Can Your House Get Too Cool in the Summer?

On a hot summer day here in northeastern Oklahoma, it’s tempting to believe that there’s no such thing as “too cool” when it comes to your home’s indoor environment. Yes, a well-maintained central air conditioning system should keep the household comfortable on even the hottest days. However, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to pushing indoor temperatures down too far. Here are some reasons why “cool” is better than “too cool” inside your home.

AC Capacity Is Fixed

Central air conditioners are generally sized to a specific house with a BTU capacity sufficient to maintain indoor temperatures 20 degrees below what are typically the highest outdoor temperatures. No thermostat adjustments can make a unit extract more BTUs of heat than its rated capacity. Pushing thermostat settings excessively low on a very hot day simply results in longer and longer AC cycles, wasting energy and incurring wear and tear on your HVAC unit without making much difference in the indoor temperature.

Hot Is Attracted to Cold

The laws of thermodynamics dictate that heat energy always moves from a hotter zone into a cooler zone. The greater the differential between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the more actively outside heat energy infiltrates the indoors by seeping through structural cracks and gaps, as well as areas where home insulation is not fully adequate to resist heat transfer. Narrowing the differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures — while still staying in the comfort zone — helps reduce heat gain.

"Too Cool" Costs More

A residential central air conditioner is engineered to run most efficiently at a thermostat setting around 78 degrees. AC efficiency declines as that setting is lowered. Pushing the thermostat down another 8 degrees to 70, for example, can boost monthly cooling costs by a full 10%. On the other hand, utilizing options to augment central air conditioning, such as high-efficiency ceiling fans that keep air moving, can allow you to increase the AC thermostat setting a few degrees above 78, saving money without decreasing the sensation of coolness.

For cool comfort without trying to be too cool this summer, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

Does Your AC Depend on Modern Plumbing?

Many things can affect your AC unit’s efficiency and performance. One thing that may not come to mind is how your home’s AC drainage and plumbing system work together. A modern AC system with a modern plumbing system makes for an efficient home.

Modern Plumbing and Your AC System

Many homes have their HVAC system tied to their plumbing system. HVAC systems produce moisture, which is collected and removed by the unit itself in the form of a drainage pan and a drainage line, with some differences depending on the design of the AC unit. This collected moisture is then drained through your home's plumbing system. An up-to-date plumbing system can make draining more efficient, faster and reduce the chance for overflow.

The Condensate Drain

HVAC units have a condensation drain (or line) to direct moisture away from your HVAC unit. If this becomes clogged, it can damage your home and the AC unit itself due to water collection and overflows. These blockages can also extend to your home’s internal plumbing system, and many homes have their condensation drainage lines connected to the bathroom’s drainage system. This can create situations where plumbing issues can affect your AC’s ability to drain condensation and, in turn, if your AC drainage is malfunctioning, it can cause other issues, such as the bathroom sink becoming clogged.

The Dangers of Overflows and Blockages

Without modern plumbing, your AC unit may not drain the way it should. This collected water can damage your AC unit and plumbing, cause electrical issues, and damage the structure of your home. Issues such as mold, rot, and wood damage can occur, as can leaks to the floors below if your AC unit is located upstairs.

In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, you have many different HVAC service providers to choose from. At Air Assurance, our many years of award-winning service and highly trained staff set us apart. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.