Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the scorching summer heat strikes, everyone runs to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioning setting isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and lowering your utility expenses. So, what’s the magic temp? The answer depends on your specific demands and the time of day. Explore the optimal air conditioning temperature range when you’re at home, out and about as well as when you are sleeping.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home

The optimal daytime, at-home temperature for your air conditioning is 78 degrees. This amount may seem shockingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a few tips to help keep your home cool at 78 degrees:

• • Use fans: Whether you’re using a ceiling fan or a desk fan, circulating air actually makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to use compared to your AC.

• • Dress lightly: What you wear greatly affects your comfort level. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics can help you be cool during the summer months.

• • Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows can easily heat a room a lot. To keep your home from becoming a greenhouse, pull out the curtains or blinds to block out the sun, at least during the peak afternoon hours.

• • Stay hydrated: Water intake plays a big part in controlling your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration improves your body’s normal cooling processes.

• • Cook smart: Cooking generates a surprising amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder, so try not to use the oven or stove during the hot afternoon. Instead, cook food in the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill outdoors until the weather cools off.

The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away

The DOE proposes setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not home for eight hours, which can save up to 10 percent on your cooling bills. Installing a programmable thermostat is the quickest strategy to save without giving up comfort.

This upgrade allows you to automatically change the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, reducing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The trick is to utilize your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some guidelines for making sure you’re using its full capabilities:

• • Set it and forget it: Configure your thermostat to automatically turn the thermostat up to your away temperature about half an hour or so before you leave for work or school in the morning. Then, set the thermostat to start bringing the temperature back down so a comfortable temperature resumes when you walk in the door in the evening.

• • Use the vacation setting: If you’re going to be out of your home for an extended period, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to maintain the “away” temperature for days at a time. This prevents excessive heat and humidity buildup without needlessly using energy to cool an empty house.

• • Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works smoothly and efficiently at consistent speeds. Plus, a dramatic 10-degree drop doesn’t actually cool your home more rapidly. If you have to, decrease the temperature by a single degree and start up a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.

• • Leverage smart capabilities: If you choose a smart thermostat, capitalize on its programming capability and extra features. Some brands can learn from your behaviors and adapt the temperature accordingly or be operated remotely for superior comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time to head off to bed, the DOE recommends setting the temperature 4 degrees higher than your usual setting. However, lots of people find it tough to sleep in a warm room. This makes achieving the ideal sleep temperature a problem. Thankfully, you can use several techniques to beat the heat while you go to sleep:

• • Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime clothing, your choice of pajamas impacts how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also can be a factor in your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the better option.

• • Run a fan: Just like during the day, a fan can create a cool breeze in your bedroom in the evening, making sleep more comfortable.

• • Open a window: If it cools off at night, make the most of this by snoozing with the windows open.

• • Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound counterintuitive, but a warm shower truly cools you down faster than a cold shower. It works by elevating your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more rapidly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in the U.S.

Striking a balance between a home’s comfort and energy efficiency is sometimes difficult. Why spend all summer searching for the perfect AC temperatures when Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make the most of your system? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in the U.S. come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with complete confidence. Call 866-397-3787 today to schedule the top-notch services you need with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.