What Is The Best Setting For A Window Air Conditioner?
What Is The Best Setting For A Window Air Conditioner?
The ideal temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit or 25.6 Degrees Celsius. It’s an ideal temperature, according to Energy Star. 78 degrees Fahrenheit keeps you reasonably cool and comfortable during the day. It should also not cause your electric bill to skyrocket. In addition, a too-low temperature can be equally uncomfortable.
If you are trying to save energy and money on your electric bill, set your thermostat at the highest level that is still comfortable. At this temperature, your unit will not have to work hard to keep you cool. If you can control your environment and choose the right setting without sweating, then by all means choose it.
If you run your AC too cold, or if it’s in a room that has no thermostat (such as an outdoor shed), then the whole thing could break down from being overworked.
The higher or lower you go with the temperature settings on your air conditioner, the more energy it will use and your electric bill will increase. If you have to keep your home warm in winter, then it’s best to just lower the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit at night so that your body temperature lowers overnight and is not as hot during the day.
The temperature should be set according to personal preference and current weather conditions. The most energy-efficient temperature is about 78ºF (26.7ºC). But remember that if you set your air conditioner too low, you may have skin trouble. Keep your thermostat at 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your home has central air conditioning, then use a programmable thermostat for added energy efficiency. You can set the temperature as much as two or three degrees lower than usual for eight hours every night and four hours in the morning. This saves up to 4% on cooling costs.
Should A Window Air Conditioner Be Covered?
No. If your home has window air conditioning units rather than central air conditioning, you will not need an AC cover. Placing plastic over these systems will trap moisture and allow mold to grow. Instead, remove the unit from the window and store it inside your home or garage.
When you want to use it again, simply put the unit back in its window and re-hang the plastic. If you live in an area where it is common to have wet weather in the summer, you may want to invest in a dry-tech cover. These run between $30 and $60, but they will also keep your AC from rusting and help maintain your unit’s efficiency.
However, if your home is only used for storage during the winter months, then it is probably not cost-effective to buy a dry-tech air conditioner cover. The better alternative would be to simply fold up all of your items so that they are not directly exposed to rain or moisture during times of weakness in the weather system.
If you have a central air conditioning unit and wish to keep it covered, follow the same step-by-step instructions above, but with a few modifications. First, remove your AC from its window. Then seal all open vents and doors on the unit with plastic wrap or tape them off completely.
Next, run a vapor barrier over the entire surface of the unit to further prevent moisture damage. At last, use aluminum foil tape or another insulation material to secure your dry tech cover over your system’s return vents and electrical components.
Remember that AC covers should only be used outside where units are not storing anything valuable. They are not designed for indoor storage purposes since their plastic is porous and can cause mold buildup from trapped moisture in warmer months.
What Do You Do If Your Window Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling?
- A clogged air filter: A dirty air filter will cause your AC to have to work harder, which means higher energy bills. Change or clean your filters every month to keep your unit running smoothly and efficiently. It is recommended that the AC filter be checked by Urban Company and replaced if it is clogged.
- Inadequate thermostat settings: Try turning the thermostat up in your home by a few degrees. This can help your air conditioner cool your house faster while using less energy. Always set the AC thermostat to “Auto” rather than “On.” This is a common cause of your air conditioner not cooling.
- A filthy outside unit: A filthy air filter can restrict airflow. This causes the unit to work harder, which means higher energy bills. Give your unit a quick cleaning before you turn it on each time, and check the filter often to ensure that it is not clogged.
- Defective motors: Air conditioners are constantly working to cool your home. If a motor malfunctions, your unit can overheat. Call in a professional to give the motor a thorough inspection to determine whether it should be repaired or replaced.
- Low refrigerant concentration: Your air conditioner’s refrigerant separates into two parts. One part goes through the compressor, and the other through the condenser. If you do not have enough refrigerant in your system, your unit won’t be as efficient.
This problem can be identified by signs such as hissing or bubbling noises and ice buildup on the outside unit. Once identified, contact a professional to resolve the issue.
- A faulty compressor: A faulty compressor will cause your unit to run harder, which means higher energy bills. Call in a professional to give the compressor a thorough inspection to determine whether it should be repaired or replaced.