This summer has been the swelteringest on the books (and it’s the third consecutive year!), which means your air conditioning unit has been tirelessly toiling for several months now. While it may be tempting to blast the cold as much as possible during a heatwave, such mistakes can lead to significant damage to your system over time.
We chatted with Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), to get expert insights on the common blunders homeowners make with their AC systems during extreme heat. By sidestepping these errors and adhering to some additional tips Hicks suggests, you can maintain a cool abode while also being energy-efficient.
Do you switch off your AC before leaving the house to save energy? If you do, you might actually end up using more energy than you save, and you’re also likely adding extra stress to your air conditioning unit.
Turning off your AC when you leave the house may temporarily reduce your energy consumption, but in the process, you lose all the cool air your unit has been generating throughout the day, leading to a sweltering home upon your return. Rebooting your AC then requires twice the effort to cool down the house, placing unnecessary strain on the system.
The fix, according to Hicks, is to raise the temperature on your AC when you’re not home. She advises increasing the temp by 7 to 10 degrees each time you leave, up to a maximum of 85°F.
“Maintaining a higher AC setting saves energy and improves efficiency, yet your home can still be cooled down without excessive energy use,” Hicks explains. Upon your return, you can reset the temperature to your liking. This approach conserves energy while you’re away and avoids extra stress on your AC when you return.
“Leaving your home for more than a few hours is considered a long period,” Hicks notes. Whether you’re gone for a day or a couple of weeks on vacation, keep the AC on, but at a higher setting.
It might seem sensible to turn off your AC while on vacation to save energy, but this could actually lead to other issues, such as humidity and even mold growth. Keeping the home temperature at a maximum of 85°F can help avert these problems.
When at home, consider setting your AC a bit cooler than you might think, particularly during a heatwave. “A reasonable setting is around 78 degrees when you’re home and awake,” Hicks suggests. “When you sleep, you may want to adjust it to a temperature that’s comfortable for you.”
“While it may be tempting to lower your AC during extreme heat, doing so can consume extra energy and reduce the lifespan of your unit,” Hicks adds. Keeping your AC at a higher but still comfortable temperature can save you money, conserve energy, and keep your system in good working order.
Your AC isn’t the only tool at your disposal for keeping your home cool during the summer. The more you integrate additional cooling methods with your AC, the less you’ll burden it—and the more energy you’ll conserve when the mercury rises.
Hicks advises keeping your blinds closed during the day to block out sunlight and keep your home cooler, especially during intense heat. She also suggests using ceiling fans to promote air circulation and make your home feel cooler.
Opening a window at night when the outdoor temperature is cooler than inside can help lower the room temperature sufficiently, possibly preventing the need for your AC to run overnight, Hicks notes.
You can also implement other strategies to prepare your home for a heatwave, such as using cooling sheets, avoiding oven use, and employing personal fans to stay cool.
Your air conditioning system has been working tirelessly all summer, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on it and perform regular maintenance to ensure it continues to function properly. “This means changing your filters every three months and having it serviced in the fall and spring,” Hicks advises. Performing these simple maintenance tasks can help prevent major issues in the future.
Occasionally, your AC system might encounter problems at the most inopportune times, especially if you’ve been in the habit of cranking down the temperature when it’s hot outside.
“If you notice that your system isn’t cooling effectively, there are inconsistencies in temperature, odd noises, or unfamiliar odors, it could indicate that something is amiss and you should have a technician inspect it,” Hicks explains. Catching these issues early and having a professional assess your AC can be a proactive measure to prevent it from failing at the worst possible moment.
