The 20° rule for air conditioning is a guideline for performance that suggests the air coming out of central supply vents should be 20°F cooler than the air going back into the system. Your HVAC contractor in Suffolk County will usually use this as a target when configuring a central air system to ensure comfort and efficiency.

Why the 20 Degree Rule for AC Matters

Following the 20-degree rule for air conditioning has practical benefits:

• More Efficient Cooling: Keeping a 20-degree delta between supply and return vents helps to reduce your electricity bills. Large variations between supply and return air can significantly increase energy consumption.
• HVAC System Longevity: The 20-degree rule also prevents the AC from running at its maximum output. It helps to protect the compressor and reduce the risk of frozen coils.

Maintaining the Temperature Differential

Poorly maintained systems will struggle to adhere to the 20°F rule. Dirty filters and coils will reduce efficiency. You should have your air conditioner cleaned and maintained every spring. Long Island’s warmest weather starts in late June, but humidity is already a factor in late spring, making your home feel even warmer. Now is the best time to schedule an HVAC seasonal tune-up.

• Yearly cleaning of your AC coils prevents dust and grime buildup and allows the system to work more efficiently. It will use less energy to keep your home cool.
• Cleaning your filters also keeps the system efficient and helps to keep your indoor air quality high. A technician will clean your filters during a seasonal tune-up, but you should also clean (or replace) your filters every three months.
• A seasonal tune-up with an HVAC contractor will also include crucial safety and electrical checks, thermostat configuration, lubrication (crucial for fan bearings and other moving parts), and general optimization.

Seasonal tune-ups are essential if your air conditioner is still under warranty. Service with a licensed HVAC contractor will protect your warranty.

What’s the Best Temperature for Summer Cooling on Long Island?

The best temperature for your AC in summer is from 70°F to 77°F. This is the ideal temperature for the return air going back into your system. The air coming from your supply vents would be around 50°F to 57°F.

If you want to save even more energy and reduce your bills, setting your thermostat to 80°F in summer would be even better. This provides good comfort for most people, and you can use space fans or ceiling fans to increase comfort through the wind-chill effect.

Choose the Best HVAC Contractor in Suffolk County for Seasonal AC Maintenance

Soundview HVAC is one of the top-rated heating and cooling companies on Long Island and has served Suffolk County for over 25 years. We’re ready to maintain your air conditioner with a detailed seasonal tune-up.

Book air conditioner maintenance by calling our team at 631-209-1744 today.