The entire country has been experiencing some record-high temperatures and incredibly hot weather already this summer. In fact, we’ve just emerged from an extreme heat warning that saw several days of temperatures in the 90s.

Many homeowners are unsure about how they should set their thermostats during a heatwave. Making sure you’re setting your thermostat at an appropriate temperature is one way to avoid the need for air conditioning service during a heatwave.

Let’s go over how you should set it and some other tips for heatwave conditions.

Keep the Thermostat at a Reasonable Temperature

It’s essential to know what temperature your thermostat should be during a heatwave. That 70° F temperature you might enjoy isn’t reasonable during a heat wave. Here’s why.

It’s estimated that an AC system can reasonably achieve a 20° difference between the outside air and inside temperatures. What this means is that if it’s 82° F outside, your AC shouldn’t have a problem reaching 70° F. However, if it’s 94° F outside, expecting your AC to be able to reach 70° F is not just unreasonable, but impossible.

Some homeowners will ignore this 20° rule and set their temperature low because they think it’s the best thing to do during a heatwave. However, it’s actually the worst thing you can do. Your AC will constantly be running, trying to get to a temperature it can’t reach. This results in massive wear and tear to your system. Not only that, it can overwork your AC, leading to a potential breakdown during that extreme heat.

It’s also taxing to the power grid as more and more people are using their air conditioners. For these reasons, it’s recommended that you set your thermostat be set at 78° F during a heatwave.

Use Other Methods to Keep Cool

There are other ways to make your home feel cooler that don’t rely on the temperature inside. Be sure to utilize portable fans and ceiling fans if you have them. For ceiling fans, make sure they’re set counterclockwise to help create a downdraft that creates a direct, cooling breeze.

And although portable fans won’t decrease your home’s temperature, they do increase airflow throughout your home which will make it feel cooler. Also, keep the window shades and curtains closed during extreme heat, especially in rooms that receive direct sunlight.

Schedule AC Maintenance

It’s never too late in the summer to schedule a check-up for your AC. When the forecast calls for a heatwave and you know you haven’t had a tune-up in a while, that’s the perfect time to get it done.

Regular maintenance is the best way to help your AC work at peak performance and efficiency. During a tune-up, our technicians will check the entire system to make sure it’s working as well as it can.

This pre-emptive measure will definitely help guard against a potential repair need or breakdown in service during record-high temperatures when you really need your AC the most.

Fast-Friendly-Reliable: Contact Walsh Brothers Plumbing and Mechanical Services, Inc. to schedule air conditioning services in Havertown, PA.