Overusing a system in the peak heat of summer

Do you like to set your thermostat low in the peak of summer, and get frustrated when your A/C cannot keep your home as cool as you normally like it?
Generally speaking an air conditioning system is designed to accommodate up to a 20 degree difference between the outside air and inside air while still keeping around a 55% humidity level which is comfortable. This means that if it’s 80 outside your A/C can easily reach 70 degrees, since that is only a 10 degree temperature difference. So even if it is 90 degrees out, your air conditioner should still easily reach the 70 degree mark. However, if it is 100 degrees outside, it will be nearly impossible to reach 70 degrees inside without the air conditioner working overtime.

We get many calls on days of 100+ degree temperatures from customers wondering if they actually have a problem or just unrealistic expectations.
If you have your air conditioner set to a temperature that makes that differential more than twenty degrees you will likely run your A/C all day long, and still not quite reach those desired temperatures. This becomes a waste of money on your end, by overusing a system that was not designed to accommodate what you are trying to do.

A good rule of thumb is during the hottest days when the dial reaches 100 degrees, it is best to set your A/C to somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees.

You can also supplement that slight temperature difference with closed curtains on sunny side of the building, running ceiling fans and portable fans in rooms which people are present, and avoid using household appliances that produce extra heat in your home.

Additionally, make certain that your A/C is properly maintained in order to eliminate the possibility of losing efficiency and money through items which could have been easily fixed like replacing dirty filters and cleaning coils.