Depending on where you live, you may have already flipped the switch on your air conditioner. Even if you have not done it yet, it won’t be long before the breezy days of spring turn into the hot hazy dog days of summer, and you will need that air conditioning flowing!
With air conditioning known to hyperinflate electric bills, it is important to keep your thermostat at the right temperature. Unfortunately, finding the ideal temperature for your home is sometimes easier said than done.
Here is what you need to know about the ideal temperature setting for the Air Conditioning System:
What the Temperature Should be While You’re at Home
According to the U.S Department of Energy, you should set your temperature to 78 degrees fahrenheit and leave it there. Keep in mind that this does depend on the type of house you live in and the actual temperature outdoors.
You may have to set the temperature a bit lower if your house is large. Furthermore, 78 degrees may not be enough to provide relief from the heat. If that’s the case, then you might want to consider investing in a dehumidifier and setting the thermostat higher.
What the Temperature Should be When You’re Away From Home
One reason why people see a dramatic increase in their utilities is because they accidentally leave their air conditioner running, even when they are not home. While maintaining the same temperature does keep your HVAC from playing catch up, you will want to make sure that you are not running your system without reason.
When set at the right temperature, you can leave your AC on and still save money. The best temperature is one that you feel comfortable in. A good rule of thumb is to set it 7-10 degrees higher when you’re out of the home for more than 2 hours. If this is too cumbersome for you to remember we suggest investing in a programmable thermostat which allows you to set up a program ahead of time based on your family needs & forget about daily manual adjustments. They even have smart thermostats where you can change the temperature settings on your phone or tablet.
Other Ways You Can Keep Your Home Cool
Your air conditioner works wonders during the summertime, but it can only do so much on its own. In order to maximize the cooling efficiency, there are several options at your disposal:
- Make use of your ceiling fans to circulate air & increase cooling efficiency
- Limit the use of appliances that generate heat such as stoves and ovens
- Use drapes and curtains to block out the strong sunlight & heat
- Replace Air Conditioning units with energy-efficient models
- Install new or replace old weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows to keep your home sealed
- Invest in a dehumidifier which can help regulate the humidity in your home which allows you to be comfortable at a higher temperature level and take the burden off the ac unit
There are a lot of ways to help your air conditioner cool your home more efficiently. Speaking with an HVAC professional can help determine which option works best for your home.
If you are looking for ways to stay cool and save money, we can help! Contact Christian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical for more energy-saving tips.
