Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the sweltering summer heat arrives, everyone hustles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioner temperature isn’t just about staying comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and lowering your energy costs. So, what’s the right number? The answer depends on your particular requirements and the time of day. Explore the best AC temperature range when you’re at home, away and when you are sleeping.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home

The optimal daytime, at-home temperature for a residence’s air conditioning is 78 degrees. This amount may seem remarkably high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help stay comfortable at 78 degrees:

• Use fans: Whether it is a ceiling fan or a desk fan, circulating air makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to operate compared to your air conditioning unit.
• Dress lightly: What you are wearing significantly impacts your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics helps you be cool during the summer months.
• Block out the sun: Sunlight beaming through the windows can heat a room tremendously. To prevent your home from becoming a greenhouse, hang curtains or blinds to block out the sun, especially during the peak afternoon hours.
• Stay hydrated: How much water you drink has a huge part in regulating your body temperature. Staying hydrated boosts your body’s self-cooling processes.
• Cook smart: Cooking generates a surprising amount of heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder, so try not to use the oven or stove during the hot afternoon. Instead, use the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill out on the porch of patio until the weather cools off.

The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away

The DOE advises 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. Setting up a programmable thermostat is the easiest way to save without sacrificing comfort.

This technology allows you to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, decreasing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The important part is to make use of your programmable thermostat correctly. Here are some guidelines for harnessing its full capabilities:

• Set it and forget it: Schedule your thermostat to automatically set the temperature back about half an hour or so 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 as soon as you walk in the door when you return.
• Use the vacation setting: If you’re going to be out of your home for an extended period, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to use the “away” temperature for days at a time. This avoids too much heat and humidity buildup without needlessly using energy on cooling an empty house.
• Make gradual adjustments: Your air conditioner works smoothly and efficiently at regular speeds. Plus, a significant 10-degree drop will not cool your home any faster. If you need to, decrease the temperature by just one degree and start up a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.
• Leverage smart capabilities: If you have a smart thermostat, take advantage of its programming capability and extra features. Some models can learn from your behaviors and change the temperature accordingly or be controlled remotely for superior comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time to head off to bed, the DOE suggests setting the temperature 4 degrees higher than your typical setting. However, a number of people find it tough to sleep in a warm room. This makes finding the suitable sleep temperature a real challenge. Thankfully, you can employ 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 pajamas impacts how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also can be a factor in your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the ideal choice.
• Run a fan: As it does during the day, a fan can provide a cool breeze in your bedroom at bedtime, making sleep more comfortable.
• Open a window: If it cools off at night, make the most 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 works by boosting your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more rapidly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Fort Lauderdale

Striking a balance between indoor comfort and energy efficiency can be challenging. Why spend all summer searching for the perfect AC temperatures when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you make the most of your system? Our trustworthy, 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 HVAC services you need with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.