Stay Cool with Air Conditioner Energy Savings this Summer

As temperatures start to climb across Ontario, many homeowners will rely heavily on air conditioning to support indoor comfort.

But keeping cool shouldn’t mean watching your utility bills skyrocket or your carbon footprint increase. With a few strategic upgrades and habits, along with the right windows and doors, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption without making sacrifices.

At Kempenfelt Windows & Doors, we believe energy efficiency is key to maximizing your home’s comfort—starting with high-performance windows, doors, and garage doors. “Our Canadian-made, energy-efficient products are designed to support your AC system by minimizing solar heat gain, eliminating drafts, and giving your cooling system a break when it needs it most,” explains Tony Miceli, Kempenfelt Windows & Doors co-owner.

Let’s explore how you can maximize air conditioner energy savings this summer, starting with the basics.

Benefits of an Energy-Efficient AC

Upgrading to or maintaining an energy-efficient air conditioner is more than just a modern convenience—it’s a smart, long-term investment in your comfort, health, and finances.

Cost Savings

Running an outdated or inefficient air conditioning unit during a hot Ontario summer can significantly impact your energy bills.

Energy-efficient units, particularly those with an ENERGY STAR rating, use advanced technology such as variable-speed compressors and smart sensors to cool your home using less electricity. Some energy efficiency examples include:

•  Installing a new ENERGY STAR-certified central AC, which uses 8% less energy on average than a standard model, and
• Switching from a 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) unit to a 16 SEER can cut your cooling costs by 40%.

Over the lifespan of a unit—typically 15 to 20 years—the savings can amount to thousands of dollars. This makes upgrading a logical choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Environmental Benefits

Energy-efficient cooling isn’t just about saving money—it also helps reduce your environmental impact. Traditional AC systems rely heavily on electricity, much of which in Ontario is still derived from non-renewable resources. By reducing energy use, you’re lowering greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Additionally, many modern AC units utilize more eco-friendly refrigerants, which have a lower ozone-depleting potential than older alternatives like R-22.

Healthier Air Quality

Your home should be your sanctuary, not a source of allergens and pollutants. Energy-efficient AC units often include:

• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters that remove pollen, dust, and airborne pathogens, and
• Humidity control features that prevent mould growth and maintain a comfortable, breathable indoor environment.

By upgrading to a high-performance AC unit, you’re increasing your home’s energy efficiency while investing in cleaner, healthier air for you and your family.

How to Improve the Efficiency of Your AC

Not ready for a complete AC upgrade? No problem. There are several steps you can take to improve the performance of your existing system and stretch your energy dollars further.

Perform Regular Maintenance

One of the simplest—and most overlooked—ways to boost AC efficiency is through consistent maintenance. After all, your system needs care to operate at peak performance. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Replacing filters regularly: Dirty filters block airflow, forcing your AC to work harder. For most households, replacing filters every one to three months is ideal.
• Checking and cleaning coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on the condenser and evaporator coils, lowering efficiency. A yearly coil cleaning can make a noticeable difference.
• Inspecting the condensate drain: A clogged drain can cause humidity to build up and damage the system.
• Conducting an annual service: A professional technician can check refrigerant levels, inspect components, and catch minor issues before they become costly problems.
  

  Think of it like tuning a car—routine upkeep saves money and extends lifespan.

Explore Additional Energy-Saving Products and Their Must-Have Features

Smart thermostats have revolutionized the way homeowners manage energy use. With learning capabilities, remote access, and energy reports, they offer both convenience and savings.

Zone-Based Heating and Cooling

Zoned systems divide your home into multiple climate-controlled sections. If you rarely use your guest room or finished basement, you can raise the temperature in those zones without affecting your living space. This targeted approach can result in savings of up to 30% on cooling costs.

Specific AC Programming to Increase Energy Savings

Most smart thermostats allow you to set cooling schedules, automatically adjusting temperatures based on your routine. For example:

• Set higher temps (26–28°C) while you’re at work or asleep.
• Lower the temp (23–24°C) before you return home or when entertaining.

Some smart thermostats even offer geofencing, adjusting temperatures based on your phone’s location. Brands like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell offer ENERGY STAR-certified models that are eligible for rebates through the Canada Greener Homes Grant.

Optimize the Energy Savings for Your Home

Even the most efficient AC will struggle in a poorly prepared home. Here’s how to make your living space work with—not against—your cooling system.

Keep Blinds/Shades Closed

Direct sunlight through windows can quickly increase indoor temperatures, especially in rooms with south- or west-facing exposure. Closing blinds or installing UV-reflective window films can help lower the room temperature by several degrees.

