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While personal preferences widely vary, sleep experts say the best temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit rather than 78. If you do choose to sleep with your AC unit tuned to 78 degrees, you might want to use only a sheet or light blanket rather than a comforter. You might also consider installing a window unit in your bedroom so that you can be cooler in bed without wasting energy cooling the whole house.

The DOE is phasing out AC units with SEER ratings that fall below 14 or 15. The exact minimum rating depends on your region. In the northern United States, new ACs must have a minimum SEER rating of 14, though you can still buy and install older systems as long as they were compliant when they were manufactured. In the southern and southwestern United States, you cannot buy or install older air conditioners with lower SEER ratings. The minimum rating is between 14.5 and 15, depending on the power of the unit.

Evaporator coils in an HVAC system typically last between 10 and 15 years, which is roughly the same lifespan as the entire AC unit. The longevity of the coils can be affected by usage frequency, environmental conditions, and how well they are maintained. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspections, can extend their durability. If the evaporator coil fails in an older air conditioner, it may be more cost-effective to replace the whole unit rather than just the coil.

It is normal for the attic to be hotter than the rest of the house in the summer, but only by about 10 or 20 degrees. Attics that aren’t properly insulated or ventilated can reach temperatures of 130 degrees or more which can cause damage to the home’s structure, including the roof, wood framing, and HVAC system.