Hot weather can be hard to tolerate, but knowing the most efficient way to run AC during a heatwave will keep you cool, bills lower and your appliance safe from damage in the longer term.
Because, as it turns out, blasting the AC on full power for hours on end is not the answer, even if it does feel great when it is otherwise too hot to function. Using it in this way could result in some eye-watering energy bills and even damage your AC.
However, that doesn't mean you have to suffer through the sweltering heat. Here, HVAC pros explain how to use your AC efficiently to keep a home cool in a heatwave.
The most efficient way to run your AC in a heatwave
Despite being made to cool down a home in summer, many air conditioning types are not made to function in extreme heat. As a result, they can easily overheat if used incorrectly or for too long.
Luckily, regular maintenance and some unusual methods for staying cool at home can help to minimize damage to your unit while cutting energy bills.
1. Avoid turning your AC down
Smart thermostats usually allow you to control the temperature from your phone, too.
Although it sounds counterintuitive, the best temperature to set your AC in summer is not the lowest. The lower the temperature you set, the harder your AC will have to work.
Dereck Granados, HVAC instructor at Universal Technical Institute, explains, ‘Setting your thermostat to extremely low temperatures won’t cool your home any faster but will force your AC to work harder. Aim to set your thermostat around in the mid-70s and use ceiling or portable fans to help create a breeze and move the cooler air around without overloading the HVAC system.’
Similarly, keep your AC set to a consistent temperature to avoid temperature fluctuations, making your AC work harder. Scott Levene, VP of Levco, a family-owned HVAC service company, suggests, ‘Aim for 75–78°F when you're home. If you're going to be away, raise it a few degrees to help with energy bill costs.’
Using a smart thermostat, such as the Honeywell smart thermostat, available at Best Buy, can help you keep tabs on your AC settings more easily.
2. Make sure your AC is clean
Cleaning regularly will also improve air quality.
Cleaning an air conditioner is key to running your AC efficiently in a heatwave. Shelley Nytes, manager at Valentine Plumbing and Heating, urges, ‘Make sure your air vents and filters are clean so air can flow freely; blocked or dirty vents can force the system to overwork and use more energy than needed.
‘Similarly, make sure the fins on your A/C unit outside are clear of pollen, grass clippings, and other debris. Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping your AC running efficiently and preventing breakdowns in high heat.’
To make this task easier, you can vacuum an AC system to remove dust and debris quickly. The best lightweight vacuums, such as the budget Ultenic U16 Flex vacuum from Amazon, make this cleaning tip less physically taxing.
3. ‘Pre-cool’ your home
Blocking sunlight keeps your home cooler.
How long it takes for an AC to cool a room depends on several factors, with the starting temperature of the room one of the most important. To prevent your AC from overheating in a heatwave, take steps to pre-cool your home. The easiest way to do this is to use blackout curtains to keep heat out.
Richie Drew, VP of operations at One Hour Heating & Cooling, explains, ‘Installing blinds or heavy curtains can substantially decrease the amount of heat that seeps into the room via the window. This is an especially important step if your room faces the sun as it rises or sets.
‘While not right for every window or room, draperies are often the most decorative and elaborate window treatments you can choose. They can also be the most helpful when it comes to staying cool in the summer.
'Your choice of fabric will make a big difference in your interior decor, but it’s what’s on the other side of the drapes that matters more for energy efficiency. Drapes with light-colored material facing out will reflect more sunlight, working to keep the room cool on hot days.’
Walmart offers a series of blackout and thermal drapes in seven colors and 10 sizes to suit any space.
Reflective window film can help to black heat from entering your home, reflecting the suns rays back out of your home to keep inside feeling cooler during the day.
4. Cool room by room
Closing internal doors makes cooling the room you are in, easier.
The bigger the space, the harder it is to cool. To make your AC unit more efficient in a heatwave, Dereck says, ‘Make sure nothing is blocking your vents, like furniture or curtains, and close doors to unused rooms so your AC can cool larger or more frequently used spaces more efficiently.’
5. Use fans to circulate cool air
Ceiling fans can push cool air back down to recirculate.
Don’t make your AC do all the work in a heatwave. To protect the unit from overheating, use fans to cool down a room too.
Scott suggests, ‘Use ceiling and box fans to help circulate the air. Make sure that your ceiling fans are spinning counter-clockwise to push cool air downward. Use box fans in open windows during the night to help draw cooler air in.’
This powerful Shark fan isn't for your desk, but it remains a firm favorite among shoppers, with more than 4000 being sold on Amazon alone in the last few weeks. It has 10 speeds and noise levels, delivers powerful breezes with up to 180° oscillation, and the twin blades can be turned in different directions, making it versatile and brilliant for busy households.
FAQs
Why is my AC making it hotter?
An AC that is making a home hotter may be malfunctioning or overheating, especially if you are running it on maximum power during extreme heat. It may also need servicing to remove debris, clean filters, and top up refrigerant. A HVAC service pro will be able to diagnose the issue.
What happens if an AC unit overheats?
If an air conditioner overheats, the system can become less efficient, possibly causing dangerous refrigerant leaks and eventual compressor failure. Preventing your AC unit from overheating and turning it off as soon as it starts to get too hot can protect the unit from permanent and expensive damage.
Meet the experts
Dereck has been teaching the next generations of HVCA technicians since 2015.
Scott is the vice president at Levco, which is an oil and HVAC service company in Trumbull, CT. Scott has been working for the company for over 18 years, and has helped numerous clients find smart cooling solutions.
In addition to his role as VP of operations, Richie is the owner of One Hour Franchise locations in Myrtle Beach SC, Charleston SC and Wilmington, NC. He has over 28 years of experience in the HVAC industry and proudly represents the third generation in his family to continue that legacy.
It is a good idea to have an emergency home cooling kit in your home throughout summer, especially if you live in an area prone to very high temperatures or heat waves.
These kits hold everything you need to stay safe and healthy, even if your AC fails or the power goes out.
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