Best AC Setting for Summer? It Won’t Matter Without This First Step

Best AC Setting for Summer? It Won’t Matter Without This First Step

Searching for the ideal AC setting for summer?

You’re not alone. In Summer, Google trends spike with homeowners wondering if 72°F is too low, if 78°F is too high, or if they should be adjusting by day and night. But here’s what most blogs don’t tell you:

The best AC setting doesn’t matter… if your system hasn’t been maintained.

Before we talk numbers, let’s make sure your air conditioner is actually ready to perform the way it should — because if it’s dirty, clogged, or leaking, it doesn’t matter what you set it to.

1. Your AC can’t do its job if you don’t do yours

Before summer hits, your system should go through a basic maintenance check — whether it’s central air, a mini-split, or a window unit.

Why? Because dust, mold, or blocked airflow can reduce performance by up to 30%.

Here’s what should be checked or cleaned:

✅ Air filters (replace or wash)

✅ Vents and grilles (wipe down and unblock)

✅ Drain lines (clear out to prevent leaks)

✅ Coils and fins (remove dust buildup)

✅ Exterior units (clear any leaves or obstructions)A clean AC doesn’t just cool better — it saves energy and lasts longer.

 

 2. So… what’s the ideal AC setting for summer?

Now that your system is ready, here’s the number everyone wants:

78°F (25.5°C) is considered the best AC setting for energy efficiency and comfort when you’re home and awake.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and Energy Star guidelines:

  • • When you’re home but asleep → Raise it to 82°F (28°C)
  • When you’re away from home → Set it to 85°F (29.5°C)

If that feels a bit warm, use fans to help circulate cool air and reduce the load on your AC. 

3. What about in New York & New Jersey?

In regions like NY and NJ, where humidity plays a big role, comfort often depends not just on temperature, but also on moisture control. So if your AC is struggling to make 78°F feel fresh, the issue might be:

  • Poor insulation
  • Dirty filters
  • Humidity above 60%
  • Or… it just hasn’t had maintenance in over a year

In that case, lowering the temperature won’t solve the problem — but a technician can.

 

4. When to call someone

If your AC:

  • • Feels weak or uneven
  • Smells musty when turned on
  • Leaks or drips
  • Runs constantly but cools poorly

… it’s time to get it checked. You could be losing comfort and money at the same time.

Set your AC to 78°F — but only after giving it what it needs to perform. Because the best setting isn’t a number — it’s a clean, maintained system that responds when you need it most.

 

Need help ASAP?

We help homeowners across NY & NJ keep their AC clean, efficient, and summer-ready — before the heat becomes a headache.

 

We’re always sharing real, practical tips to protect your appliances.

Come hang with us on Instagram

👉@tripleaappliances

Or just give us a call. We’re here to help:

📍 NY: (718) 560-3131 📍 NJ: (551) 355-5869

 

Looking for Ways to Stay Cool in the Heat?

Looking for Ways to Stay Cool in the Heat?

Here are 5 realistic strategies to survive the heat (and one you probably haven’t considered)

When summer turns brutal, staying cool isn’t just about comfort — it’s about staying healthy, focused, and sane. Whether you’re working from home, caring for others, or just trying to avoid turning into a puddle… you need a heat survival plan that actually works.

Here are 5 realistic ways to stay cool in the heat — no hacks, no gimmicks.

Stay hydrated and eat smart

This is the most basic, but also the most overlooked tip.

  • Drink water frequently — not just when you feel thirsty.
  • Avoid heavy or hot meals.
  • Add fruits with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
  • Cut back on caffeine and alcohol — they dehydrate you fast.

Your body needs water to regulate temperature. Give it the tools to do its job.

Keep your home cool — without overloading your A/C

Not everyone has central air. And even if you do, running it 24/7 isn’t always an option. Try these tips:

  • Close blinds and curtains during the day (especially in sun-facing rooms)
  • Open windows at night when the temperature drops
  • Use fans to create cross ventilation (put one facing out to push hot air out)
  • Sleep in lower levels of your home — heat rises
  • Use cotton sheets and lightweight blankets.

Even lowering the indoor temperature by 2–3 degrees can help your body cool down faster.

Be mindful of your refrigerator — it’s working harder too

You’re opening it more. Grabbing more cold drinks. Storing more leftovers. But did you know summer heat can actually lower your fridge’s efficiency?

When your fridge is placed near a hot window, oven, or poorly ventilated wall:

  • The compressor runs longer than usual
  • Your energy bill climbs quietly
  • Food may not stay as cold as you think

Simple tip: If you’re trying to stay cool… your fridge is too. Help it by:

  • Keeping it away from heat sources
  • Not overfilling it (air needs to circulate)
  • Making sure the door seals are clean and tight
  • Cleaning the coils if it’s been over 6 months

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refrigerators in hot environments can use up to 25% more energy.

Rethink your clothing and routine

Sometimes, staying cool is about when and how you do things:

  • Run appliances (washer, dryer, oven) at night
  • Dress in loose, light-colored, breathable fabrics
  • Tie your hair up and avoid heavy layers
  • Take cool (not cold) showers — sudden cold can stress your body.

This isn’t about changing your life — just adjusting your habits to give your body a break.

Don’t wait for things to break. Be proactive.

Whether it’s your fan, A/C unit, or fridge… a little preventive care now can save you from a very hot and expensive emergency later.

If you hear odd noises, feel weak airflow, or your fridge motor won’t stop running — don’t ignore it.

That’s where we come in.

At Triple A Plaza, we help homeowners and property managers in NY and NJ keep their appliances running smoothly all summer. No hidden fees. No upsells. Just honest, certified work.

