Due to the heat of the hot summer months, you’re likely looking for a way to keep your home nice and cool, while also keeping your cooling costs relatively low. This can be achieved by using your thermostat and central air conditioning unit properly.
Many homeowners wonder what temperature they should set their air conditioner to for optimum comfort and efficiency. There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the best air conditioner temperature will depend on a number of factors, including the size and layout of your home, your personal preferences, and any health concerns you may have.
Continue reading to learn more tips about how to improve your system’s efficiency.
Air Conditioner Temperature and Energy Efficiency
One of the most important things to keep in mind when setting your AC temperature this summer is energy efficiency. By setting your air conditioner to the right temperature, you can lower energy consumption and save money on your energy bills while also reducing your environmental impact.
Recommended Air Conditioner Temperature
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the recommended temperature for your air conditioner in summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency, helping you stay comfortable without overspending on energy bills.
It’s worth noting, however, that there are some instances when a higher or lower temperature may be more appropriate. For example, if it is particularly hot and humid, you may need to set your AC unit to a lower temperature to stay comfortable. At the same time, if you have health concerns that make it difficult for you to tolerate high temperatures, you may need to set your AC unit to a cooler temperature to avoid overheating.
Of course, personal preferences also play a role in determining the best AC temperature for your home. Some people prefer their homes to be slightly cooler or warmer than others, and this is perfectly normal. If you find that the recommended temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit is not a comfortable temperature for you, you may need to experiment until you find an ideal indoor temperature that works for your needs.
Keep Temperature Settings Steady in Summer Heat
When outdoor temperatures rise above 92 degrees, be sure to keep your thermostat at a consistent AC temperature that you’re comfortable with. Changing the temperature on your thermostat while outdoor temperatures are that high can make it hard on your air conditioner to keep up with the change, placing additional stress on the unit and increasing energy usage plus energy costs.
If your home has a programmable thermostat, we recommend that you still keep the thermostat at a set temperature while the outdoor temperature is above 92 degrees outside. After the outdoor temperature drops back below 92 degrees, feel free to continue adjusting the temperature setting with your programmable thermostat.
When hot air temperatures rise above 92 degrees, air conditioners must work hard in order to keep your home at the temperature that you’ve set on your thermostat. If you attempt to lower the temperature, it can be hard for your air conditioner to keep up with the change. This can place stress on your air conditioner and cause utility costs to rise, as your system will be running for longer periods of time in order to try and meet your temperature demands.
More Energy-Saving Tips
When summer temperatures rise, it can be difficult to keep your home comfortable without feeling as though your energy costs are soaring. Following some of the tips below can help your air conditioner stay energy efficient and keep your home cool even on the hottest days of the year:
- Use a whole home dehumidifier to reduce excess indoor moisture so your air conditioning system doesn’t have to use as much energy.
- Schedule maintenance tune ups for your air conditioning system each spring to ensure all components are in good shape and working efficiently before cooling season arrives.
- Change air filters as needed throughout the summer – more frequent changes may be needed this time of year due to higher usage of your HVAC system.
- Keep vents open throughout the house so your air conditioning unit works as it was designed to.
- Clean the outdoor condenser unit to remove debris and facilitate proper airflow through the unit.
- Seal leaking ductwork to prevent cooling loss and an unwanted increase in workload for your air conditioner.
- Turn on ceiling fans throughout the home when rooms are occupied to help cool air. Doing so can make the rooms in your home feel up to 10 degrees cooler, allowing you to bump your home’s temperature up a few degrees.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed during daylight hours to limit solar heat gain which can raise indoor temperatures and force your air conditioning unit to work harder.
- Avoid using heat generating appliances during peak cooling times. Ovens, dryers, and other heat generating appliances raise the home’s temperature, forcing the AC unit to work harder to make up for the heat gain.
Thiele Can Help You Improve Your AC Efficiency Today
Protecting both your family and your air conditioner starts with finding the best temperature during the summer months. However, there are additional steps that you can take in order to stay safe and comfortable, while also helping your AC last for many years to come. For services to improve air conditioner performance at home and keep the cool air flowing all summer long, call Thiele Heating & Air Conditioning today.