Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the blistering summer heat hits, everyone hustles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioning setting isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and lowering your power costs. So, what’s the magic temp? The answer depends on your distinct demands and the time of day. Explore the best AC thermostat settings 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 suggested daytime, at-home temperature for your air conditioner is 78 degrees. This amount may seem shockingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help stay nice and cool at 78 degrees:

Use fans: Whether it is a ceiling fan or a desk fan, circulating air will make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost a surprisingly small amount of money to operate compared to your air conditioner.
Dress lightly: What you have on drastically influences your comfort level. Dressing in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics can help you stay cool in the summer.
Block out the sun: Sunlight streaming through the windows can heat a room a lot. 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 consumption has a huge part in controlling your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration boosts your body’s natural cooling processes.
Cook smart: Cooking produces a sizable amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder, so try not to use the oven or stove during the hottest part of the afternoon. Instead, use the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill outside until the weather gets cooler.

The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away

The DOE advises setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not going to be home for eight hours, which can save up to 10 percent on your cooling expenses. Installing a programmable thermostat is the quickest strategy to save without giving up comfort.

This improvement allows you to automatically change the temperature at different times of the day or week based on your schedule, decreasing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The key is to make use of your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some tips for taking advantage of its full power:

Set it and forget it: Set up 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 get home.
Use the vacation setting: If you’re away from home for an extended period, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to use the “away” temperature for days at a time. This avoids extreme heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy to cool an empty house.
Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works the best at normal speeds. Plus, a big 10-degree drop won’t cool your home more rapidly. If you must, drop the temperature by a single degree and start up a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.
Leverage smart capabilities: If you choose a smart thermostat, make the most of its programming capability and advanced features. Some models can learn from your behaviors and change the temperature accordingly or be managed remotely for outstanding comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time to head off to bed, the DOE recommends setting the temperature four degrees higher than your normal setting. However, a lot of people find it tough to sleep in a hot and stuffy room. This makes achieving the right sleep temperature a real challenge. Thankfully, you can try several strategies to beat the heat while you go to sleep:

Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime clothing, your choice of pajamas 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 better option.
Run a fan: Similar to during the day, a fan can generate a cool breeze in your bedroom at night, making sleep more comfortable.
Open a window: If it cools down at night, reap the benefits of this by going to bed with the windows open.
Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound counterintuitive, but a warm shower actually cools you down more than a cold shower. It does this by increasing your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more rapidly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Dallas

Striking a balance between your home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be challenging. Why spend all summer trying to find the right AC temperatures when Levy & Son Service Experts can help you make the most of your air conditioning? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in Dallas are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with total confidence. Call 469-250-0932 today to schedule the top-notch services you need with Levy & Son Service Experts.