Summer is filled with time away from home, lots of outdoor activities, and quality time with your loved ones. But as the warmer weather draws to a close and the crisp autumn air begins to set in, you may start to wonder when it’s time to turn off your air conditioners for the season. Knowing the right time to make the switch can help you save energy, reduce wear and tear on your system, and ensure a comfortable transition to cooler weather.
But when is it best to turn off the system and begin preparing for the colder months to come? At Ridgeline Heating & Cooling, we understand that homeowners want to do everything in their power to protect their investment in their home cooling systems. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few factors you should consider before you decide to turn off your air conditioner for the summer and turn your attention to the upcoming winter months.
1. Monitor the Weather
One of the easiest ways to determine if it is time to turn off your air conditioner is by keeping an eye on the upcoming forecast. As the temperature starts to consistently drop below your comfort levels, it might be time for you to switch of your cooling system. Many homeowners choose to switch off this system when the weather is regularly below 70° F. It is important that you don’t just monitor the daytime temperatures. Consider the nighttime temperatures as well to ensure your home remains comfortable no matter the time of the day.
2. Assess Your Comfort Levels
Your comfort levels are incredibly important when considering whether it is time to turn off your air conditioner for the summer. If you find that opening your windows and using fans is enough to keep you home at a pleasant temperature, it is probably a good time for you to consider turning off your air conditioning unit. As you reach the end of summer and the earliest traces of fall come to town, natural ventilation, like opening a window and letting in a breeze, are often sufficient enough to keep your home comfortable.
3. Check Humidity Levels
The humidity levels near you play a significant role in how comfortable your home feels. High humidity can make it feel much warmer than it actually is. If the humidity levels near you drop along with the temperature, you might not need your air conditioner to maintain comfort levels any longer. A dehumidifier may also be a great way to manage any remaining moisture in the air if you are otherwise comfortable with the outdoor temperature.
4. Consider Energy Levels
If you don’t turn off your air conditioner when it is no longer necessary, you may begin to notice an uptick in your energy consumption and utility bills. Turning off your air conditioning as soon as the temperature is cool enough can help you conserve energy and save money over time. It may also reduce the wear and tear on your system, potentially extending its lifespan.
5. Perform End-of-Season Maintenance
Before you turn off your air conditioner for the season, it’s a good idea to perform a maintenance check. Clean or replace the air filters, check the outdoor unit for any debris, and ensure that all components are functioning correctly. You might also want to consider scheduling professional maintenance for your system to ensure it is ready for the next cooling season. This can also give you an opportunity to catch minor problems that may have otherwise gone overlooked.
6. Utilize Your Thermostat Settings
If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, you might want to take advantage of its features to optimize your home’s temperature. Try to set the thermostat to a higher temperature during the day when you’re away and lower it in the evening when you’re home. As your need for cooling begins to decrease, you can gradually adjust these settings to minimize your air conditioning usage before inevitably turning the system off entirely.
7. Prepare for Cooler Nights
As the fall months draw closer, the nights tend to get cooler, even if the days are still warm. If you want to turn off your air conditioner, you might want to consider making adjustments to your living space to do so. Consider using lighter bedding and keeping your window open at night to allow cool air to circulate. This can reduce the need for air conditioning and help you transition to relying on your heating system as needed.
8. Know When to Switch to Heating
There may come a point when the cooling season might overlap with your need for heating. If daytime temperatures are still warm but nights are cold, you might need to use both your air conditioning and heater in the same day. Use your judgment when deciding to do this and adjust your HVAC system accordingly to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature before you inevitably turn off your air conditioner.
Turn Off Your Air Conditioner and Prepare for Winter in Idaho Falls
When it is time to turn off your air conditioner and turn on your heater, it is important that you perform the necessary maintenance to ensure the system is prepared for the cooler weather. When you’re ready to do this, turn to our team at Ridgeline Heating & Cooling. With decades of experience helping homeowners prepare their HVAC systems for the upcoming weather, we’re confident that we’re the right team for you.
From regular system maintenance to repairs, replacements, and more, our team provides a variety of services to ensure we’re meeting every homeowner’s unique needs. If you would like to schedule maintenance for your heater after you turn off your air conditioner or if you have questions about the HVAC services we provide, please contact our team today for support.