How To Protect Your AC Unit From Damage By Following The 20-Degree Rule

When summer temperatures soar, it's not just the outdoor heat that wears you down. You're in a constant battle to keep your home cool without draining your wallet or overworking your AC. One of the most effective ways to break out of that cycle is by following the 20-degree rule. This rule is pretty simple. All you have to do is to make sure that your thermostat is set no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. 

By sticking to this rule, you're keeping things under control, as it prevents putting unnecessary strain on your AC, keeps your home comfortable, and averts the stress of unexpected breakdowns. Ignoring this rule, on the other hand, can set you up for frustration. You might keep lowering the thermostat, only to find your home still feels warm, your energy bills keep increasing, and your system risks breaking down at the peak of summer.

The 20-degree rule keeps your air conditioner running efficiently. Let's say that the temperature outside is 95 degrees Fahrenheit and you're trying to cool your home down to 68 degrees Fahrenheit; your AC will struggle to reach 68 degrees because it's outside the 20-degree rule range. Inputting such unrealistically low temperature settings could be the real reason your electric bill is through the roof. Crucially, when your air conditioner is forced to work beyond its capacity, its parts experience excessive strain. The constant strain means more wear and tear on the system, and, eventually, translates into more money spent on repairs and maintenance. 

Your AC has two main jobs: cooling the air and reducing humidity. Not following the 20-degree rule impacts the latter, too. If the weather is hot and humid, your system may have trouble dehumidifying the air properly while trying to cool it to an impossibly low temperature. That can leave your home feeling sticky and uncomfortable, all while putting extra stress on your AC and shortening its lifespan.

Following the 20-degree rule doesn't mean you have to feel hot or stuffy. For one, you can close your curtains or blinds during the day to block out heat before it even enters your home, so your AC doesn't need to fight as hard to maintain that 20-degree gap. Pairing your AC with a ceiling fan is another easy way to boost comfort and efficiency. Running the AC and a fan at the same time helps circulate cool air so your system doesn't have to work as hard. A dehumidifier can also make a big difference, since summer air tends to be more humid. By reducing that extra moisture with a separate dehumidifier, you feel cooler without setting the thermostat too low.

Regular maintenance is another simple way to reduce wear on the system and keep your home comfortable. Cleaning or replacing your AC filters helps improve its efficiency, and scheduling professional checkups makes sure small issues don't turn into expensive repairs. Quality home insulation slows down heat transfer, so you might not even need the full 20-degree difference to feel comfortable inside. It's often one of many solutions that can help reduce heat in your home without blasting the AC. 

A smart thermostat can make a big difference in controlling your home's indoor climate. It monitors humidity, manages energy use more effectively, and can even be programmed to follow the 20-degree rule automatically. Plus, it's convenient to use from your phone or tablet, so you can stay comfortable without constantly adjusting the settings on the thermostat itself.