"Maximize Energy Savings: Tips for Cooling Your Home and Car in Extreme Heat"
As extreme heat waves continue to sweep across the United States, air conditioning systems are being pushed to their limits. Most AC units are designed to keep indoor temperatures about 20 degrees cooler than outside, but with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas, this poses a challenge. Experts recommend maximizing AC effectiveness by setting the thermostat at a desired temperature, cleaning filters and coils, turning off heat-producing appliances, using ceiling fans, and cooling down the house at night while shading windows during the day. Longer-term solutions include better insulation and variable-speed compressors, although there are no major breakthroughs in air conditioning technology on the horizon.