Stay Cool and Conserve Energy this summer!

When you step into a cooler room from a warm environment, you experience a temperature differential. Temperature differential refers to the difference in temperature between two points or objects. The temperature differential between the indoor and outdoor environments impacts how hard the AC system has to work. A larger differential generally means the AC has to work harder to cool the indoor space, which can lead to increased energy consumption and operational costs.

When outdoor temperatures are close to indoor temperatures  the system can operate more efficiently. The temperature differential between the supply air (air coming out of the AC vents) and the return air (air being drawn back into the system) helps gauge the performance of the AC unit. Ideally, this differential should average around 15-20°F lower than the outside temperature. If the differential is too low, it might indicate issues with the system, such as poor airflow or inadequate cooling. It can also occur with insufficient window coverings (e.g. plastic mini-blinds vs. blackout curtains), windows or doors being left open for extended periods, non-LED light bulbs being used, etc.

Also, based on the climate in some areas - Houston, TX being among those - it may not be achievable to cool the interior of the home to a larger differential. For example, if the outside temperature is 105° the interior may only reach a temperature of 85°-90°.

To optimize comfort and efficiency:



1. Set your thermostat to a temperature that is comfortable but not excessively lower than the outdoor temperature. Extreme differences can lead to higher energy consumption and potentially strain the system. Use a smart thermostat that can  help manage the temperature differential more efficiently by adjusting settings based on your schedule, occupancy, and outdoor weather.
2. Proper insulation and sealing of your home can help reduce the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor environments.
3. Ceiling fans can help circulate air and make it feel cooler. Remember to turn them off when you leave a room.
4. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove heat and humidity. Consider using natural ventilation in the evenings when temperatures drop.
5. Use Blackout curtains or shades that can effectively block out light and heat, keeping indoor spaces cooler. Ensure that curtains cover the entire window and extend beyond the edges to block out heat effectively.
6. Weather stripping helps seal gaps around doors, preventing warm or cool air from escaping and outside air from entering.
7. Planting trees or installing shading structures can help block direct sunlight from hitting your home and reduce cooling costs.
8. Regularly clean or replace air filters, and have your air conditioning system serviced to ensure it runs efficiently.

Effective cooling strategies can significantly reduce your energy bills. Air conditioning can be a major expense, so conserving energy helps keep costs down. You can try to mitigate, but with the higher heat index in Houston, TX it may not be achievable without extensive additional cost in your energy bills because the system will run longer and harder. You can use this energy cost estimate HERE to get an idea of what your monthly electricity cost would be using a medium central AC (commonly in homes up to 1600 square feet) or a large central AC (commonly in homes over 1600 square feet).