When the scorching summer heat arrives, everyone scrambles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right AC setting isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and limiting your utility bills. So, what’s the right temp? The answer depends on your unique demands and the time of day. Explore the best air conditioner thermostat settings when you’re at home, away or when you are sleeping.
The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home
The optimal daytime, at-home temperature for a home's air conditioning is 78 degrees. This number may seem very high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help stay nice and cool 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 a surprisingly small amount of money to use compared to your air conditioning unit.
- Dress lightly: What you wear significantly influences your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics will help you be cool when it's hot outside.
- Block out the sun: Sunlight streaming through the windows can heat a room significantly. 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: Water consumption has a big part in managing your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration boosts your body’s normal cooling processes.
- Cook smart: Cooking generates a sizable amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder, so avoid using the oven or stove during the hot 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 proposes 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. Setting up a programmable thermostat is the simplest strategy to save without relinquishing 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 key is to make use of your programmable thermostat correctly. Here are some recommendations for harnessing its full capabilities:
- Set it and forget it: Set up your thermostat to automatically set the temperature back 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 in the evening.
- 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 too much heat and humidity buildup without needlessly using energy to run your air conditioner in an empty house.
- Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works smoothly and efficiently at consistent speeds. Plus, a dramatic 10-degree drop doesn't actually cool your home any faster. If you have to, drop the temperature by only one degree and switch 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 enhanced features. Some brands can learn from your behaviors and change the temperature accordingly or be managed remotely for superior 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 four degrees higher than your usual setting. However, a lot of people find it hard to sleep in a hot and stuffy room. This makes getting the suitable sleep temperature a struggle. 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 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 ideal choice.
- Run a fan: Similar to 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 cools off 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 increasing your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more quickly.
Schedule AC Services this Summer in Long Island
Striking a balance between a home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be tricky. Why spend all summer searching for the perfect AC temperatures when Matz-Rightway can help you make the most of your system? Our trustworthy, cost-effective AC services in Long Island are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with absolute confidence. Call 631-406-9220 today to schedule the HVAC services you need with Matz-Rightway.