to 0.5°F keeps the temperature more stable and reduces humidity swings. It might cycle more often, but it feels a lot better in rooms that heat up quickly.'

Should you turn off AC at night?

If you’re wondering whether to turn your AC off at night, it’s understandable. From health risks associated with poor sleep to increases in energy costs, both sleep and home energy experts suggest that the few adverse effects of running your AC outweigh the benefits of keeping cool and advise you to turn it off.

Personally, I keep my portable AC running overnight in the first few hours of being asleep and set a timer for it to turn off because usually, it’s cooler at night and the bedroom doesn’t heat up as quickly. However, if you find the heat oppressive where you are, even at night, you can temper the downsides of running it overnight by adding a humidifier and a SMART thermostat, such as the Google Nest thermostat from Amazon, to help control costs.

If you've ever woken up shivering, you know that a room that's too cold will disrupt your sleep. 'Maintaining a cool and comfortable bedroom environment is crucial for a good night's sleep,' says Alvin Pullins, a home improvement and maintenance specialist. 'However, shallow temperatures, especially during sleep, can interfere with sleep quality and overall restfulness.'

By turning the AC off at night, 'you can create a more moderate and natural sleeping environment, which is conducive to better sleep. Additionally, the absence of AC noise can contribute to a quieter and more peaceful and relaxing sleeping environment,' adds Pullins.

It can also help alleviate aches and pains, especially if you have previous injuries, as long spells of cool air can make your muscles cramp or tense up.

FAQs

What portable AC unit capacity do I need?

Measure the length and width of the room you intend to use the portable AC in, multiply the two numbers together (this gives you the square footage) and factor in ceiling height if unusually high.

Typical homes have ceilings at around eight feet, but older homes can have much more vertical space to cool. Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro, recommends adding 1000 BTU to your calculations for each foot of additional ceiling height above eight.

If the space is an odd shape, calculate accurately by splitting the measurements into rectangular sections and adding the overall square footage together.

Can I install my own central air unit?

You shouldn’t try to install your own central air unit. ‘Installing a central air unit is not a suitable DIY project as it requires a licensed professional to be installed adequately,’ says Adam Graham, construction industry analyst at Fixr.

Be sure that your contractor takes the actions recommended by US Department of Energy’s Energy Saver to ensure correct installation so the system is efficient.

Is it worth replacing my existing AC system?

‘The most efficient air conditioners use 30 to 50 per cent less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s,’ say the experts at the US Department of Energy’s Energy Saver. ‘Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20 to 40 per cent of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.’

If it's 100 degrees outside and you can't get your home cooler than 80 degrees, consider implementing some additional methods to keep your space cool, such as rearranging a room to make it cooler or investing in affordable cooling products to beat the heat.

Can I get a SMART controlled air conditioner?

Yes, some systems can be remotely operated using an app on your smartphone or via voice control using Alexa or Google Assistant. You’ll need good, reliable WiFi in your home for it to run smoothly, and choose a model that is compatible with a smart app.

Some models to look for include Midea Smart Inverter Window Air Conditioner, Sensibo Sky Smart Home Air Conditioner System and the Cielo Breez Plus Smart Air Conditioner Controller.

Josh Mitchell adds, 'Most modern central ACs work with Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell Home T9 [all available at Walmart]. I usually recommend Ecobee because it supports multiple room sensors and has better dehumidification control. It also plays nicer with dual-fuel setups.

'For ductless mini splits, Mitsubishi and Fujitsu now offer smart thermostats that integrate with their own apps. Otherwise, you’d need an adapter like Sensibo or Cielo Breez to get smart control.

'With portable and window units, only a handful offer smart integration out of the box. Midea’s U-shaped window unit supports Alexa and Google Assistant. LG’s ThinQ models do the same. Most others require a smart plug and some setup to work with schedules.'

Which type of air con is the most energy efficient?

Split air conditioners have the best energy efficiency and are more energy-saving than window or portable models. A split system will help keep energy costs down, so is worth the investment long-term.

Most efficient way to run AC during heatwave

It might feel like turning your AC as low as it can go is the best move, but this can put unnecessary strain on your unit, explains Dereck Granados, HVACR guru and mentor at Universal Technical Institute.

