How many times do you pass by your thermostat and wonder if it’s in the right setting? Or when you look at your monthly utility bill, does this common question ever pop up in your head: “What temperature should I really be setting my air conditioner to in the summer?”
Knowing the best temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer can be a game-changer in managing your comfort, energy efficiency, and energy costs. Dive into how you can achieve an optimal balance between comfort, energy savings, and maintaining the lifespan of your AC unit!
Understanding Your Air Conditioning System
The first step in determining the best temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer is understanding how your system works. Simply put, your AC unit absorbs the hot air inside your home, cools it down, and redistributes the cool air back into the house. But it doesn’t just pump cool air into your home; it also removes warm air and reduces humidity. The efficiency of this process largely depends on your thermostat settings and the condition of your air filter, which should be regularly checked and replaced for optimal energy efficiency.
If your AC unit is showing signs of wear or damage, don’t hesitate to call the Happy House Guys for air conditioner service in Cincinnati, OH, and throughout Kentucky. Regular maintenance will not only improve your AC’s performance but also reduce energy bills!
The Ideal Summer AC Temperature According to the Department of Energy
According to the Department of Energy, the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and awake. However, our Happy House Guys find that 70-74°F is the most common setting for homes here in the Midwest.
Temperatures to Set Based on the Time of Day
How you set your thermostat largely depends on your routine, particularly during the summer months. During the hours when you’re away from home or asleep, it’s advisable to adjust your AC temperature.
For instance, you could set your thermostat a few degrees higher, around 80°F, during the day when you’re out at work or enjoying the warm weather. And you should lower the thermostat setting by around 4°F when going to bed, as cooler temperatures promote better sleep.
How Installing a Programmable Thermostat Can Help
A programmable thermostat can help you manage indoor temperatures based on the time of day, thus improving energy efficiency. With a programmable or smart thermostat, you can preset temperatures for specific times, helping to prevent unnecessary cooling and thereby reducing energy costs.
This form of temperature control is more advanced than manually adjusting the thermostat and will ensure a comfortable temperature is maintained throughout your home. If you don’t have one, consider speaking with one of our Happy House Guys about the benefits of a smart thermostat installation.
Factors Influencing Your Comfortable Temperature
The “comfortable temperature” can vary greatly from person to person. While some might feel perfectly fine at 78°F, others might prefer their home a bit cooler. Factors such as age, humidity levels, and personal preference can all affect what feels comfortable.
Incorporating other cooling methods, like ceiling fans, can be very beneficial. Ceiling fans circulate the cool air generated by the AC unit more effectively, allowing you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature without compromising your indoor comfort.
The Bottom Line: Balance Comfort and Efficiency
At the end of the day, finding the best temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer is about balancing comfort and efficiency. Remember that every degree lower can significantly increase your energy bills. So, find a temperature that keeps you comfortable but doesn’t make your energy costs skyrocket.
If you’re struggling with higher-than-normal energy bills this summer, and no amount of tweaking the thermostat settings seems to help, it may be time to give the Happy House Guys a call. We offer emergency air conditioning repair throughout Erlanger, KY, and nearby areas — even in neighborhoods surrounding Cincinnati, OH! Let us take a look at your AC system and provide you with solutions for increasing its energy efficiency and decreasing your utility bills.