When summer heat and humidity settle in, your whole-home air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. While cooling your home is your AC’s job, it helps to be thoughtful about your thermostat setting.
Setting your air conditioner in the low 70s when it’s over 90 degrees outside can push your system to run hard for long stretches. A simple way to reduce stress on your AC while still supporting indoor comfort is to follow the 20 degree rule.
What’s the 20 Degree Rule?
The 20 degree rule means setting your thermostat no more than 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature when cooling your home. For example, if it is 92 degrees outside, your thermostat should not be set lower than 72 degrees.
Why Is the 20 Degree Rule Important?
Your air conditioner does two important jobs at once: it removes heat from your home and helps dehumidify your indoor air. When your AC has to cool your home by more than 20 degrees, its ability to do both can become less effective.
That means your air conditioner may have to work harder, use more energy, and operate under added stress. Over time, that extra strain can contribute to wear and tear and may shorten the life of the system.
What If I Am Still Not Comfortable?
If your home still feels too warm, there are a few homeowner-friendly steps that can help you stay more comfortable without overworking your air conditioning system:
- Hang drapes or blinds to reduce daytime heat gain
- Install and use a programmable thermostat if you do not already have one
- Install ceiling fans to help move cool air through your home
- Install a whole home dehumidifier
Choosing a larger air conditioner is not always the answer. An oversized air conditioner may cool the air, but it may not run long enough to properly dehumidify your home. That can leave your indoor air feeling cool but damp or clammy.
The experts at Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling are here to help with all of your air conditioning needs in New Hope, PA – just give us a call!