When summer arrives, most of us look to our air conditioning to keep us cool. However, what is the best temperature setting for your thermostat during this period? Maintaining the balance between finance and family comfort requires a delicate touch.
Luckily, you can work through the different variables to save money while staying comfortable in your home. Today, we review some tips and guidelines on the best temperature to set your thermostat in summer. Also included are preventive measures for energy conservation and answers to all questions you might have.
What Is the Best Thermostat Temperature Setting in the Summer?
According to the U.S Department of Energy, 78° is the recommended air-conditioner temperature setting during the daytime. However, 82° is considered best for nighttime in summer. It might seem a little toasty, but it is the right setting for energy efficiency during this period. For deep sleepers, the National Sleep Foundation recommends between 66° and 72°.
Our Recommended Thermostat Setting During Summer
When at home, keep the AC temperature at 76° during the day. Those used to a thermostat setting of 72° might find it a bit hot, but you will soon adapt. It will help if you increase the temperature by 1 degree every day to give your family a chance to acclimate to higher temperatures.
When away from home, keep the AC temperature at 80°. You will save a lot of money on electricity bills without compromising the integrity of your home. Although it seems tempting, do not shut off you’re AC when you leave for your vacation. Doing this is counter-productive because you will spend a fortune to cool down your home later. Completely turning off you’re AC also increases the chances of mildew and mold growth.
When sleeping, keep the AC temperature at 72°. It is the maximum recommended thermostat setting by the National Sleep Foundation. However, you can always turn on the ceiling fan if you find it too warm.
Reduce the Workload by Getting a Programmable Thermostat
If you want to manage your thermostat effectively, we recommend installing a programmable thermostat. Most people forget to adjust the temperature settings when they enter or leave the room. Fortunately, a programmable or smart thermostat takes care of everything for you.
Wi-Fi models give you more flexibility by offering remote control. You also get to set different temperatures depending on several factors — when the home is empty, time of day, and when you are home. Interestingly, you can also automate your AC to start cooling down about 30 minutes before you get home, which is perfect for those unbearably hot days.
Tips to Keep Your Home Cool During the Summer
Several tactics can help you stay cool during this period without interfering with the above settings. Here is a comprehensive look at how you can maintain a comfortable and fresh home all summer long:
- Start with replacing old cooling units with modern energy-efficient models.
- Limit the use of heat-generating appliances, like the stove and oven, until after 8 pm. It will also help if you can grill outdoors whenever possible.
- Keep your home sealed by replacing old caulk and weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Consider window treatments to prevent heat from penetrating your home. These also help block sunlight, thus keeping your home cool.
- Increase cooling efficiency in your home by installing ceiling fans.
Let Our Technicians Help You Keep Cool During Summer
It will help if you make sure your AC unit is running appropriately during the summer. Regular servicing such as changing the air filter and inspecting your ductwork for leaks become essential. At Larry’s Heating & Cooling, we are a family-owned business that understands the need for a comfortable and fresh home during the summer. Get your home summer-ready —schedule an appointment with our AC company in Yankton, SD today! We also serve those in Vermillion and other nearby communities.
