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As the summer heat and humidity intensifies in Bridgeport, CT, keeping your home cool without skyrocketing your energy bills becomes a priority. Hot summer days are typically when your whole home air conditioning system works its hardest, also increasing the chances of malfunction or breakdown if your unit has previously been experiencing problems. Keeping the stress off of your AC system can be challenging, and Celco Heating & Air Conditioning understands the challenges of managing indoor comfort when it’s hot out. This is why we recommend the 20 Degree Rule—a simple yet effective guideline to help you set your thermostat efficiently during Connecticut’s hottest days.
What is The 20 Degree Rule?
Your whole house AC is designed to keep you comfortable, not frigid. This means that as the temperature outside rises, you have to set your thermostat accordingly. The 20-Degree Rule suggests that you should set your thermostat no more than 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. For instance, if it is 96 degrees outside, don’t set your thermostat lower than 76 degrees. Why is this important? No matter how new, energy efficient or fabulous your air conditioner is, pushing it to cool consistently more than 20 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature is more than the system was made to do. What you may end up with is an AC that overheats, malfunction and/or breaks down instead of cooling your home leasing to costly and preventable AC Repair work. This rule is based on the principle that your cooling system operates more efficiently when the indoor-outdoor temperature difference is smaller.
20-Degree Rule Origin and Benefits
The 20-Degree Rule originated from energy experts who studied the relationship between outdoor temperatures and indoor cooling efficiency. By adhering to this rule, homeowners can significantly reduce the strain on their HVAC systems, leading to lower energy consumption and extended equipment life. Additionally, this practice can help you save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
Additional Measures to Reduce Energy and Cooling Bills in the Summer
In addition to the 20 degree rule, you can also do some simple things to help keep your home cool without tremendous effort:
- Use a programmable thermostat: Programmable thermostats such as Google Nest, allow you to set your thermostat to specific temperatures during the day or when you’re away to save on cooling costs
- Use Ceiling Fans: Fans can make rooms feel cooler and allow you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without reducing comfort
- Seal Leaks: Ensure that doors and windows are properly sealed to prevent cool air from escaping
- Install Blackout Window Treatments: Use blinds or curtains to block out heat from direct sunlight
- Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance: Ensure your air conditioning system is running efficiently by having it serviced regularly. This can prevent unexpected breakdowns and optimize performance
Keeping Your Family Comfortable Year Round
Staying comfortable during Connecticut’s hot summer days while keeping your energy bills in check is easier than you think. By applying the 20-Degree Rule and taking additional measures to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, you can enjoy a cool, comfortable summer without breaking the bank.
If you need help setting your thermostat, optimizing your HVAC system, or if you’re facing an HVAC emergency, don’t hesitate to call Celco Heating & Air Conditioning at (203) 307-0675. Our team of experts is ready to provide you with the best solutions to keep your home comfortable all summer long.
