When to First Use Your Central Air Conditioning for the Season?

Indoor Ventilation

• Expert sources such as the Kansas State University Extension and Natural Resources Canada advise only using the air conditioner when indoor ventilation does not cool the home to a comfortable temperature. When the outdoor air is still cool, open windows and use the whole house fan setting along with ceiling fans to move air around the home without using air conditioning. Waiting until late in the warm season when natural ventilation does not cool the house sufficiently can greatly cut down on energy costs.

Thermostat

• Set your air conditioner's thermostat between 77 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This may seem a bit high, but it will ensure that you only use your air conditioner later in the warm season when temperatures become uncomfortably hot and when indoor ventilation does not suffice to cool the home. Close windows when the air conditioner kicks on, but continue using ceiling fans to help distribute cool air throughout the home and allow the air conditioner to work more efficiently.

Regional Variations

• Since warm seasons vary tremendously from region to region, there is no one rule as to the ideal time of year to start running your air conditioner that applies to all areas. The choice of when to start running the air conditioner depends entirely on the individual climate in your geographic area, the construction of your home, your personal comfort needs and many other factors. A home located in the hot and dry extreme heat of west Texas, for instance, will likely need to turn on its air conditioner much earlier in the season than a home in a climate with more humidity and a less intense warm season.

Other Considerations

• In addition to not running your air conditioner until later in the warm season, there are numerous other measures you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your air conditioner and save on long-term energy costs. Installing and maintaining insulation, radiant barriers and weatherstripping can help prevent cool air from escaping the home. Ventilating the attic prevents buildup of exceedingly high temperatures in the attic that will make the air conditioner work harder to cool the entire home. Using drapes and shade trees around the home can also help to cool a home's interior and lessen energy demands on the air conditioner.