Pro tip: Setting your thermostat to 85 to save money actually costs you more in AC repairs down the road.

I worked HVAC for 6 summers in Phoenix and the units that crapped out fastest were always on the hottest days because people cranked the temp way up when they left, then the system had to run for 6 straight hours to cool back down, which wore out the compressor way faster than just keeping it at 78.

2 comments

2 Comments

rowan_roberts4916d ago

My buddy in Tucson ran his AC at 85 for 3 years straight and his unit never had a single issue, just regular maintenance. The whole "compressor wear" argument only holds up if you're letting the temp swing 40 degrees inside, not 7 or 8. Most modern units are built to handle a daily recovery cycle from 85 to 75 just fine, it's the 12 hour runs at 72 that kill them with frost buildup.

margaret_kelly5516d ago

My AC unit and I have a complicated relationship, kind of like me and my coffee maker. I'm the guy who'll set it to 78 and then walk around in a hoodie, which I know makes zero sense. But @rowan_roberts49 is spot on about modern units handling a recovery cycle, I've seen the same thing with neighbors who just do basic upkeep. The frost buildup at low temps is a real killer though, mine got all iced up one summer when I tried to keep it at 70 and it just shut down on me. I guess the big lesson is that your AC is like a car, you can push it hard but you gotta keep up with the oil changes and filters. Take this with a grain of salt though, I'm the guy who also runs his car on a quarter tank of gas because I'm too lazy to fill up.