Springtime in the Midwest means one day, you can bask in the warm sunshine, and the next, you have to dig out a sweatshirt to ward off a chill. It’s a season of meteorological mood swings, which makes deciding when to turn on your air conditioning feel like an impossible guessing game. If you’re not sure when to turn on AC in spring, you aren’t alone, but Star Heating & Cooling, the leader in AC services in Cicero, IN, is here to help.
Finding the Magic Number
The fact is there’s no single ideal AC turn-on temperature. A 75-degree day that feels comfortable to one person might seem unbearably hot to another, so deciding when to turn on the AC in spring is largely a personal preference.
However, you can follow a few guidelines to achieve the ideal balance of comfort and energy efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home during the summer, so waiting until the outside temperature soars above that point is a good rule of thumb. Just remember to turn it off at night if the outside temperatures dip into the 50s to keep the bills in check; you can always open windows and let nature do the cooling for free.
Don’t Just Flip the Switch: Getting Your Cicero Air Conditioner Ready for the Season
When the outside temperatures start heating up but are still too cool to turn on the cooling system, it’s a great time to prepare for spring AC activation. Taking care of a few seasonal air conditioning startup tasks before you unleash the refrigerated air ensures the system runs reliably and has no issues that will require expensive repairs later on.
Your spring HVAC readiness plan should include:
- Scheduling a tune-up. A professional inspection and cleaning in the spring ensures everything’s ready to go and no minor issues can turn into big headaches later.
- Change the filter. A clogged air filter forces your AC to work overtime, so change it every one to three months for peak performance.
- Clear the outdoor unit. Cicero winters can cause debris and leaves to pile up around your condenser. Clear at least two feet of space around it to ensure proper airflow.
- Check the vents. Make sure all the vents are open and not blocked by furniture, curtains, or other items so it will work efficiently when you decide when to turn on AC in spring.
- Give it a test run. Before that first 80-degree day, take a day for a pre-summer AC activation to make sure the system’s not making any weird noises or struggling to cool.
Keeping Your Cicero Home Cool Without Breaking the Bank
Once you figure out the timing for AC spring use, you don’t want your energy bill to spike. Here’s how to keep your house cool without emptying your wallet.
1. Set It and Forget It
Your AC doesn’t need to blast Arctic air 24/7. The sweet spot for energy savings is about 78°F when you’re home and 85°F when you’re away. Use a programmable or smart thermostat so it can automatically adjust the temperature for you.
2. Use Fans
Ceiling fans can make a room feel cooler just by moving air around. Run them counterclockwise in warm months so you can set the air conditioner at a higher temperature and use less energy.
3. Close the Curtains
Sunlight streaming through your windows can turn rooms into greenhouses. Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours, especially on south- and west-facing windows, to keep things cooler.
4. Seal Leaks
Keep cool air inside so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. Check doors and windows for leaks, and if you feel a draft, replace the weatherstripping or caulk.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity makes the heat feel way worse than it is. A dehumidifier can make a room feel more comfortable without lowering the temperature, so you might not need to run the AC as much.