What Lexington, KY, Homeowners Should Know About the Air Conditioning 20-Degree Rule

As the summer heat intensifies in Lexington, KY, understanding how to effectively use your air conditioning system becomes crucial. One key concept that can help maintain comfort while controlling your energy bills is the air conditioning 20-degree rule.



At Watson Heating & Air, we're the leading provider of professional air conditioning repair in Lexington, KY, and we remain committed to helping you maximize the efficiency of your AC unit. In this guide, we will explain the air conditioning 20-degree rule and how it can help you reduce energy usage.

What Is the AC 20-Degree Rule?

The 20-degree rule is a guideline suggesting that the indoor temperature of your home should not be set more than 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. This rule is recommended to prevent your AC unit from overworking, which can lead to high energy bills and potential maintenance issues. For instance, if it's 95 degrees outside, setting your thermostat to 75 degrees adheres to this rule, ensuring efficient operation without overburdening the system.

Why does this matter? Adhering to the air conditioning 20-degree rule helps maintain a balance that can prevent excessive wear on your air conditioning system, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending its lifespan.

What’s the Best Temperature To Set Your Air Conditioner To?

When deciding how to set your thermostat, it's important to consider both comfort and efficiency. The Department of Energy and various HVAC experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when at home during the summer. This setting is a good balance between keeping your home comfortably cool and keeping your energy consumption in check.

Additionally, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential, not just for comfort but also for health. The right AC settings help manage humidity levels and air purity, contributing to a healthier home environment.

More Ways To Cool Your Home During Hot Lexington Summers

Beyond setting your thermostat wisely, there are several strategies you can employ to keep your home cool.

Use Fans

Ceiling fans are a great complement to your air conditioning system. By circulating the air, fans can make a room feel up to four degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without compromising on comfort. This can lead to significant energy savings over the summer months. Fans are most effective when used in occupied rooms because they directly cool people by increasing air movement.

Shade and Insulation

Controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your home can significantly affect your indoor temperature and AC efficiency. Utilize drapes, blinds, or shades to block direct sunlight, especially during peak hours. This can reduce heat gain and help your AC unit maintain cool temperatures more effortlessly. Proper insulation is equally important; it keeps the cool air inside and hot air outside, stabilizing your home's indoor temperature and reducing the burden on your air conditioning system.

Routine Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your air conditioning system operates at peak efficiency. This should include tasks like cleaning or replacing air filters every 30 to 90 days, checking the coolant levels, and inspecting the condenser unit for any potential issues. Scheduled professional check-ups can prevent unexpected breakdowns during heat waves, ensuring that your AC unit is ready to perform when you need it most. Maintaining your AC not only helps in extending its lifespan but also ensures that it is running efficiently, keeping your energy bills lower.

Why Does AC Efficiency Matter?

So why do efficiency and the air conditioning 20-degree rule matter in the first place?

Efficient air conditioning is crucial not just for reducing energy bills but also for minimizing environmental impact. By optimizing how we cool our homes, we contribute less to peak load demands on power grids, which can help prevent power outages and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Remember, an efficient AC unit not only saves money but also protects the environment.

Watson Heating & Air: Your Partner in Efficient Cooling

At Watson Heating & Air, we understand the importance of a reliable and efficient air conditioning system, especially during the scorching Kentucky summers. By following the air conditioning 20-degree rule, you can ensure that your home remains a sanctuary of comfort without incurring unnecessary costs. If you're looking to keep your air conditioning from freezing up or need any other assistance, we're here to help.

Remember, when it comes to setting your thermostat, it's not just about keeping cool — it's about being smart. Call us today at (859) 695-2989 for all your air conditioning needs in Lexington, KY. Trust Watson Heating & Air to keep your home comfortable and your AC running efficiently.