The 20-degree rule of air conditioning dictates that your AC unit should never be more than 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. This means that if the outside temperature is 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat to no lower than 75 degrees.
The explanation for this guideline is based on how the air conditioner works. When the system begins to cool the space, it eliminates heat while also dehumidifying the air. However, when the system has to chill your home by more than 20 degrees, its ability to do both decreases.
As a result, your air conditioning system works harder and consumes more energy. As a result, wear and tear will occur more quickly, potentially shortening its lifespan. It can also break down easily, and you are forced to hire AC repair services to fix it.
Another reason you should not expose yourself to sudden temperature changes is that it increases your chances of getting a cold. While this is the case, you should note that this increased risk of sickness is not only due to a lower temperature. It’s more of a combo of lower temps and lower humidity.
When there is a low humidity level, your eyes tend to dry out, the mucous membranes in your nose dry out, and your lungs dry out. You’re therefore much more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Many viruses live longer and reproduce faster in colder temperatures. As a result, a highly contagious virus like influenza can remain active and spread for up to 24 hours on a hard surface.
Other ways to optimize savings on your air conditioner
Replace your air filters
Replacing your air filters is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress on your AC unit; unfortunately, it is one of the most disregarded home maintenance tasks.
Over time, dirt particles develop on your air conditioner’s air filter, clogging it and reducing airflow through your AC system. As a result, your air conditioner tends to work more and use more energy to keep your home cool.
If you continue to overlook the cleaning of your air filters, they will become exceedingly dirty over time, leading your air conditioning system to shut down completely.
To avoid this from happening during the approaching hot summer season, contact your local HVAC repair professional to schedule a routine maintenance check of your HVAC equipment.
By keeping your air filters clean and replacing them on a seasonal basis, you can extend the life of your AC unit and save air conditioning repair costs.
Improve the insulation in your home.
Improper insulation and probable leaks might result in a considerable loss of energy when cooling down your home. Properly insulating your walls and ceilings is an excellent approach to keep your home’s temperature low. Check the seals on your doors and windows for leaks and replace ineffective ones to keep cool air inside.
In addition, you can use thermal drapes or blinds to cover your windows during the day, limiting heat buildup indoors. To prevent heat buildup in your home, use dishwashers and take hot showers when the temperature is comparatively cooler after sundown.
Avoid using your grill indoors during the summer because it raises the amount of heat in your home, putting additional strain on your air conditioning unit.
Adjust your thermostat
When you and your family are away from home for an extended period, adjust your thermostat to a higher setting. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust to a higher setting at regular intervals when you are not around. You can also program it to begin cooling your home before you return.
Smart thermostats allow you to change your thermostat settings while away from home via a phone app. This is especially useful if you plan to go on vacation and end up staying for longer than you intended.
There are many types of smart thermostats that you can go for. You only need to find one that is right for your application and use it.
Reduce the heat in your house.
When it’s hot outdoors, it’s especially important to be mindful of the devices and equipment in your home that generate excess heat.
For example, high-quality windows and curtains can help prevent extra heat from entering your home. Even if you live in an air-conditioned home, sitting by a window on a bright day will make you feel hot.
Quality blinds or shades can help to lessen the indoor greenhouse effect. When you keep them closed, the sun cannot easily heat your home, making your air conditioner work harder.
The oven is another example. Using the oven during the summer generates excessive heat in your home, which your air conditioner must work hard to overcome.
Instead of using it inside, consider taking dinner outside on occasion; summer is the perfect time to grill, so do it. This keeps your home cool while also providing an excuse to eat outside.
Have a yearly maintenance schedule.
This may sound simple, but getting your HVAC system tested once a year is critical to ensuring that your air conditioning is operating at top efficiency.
Just because it’s running does not mean it’s doing well. Your examination may discover system flaws that are causing your air conditioner to run unnecessarily, allowing you to get the most life out of your unit.
In addition to checking for obvious problems with the condition of your unit’s parts, expert HVAC repair companies Smithtown will examine your system’s performance to help identify potential problems before they become major problems that require extensive repairs later on, leaving you stuck in the heat during the hot summer months.
Annual preventive maintenance is bound to help you avoid premature system wear and replacement. To ensure a smooth summer, plan your yearly maintenance as often as possible.
As mentioned, when you are working with the repair professionals, don’t hire just any that you come across. Instead, take your time to research and find a reputable one who will help you achieve your desired outcome.