During summer, the temperature and humidity rise. A cool home offers comfortable relaxation. An air conditioning system that’s working properly can make a significant difference in your ability to enjoy your space. Comfort is essential, but you also need to be mindful of your monthly energy bill. Considering an appropriate temperature to set your thermostat to in the summer will help you regulate how much you spend over the hot summer season. Ideally, you want a balance between comfort and affordability, and achieving this is possible by knowing the best thermostat setting for summer. Continue reading to find out the best temperature to set your thermostat to during summer.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You’re Home
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people set their air conditioners to 78 degrees in summer to maximize savings on their utility bills. However, comfort is subjective, and what works for one household may not work for others. As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for you and your family, keep in mind that for each degree above 72 degrees that you set your thermostat to, you can save 3% on your utility bill. Finding the perfect balance between comfort and affordability might take some time and some trial and error.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You’re Away
Increasing the indoor temperature by 5 to 7 degrees can support your overall energy efficiency and reduce your monthly energy bill when you’re not home. Energy Star suggests setting your thermostat to 85 degrees when no one is home. You can do this by utilizing a programable thermostat.
Is 72 Degrees a Good Temperature to Set Your Thermostat?
The common consensus of homeowners is that setting the thermostat to 72 degrees is the best way to keep homes comfortable, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool and keep your energy costs within budget. If you’re used to keeping the thermostat at 72 degrees during the summer, try notching the temperature up one degree at a time.
How to Maximize Cooling Efforts
The best air conditioner temperatures will be different depending on the household. However, rather than making your AC work harder, you can utilize other methods to maximize cooling efforts in your home.
These cooling efforts include:
- Using fans and personal coolers can circulate air throughout the house, keeping it from getting too hot.
- Using a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can cool a room up to four degrees. Most ceiling fans also only cost an average of 15 cents a day to operate for 12 hours.
- Closing blinds and curtains.
- Avoiding running the oven.
Make Sure Your Air Conditioner is Running Properly
While knowing the best AC temperature to set your house can save you money while keeping you comfortable, you must make sure your AC is running properly. Consider having your AC inspected and maintained to ensure it’s working to its full potential. At Sky Air & Heat, we strive to make things easy, affordable, timely and performed to the highest standards in the industry. Contact us today.
