St. George, UT – As Southern Utah temperatures climb toward triple digits, air conditioning becomes essential for comfort and safety. But running your AC efficiently doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing energy bills. Max Ahlvers, HVACR Technician instructor at Dixie Technical College, shares professional insights on keeping your home cool while controlling costs this summer.
The 20-Degree Rule
Understanding how your AC works can help you set realistic expectations. “Twenty-degree difference is basically cruise control for a properly sized and maintained system, so anything above that could be considered more work than normal,” Ahlvers explained. When St. George temperatures hit 110°F, expecting your home to reach 70°F means your system is working overtime.
For optimal efficiency, Ahlvers recommends setting your thermostat to the highest temperature you can comfortably tolerate. “This is a personal preference situation, but the general reference to the 20-degree difference, if possible, is a good guideline,” he noted.
The Day vs. Night Debate
Many homeowners wonder whether they should adjust their thermostat when leaving home during the day. The answer depends on how long you’re gone. “It’s key to remember that any heat not removed over the course of the day will need to be removed at some point to achieve comfort levels,” Ahlvers said. “Generally, a 3-5 degree maximum setback can save some energy costs.”
Completely turning off your AC during the day, however, can backfire. “This could end up costing more due to all the heat gained during the day,” Ahlvers warned. “This heat will cause maximum output of your equipment for extended periods to recover from the excessive load.”
Top Three Money-Saving Tips
Ahlvers identified three priorities for keeping AC costs manageable:
- Maintain Proper Airflow “Airflow issues are the most prevalent causes of failure in my experience,” Ahlvers emphasized. Regular filter maintenance and keeping registers unobstructed should be your first consideration. A dirty air filter can increase energy costs by 5-10% while accelerating equipment wear and tear.
- Smart Thermostat Management Proper thermostat operation, including setting temperatures as high as you can tolerate, makes a significant difference in energy consumption.
- Reduce Heat Gain “Reduce solar gain and outside air intrusion as much as possible,” Ahlvers advised. “Close doors, close shades, etc.” These simple actions prevent your AC from working harder than necessary.
Outdoor Unit Considerations
While shading your outdoor AC unit can help efficiency, Ahlvers cautions against blocking airflow. “This can help, however, blocking the required airflow for the outdoor unit would dramatically affect the operation,” he explained.
The intense St. George climate takes a toll on AC equipment. “Some numbers say hot climates like St. George reduce lifespan by 20-30%, mainly due to the hours of operation over the equipment’s life,” Ahlvers noted.
The Bottom Line
“I’d suggest the importance of regular maintenance,” Ahlvers emphasized. “The small day-to-day and month-to-month items will add up, or deduct from, the total lifespan of any equipment.”
Simple actions like changing filters regularly, maintaining proper airflow, using your thermostat strategically, and reducing heat gain can significantly lower energy costs while extending your AC system’s life. In St. George’s demanding climate, these professional habits make the difference between affordable comfort and costly repairs.
About Dixie Technical College’s HVACR Technician Program
Dixie Technical College’s HVACR Technician program prepares students with hands-on training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Students learn installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair techniques that prepare them for immediate employment in Southern Utah’s growing construction and service industries.
Learn more about the HVACR Technician program.
