Minimizing Summer Strain on Your A/C
Summer is just around the corner which means warmer temperatures both indoors and out. We all want to be comfortable, but putting a strain on your A/C may be trouble.
The 20-Degree Rule
The 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your A/C unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. In addition, your system is designed to only cool your home to about 15 to 20 degrees less than the outside temperature. If you wanted to cool your home by more than 20 degrees, the air coming out of your AC would have to be ice cold.
Your A/C is designed to remove both heat and humidity. Asking your system to cool more than 20 degrees takes away from its ability to do both of those things at the same time.
Ceiling Fan
Adding a ceiling fan, if you don’t already have one, will help ease the strain on your air conditioner. Counterclockwise creates a downdraft for summer while clockwise creates an updraft for winter.
Thermostat
Cooling an empty house seems and is senseless. It is also costs you money. The Department of Energy estimates that you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
Insulation
The main purpose of insulation is to reduce the transfer of heat into or out of your home. A well insulated home helps maintain a consistent temperature which reduces strain on your A/C. If you utility bill spikes during the summer, it is likely due to improper insulation.
Air Filters
The job of an air filter is to filter out dust and contaminants. If it’s doing its job properly your filters will need to be changed regularly. Running your system with dirty filters reduces efficiency and puts a bigger strain on your HVAC.
Need Help?
If you notice a spike in your utility bill or suspect that your A/C is not running optimally, don’t hesitate to contact 1-800-anytyme via our contact form or call (760) 477-0072 to speak with a member of our team today.