Instead, set it in the mid-70s and use ceiling or portable fans to help create a breeze. This will move the air around without overloading the system. Dereck adds, ‘Make sure nothing is blocking your vents, like furniture or curtains, and close doors to unused rooms so your AC can cool larger or more frequently used spaces more efficiently.’

Richie Drew, VP of operations at One Hour Heating & Cooling advises that pre-cooling your home with blackout blinds, closing windows, shutters, and blinds will decrease the amount of heat that seeps into the room, whilst raising the temperature a few degrees when you’re out will help reduce energy costs.

What happens if an AC unit overheats?

This can make the system less efficient and potentially lead to dangerous refrigerant leaks and eventually, compressor failure. If your AC unit starts to overheat, turn it off immediately to protect it from permanent and costly damage and call the pros to check it.

Should you run your AC when air quality is bad?

Dayna Hottle, general manager of C&C heating & air conditioning says, 'When outside air quality is bad, it is best to continue to utilize your air conditioning system.’ This will allow your AC system’s filters to trap and clean particles out of the air. It will also help pressurise the space to keep the bad quality air outside where it belongs.

HVAC expert Marco Radocaj, Vice President of Building Performance at Ryan A. Jones & Associates, adds that it can depend on the filter you have. 'Most current thermostats have options for extended “fan” running or circulation, which means that the indoor fan of the system will run even if the system is not cooling. This means additional filtration of your indoor air.'

A filter with a MERV 13 or MERV 16 rating will be ‘more than capable’, Marco adds. Just make sure your filters seal against the frame they’re placed into, and change them every three months.

If you are concerned about allergens and smoke particles, invest in one of the best air purifiers for peace of mind, and remember to clean your air conditioner regularly so that the filters are free of dust.

This will alleviate allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, headaches and difficulty breathing, which could be a result of poor air quality. If you have mold indoors, it’s best not to run the AC until the issue is fixed to avoid contamination the system. Bi-polar air ionization can help attack air contaminants, but fixing the source of the high moisture fuelling the mold is vital.

When should I turn on the AC?

Josh Mitchell, HVAC pro says, ‘The best time to turn your air conditioning back on after winter isn’t the first hot day – it’s actually a little earlier. Ideally, when temperatures are mild, you want to test your system in early spring as part of your annual spring home maintenance jobs. This gives you time to spot and fix problems before the AC is in constant use. If there's a problem, you won't be stuck waiting for a repair while dealing with the heat.'

If your area starts warming up around April or May, that’s a good window to run your AC for 15 to 20 minutes on a warmer day. It is also a good time to have your HVAC system serviced.

Listen for unusual noises, make sure the air is cool, and check that the system runs smoothly. If it’s not cooling properly or there’s little airflow, those are early signs that something needs a closer look.

If you're seeing weak airflow, hearing odd noises, or just not getting the cooling you expect, it's better to get it checked out now than wait until summer when repair calls spike.

Josh adds, 'As for when to turn on the AC during the day, the hottest part of the day is mid-afternoon, and this is when electricity demand is the highest, leading to higher energy rates if your provider uses time-of-use pricing. Early morning and late evening are better for starting up the AC or making large temperature adjustments.'

Meet the experts

Tommy Mello

Tommy Mello is an entrepreneur, a home service/DIY expert, and the founder of A1 Garage Door Service, a leader in the home service industry. Founded in 2007, A1 Garage Door Service has grown to be a leader in the home-service industry.

Josh Mitchell

Josh is an HVAC, plumbing, and appliance expert, and the owner of the Air Conditioner Lab with years of experience tackling the challenge of home cooling.

Alvin Pullins

Alvin Pullins is a U.S.-based home improvement and maintenance specialist. He's a qualified expert specializing in home improvement, organization, cleaning, and appliance maintenance. He has been featured on several media platforms and blogs where he has helped, participated, and contributed to numerous professional home-related queries.

His passion for home improvement and maintaining household appliances began with renovating and updating his own home. He has first-hand experience with the challenges and rewards of maintaining a comfortable and functional home.

Dereck Granados

Dereck has been teaching the next generations of HVAC technicians since 2015. He mixed theory and practical teaching to prep students for their certifications in the industry program he helps deliver.

Richie Drew

In addition to his role as VP of operations, Richie is the owner of One Hour Franchise locations in Myrtle Beach SC, Charleston SC and Wilmington, NC. He has over 28 years of experience in the HVAC industry and proudly represents the third generation in his family to continue that legacy.

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