What exactly is the difference between supply and return air temperature? And why does it matter? Simply put, all homes have both supply and return air vents that take in warm air and push out cooled air that the air conditioner has treated.

Return air vents draw in warm air from your home and into your HVAC system. Each air conditioner has an evaporator coil that houses a cold chemical refrigerant that absorbs the warmth in your indoor air so that your AC can reach your set thermostat temperature.

Learn more in our blog, "What Is a Central Air Conditioner Evaporator Coil? Then, follow the below instructions:. This number is your evaporator Delta T result.

It should ideally be in the °F range. In most cases, this indicates that something is not working correctly inside your air conditioner. Properly performing air conditioners would easily have a Delta T that meets this range.

If you have a high Delta T with more than a 22°F difference , the gap between the incoming return air temperature and outgoing supply air temperature is excessively large. Your AC is most likely blowing hot air at this point. It's primarily due to low airflow entering your AC system and passing over your evaporator coil.

The main reasons for restricted airflow are:. Otherwise, contact an HVAC professional to clean your evaporator coil, increase the blower motor speed, and inspect your system for problems. A Phoenix Pro Explains. If you have a low Delta T with less than a 16°F difference , there is an excessively small difference between the incoming return air temperature and outgoing supply air temperature.

A small Delta T can indicate that your AC has:. Learn more about how you can tell if you have low refrigerant levels in our blog, "4 Signs Your AC May Need a Refrigerant Freon Charge.

Following these steps with an infrared thermometer, you can accurately measure the temperature differential and determine if it falls within the recommended range of 14° to 20°F.

This information can help you assess the performance of your air conditioning system and take appropriate steps to ensure optimal cooling efficiency.

Also Read: HVAC Lifespan: What is the Life Expectancy of an HVAC System. If you notice significant differences in the air temperatures coming from different vents in your home, it may indicate potential issues with your HVAC system.

Here are a few possible causes and steps you can take to address the problem:. Check if any supply vents are blocked or closed. Restricted airflow due to blocked ducts can lead to temperature imbalances.

Ensure that all supply vents are open and free from obstructions to allow proper airflow. Clogged or dirty air filters can impede airflow and affect the cooling performance of your air conditioner.

Check and replace the air filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean air filters promote better air circulation and help maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home. Examine your ductwork for any leaks, gaps, or separate sections. Leaky ducts can result in conditioned air escaping before it reaches the vents, leading to uneven cooling.

Consider hiring a professional HVAC technician to inspect and seal any ductwork issues. Inadequate insulation in certain areas of your home can cause temperature variations. Check for proper insulation in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Adding insulation where needed can help retain cool air and distribute it evenly.

Regular HVAC system maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance. Schedule professional care to clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all components function correctly.

A well-maintained system is more likely to provide consistent and balanced vent temperatures. If the temperature differences persist despite these measures, it's advisable to consult a licensed HVAC technician. They can diagnose any underlying issues, such as malfunctioning dampers, faulty thermostats , or compressor problems, and provide appropriate solutions.

Maintaining the right temperature for the air out of your air conditioner is crucial for creating a comfortable and refreshing indoor environment. You can ensure optimal cooling efficiency by understanding the temperature differentials, checking the supply and return air, and addressing any issues with your HVAC system.

However, if you're experiencing significant temperature variations in the vent temperatures despite your efforts, seeking professional help is advisable. We understand the importance of a well-functioning air conditioning system in Austin, especially during the hot summer.

If you need assistance with AC repair , don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced HVAC technicians. Whether it's troubleshooting temperature imbalances, inspecting ductwork, or performing necessary repairs, we're here to help. Trust us to ensure that your air conditioner works at its best, providing consistent and comfortable cooling throughout your home.

Contact us to schedule a consultation today! Expert Advice: What Temperature Should Air Come Out of the AC Vent When Cooling? Jun 2 Written By Jackie Gotsche.

How Cold Should the Air Coming From Your Air Conditioner Be? Also Read: 6 Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini Split Systems You Should Know About What Is Supply and Return Air?

How to Check the Air Temperature Differential Accurately To ensure that your air conditioner is functioning optimally and producing the desired cooling effect, it's important to accurately measure the temperature differential between the supply and return air. Here's how you can check it: 1. Locate the Supply and Return Vents Identify the supply vents where the cooled air is blown out and the return vents from where the air is drawn back into the HVAC system.

Use an Infrared Thermometer Get an infrared thermometer , also known as a non-contact thermometer, to measure the temperatures of the supply and return air.

Aim the Infrared Thermometer at the Supply Vent Point the infrared thermometer at one of the supply vents. Measure the Return Air Temperature Move the infrared thermometer to a return vent located near the HVAC system.

Calculate the Temperature Differential: Subtract the return air temperature from the supply air temperature. What If You Have Big Differences in the Vent Temperatures? Here are a few possible causes and steps you can take to address the problem: Blocked or Closed Vents Check if any supply vents are blocked or closed.

Dirty Air Filters Clogged or dirty air filters can impede airflow and affect the cooling performance of your air conditioner.

