Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the blistering summer heat arrives, everyone scrambles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioner temp isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and decreasing your power bills. So, what’s the right number? The answer depends on your distinct needs and the time of day. Explore the ideal air conditioner 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 AC is 78 degrees. This amount may seem surprisingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help keep yourself nice and cool at 78 degrees:

Use fans: Whether you're using a ceiling fan or a desk fan, moving air actually makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost pennies on the dollar to run compared to your AC.
Dress lightly: What you wear drastically impacts your comfort level. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics will help you keep cool in the summer.
Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows can heat a room tremendously. 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: Water intake plays a significant part in regulating your body temperature. Making sure you keep yourself hydrated boosts your body’s natural cooling processes.
Cook smart: Cooking creates 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 isn't so hot.

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 strategy experts say can save up to 10 percent on your cooling bills. Buying a programmable thermostat is the simplest strategy to save without giving up comfort.

This upgrade allows you to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, reducing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The trick is to utilize your programmable thermostat in the correct way. Here are some guidelines for taking advantage of its full potential:

Set it and forget it: Configure your thermostat to automatically turn the thermostat up to your away temperature 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 as soon as 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 throwing away energy to cool an empty house.
Make gradual adjustments: Your air conditioner works the best at steady speeds. Plus, a dramatic 10-degree drop will not cool your home more quickly. If you must, lower the temperature by just 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, take advantage of its programming capability and extra features. Some models can learn from your behaviors and adapt the temperature accordingly or be managed remotely for superior comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time to go to bed, the DOE suggests setting the temperature four degrees higher than your usual setting. However, lots of people find it hard to sleep in a warm room. This makes finding the right sleep temperature a struggle. Thankfully, you can use several techniques to beat the heat while you are trying 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 better option.
Run a fan: Just like during the day, a fan can create a cool breeze in your bedroom at bedtime, making sleep more comfortable.
Open a window: If it cools down at night, take advantage of this by sleeping with the windows open.
Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound counterintuitive, 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 rapidly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Wheeling

Finding a compromise between your home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be challenging. Why spend all summer trying to find the perfect AC temperatures when Comfort Masters Service Experts can help you make the most of your air conditioning? Our reliable, cost-effective AC services in Wheeling are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with absolute confidence. Call 847-250-6729 today to schedule the HVAC services you need with Comfort Masters Service Experts.