Is your air conditioner struggling to keep up when you need it most? Do you feel like it needs to be cooling your home more during these scorching summer days? Are you afraid there’s a problem and just don’t want to face it?
At Empire Heating & Air, we know how challenging it can be when the Texas sun is high in the sky, and all you want is a refreshing retreat inside your home.
However, just because your air conditioner isn’t cooling as much as you want it to doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. There are limits to what you can expect from an AC unit, even when functioning perfectly.
The Cooling Limits of Your Air Conditioner
Every air conditioner, regardless of its age, make, or model, has a cooling threshold. Generally speaking, your AC can create a temperature difference of about 15-25 degrees from the outside temperature.
If it’s a blistering 95 degrees outside and you’ve set your thermostat to 65 degrees, it’s unlikely that your AC will be able to achieve your desired temperature. The best you can hope for is somewhere between 70 and 80 degrees.
Keep in mind that if you set your thermostat to a temperature that exceeds this 15-25 degree difference, your AC might run all day and never achieve its desired temp.
Thermostat Settings and Cooling Efficiency
It might be tempting to crank your thermostat down in hopes of getting more cool air, but that’s not how it works. Lowering the thermostat won’t increase the cool air output. Instead, it’ll make your unit work overtime as it tries to reach a temperature that isn’t possible.
This constant use of your AC not only puts strain on the system but will also be reflected in your next electricity bill. A helpful tip from the U.S. Department of Energy is to set your thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer months. For every degree you set it above 72, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs.
Tips for a Cooler Home
While you can’t control the outdoor temperature, there are steps you can take to keep the inside of your home cooler when your AC is at its maximum cooling capacity:
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out the sun
- Hold off on heat-producing activities like laundry and dishwashing until it’s cooler outside
- Avoid using the oven – try grilling outside instead
- Set your thermostat a little higher to give your AC a break
- Ensure your AC is filter is clean and replace it if necessary
Why Regular AC Maintenance is Vital
Just like any mechanical system, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Many of the emergency service calls we receive during the summer could have been avoided with proper AC maintenance.
Regular checks for proper refrigerant levels and clean coils can prevent your system from failing and enhance its performance. It won’t necessarily make your home feel like an ice box, but it sure beats the miserable Texas heat.
Empire Heating & Air offers a Preventative Maintenance Program with two annual visits to maintain your HVAC system. We’re here to ensure your air conditioning system performs at its best, so you can stay cool and comfortable no matter how high the mercury rises.