Every person has their preferences for air temperature. An AC is a state-of-the-art invention that enables you to enjoy the advantages of warm weather. You do not have to deal with overheating issues while using it. However, an AC also consumes a lot of energy since they need to run for long periods to meet your needs – especially during the hottest days. This means that during the hot season, you might end up paying more in energy bills due to increased use of the AC. But is there a good way to curb the increasing energy bills? Definitely, since it has to do with figuring out the best temperature to set your air conditioner. Generally, there is no single right temperature for everyone, but you can work out a certain range to maintain comfort while still saving some money. So, if you are wondering what is the best temperature to set your air conditioner, check out these guidelines for more savings.
Best Tips on how to Achieve the Right Temperature for your AC
1. Set your AC High
You have to start from somewhere as you try to get the appropriate setting for your AC. So, what setting should I put my air conditioner on? The answer is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. It is the best temperature for your AC, according to Energy Star, and it will keep you comfortable and cool the entire day. When you maintain this temperature range, you’ll not have to keep worrying about the skyrocketing energy bills. However, as mentioned earlier, this might not be ideal for some people. Some will want it lower while others higher. During summer, the higher the temperatures, the lower the energy bills. If 78 degrees is too hot for you, you can lower the temperature by one degree or so. However, every time you lower it, the harder the AC works and the higher the bills will go.
2. Modify the AC with Ceiling Fans
Normally, 78 degrees is too high for some people, which is fine. And there are other avenues of feeling cooler without touching the thermostat. For example, using ceiling fans. Generally, operating them while you are in your home doesn’t do much in cooling your indoor temperature. What the ceiling fans do is move around the air. As you know, whenever your AC is running, cool air is being pumped into your house. A fan assists in circulating that cold air. In essence, it doesn’t lower the temperature but enhances your AC performance. These fans make a bigger difference than you may think. In fact, according to the United States Department of Energy, they’ll make a difference of around 4 degrees. So, if we go back to the 78-degree rule, it may be too warm for you. However, you can try 70 degrees but switch on your ceiling fans. This helps to maintain a cool temperature in your house without having to overwork the AC.
Note: Your fans should run counter-clockwise at all times. This way, they always blow the air downwards.
Also, switch off the fans if you will not be in a room for a while. Remember that your fan is not giving cool air, but your AC is.
3. Change your Thermostat Setting
Different times of the day require different temperatures. For this reason, don’t keep your thermostat in one constant setting. For example, when you are awake, maintain the 78-degrees rule of thumb. In the evening, change the thermostat by four degrees. This will help you save a few bucks. When you are leaving for the day, increase it by seven degrees. This is because no one is in the house; thus no need to cool the place too much and use energy for nothing. And, since it can be a daunting task to remember the exact times and settings every time, consider getting a smart thermostat since it is programmable. You can preset the right temperatures as desired.
What is the Best Temperature to set your Air Conditioner on in Summer?
It is a question that keeps coming up whenever the hot days are here. Of course, summer times are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Therefore, the ideal temperature for this season must be achieved. And this is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as experts recommend. However, if your house has seniors or young children, you might need to adjust the temperatures further. These two generations are at risk of hypothermia or overheating. Therefore, the cooling temperatures should not go beyond the recommended 78 degrees Fahrenheit on hot days or below 68 degrees on cold days.
Some of the recommended summer AC settings are as follows;
1. AC should Always be in “ON” or “OFF” Mode
Normally, the AC is usually set on auto mode. But, the Auto mode lowers energy efficiency during the summer months. The “ON” mode is the best during hot days. It assists in the airflow by ensuring that your house remains cool without overworking your AC. Additionally, if you’re looking to save funds, it’s best to turn off your AC entirely when it isn’t needed.
2. Increase the Temperature Whenever you are Away
It is unnecessary to overwork your AC, especially when you are not in the house. If you are out of town for whatever reason for a few days, increase the temperature in your house. It will save you energy and money as well. Investing in a programmable thermostat would be of great help to you. It enables you to set a certain schedule for your thermometer. You can always raise your temperature to a few degrees higher when you are not around.
3. Set your AC and Forget about It
During summer, there is no need to worry about your AC. Just set it to a comfortable and reasonable temperature that will keep you going. Set your thermostat to 72°F to 78°F. Your system will not freeze or rack up skyrocketing energy bills with this temperature. You will love your summer with these temperatures in place. Having the right temperature settings for your AC will assist you in lowering energy bills and achieving a cool and comfortable home for all. The right temperature settings are beneficial not only to you but also to your environment. Remember, more energy consumption of energy means more of its production and consequently more greenhouse gases.