📍 NY: (718) 560-3131
📍 NJ: (551) 355-5869
 🔗 www.tripleaplaza.com

💬 Staying cool in the heat is about more than air conditioning.
 It’s about how you hydrate, what you eat, how you move — and yes, how your appliances are holding up.

Take care of them. They’re part of your summer strategy, too.

Why Is My Refrigerator Running All Day? 3 Things You Need to Check Now

Why Is My Refrigerator Running All Day? 3 Things You Need to Check Now

Your fridge always made a soft hum… but lately, that sound just won’t stop. Day and night, it seems like the motor never rests. Is that normal? Short answer: no.

While modern refrigerators are designed to keep a stable temperature, if the motor runs constantly or sounds louder than usual, it’s a warning sign.

And if ignored, that sound can turn into a serious breakdown.

What Does It Mean When Your Fridge Runs Nonstop?

According to user manuals from Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE, the compressor should turn on and off several times a day.
If it stays on too long, the fridge is struggling to reach or maintain the correct temperature.

Here are the 3 most common causes:

1. Cold Air Is Escaping Through the Door.

Worn or dirty door gaskets cause air leaks. The fridge compensates by running the motor longer. ✅ Check for cracks or dirt and clean the seals regularly

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

The coils on the back or bottom of the fridge help release heat. If they’re dusty, the fridge has to work harder. ✅ Manufacturers recommend cleaning them every 6 months

3. The Thermostat Isn’t Regulating Correctly

If it’s faulty or misconfigured, your fridge “thinks” it hasn’t cooled enough and keeps working nonstop. If a condenser fan or evaporator fan is not working properly, they do not create air flow to exchange and dissipate the heat. ✅ Recommended setting: between 36°F and 39°F (2°C – 4°C)

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

A fridge that works overtime:

  • Uses more electricity (higher bills)
  • Wears out internal components faster
  • Struggles to keep your food fresh
  • May break down without warning

 What Can You Do Before Calling a Technician?

Most manufacturer manuals recommend:

  1. Clean the coils using a brush or vacuum
  2. Use a fridge thermometer to confirm internal temperature (You can buy it in supermarkets or in our marketplace)
  3. Check and clean the door gaskets
  4. Avoid overfilling or constantly opening the fridge

Still Hearing That Constant Buzz?

If you’ve tried everything and the motor is still running all day, it’s time to call a technician.

At Triple A Plaza, our certified techs inspect:

  • Cooling system
  • Thermostat and sensors
  • Coils, fans, and door seals
  • Refrigerant levels
  • Internal noise or vibrations

You’ll also receive a detailed written report, perfect for landlords or property managers who need documentation.

How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?

✅ Once a year for regular households
✅ Every 6 months for rental units or high-use fridges

Preventive maintenance saves energy, extends appliance life, and avoids surprise failures.

Need a check-up or full maintenance?

📍 Service Available in NY & NJ

📞 NY: (718) 560-3131
📞 NJ: (551) 355-5869
🔗 www.tripleaplaza.com

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Is your laundry coming out with white patches? it might be the spin cycle, detergent, or filter

Is your laundry coming out with white patches? it might be the spin cycle, detergent, or filter

It can be frustrating when you unload a load of “clean” laundry—only to find white patches, soap residue, or stiff spots on your clothes. Sound familiar?

It feels like something went wrong, but you’re not sure what. Maybe the machine’s getting old? Maybe you used the wrong detergent?
Either way, you now have to rinse it all over again, wasting time, water, and patience.

The truth is: this is usually a sign your washer isn’t working as it should. And the longer you ignore it, the more it could affect your clothes, your energy bills—and even the lifespan of your machine.

🚨 Common Causes of Soap Residue on Clean Clothes

Here are the most frequent reasons your clothes may come out with patches or white marks:

  1. Weak or Incomplete Spin Cycle

If the washer doesn’t spin properly, it doesn’t remove the soapy water completely. As a result, detergent gets stuck in thicker fabrics or folds.

  1. Overloading the Washer

Filling the drum past its limit prevents water and detergent from circulating evenly. Some clothes get rinsed, others don’t.

  1. Using Too Much Detergent

More soap doesn’t mean more clean. Excess detergent—especially powder—can leave residue behind, especially if the washer’s drainage is weak.

  1. Dirty Filter or Clogged Drain

A blocked filter or a partial clog in the drain hose keeps dirty water from exiting properly, leaving behind a film or patches.

  1. Uneven or Tilted Washer

If your washer isn’t level, the drum may not spin effectively. That weak spin = leftover detergent.

Why This Problem Is Bigger Than Just a Stain

  • You’re wasting water and energy by re-washing or rinsing again.
  • Your clothes can wear out faster with detergent buildup.
  • It adds stress to your day when laundry takes longer than it should.
  • Your washer might be working harder than necessary, shortening its lifespan.

What You Can Check at Home Before Calling a Technician

Here’s your quick prevention checklist:

  • Don’t overfill the drum—keep it about ¾ full.
  • Use only the amount of detergent recommended on the label.
  • Clean the filter at least once a month.
  • Make sure the washer is level and doesn’t shake or tilt.
  • Pay attention to how wet your clothes are after spinning—if they’re soaked, something’s off.

Still Seeing Patches? The Issue Might Be Internal

If you’ve tried all the above and still see residue, your washer may need a professional diagnosis. Possible issues include:

  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Sensor or control board problems
  • Deeper clogs in the drain or pump

Triple A Plaza Has Your Washer Covered

Our certified techs provide in-home service with fast, accurate diagnostics and original parts when needed. We explain every step clearly, so you understand what’s wrong and how to prevent it in the future.

📍Serving NY & NJ
📞 NY: (718) 560-3131
📞 NJ: (551) 355-5869

Remember: Sometimes it’s not the clothes—it’s your washer asking for help.
We’ve got your appliance covered. Let’s fix it today.