Properly Insulate Between Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Your AC shouldn’t be cooling the outdoors. Insulating attics, crawl spaces, and walls can drastically reduce the workload on your cooling system. Not only does this improve energy efficiency, but it can also lower your utility bills and extend the life of your HVAC equipment.

Optimize Furniture Layout (Don’t Obstruct Ducts)

Your vents require space to distribute air effectively. Blocked ducts can result in uneven cooling and overworked systems.

Ensure that large furniture pieces or curtains don’t obstruct airflow. Consider installing vent deflectors to better direct cooled air into high-traffic areas, especially in open-concept homes.

Inspect Your Windows, Doors, and Garage Doors

Aging frames and single-pane glass are infamous for letting in heat and letting out cold air. Over time, seals can crack, weather stripping can wear out, and gaps can form, making it harder to maintain a comfortable home.

Conduct a DIY inspection using the “candle test”: if a flame flickers near a window or door frame, there’s likely a draft.
Weatherstripping, caulking, or upgrading to new, insulated windows, doors, and garage doors can help eliminate these inefficiencies and maintain consistent temperatures indoors.

Additional Energy Saving Tips: Install Energy-Efficient Windows, Doors and Garage Doors

Enhancing your home’s envelope—the barrier between the inside and outside—is one of the most effective ways to maximize your air conditioner’s performance.

Energy-Efficient Windows

Windows are often the biggest culprits for summer heat gain. Swapping out old single-pane windows for double- or triple-pane units with Low-E glass and argon gas greatly reduces heat transfer.

Kempenfelt’s high-performance, energy-efficient windows come standard with argon gas and Low-E coatings, which reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through. “Not only does this type of glass brighten up your space, but it also helps keep everyone inside cooler,” says Miceli.

“Plus, since our windows are engineered specifically for the Canadian climate, they offer superior insulation and long-term durability as well.”
Key benefits include:

• Minimizing UV and infrared light penetration,
• Retaining cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter, and
• Reducing hot and cold spots for more consistent indoor temperatures.

Kempenfelt’s windows are also available in a wide range of custom styles to match any aesthetic, from traditional to modern.

Door Energy-Savings

Doors may seem insign

ificant, but poor seals and thin materials can be large sources of air loss. At the same time, drafty doors can lead to more allergens, humidity, and inconsistent temperatures throughout your living spaces.

 

Upgrading to insulated steel or fibreglass doors with tight-sealing frames adds an extra layer of protection against the elements. Kempenfelt’s doors are built for performance, featuring:

• High-density polyurethane cores for superior thermal insulation,
• Weather-sealed thresholds and frames to block out drafts, and
• Durability-tested materials designed to withstand harsh Ontario climates.

“When you choose from our wide selection of doors, you’ll reduce solar heat gain and eliminate costly air leaks,” suggests Miceli. “It doesn’t take long before your home energy savings will grow exponentially.”

Insulated Garage Doors

Your garage may not be climate-controlled, but it still affects your home’s internal temperature. This is especially true if it’s attached to the main structure or has a room directly above it.

Installing an insulated garage door helps regulate that space, reducing temperature spikes that radiate into adjacent rooms. Kempenfelt’s garage doors feature multi-layer insulation, steel-reinforced construction, and seals designed to withstand Canadian winters and summers.

“We install only the best garage doors on the market,” mentions Minceli. “Our GARAGA garage doors are designed with best-in-class insulation, offering exceptional protection against heat loss and thermal transfer. No matter how hot it gets in the summer, their high-performance components help maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature inside your garage all season long.”

The Kempenfelt Advantage: Supporting Your Energy Goals

Your air conditioner doesn’t work alone. It’s part of a larger ecosystem that includes every wall, window, and door in your home.
At Kempenfelt Windows & Doors, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners in central Ontario enhance their homes with energy-efficient products that combine style, security, and performance.

“When you upgrade your windows, doors, or garage doors with us, you’re not just getting a product—you’re investing in a more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable home,” says Miceli. “It’s about creating a space that works smarter for you, season after season.”

Final Thoughts on Air Conditioning Energy Savings

Staying cool this summer doesn’t have to come at the expense of your budget or the planet. From upgrading your AC system and implementing smart thermostat strategies to sealing your home with high-performance windows and doors, the path to energy savings is well within reach. When these elements work in harmony, your home stays cooler longer with less energy required.

Ready to start saving energy and money this summer? Contact us today at (705) 737-1554 for a free consultation and discover how our expertly crafted, energy-efficient solutions can transform your home.