Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer
When the scorching summer heat hits, everyone hustles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioner setting isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and decreasing your power expenses. So, what’s the secret number? The answer depends on your specific demands and the time of day. Explore the ideal AC temperature range when you’re at home, out and about and when you are sleeping.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home
The optimal daytime, at-home temperature for your air conditioner is 78 degrees. This amount may seem very high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a couple of tips to help stay nice and cool at 78 degrees:
- Use fans: Whether it is a ceiling fan or a desk fan, moving air will make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to run compared to your air conditioning unit.
- Dress lightly: What you are wearing drastically impacts your comfort level. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics will help you be cool in the summer.
- Block out the sun: Sunlight streaming through the windows can heat a room a lot. To stop your home from becoming a greenhouse, hang curtains or blinds to block out the sun, at least during the peak afternoon hours.
- Stay hydrated: How much water you drink has a big part in managing your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration improves your body’s normal cooling processes.
- Cook smart: Cooking produces considerable heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, so don’t use the oven or stove during the hottest part of the afternoon. Instead, make use of the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill outside until the weather gets cooler.
The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away
The DOE advises setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re going to be out of the house for eight hours, a strategy experts say can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Buying a programmable thermostat is the quickest method to save without giving up comfort.
This upgrade allows you to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week based on your schedule, lowering your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The important part is to use your programmable thermostat correctly. Here are some tips for making sure you’re using its full power:
- Set it and forget it: Set up your thermostat to automatically turn the thermostat up to your away temperature about 30 minutes 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 just as you walk in the door in the evening.
- Use the vacation setting: If you’re not going to be home for several days, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to use the “away” temperature for days at a time. This avoids extreme heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy to cool an empty house.
- Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works the best at consistent speeds. Plus, a significant 10-degree drop will not cool your home more rapidly. If you must, decrease the temperature by a single degree and switch on a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.
- Leverage smart capabilities: If you buy a smart thermostat, capitalize on its programming capability and enhanced features. Some brands can learn from your behaviors and adjust the temperature accordingly or be controlled remotely for outstanding comfort and convenience.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping
When it’s time for bed, the DOE advises that you should consider setting the temperature 4 degrees higher than your normal setting. However, lots of people find it hard to sleep in a hot and stuffy room. This makes getting the suitable sleep temperature a problem. Thankfully, you can employ several methods to beat the heat while you go to sleep:
- Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime wardrobe, your choice of night clothes impacts how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also influence your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the very best option.
- Run a fan: As it does during the day, a fan can generate a cool breeze in your bedroom at night, making sleep more comfortable.
- Open a window: If it cools down at night, take advantage of this by sleeping with the windows open.
- Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound strange, but a warm shower truly cools you down faster than a cold shower. It works by boosting your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away faster.
Schedule AC Services this Summer in Fort Lauderdale
Balancing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be tricky. Why spend all summer guessing at the right AC temperatures when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you make the most of your system? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in Fort Lauderdale are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with absolute confidence. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule the top-notch services you need with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.