How to make your central air conditioner more effective.

I have had a few phone calls from homeowners complaining that their central air conditioner isn’t working well enough.  I have paid attention to a few of the steps the cooling contractor takes.  First he asks the homeowner if they have changed their furnace air filter lately.  He then asks if all of their basement vents are closed.  The cold air has a tendency to drop to the lowest point.   He suggests that they close the vents in small areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms, unless they leave the doors open.  If these steps don’t do the trick then he comes out and checks the coolant and other parts of the system.   I would also suggest that you find a way to separate your basement from your upper floors.  I know it is nice to have an open stairwell, but you can still have doors separating your basement family room from the rest of your basement.