Ductwork Issues Examine your ductwork for any leaks, gaps, or separate sections. Insufficient Insulation Inadequate insulation in certain areas of your home can cause temperature variations.

And why does it matter? Simply put, all homes have both supply and return air vents that take in warm air and push out cooled air that the air conditioner has treated. Return air vents draw in warm air from your home and into your HVAC system. Each air conditioner has an evaporator coil that houses a cold chemical refrigerant that absorbs the warmth in your indoor air so that your AC can reach your set thermostat temperature.

Learn more in our blog, "What Is a Central Air Conditioner Evaporator Coil? Then, follow the below instructions:. This number is your evaporator Delta T result. It should ideally be in the °F range. In most cases, this indicates that something is not working correctly inside your air conditioner.

Properly performing air conditioners would easily have a Delta T that meets this range. If you have a high Delta T with more than a 22°F difference , the gap between the incoming return air temperature and outgoing supply air temperature is excessively large.

Your AC is most likely blowing hot air at this point. It's primarily due to low airflow entering your AC system and passing over your evaporator coil. This is more of a personal question, as different people feel comfortable at different temperatures. Since 72 degrees is generally agreed upon to be an ideal indoor temperature, most people would probably still feel comfortable setting their AC units slightly higher than this, perhaps at around Many people will not feel completely comfortable keeping their thermostat at the recommended setting of 78 during summer months, but there are things you can do to make your home feel closer to your comfort level even with the AC set a little higher than your preferred temperature.

Airflow is good for cooling your home — heat flow into your home is not. Ensure that your windows allow fresh air inside when opened, particularly in the early morning and evening when the air is cooler. Also, make sure your windows are properly insulated. Doing so not only keeps cold air out during the winter, but it also keeps hot air from coming in and conditioned air from escaping during summer months.

Your thermostat should not stay set at the same temperature all the time. Also try to avoid setting your thermostat lower than normal when you turn on the AC — it will not actually cool the ambient temperature any faster, and it will result in extra energy costs on your monthly bills.

If you want to operate your thermostat and AC unit efficiently, without constantly making manual changes, try a programmable thermostat. These automatically raise the temperature when you leave and lower it before you return home.

Using ceiling fans results in less energy needed for cooling , which leads to lower utility costs and a lower electricity bill. But remember to turn them off when you leave the home. Fans only cool people — they do not cool rooms. They only affect ambient air temperature as felt by people or pets, if they are in the home.

Cool air needs to circulate. Increasing ventilation allows for cool air to move freely and will allow you to keep your thermostat and air conditioner at a higher temperature without your home feeling as hot.

Dehumidifiers reduce humidity in your home, which will make the air feel cooler without actually needing to be kept at a lower temperature. But be careful not to use as much energy running these appliances as you save minimizing AC usage, otherwise it would defeat the purpose.

You can do this by keeping the setting on low and only using them in areas of your home that need it the most. Air conditioners work best when they are both energy efficient and cooling efficient. Try to keep your AC unit clean and functional so it can provide efficient cooling without needing excess run time or energy to reach desired levels of cooling.

Learn more. As outdoor temperatures climb, utility bills will likely climb too for homeowners who switch on their central air conditioning systems. That depends on who you ask—and whether you care more about keeping cool or keeping your utility bill in check.

Not everyone finds those temperatures comfortable, as we recently found. According to a nationally representative Consumer Reports survey PDF of 2, U.

adults in June , the average temperature that Americans keep their thermostats set to is about 71 degrees during the day and night. The temperature varies a smidge by region, with Americans living in the South reporting that they set their temperatures the highest 72° F during the day and 71° F at night , and those living in the Northeast set it coldest 70° F both day and night.

Try lowering the temperature a degree at a time, and see how comfortable you are at the new setting before ratcheting it down further. If you have a fan, turn it on. If you live in an area with moderate temperatures, you might not need your central air conditioning all day and night.

Take advantage of cooler night temperatures by keeping your windows open. If you need the AC when you get home, program it to go on before you arrive or, with some thermostats, turn it on with a smartphone app.

Cooking outside on your grill is another way to keep the heat out of the house. Because the thermostat is in the unit itself, it registers the temperature in that part of the room and might not provide a consistent temperature throughout the space you want to cool, depending on how big and open the room is.

That means getting the right comfort level is more trial and error. Start with a setting that you find comfortable and see how it affects your bill. Using a smart or programmable thermostat is an easy and reliable way to set and keep temperatures that work with your schedule.

In this article, we'll delve into the science of indoor cooling, uncovering the secrets behind the perfect AC vent temperature. Get ready to know how to maintain an optimal temperature in your home.

When it comes to the air coming out of your air conditioner, it's essential to understand that air conditioners don't create "cold" air. Instead, they work by removing heat energy from the existing stand and recirculating it in your environment.

This process allows us to experience that refreshing coolness on a hot summer day. So, what should be the ideal air temperature coming out of the vent of your air conditioner? Experts suggest looking at the temperature differential between the air being drawn in for cooling and the air being blown out.

