Record-breaking temperatures hitting triple digits along the Northeast coast, New York and Connecticut residents rely on cooling systems to stay cool in the heat.
Find out how to select the most effective AC setting for summer, to stay cool all through the year. Learn how to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and eliminate unexpected heat sources, and get through the summer heat by maintaining your well installed AC unit.
If you’ve been a part of “AC settings tag” with your loved ones, you’re aware that different people have diverse opinions about the ideal temperatures to set for AC during summer. Be aware of your family’s preferences and decide your ideal home’s AC settings in accordance with the following requirements:
- Conservation of energy: Energy Star recommends setting the thermostat to 78 °F during the summer months to reduce energy consumption and lower the cost of electricity.
- Savings: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests keeping the AC temperature at 85 degrees for 8 hours a day after you leave your home to save 5 to 15% on your cooling costs.
- A restful night’s sleep: If you can comfortably rest in a warm space, Energy Star suggests a nighttime AC setting of 82 °C, but it could be too hot for many people who sleep. Research suggests that the ideal sleeping temperature is much lower, around 65 degrees, because the body is programmed to feel the core temperature drop during the night. In the Northeast, you’ll be able to sleep comfortably and save money by using a bedroom fan and opening windows at times when it gets cooler at night.
Are you concerned that you’ll have forgotten to alter these settings each early in the morning and afternoon, as well as at at night? Do not worry! Make use of a thermostat that can be programmed that can adjust settings automatically during the course of the day.
What Is the Best AC Setting During a Heat Wave?
It might not be enough hot to cook eggs in the street this year, however it definitely appears to be. In recent years, the summer heat wave season has grown to 47 days more than it was a mere fifty years ago. In addition, June 2021 was the most hot June in the history of 127 years.
If you have the greatest air conditioner on earth, it is possible that your unit will cool your house around 20 degrees less than the outdoor temperature in a heatwave. Be sure to follow DOE temperatures and apply the following suggestions:
7 Tips to Cool Your Home During Hot Days and Heat Waves
Keep hydrated and inside during a heatwave. Here’s how to lower the temperature inside your home and keep your AC unit in good condition:
- Change the position of the fan from “auto” to “on”: To help with temperature variation between rooms and levels, switch the fan’s setting to “on” to circulate the air continuously throughout the day.
- Set your temperature to an increased temperature It: might seem odd; however, it’s a great suggestion to adjust your thermostat to 75 degrees or more to ensure that you don’t overload your air conditioner on hot days.
- Only cool areas: Close air vents in rooms that are not being used and keep the doors closed to save energy.
- Block the sun’s rays: lose every shade and make sure you have curtains in every space.
- Avoid the use of appliances: When it’s already roasting, the most important thing you don’t want to do is add additional heat. Do not use the oven, washer or dryer until the temperature is cool.
- Ceiling fans are a must: While fans technically cannot lower the temperature of air in a room, they can circulate in the room and evaporate sweat from your face, which makes it feel cool.
- Maintain your air conditioning system: Ensure your air conditioning is working at its peak by regularly cleaning and maintaining it.
Is it OK to run AC all day?
A typical AC unit operates in a series of cycles, turning on for about 15 to 20 minutes until you reach the temperature you want before turning off until the temperature of your home reaches your desired setting, then repeating the process each day. When temperatures regularly exceed a temperature in the upper 80s or 90s, your AC could be operating more frequently or not shut off. In certain instances, the constant operation of AC is acceptable, and many energy-efficient units are designed to run continuously.
In other equipment operating all day isn’t the best option because of:
- It is able to overwork the unit.
- It also increases the cost of cooling.
- It could be a sign of a bigger issue.
Why Is the House so Hot Even With the AC On?
Does your home seem to be unusually hot, even with the AC on? Even when your air conditioner is blowing cold air through your home, rooms might appear warm because of the sun, inadequate circulation of air, or maintenance, and other causes that do not have anything to do with the unit.
10 Reasons Why Your AC May Be Working at Limited Potential
Be sure to check your air conditioning settings to prepare for summer. Follow these home-preparation tips to maximize your unit’s capacity to create a cooler indoor space.
- Incorrect settings for thermostats: Inefficient temperature settings can overload your device. Set your thermostat to Energy Star and DOE recommendations to maximize energy efficiency.
- Filter clogged: A dirty air filter blocks airflow and causes your unit to perform more efficiently. Clean filters at least every 90 days, or more often at intervals of 30–60 days in the case of allergies or pets.
- Incorrect size of unit: An older or undersized unit can cool the air but will not decrease humidity in the right way.
- Corroded coils Airborne salt can cause problems for AC units, which is why residents living near beaches should inspect their coils often. If you see white powdery as well as flaking, the unit might require maintenance.
- Damaged or dirty pipework: Leaky conduits allow cool air to exit prior to reaching every room in the house. If your ductwork is tiny or dirty, it will not be able to handle the flow of air. Examine for dirt and damage; your ductwork might require patching or cleaning.
- Refrigerant leak: A slowly leaking refrigerant can be missed if you don’t conduct a thorough investigation. Minor leaks are an everyday AC problem that could need a replacement of the filter or a repair to fix.
- Condensing unit blocked: Check your AC condenser outside to ensure it’s clean from all sides. Take out any overgrowth in your landscaping so that it can efficiently exhaust heat.
- Heat sources that compete: Remove extra heat from the equation to avoid overloading the system. Close doors to rooms that are not used, and stay clear of appliance use.
- Low insulation: Improper house insulation on windows and doors allows humid and hot air to enter your home. Protect your home from drafts with weather-stripping or insulated curtains, new door sweeps, or door snakes.
- Insufficient air circulation: Improper air ventilation and circulation throughout the house can influence the distribution of air. Make sure your vents are checked, and turn on the fans to boost the flow of air.
If you’re still sweating after making the recommended adjustments or in the event that your AC unit is showing indications of damage and continues inefficiency, then you should schedule regular maintenance.
Contact Bruni and Campsie for Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance
For repairs to air conditioning, maintenance and improvements to keep cool this summer, take a look at Bruni or Campsie. For more than 40 years, our full-service, NYSERDA Home Energy Performance-participating HVAC contractors have been helping homeowners in New York and Connecticut increase energy efficiency, lower utility bills and keep their units running smoothly. Fast as well as efficient, our HVAC contractors offer the knowledge, experience, and first-class customer service you and your home need. With our 1-year warranty on every job we do we give you peace of mind that you are covered.
Do not hesitate to call us today to arrange your air conditioning repair upgrade or complete your home maintenance plan. We are looking forward to working with you.
