As Utah homeowners search for ways to reduce summer energy bills and ease the load on their HVAC systems, one method is starting to generate more interest: SuperCooling. Sometimes referred to as pre-cooling, this strategy relies on cooling your home during off-peak hours to save energy and money during the hottest part of the day.
SuperCooling has become particularly relevant in Utah due to the state’s dramatic temperature swings, growing number of energy-conscious homeowners, and utility pricing models that reward off-peak energy use. But is SuperCooling right for every home? And how does it affect your air conditioning system over time?
What Is SuperCooling?
SuperCooling is a cooling strategy that uses your air conditioning system to lower your home’s indoor temperature to below-normal levels during off-peak utility hours, typically early in the morning or late at night. The idea is to cool your home more aggressively during times when electricity is cheaper and then reduce or shut off cooling during peak daytime hours when electricity costs more.
Pre-cooling is another term often used for this approach, especially when referring to programmable or smart thermostats that automate the cooling cycle based on time-of-use electricity rates.
Why Pre-cooling Makes Sense in Utah
Utah’s summers are hot and dry, with daytime highs often reaching into the 90s and even over 100 degrees. However, due to our desert climate, evening and early morning temperatures can drop significantly, especially along the Wasatch Front.
This temperature pattern, combined with Rocky Mountain Power’s time-of-day pricing for electricity, creates a perfect opportunity for Utah homeowners to take advantage of SuperCooling. Cooling your home in the early morning, when temperatures are lower and electricity is cheaper, can reduce your need to run the AC during peak hours.
How SuperCooling Works
The most basic SuperCooling setup looks like this:
- Set your thermostat to a very low temperature (for example, 68 to 70 degrees) during off-peak hours—usually between midnight and 8 a.m.
- Let your air conditioner run continuously during this window to bring the temperature down.
- Raise the thermostat to 76 to 80 degrees (or turn it off) during the high-demand afternoon hours to avoid peak pricing and limit AC use.
The cooled air and thermal mass inside your home help maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day, even with the thermostat set higher.
For homes with smart thermostats or energy management systems, SuperCooling and pre-cooling can be automated for better efficiency and comfort.
Pros of SuperCooling in Utah
1. Lower Energy Bills
If you are on a time-of-use rate plan with Rocky Mountain Power, SuperCooling can reduce your electricity bill by shifting cooling to lower-cost hours. Households have reported savings of 10 to 25 percent or more, depending on home size and insulation.
2. Less Strain on the Grid
Cooling during off-peak hours helps reduce demand during the afternoon, which benefits the electrical grid and can prevent brownouts on the hottest days.
3. Increased Comfort
Many homeowners find that their homes stay more consistently cool throughout the day after SuperCooling, especially if the home is well insulated.
4. Works Well with Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, and Honeywell allow for precision scheduling and temperature ramping, which can make SuperCooling easier and more effective.
Cons and Challenges of SuperCooling
1. Increased AC Runtime
SuperCooling means your air conditioner will run longer in the early morning hours. This may increase wear and tear on the system, especially if it’s not regularly maintained.
2. Not Ideal for Poorly Insulated Homes
Homes with poor insulation or leaky windows may not hold the cool air long enough to benefit from SuperCooling.
3. May Not Work Well for All Schedules
If someone is home during the afternoon and the thermostat is set higher (76 to 80 degrees), it may feel uncomfortable depending on personal preference.
4. May Require HVAC Adjustment
If your AC unit is undersized or not operating efficiently, SuperCooling could expose its limitations. It may also increase short cycling if not properly calibrated.
Impact on HVAC Systems
One concern homeowners often have is whether SuperCooling shortens the life of their air conditioner. The truth is that SuperCooling does increase AC runtime, but if done correctly and with regular maintenance, it may not significantly impact system lifespan.
Best Practices:
- Change filters regularly to maintain airflow.
- Schedule annual HVAC inspections to ensure the system is running efficiently.
- Avoid over-cooling to extreme temperatures, as this can cause humidity and condensation issues.
Investing in a high-efficiency system or upgrading to variable-speed AC can also help manage the impact of increased runtime.
Estimated Costs and Savings
SuperCooling itself doesn’t cost anything extra—it’s a strategy, not a product. However, you may need to invest in the following to maximize your results:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Smart Thermostat | $100 to $300 |
| Improved Home Insulation | $1,000 to $5,000+ |
| HVAC Tune-Up or Upgrade | $150 to $10,000 |
| Monthly Energy Bill Savings | 10% to 25% |
Most Utah homeowners can implement basic SuperCooling with their existing systems and a programmable thermostat. More advanced setups may include automation or integration with solar and battery systems.
Q&A: SuperCooling with Authority Heating & Cooling
Q: Will SuperCooling work in my Utah home?
A: It depends on insulation, system size, and your family’s schedule. Authority can evaluate your setup and recommend a customized approach.
Q: Do I need a special thermostat to use SuperCooling?
A: While not required, a smart thermostat makes it easier to automate the cooling schedule and monitor results.
Q: Will this wear out my HVAC system faster?
A: Not necessarily. Proper system sizing and regular maintenance reduce risk. Authority can inspect your current system and ensure it’s operating at peak performance.
Q: How much can I actually save?
A: Many Utah homeowners save 10 to 25 percent on their summer energy bills. Your results depend on usage patterns, insulation, and energy rates.
Q: Can Authority help set this up for me?
A: Yes. We can install smart thermostats, inspect your HVAC system, and guide you on best practices to maximize SuperCooling and pre-cooling efficiency.
Final Thoughts
SuperCooling and pre-cooling are smart, cost-effective strategies for Utah homeowners looking to manage summer utility bills without sacrificing comfort. While not every home will benefit equally, most households can see meaningful energy savings with the right setup and insulation.
If you’re ready to explore whether SuperCooling is right for your home, contact Authority Heating & Cooling today. We’ll help you assess your HVAC system, optimize your cooling strategy, and take advantage of every opportunity to save.