This temperature difference is known as the evaporator Delta T. Ideally, there should be a temperature differential of around 14° to 20° Fahrenheit between the incoming air and the air being blown out by your air conditioner.

This means that if the air entering the system is 75°F, the air coming out of the vent should be between 55°F and 61°F. Also Read: 6 Pros and Cons of Ductless Mini Split Systems You Should Know About.

To understand the temperature of the air coming from your air conditioner, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the concepts of supply and return air. These terms are crucial to your HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Supply air refers to the cooled or heated air distributed into your living spaces through the supply vents or registers.

The air is blown out from the AC vent, delivering the desired temperature to the rooms in your home. The air supply creates a comfortable environment by regulating the temperature and providing adequate airflow.

On the other hand, return air is the air that is drawn back into the HVAC system to be conditioned once again. It is typically pulled through the return vents strategically located throughout your home. The return air vents carry the heat and humidity from the indoor spaces back to the air conditioner, where it undergoes cooling.

The temperature of the supply air is directly influenced by the temperature of the air coming back. As the return air passes through the air conditioning system, the heat is extracted and cooled before being redistributed as supply air.

Therefore, monitoring the temperature of the return air can give you valuable insights into your air conditioner's performance and the cooling process's effectiveness. To ensure that your air conditioner is functioning optimally and producing the desired cooling effect, it's important to accurately measure the temperature differential between the supply and return air.

Here's how you can check it:. Identify the supply vents where the cooled air is blown out and the return vents from where the air is drawn back into the HVAC system. Get an infrared thermometer , also known as a non-contact thermometer, to measure the temperatures of the supply and return air.

An infrared thermometer allows you to measure the temperature without direct contact, making it convenient and efficient. Point the infrared thermometer at one of the supply vents.

Ensure that the vent is in the line of sight of the thermometer. Press the measurement button and wait for the reading to stabilize. This will give you the temperature of the air being blown out by your ac system. Move the infrared thermometer to a return vent located near the HVAC system.

Aim it at the vent and take the temperature reading once it stabilizes. This will provide the temperature of the air being drawn back into the system. Subtract the return air temperature from the supply air temperature. The resulting value will give you the temperature differential or the evaporator Delta T.

Following these steps with an infrared thermometer, you can accurately measure the temperature differential and determine if it falls within the recommended range of 14° to 20°F. This information can help you assess the performance of your air conditioning system and take appropriate steps to ensure optimal cooling efficiency.

Also Read: HVAC Lifespan: What is the Life Expectancy of an HVAC System. If you notice significant differences in the air temperatures coming from different vents in your home, it may indicate potential issues with your HVAC system.

Here are a few possible causes and steps you can take to address the problem:. Check if any supply vents are blocked or closed. Restricted airflow due to blocked ducts can lead to temperature imbalances.

Ensure that all supply vents are open and free from obstructions to allow proper airflow. Clogged or dirty air filters can impede airflow and affect the cooling performance of your air conditioner.

Check and replace the air filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Here in Florida, it's no secret that our summers can be pretty hot and humid.

You've probably experienced how quickly things can go downhill without air conditioning. The problem is, it can be really difficult to cut costs on your electric bill when our hottest weather is at its peak.

So how can you stay cool without having to pay an arm and a leg for air conditioning, while also preserving your AC unit? Continue reading to learn the temperature that Floridians are cooling off with and how you can trim your costs this year.

In Florida, our summer weather can range anywhere from degrees during the day and degrees in the evening. It's no wonder why our AC units get so much use! So, what is the average temperature that your neighbors in Central Florida cooling off with?

Most Florida residents prefer a thermostat setting of degrees Fahrenheit. While this temperature will keep you nice and cool, it is likely that the energy bills of these homes are pretty high. The US Department of Energy suggests that you keep your thermostat to 78 degrees when at home in order to maintain a comfortable temperature while also keeping your energy bill relatively low.

While 78 degrees is the recommended temperature for your home, we understand that this can feel a little bit hot, especially if you are used to keeping your thermostat around 75 degrees.

Luckily, there are ways to cool off your home without touching the thermostat:. Our company has been in the industry since Our experts can maintain your air conditioning unit and ensure that it is running smoothly throughout the hottest months of the year.

Annual maintenance checkups will allow us to catch any worn or broken parts and fix them before you are left with an unusable unit. We proudly offer our services to properties in Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and nearby areas in Central Florida. If you're looking to schedule AC maintenance services for your home or business, give us a call today at to set up an appointment.

Thanks for your feedback! Your comments have been successfully submitted! Please note, all comments require admin approval prior to display. The Average Thermostat Temperature vs the Recommended Temperature In Florida, our summer weather can range anywhere from degrees during the day and degrees in the evening.

Tips to Cool off Your Home without Touching the Thermostat While 78 degrees is the recommended temperature for your home, we understand that this can feel a little bit hot, especially if you are used to keeping your thermostat around 75 degrees. Luckily, there are ways to cool off your home without touching the thermostat: Keep your blinds closed.

This will prevent heat from creeping in through your windows. Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counter-clockwise. This will ensure that the cool air is being directed downward towards your floor. Keep unused rooms closed off.