An air conditioner can't work efficiently if vents are blocked by rugs or furniture, so it's worth checking that every vent is open, dust-free, and pointed toward the center of the room.
Four Smart Ways to Lower Your AC Bill This Summer

Hot, muggy weather can quietly drive up an air conditioning bill. A few smart habits help the system run more efficiently without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Vents Clear
Block Out the Sun
Keeping shades or blinds drawn on sun-facing windows during the hottest part of the day makes a noticeable difference in how hard the AC has to work.
Skip the Oven
Outdoor grilling or microwave cooking avoids adding extra heat to an already warm kitchen, unlike firing up the oven.
Curb Daytime Use of Big Appliances
Dryers and dishwashers put out a good deal of heat of their own, so running them after dark rather than during the heat of the day takes some of the load off the AC.
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