Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the blistering summer heat hits, everyone runs to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioning temp isn’t just about getting comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and reducing your power costs. So, what’s the magic temperature? The answer relies upon on your particular needs and the time of day. Explore the best air conditioning thermostat settings 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 recommended daytime, at-home temperature for a residence’s AC is 78 degrees. This amount may seem surprisingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help keep yourself comfortable at 78 degrees:

• Use fans: Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a desk fan, circulating air will make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to run compared to your AC.
• Dress lightly: What you have on drastically affects your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics can help you be cool during the summer months.
• Block out the sun: Sunlight streaming through the windows can heat a room a lot. To stop your home from becoming a greenhouse, draw the curtains or blinds to block out the sun, at least during the peak afternoon hours.
• Stay hydrated: How much water you drink has a huge part in regulating your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration boosts your body’s natural cooling processes.
• Cook smart: Cooking creates a sizable amount of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, so avoid using the oven or stove during the heat of the afternoon. Instead, make use of the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill out on the porch of patio until the weather gets cooler.

The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away

The DOE recommends setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re going to be out of the house for eight hours, a move that can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat is the simplest strategy to save without giving up comfort.

This technology allows you to automatically change the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, lowering your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The important part is to utilize your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some tips for taking advantage of its full potential:

• Set it and forget it: Configure 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 as soon as you walk in the door in the evening.
• Use the vacation setting: If you’re not going to be 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 throwing away energy to cool an empty house.
• Make gradual adjustments: Your air conditioner works smoothly and efficiently at consistent speeds. Plus, a big 10-degree drop will not cool your home more rapidly. If you need to, drop the temperature by a single degree and turn on 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 advanced features. Some designs 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 to go to bed, the DOE advises that you should consider setting the temperature 4 degrees higher than your usual setting. However, many people find it hard to sleep in a hot and stuffy room. This makes achieving the right sleep temperature a problem. Thankfully, you can use several techniques to beat the heat while you drift off to sleep:

• Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime attire, your choice of sleepwear 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 best solution.
• Run a fan: Similar to during the day, a fan can generate a cool breeze in your bedroom at bedtime, making sleep more comfortable.
• Open a window: If it cools down at night, reap the benefits of this by snoozing with the windows open.
• Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound strange, but a warm shower truly cools you down better than a cold shower. It works by boosting your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more quickly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Fort Lauderdale

Striking a balance between indoor 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 home cooling technology? Our reliable, 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.