What Temperature Should I Set My AC At This Summer?
As the weather starts to heat up, many of us find ourselves reaching for the AC remote more and more. But what temperature should you actually set your AC at this summer?
The US Department of Energy and Energy Star suggest that the best AC temperature is 78°F for summer days. If 78°F seems too high for your comfort level, there are a few other things you can do to cool your home down.
During the day, try to keep blinds or curtains closed on windows that get direct sunlight. This will help to block out some of the heat. You can also use fans to circulate air and create a cooling effect.
At night, the best temperature for sleeping in summer is around 72°F. This may vary depending on how hot it is outside and how well your home retains heat. If you have a ceiling fan, you can use it to help keep things cool.
Ultimately, the temperature you set your AC at is up to you. But following these guidelines can help you stay comfortable all summer long without breaking the bank.
When you’re gone during the day, you have the potential to save even more if you set the temperature 7° to 10° higher. The DOE estimates that keeping your home at 85°F for eight hours a day during peak cooling times can save you 5% to 15% on your cooling bills.
Obviously, you won’t want to sit at home for lengthy amounts of time in 85°F weather, which is why a programmable thermostat is necessary so that you may set your house to cool down to 78°F before coming home from work. If you dress for the season and operate the ceiling fan to generate a wind chill effect, you can feel completely comfortable in a room with a temperature of 78°F. When air passes swiftly over your skin, it makes you feel up on average 4° colder than when it’s cooler; thus, an 78°F room with a fan running feels as pleasant as a 74°Temp.
Another method to keep your desired summer AC temperature indoors is to invest in shades, drapes, and blinds for the windows. You’ll be able to raise the temperature on your air conditioner while saving money by using blackout blinds and keeping the sun from heating up rooms in your home. For additional savings, weatherstrip doors and windows are a great option.
Summer air conditioner comfort levels vary throughout the day. Summer comfort level selections might be affected by whether you’re at work from home, have infants or young children, and how cool your environment can get at night without the help of an AC. While keeping the air conditioning at 85°F when you are not home may be more cost-effective and energy-efficient, a too warm environment might not be ideal for sleeping or working from home. Because your brain switches off thermoregulation during REM sleep, you want your room to be pleasant.
Best AC Temperature for Sleeping
During the summer, it’s more difficult to lower your thermostat at night. If you can sleep comfortably in a warm environment, Energy Star suggests setting the temperature 4° higher than your daytime setting. Many people, on the other hand, prefer sleeping in a chilly room, which may cause them to decrease the thermostat rather than increasing it at night. The ideal sleeping temperature in the summer is considered to be between 60° and 67°F (17°C and 19°C).
If you live in a location that cools down overnight, opening the windows while you sleep is an excellent option. Closing the windows early in the morning before it gets hot traps cool air inside and gives your air conditioner a head start. You may also use fans to help move air within a room so that you can sleep comfortably.
Average Air Conditioning Temperature
The general air conditioning temperature is 72° to 78°F, which is determined by a number of variables including geographical location, personal preferences, season, and cost of energy. The standard range is between 72° and 78°F. During the summer months in Texas, the model temperature was found to be between 70° and 75° F. The winter months were also consistent. However, this may vary depending on regional energy costs.
Setting your AC with a Programmable Thermostat and Zoning
To maintain the optimum temperature for your air conditioner in the summer and avoid arriving home to a sweltering house right when you get off work, install a programmable thermostat and set it correctly. The Nest thermostat automatically increases the temperature as you leave in the morning, preventing you from forgetting to raise it. Automated recovery 30 minutes before you return home allows you to enjoy energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Some thermostats even include smartphone apps that allow you to change temperatures while away. Zoning is also beneficial for keeping your household’s bedrooms cool at night without using too much energy.
You may regulate the temperature in specific rooms of your house with many thermostats if you use zoning. You stay cool and comfortable while keeping your energy expenses low by zoning the bedrooms separately from the living area. When it comes to preparing your air conditioner for summer, there are a few other things to think about besides thermostat settings. Now is also when you should change the AC filter, which will help your air conditioner operate more efficiently over the summer.
Something as simple as the temperature setting makes a big difference in how much you pay to air condition your home, even if maintenance activities such as changing the air conditioner filter and hiring a professional to tune up the AC unit make a difference. Are you looking for more ways to save money this summer? Our Summer Saving Tips will help you comfortably and affordably get through the scorching heat!