As the days get longer and warmer, we’re approaching that inevitable day when we turn on the air conditioning in our homes and businesses. We may be tempted to look only to the daytime high temperatures to determine whether or not it’s time to switch on the AC, but we also need to look at those nighttime lows to see whether or not we should be running our units yet. We may be ready for some sweet, sweet air conditioning, but our HVAC systems? Possibly not.
When Should You Put Your AC On?
When to turn on the AC isn’t just a matter of personal comfort. For those who prefer cool indoor temperatures, it’s tempting to boot up the air conditioner the moment it feels a bit warm or stuffy inside your home or business.
Unfortunately, this could harm your unit if outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. When exterior temperatures are below this threshold, the oil that lubricates your system may be too thick, resulting in serious damage if you run the AC. We advise finding alternate methods of increasing air circulation and cooling your home until temperatures reach the 60 degree mark.
What Is the Best AC Schedule for Summer?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends programming your summer thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and awake, 82 degrees when you’re asleep, and 85 degrees when you are away. These settings won’t overtax your HVAC system and will help prevent overloading the area’s power grid.
If these temperatures are warmer than you can endure, a reasonable rule of thumb is to avoid cooling your home more than 15-20 degrees less than the outdoor temperature. Anything more could stress your air conditioning system and cause it to break down or malfunction during the hottest days of summer.
How Often Should AC Cycle During the Summer?
A properly working unit should cycle for approximately 15-20 minutes, several times an hour. Suppose your air conditioner runs longer than 20 minutes, is running for less than 10 minutes at a time, or starts a new cycle within a few minutes of ending the previous one. In that case, consider getting your unit checked out by an HVAC professional. Your unit may have dirty coils, a drain blockage, electrical issues, or other problems that cause system inefficiencies.
Another possibility is that your unit is the wrong size for your home and may need to be replaced altogether.
Prepare for the Hotter Weather Ahead
Express C.O.D is a division of Long Island’s trusted Tragar Home Services. The experienced professionals at Tragar Home Services are trained to handle your HVAC needs, from installation to maintenance to repairs. As you prepare for hotter weather ahead, call us to check your HVAC system and make sure it’s ready to keep you cool all summer long.
Express C.O.D provides speedy oil-on-demand delivery, with excellent year-round customer service and 24/7 ordering. Contact us online at call (855) 426-3645 to let us know how we can be of assistance.
