Is The AC Broken If It's Only 20 Degrees Cooler Inside Than Outside?
Many people panic when they crank up the air conditioner on a hot day and notice that their home doesn't cool down quickly. This is a common complaint, especially if you are dealing with triple-digit temps or high humidity. But what if it's only 20 degrees cooler inside than outside? Should you schedule AC repair services?
The simple answer is no, not necessarily. That's because a difference of 20 degrees is not enough of a temperature difference to indicate that your air conditioner has failed. Depending on the age of your unit and its maintenance history, this could be a completely normal performance. In fact, many experts recommend following the 20-degree rule for air conditioner use.
What is the 20-degree rule for an air conditioner?
The 20-degree rule references the difference between the inside temperature and the outside temperature. Ideally, your air conditioner should cool your home to a temperature of about 20 degrees lower than the temperatures outdoors. So, if the outside air is 90 degrees, you should aim for a temperature of 70 degrees inside. If this is not happening, then it may be time to call an air conditioning repair technician for help.
What happens if you ignore the 20-degree rule for your air conditioner?
Well, sometimes you can't ignore the 20-degree rule because your air conditioner simply will not cool the home as well as you want. However, if you manage to ignore the 20-degree rule and run your AC unit at a lower temperature, you may end up facing higher utility bills. Running an air conditioner too cold in hot weather can cause extra strain on the unit and lead to early failure, which means you may need to contact an HVAC repair tech ASAP.
Also, keeping your home too cold in the summer can waste energy and cause your air conditioner to run longer than necessary. This not only increases your utility bills, but it also harms the environment.
Key Takeaways
If you are concerned about the performance of your AC unit, make sure to follow the 20-degree rule. If the temperature difference between the inside and outside is too great for your comfort, then it may be time to call a professional air conditioning repair technician. They can diagnose the issue and advise you on the best course of action.
In addition, make sure that you schedule regular maintenance for your AC unit to keep it in good working order. These AC contractors can help ensure that you won't have any unexpected breakdowns on hot summer days.
Contact a local AC contractor to learn more.