The 20-Degree Rule Could Save Your AC This Summer

Your AC may be working harder than it should during Chicago’s hottest days.

The 20-Degree Rule: What Chicago Homeowners Should Know

When summer heat hits Chicago, it is easy to keep lowering the thermostat and expect your AC to catch up fast. But your air conditioner has limits.

A common HVAC guideline called the 20-degree rule means your AC is generally designed to cool indoor air about 20 degrees lower than the air outside. So on a 95-degree day, your system may have to work extremely hard to keep your home around 75 degrees.

Setting the thermostat too low will not cool your home faster. It can make your AC run constantly, raise your energy bills, strain the compressor, and shorten the life of your system.

A few simple steps can help your AC perform better:

• Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature.
• Close curtains during peak sun hours.
• Use ceiling fans to help rooms feel cooler.
• Change your air filter regularly.

Watch for warm air, weak airflow, strange noises, high energy bills, or an AC that never reaches the set temperature.

If your air conditioner is struggling to keep up, Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc. can help inspect your system, improve performance, and catch problems before they become costly breakdowns.

Call Around the Town Heating & Cooling Inc. at 312-243-9896 with questions or to schedule AC service.