But you shouldn't run your AC if the temperature is below 60°F. Heat pumps: Modern heat pumps are effective at around 25 to 30°F. Ductless mini-splits: Avoid using the cooling function when temperatures fall below 60°F.
The lowest outside temperature at which to run your AC is typically around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. At temperatures below this range, your air conditioner might not operate efficiently, causing increased energy consumption and potential strain on the system.
When the AC temperature is too low, between 60-67 degrees F (15-19 degrees C), the evaporator coil inside the unit can get excessively cold. If the humidity in the room is high, condensation can accumulate on the coil, which may lead to the formation of frost or ice.
There is a point where your set point is too low and the system will freeze. This point is different in different systems and is also influenced by things like airflow and humidity. Once operating suction pressure drops below a saturation temp of 32 degrees F, you are going to start freezing up.
Unlike low temp refrigeration systems, like your freezer, your AC unit is not designed to take your space into freezing temperatures – not even close! An AC unit is happiest creating space temperatures no lower than 68 degrees fahrenheit.
What's the 20-Degree Rule for My Air Conditioner? In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature.
Temperatures Above 100 Degrees Fahrenheit
When temperatures outside become higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the air conditioning system can consume more energy and begin to malfunction or fail. Most air conditioning systems are designed to function with outside temperatures of 100 degrees or less.
Dirty air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which can make it harder for your AC unit to cool your home. If your air filter is dirty, it's recommended to replace it every 1-3 months. Low refrigerant: Refrigerant is a liquid that helps your AC unit transfer heat from inside your home to the outside.
You need your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable during the hottest months, but when the temperature is at its peak, you need to be careful. If you set the thermostat too low, it strains the AC. This leads to air conditioning malfunctions and costly repairs.
This sounds unbelievable, but it does happen, especially in higher altitudes. This is why many HVAC experts say you shouldn't lower your thermostat below 72 degrees during warm months or below 78 degrees in the hot months.
So, how cold can my air con go? Most air conditioning units are designed to go as low as 17°C, but do note that air conditioners are designed to achieve an inside temperature that is up to 11°C lower than the outside temperature.
IS 68 TOO COLD FOR AC? Setting your AC to 68°F might feel too cold for some, especially in residential settings, as it is lower than the typical comfort range. However, preferences vary, and this temperature might be suitable for those who prefer cooler environments.
For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.
But you shouldn't run your AC if the temperature is below 60°F. Heat pumps: Modern heat pumps are effective at around 25 to 30°F. Ductless mini-splits: Avoid using the cooling function when temperatures fall below 60°F.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 64 degrees (F) in the Winter months while people are in the home.
HVAC experts will tell you all the same thing: turning your thermostat to a lower setting DOES NOT cool your home faster. Setting your thermostat to 65 degrees will not get your home cooler faster than setting it at 73.
In most cases, air conditioners only have one speed (though some have variable speed settings to improve energy efficiency). Lowering the temperature too much causes your air conditioner to operate longer, causing more wear and tear on it as well as higher utility bills.
In most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees. The air conditioner does function, but you are going to burn out the compressor fairly quickly.
For example, HVAC specialists recommend setting your thermostat no lower than 20 degrees the outside temperature. Suppose the outdoor temperature in your area is a blistering 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It's probably best to keep your thermostat between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress on your unit.
If it's 90 degrees outside, most people would set their AC to a perfectly comfortable temperature of 68-72°F.
One possible reason your AC is not reaching the set temperature is that the thermostat could be dirty. If dirt, dust, or other debris has accumulated within the thermostat box, it can cause the wires to heat up or other issues. Thermostats are cleaned during routine HVAC maintenance to help prevent this from happening.
A broken air conditioner may be considered an emergency in any of the following situations: Your AC has broken down on an extremely hot day (above 90 degrees) You have young children, elderly adults, or immune-compromised people in your home that may be sensitive to excessive heat.
Air conditioners are designed for comfort cooling, not reaching extremely cold temperatures. The exact minimum can vary by model, but most AC units will cool a room down to around 16°C (61°F) or 18°C (64°F).
Set a reasonable temperature: HVAC professionals strongly recommend never setting the thermostat lower than 68 degrees in the summer. To balance comfort and energy efficiency, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're at home and awake.