When the sweltering summer heat arrives, everyone scrambles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioner setting isn’t just about staying comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and reducing your power bills. So, what’s the right temperature? The answer relies upon on your distinct demands and the time of day. Explore the ideal air conditioning temperature range when you’re at home, out or when you are sleeping.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home
The suggested daytime, at-home temperature for a home's AC is 78 degrees. This number may seem remarkably high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help keep yourself comfortable at 78 degrees:
- Use fans: Whether you're using a ceiling fan or a desk fan, circulating air will make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost a surprisingly small amount of money to operate compared to your air conditioner.
- Dress lightly: What you are wearing drastically affects your comfort level. Dressing in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics will help you keep cool when it's hot outside.
- Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows will often heat a room tremendously. To keep your home from becoming a greenhouse, draw the curtains or blinds to block out the sun, particularly during the peak afternoon hours.
- Stay hydrated: How much water you drink has a huge part in managing your body temperature. Staying hydrated improves your body’s natural cooling processes.
- Cook smart: Cooking generates a sizable amount of heat, forcing your AC 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 outdoors until the weather isn't so hot.
The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away
The DOE proposes setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not going to be home for eight hours, which can save up to 10 percent on your cooling expenses. Installing a programmable thermostat is the easiest method to save without sacrificing comfort.
This technology allows you to automatically modify the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, reducing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The important part is to utilize your programmable thermostat in the correct way. Here are some recommendations for taking advantage of its full power:
- Set it and forget it: Configure your thermostat to automatically turn the temperature up about 30 minutes before you leave for work or school in the morning. Then, time the recovery period so a comfortable temperature resumes just as you walk in the door when you get home.
- Use the vacation setting: If you’re going to be out of your home for a long time, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to keep the “away” temperature for days at a time. This avoids excessive heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy on cooling an empty house.
- Make gradual adjustments: Your air conditioner works the best at normal speeds. Plus, a dramatic 10-degree drop won’t cool your home any faster. If you have to, drop the temperature by only 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 extra features. Some brands can learn from your behaviors and adapt the temperature accordingly or be operated 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 four degrees higher than your usual setting. However, a lot of people find it hard to sleep in a warm room. This makes getting the suitable sleep temperature a real challenge. Thankfully, you can try several strategies to beat the heat while you are trying to sleep:
- Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime clothing, your choice of sleepwear influences 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 solution.
- Run a fan: Similar to during the day, a fan can generate 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 strange, but a warm shower actually 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 faster.
Schedule AC Services this Summer in Hurricane
Finding a compromise between indoor comfort and energy efficiency is sometimes difficult. Why spend all summer guessing at the perfect AC temperatures when Teays Valley Service Experts can help you make the most of your air conditioning? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in Hurricane come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with complete confidence. Call 304-760-5088 today to schedule the premium services you need with Teays Valley Service Experts.