5 Checks to Keep Your AC Efficient All Summer

1. Clean or replace the filter

This is the single biggest factor in AC efficiency, and the easiest to ignore. A clogged filter forces the unit to work harder to push air through, driving up electricity use and shortening the compressor's working life. Check it at the start of the season and again mid-summer — if it looks grey rather than white, clean or replace it.

2. Clear the outdoor unit

The outdoor condenser needs open airflow to release heat efficiently. Leaves, dust, overgrown plants or anything stacked against it forces the system to work harder for the same cooling output. Give it at least 30–50 cm of clear space on all sides.

3. Check the refrigerant level

Low refrigerant is one of the most common causes of an AC unit that runs constantly but never quite cools the room. It's not a DIY fix — a technician needs to check for leaks and recharge the system properly — but if your AC is running longer than it used to for the same result, this is worth checking before summer peaks.

4. Inspect and clean the coils

Both the evaporator and condenser coils gradually collect dust and grime, which acts as insulation and reduces heat transfer. Dirty coils are a quiet efficiency killer — the system still runs, it just costs more to do the same job. An annual clean keeps this in check.

5. Test it before the heat arrives

Don't wait for the first 35°C day to find out something's wrong. Run the system for 20 minutes on a mild day and check: does it reach temperature at a reasonable pace, is airflow strong at every vent, and is it free of unusual noise or smell? Catching a problem in May is a same-week fix; catching it in July can mean a wait.

If your system is underperforming despite the basics, or it's more than 8–10 years old, it may be more efficient — and cheaper over time — to talk to BFM about a replacement rather than repeated repairs.