Unlike the summer, autumn is often cooler in Pennsylvania. While the temperature can fluctuate and still leave us will 80-degree days from time to time, we're still gradually approaching winter. When a single week can have both warm and cool days, it can be difficult to know what to do with your heating and air conditioning. Here are three questions you should ask your AC installer this autumn to help you prepare for an energy-efficient season.

Should I Be Running My AC If It's Cool Outside?

More often than not, whether you keep your AC running in the autumn depends on your personal preference for the temperature. If you like it cooler rather than warmer, you may find that you need to run your AC every now and then in the autumn to maintain that. It's also possible that the dropping temperature makes your home feel warmer than it actually is. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save anywhere from 20%-50% on your monthly energy bill if your HVAC system is efficient, and you keep your windows caulked and closed as often as possible. You can reap these benefits any time of year, so be sure to ask your local AC installation services for assistance.

Is There a Temperature Threshold for My AC Unit?

Many AC units do have temperature thresholds at which they don't operate as well. According to Hunker, that temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. While it may be nice to run your AC on warmer days, avoid turning it on if it's below 60. The refrigerant coils may freeze, the lubricant can thicken, and you can even damage some of the moving parts. With that in mind, keep an eye on the average temperature throughout the season, and be sure to note when the temperature is too low to turn on the AC, even to test it.

Can I Protect My AC Unit From the Cold?

Some AC units have freeze protection modes -- these are designed to warm the unit up in the winter to keep things stable. This may emit a low heat rather than the cool air you're used to. When you turn this on, it's best to let it do its thing for a couple of hours and not touch it. You can even use this mode to also prevent storage rooms or exposed pipes from freezing in the winter. Talk to your local AC installer service to see what your options are with your current unit.

Now that you know these questions to ask, you can begin to prepare for a new season of energy efficiency. For more information or to get set up with a new AC unit, contact our team of AC installers at Air By Design Heating Cooling today. We look forward to working with you.