This summer has shattered records for heat, marking the third consecutive year of intense warmth. Consequently, it’s likely that your air conditioning unit has been diligently laboring for several months. Tempting as it may be to dial down the thermostat to its lowest setting during a heatwave, such mistakes can lead to significant damage to your system over time.
We reached out to Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), for expert insights on the common errors homeowners make with their AC systems during extreme heat. By avoiding these mistakes and adhering to some additional tips from Hicks, you can maintain a cool home while also conserving energy.
Have you been turning off your AC before leaving the house this summer to save energy? It might actually be counterproductive, as you could end up using more energy than you save. Moreover, you could be adding unnecessary stress to your air conditioning unit.
Disabling your AC when you leave can momentarily reduce energy consumption, but you also lose all the cool air it has been generating throughout the day, causing your home to revert to a sweltering temperature. When you return and restart the AC, it has to work extra hard to cool down the house, placing an undue burden on your system.
To address this, Hicks advises raising the temperature of your AC when you leave, increasing it by 7 to 10 degrees each time, with a maximum of 85°F. “Maintaining a higher AC setting conserves energy and boosts efficiency, allowing your home to cool down again without excessive energy use,” she explains. Upon returning home, you can adjust the temperature back down.
Hicks emphasizes that if you’re away for more than a few hours, it’s best to keep the AC on but at a higher temperature. This is applicable whether you’re gone for a day or on an extended vacation.
Leaving your AC off during a vacation might seem like a safe way to save energy, but it can lead to issues like humidity and even mold growth. Keeping the home temperature at a maximum of 85°F can help prevent these problems.
When you’re at home, consider setting your AC to a slightly cooler temperature than you’d expect, especially during a heatwave. Hicks suggests keeping the temperature around 78 degrees when you’re awake and 78 degrees or lower when you’re asleep.
Reducing the AC temperature during extreme heat can consume excessive energy and diminish the lifespan of your AC. Maintaining a higher yet comfortable temperature can help you save money and energy while ensuring your AC operates efficiently.
Your air conditioning isn’t the sole solution for keeping your home cool. The more you integrate additional cooling methods, the less stress you’ll place on your AC—and the more energy you’ll conserve during heatwaves.
Hicks recommends closing your blinds during the day to block out sunlight and turning on ceiling fans to circulate cool air. Opening a window at night when the outdoor temperature is cooler can also help lower indoor temperatures.
Other heatwave preparation methods include using cooling sheets, avoiding the use of the oven, and employing personal fans.
Throughout the summer, your AC has been working tirelessly. Regular maintenance, such as replacing filters every three months and having it serviced in the fall and spring, is crucial to ensure its proper functioning.
Should your AC system encounter issues, particularly if you’ve been lowering the temperature excessively, be on the lookout for signs of malfunction, such as uneven cooling, strange noises, or unusual odors. These could indicate a problem that needs professional attention to prevent a breakdown during peak heat.
