Temperature cool down has some residents debating if they should turn their A/C off or up
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Temperatures across the St. Joseph region have remained well below average, bringing cool, fall-like mornings to the area.
With an extended period of cooler weather, many residents are wondering what to do with their air conditioners: leave them on or shut them off.
Across town, opinions are mixed. Some residents choose to keep their A/C running for indoor comfort, while others opt to turn it off to save energy and avoid potential damage.
"75. I let it run all year round," said Floyd, a St. Joseph resident.
On the other side, many residents also like to be more energy efficient and like to open their windows.
"I usually open the windows and turn the A/C off. This is beautiful weather right here," stated Cameron, another St. Joseph resident.
"Cost-effectively, it is going to be better to shut it off since you aren't going to pay any money towards your unit," said Tyler Kern, a service technician with Comfort Heating and Cooling in St. Joseph.
The Storm Tracker Weather Team is continuing to track temperatures, which are expected to remain below average through the end of the week and into the first week of September.
Overnight lows have dipped into the low 50s, prompting more questions about whether it’s necessary to continue running air conditioning units.
"We do recommend, with the cooler temperatures at night, not keeping the thermostat turned down very low, that can cause freeze-ups, especially if you have a dirty filter," said Kern.
Running your A/C when outdoor temperatures drop too low can actually harm the unit. Some HVAC experts recommend not operating central air conditioning systems when outdoor temperatures fall below your A/C's limit. Doing so can cause the system’s coils to freeze and may lead to a thickening of the lubricating fluids, which can cause more mechanical issues or even long-term damage.
As the transition from summer to fall continues, residents are encouraged to do what they think allows them the most comfort in their home.
