Sunny Windows, Shady Trees and Other Non-Electrical Supports to HVAC

Wondering if you are using your air conditioner's thermostat to its fullest potential? Here are some tips on how to use it more efficiently.

What Temperature Should The Thermostat Be Set To In The Summer?

A common question that people have is what temperature they should be setting their air conditioner to during the hot months of summer. You really need to set it to a temperature that makes you feel comfortable. For some people, that may mean making the temperature a little warmer, while someone else may want it to be cooler. Every home is going to be different in terms of energy efficiency and how the air travels through the home, so temperature settings can vary. 

One thing to keep in mind is that the setting should never be so cold that the air conditioner never gets a break. Your air conditioner should be able to reach your desired temperature, then shut down for a period of time while your home holds that temperature. 

How Do You Know If The Thermostat Is Accurate?

You'll want to watch out for instances when your thermostat may be recording an inaccurate temperature, since that can impact the comfort of your home. For example, is the thermostat located behind a television or another electronic component? The heat from the device could be causing your thermostat to read the temperature of the room as being hotter than it really is. Having a thermostat on a wall that receives direct sunlight can cause a similar problem. You may need professional help to move the thermostat to a different location. Many smart thermostats allow you to add temperature sensors to read the temperature from another place in your home.

Is It Worth Turning The Fan On?

Your air conditioner will have separate fan settings that you can turn on, which can give you more control over your air conditioner. There is a setting for the fan to be on automatic or constantly on. When the fan is on automatic, the fan only turns on when the air conditioner starts pumping out cold air. When the fan switch is turned to the on position, the fan constantly runs at all times. This can help with your home's overall comfort since air will be circulating at all times, even with the air conditioner not running. You'll notice that the upper floors are closer to the same temperature as the lower floors. 

In addition, running the fan helps run all the air in your home through the air filter. This can help remove allergens from the air that can affect people in your home.

For more information about air conditioning, contact a local HVAC technician.