You can invest in the most modern and expensive air conditioning system on the market, but all those cutting-edge features won’t matter if you don’t know what to set your AC to in spring to maximize efficiency and comfort. Luckily for you, finding the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency isn’t nearly as hard as it may seem. 

In previous articles, we supplied you with a brief guide on how to make your AC spring-ready and explained why keeping your air conditioner clean is essential and how to do it. Now we’ll explain how you can set up your AC to optimize its performance during the warmer months of the year. Read on to learn more. 

What should my AC be set to in spring?

Normal cooling settings for thermostats in Chandler, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other Arizona cities are recommended to be at 75-80 degrees fahrenheit. Setting them higher than this while you’re home can make your home feel stuffy, while setting them lower will shorten the life of your AC by forcing it to keep up with the extreme Arizona temperatures. 

Here’s a good rule of thumb when setting your temperatures:

• 78 degrees fahrenheit when you’re home
• 85 degrees fahrenheit when you’re away or at work
• 82 degrees fahrenheit while you’re sleeping

What is the ideal AC setting?

Unfortunately, a universal answer to this question simply doesn’t exist. Your and your family’s ideal settings will vary widely depending on the time of year, the weather conditions in your area, the insulation in your home, the size of your AC relative to the size of the area it’s supposed to cool or heat up, the way your body reacts to changes in temperature, and more.

Furthermore, aging or faulty air conditioners can become less efficient than they used to be. As a result, the same temperature settings that used to be perfect for you before will no longer be able to “hit the sweet spot” in your household. 

When in doubt, it’s best to follow the settings we recommended above, or reach out to a reputable HVAC service and consult with a registered technician directly. 

How to save energy when setting your thermostat?

As a general rule, you want to set your thermostat to the highest possible temperature you can stand during summer, and vice versa during winter. This way, you’ll be able to maintain comfortable temperatures without overburdening your HVAC system and adding hundreds of dollars to your energy bill.

Other ways to keep your home cool include:

• Blinds and blackout curtains can be used to block direct sunlight, which will greatly reduce the amount of heat that gets into your home.
• Throw open the windows. In many parts of America, night temperatures are as many as 20 degrees lower than day temperatures. In the evening, simply switch off your AC and open the windows to let in cool air.
• Ceiling fans can make any room they’re in feel up to 4 degrees colder. This enables you to save energy by setting your thermostat higher.

Who should I call when I need AC repair in Chandler, Arizona?

If you still aren’t sure what to set your AC to in the spring, or your air conditioner has started acting up in some way, your best course of action is to reach out to Hughes Air. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, we are your top choice for all your heating and cooling needs in Chandler. 

Our technicians will gladly deal with any HVAC-related problem you may have while you focus on your other responsibilities or simply relax at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center with your friends and loved ones. Call us today. 

Modern ACs are a truly wonderful invention. They’re extremely reliable, provide unparalleled comfort during spring, summer, and even winter, and cost far less than equivalent models used to cost 20 or 30 years ago.

However, no machine lasts forever, and air conditioners are no exception. Eventually, normal wear and dirt buildup will cause your AC to malfunction in some way, or become inefficient to the point where keeping it is no longer financially viable. 

But how can you tell when it’s time to replace your air conditioner? What are some telltale signs of an AC at the end of its life? How much does AC replacement cost in Chandler, Arizona? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions. 

What are the signs of a failing air conditioner?

According to the US Department of Energy, the average life expectancy for a central air conditioning system is between 10 and 15 years, assuming they receive annual servicing and are properly prepared for the current season. 

If your AC is 15 years old or older, it may be a good idea to replace it even if it isn’t obviously faulty, simply because newer models offer superior features and increased energy efficiently even during the winter months. 

Here are 5 signs you should replace your AC:

1. Your current AC uses R-22 Freon

The federal government has phased out the production of Freon at the start of 2020. While this popular refrigerant can still be added to your air conditioning system if necessary, it’s simply not worth the high price tag. For this reason, it’s more cost-effective to simply switch to a different cooling system.

2. Your air conditioner is constantly breaking down

Old ACs are similar to old cars in that they tend to malfunction frequently and require frequent repairs. If your AC has gotten to this stage, it’s probably better for your wallet to replace it rather than to keep wasting time and money on repairs. 

3. It’s not doing its job

If you’re not getting cold or warm air when you turn on the cooling or heating mode on your AC, or the cooling just isn’t as effective as it used to be, you may be dealing with faulty wiring or even refrigerant leaks. Call a licensed HVAC technician to check the unit and advise you whether you should repair or replace it.

4. There’s moisture around your AC

Seeing some condensation around your indoor AC unit is normal. However, if you spot water stains on the walls or puddles under the air conditioner, your condensate line may be faulty. This can usually be repaired by an experienced technician, but not always. If it’s the latter, you’ll have to get a new AC.

5. Bad or otherwise unusual odors

An indoor AC unit should never give off unpleasant odors. If this is the case with your air conditioner, you’re probably dealing with severe underlying issues and potentially very expensive repairs, to the point where it’s better to just purchase a new unit.

Where can I get a first-rate AC replacement at an affordable cost?

Picture the following scenario: you’ve just enjoyed a hot summer afternoon at the Hamilton Aquatic Center with your loved ones. You arrive home, eager to cool down after spending hours in the heat, only to discover that your AC has suddenly died or is unable to cool your home properly. 

A frustrating situation, right? Here at Hughes Air, we’d like to make sure you never experience anything like it by providing you with the very finest HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services in Chandler, Arizona. Contact us today.