When the blistering summer heat strikes, everyone runs to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioning temperature isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and reducing your utility costs. So, what’s the right temp? The answer depends on your distinct requirements and the time of day. Explore the best air conditioning thermostat settings 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 conditioning is 78 degrees. This number may seem very high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a few tips to help keep your home nice and cool at 78 degrees:
- Use fans: Whether it's a ceiling fan or a desk fan, flowing air actually makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to operate compared to your AC.
- Dress lightly: What you wear greatly impacts your comfort level. Dressing in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics can help you stay cool in the summer.
- Block out the sun: Sunlight beaming through the windows will often heat a room a lot. To prevent your home from becoming a greenhouse, draw the curtains or blinds to block out the sun, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
- Stay hydrated: Water intake plays a huge part in regulating your body temperature. Making sure you keep yourself hydrated enhances your body’s normal 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 hot afternoon. Instead, use 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 expenses. Buying a programmable thermostat is the easiest way to save without giving up comfort.
This upgrade allows you to automatically modify the temperature at different times of the day or week depending on your schedule, decreasing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The trick is to use your programmable thermostat in the correct way. Here are some tips for taking advantage of its full capabilities:
- 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 when you walk in the door when you return.
- Use the vacation setting: If you’re not going to be home for a long time, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to use the “away” temperature for days at a time. This stops too much heat and humidity buildup without wasting energy on cooling an empty house.
- Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works most efficiently at consistent speeds. Plus, a significant 10-degree drop doesn't actually cool your home any faster. If you need to, lower the temperature by just one degree and turn on a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.
- Leverage smart capabilities: If you buy a smart thermostat, take advantage of its programming capability and enhanced features. Some brands can learn from your behaviors and adapt the temperature accordingly or be managed remotely for outstanding comfort and convenience.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping
When it’s time to go to bed, the DOE recommends setting the temperature 4 degrees higher than your usual setting. However, a number of people find it hard to sleep in a warm room. This makes finding the suitable sleep temperature a real challenge. Thankfully, you can try several techniques to beat the heat while you go to sleep:
- Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime attire, your choice of pajamas influences how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also affect your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the best 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 gets cooler at night, take advantage of this by going to bed with the windows open.
- Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound counterintuitive, but a warm shower actually cools you down more than a cold shower. It does this 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
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