Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the blistering summer heat hits, everyone runs 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 reducing your utility costs. So, what’s the magic temperature? The answer relies upon on your distinct requirements and the time of day. Explore the ideal air conditioning temperatures when you’re at home, out and about as well as when you are sleeping.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home

The recommended daytime, at-home temperature for a home's air conditioner is 78 degrees. This temperature setting may seem surprisingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a few tips to help keep your home nice and cool at 78 degrees:

Use fans: Whether it’s a ceiling fan or a desk fan, moving air makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost pennies on the dollar to run compared to your air conditioner.
Dress lightly: What you wear greatly affects your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics will help you be cool during the summer months.
Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows will often heat a room significantly. To stop 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 consumption has a huge part in controlling your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration improves your body’s natural cooling processes.
Cook smart: Cooking produces a surprising amount of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, so try not to use the oven or stove during the heat of the afternoon. Instead, cook food in the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill outside 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 not home for eight hours, a strategy experts say can save up to 10 percent on your cooling expenses. Setting up a programmable thermostat is the simplest strategy to save without relinquishing comfort.

This upgrade allows you to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week based on your schedule, reducing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The trick is to make use of your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some recommendations for harnessing its full power:

Set it and forget it: Schedule your thermostat to automatically turn the temperature up 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 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 keep the “away” temperature for days at a time. This stops too much heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy to run your air conditioner in an empty house.
Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works most efficiently at steady speeds. Plus, a big 10-degree drop will not cool your home more quickly. If you need to, lower the temperature by a single 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 extra features. Some designs can learn from your behaviors and adjust the temperature accordingly or be managed remotely for superior comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time for bed, the DOE recommends setting the temperature four degrees higher than your usual setting. However, lots of people find it tough to sleep in a warm room. This makes finding the ideal sleep temperature a struggle. Thankfully, you can employ several techniques 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 night clothes affects 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 option.
Run a fan: Just like during the day, a fan can create a cool breeze in your bedroom in the evening, making sleep more comfortable.
Open a window: If it cools off at night, make the most of this by sleeping with the windows open.
Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound strange, but a warm shower really cools you down better than a cold shower. It achieves this by boosting your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away faster.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Voorhees

Balancing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be challenging. Why spend all summer trying to find the right AC temperatures when Atmostemp Service Experts can help you make the most of your system? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in Voorhees are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with total confidence. Call 856-310-4824 today to schedule the HVAC services you need with Atmostemp Service Experts.