Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the scorching summer heat arrives, everyone runs to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right AC temperature isn’t just about staying comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and decreasing your power costs. So, what’s the right temperature? The answer is based on your particular demands and the time of day. Explore the best AC temperature range when you’re at home, out and about and when you are sleeping.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home

The suggested daytime, at-home temperature for your AC is 78 degrees. This amount may seem remarkably high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a few tips to help keep yourself comfortable at 78 degrees:

• Use fans: Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a desk fan, flowing air will make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to use compared to your air conditioning unit.
• Dress lightly: What you are wearing drastically affects your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics can help you keep cool during the summer months.
• Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows can easily heat a room a lot. To keep your home from becoming a greenhouse, hang curtains or blinds to block out the sun, at least during the peak afternoon hours.
• Stay hydrated: How much water you drink has a big part in managing your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration enhances your body’s normal cooling processes.
• Cook smart: Cooking generates a sizable amount of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, so try not to 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 out on the porch of patio 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 not home for eight hours, a move that can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat is the easiest method to save without giving up comfort.

This technology allows you to automatically change the temperature at different times of the day or week based on your schedule, lowering your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The trick is to make use of your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some guidelines for making sure you’re using its full potential:

• Set it and forget it: Schedule your thermostat to automatically turn the temperature up about a half hour before you leave for work or school in the morning. Then, program the schedule so a comfortable temperature resumes when 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 maintain 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 air conditioner works most efficiently at regular speeds. Plus, a big 10-degree drop doesn’t actually cool your home more rapidly. If you have to, decrease 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 have 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 operated remotely for superior comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time for bed, the DOE suggests setting the temperature 4 degrees higher than your typical setting. However, many people find it tough to sleep in a hot room. This makes achieving the right sleep temperature a struggle. Thankfully, you can try several methods 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 pajamas impacts 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 choice.
• Run a fan: Just like during the day, a fan can provide a cool breeze in your bedroom in the evening, making sleep more comfortable.
• Open a window: If it cools down at night, reap the benefits of this by going to bed with the windows open.
• Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound odd, but a warm shower actually cools you down faster than a cold shower. It achieves this by boosting your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more quickly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Fort Lauderdale

Striking a balance between a home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be tricky. Why spend all summer guessing at the perfect AC temperatures when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you make the most of your air conditioning? Our reliable, cost-effective AC services in Fort Lauderdale come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with total confidence. Call 954-736-4314 today to schedule the premium services you need with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.