The Ideal Temperature to Set Your Air Conditioner in the Summer

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When the hot summer months arrive, many of us blast our air conditioning systems and leave it that way all season long. After all, it’s easy to overlook our cooling systems when there’s so much to see and do, such as firing up the grill and soaking up the sun. However, putting your thermostat on the lowest setting isn’t always the best way to combat the summer heat — especially when it comes to your energy bills.

If you’re ready to keep cool while lowering energy costs, let’s go over the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer.

The Best Energy Saving Temperature for ACs

Simply put, 78 degrees is considered the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer. This temperature is believed to be the optimal setting for peak energy efficiency. Setting your air conditioner any lower may increase your comfort, especially if you enjoy incredibly cool air — but you will likely encounter higher energy bills as a result.

Is 78 degrees a higher temperature than you expected? Some homeowners might start to sweat at the thought of setting their thermostat so high. Don’t worry; this is only a recommendation if energy efficiency is a central concern for you and your household.

There are also a few ways you can improve your comfort while keeping your energy usage down. For instance, using ceiling fans can help you feel cooler despite a higher thermostat setting. You might also want to consider closing the blinds during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping the sun out of your home will make it easier for the air conditioner to achieve your desired indoor temperature.

Of course, the best AC setting for summer also depends on your household’s individual needs. If the sun beats down on your home for the majority of the day, you may find yourself favoring lower temperature settings.

The Most Comfortable AC Temperature in Summer

Now that you know the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer, you probably want to know which setting is the most comfortable. If you ask a friend or next-door neighbor what they consider to be comfortable temperatures, they’ll probably tell you something between 70 and 72 degrees.

However, it goes without saying that the lower you set your air conditioner, the more energy you’ll waste. Even raising your thermostat by just a few degrees can help you lower energy costs over time.

Is It Cheaper To Keep Your AC at a Constant Temp?

The short answer to this question is “no.” Leaving your AC on at a constant temperature — especially on full blast — can waste a great deal of energy.

At the same time, you won’t want to completely turn your air conditioner off while at work or out shopping. When you switch your AC back on after getting home, the system will have to work extra hard to reach your desired indoor temperature. As a result, you may encounter higher electricity bills and require a Nassau County air conditioning repair. Forcing your AC to cool a swelteringly-hot home will put a strain on it, which could lead to you needing frequent or unexpected repair services.

What should you do instead? Simply raise your AC temperature a few degrees when you’re away from home. You’ll waste less energy this way. Plus, when you get home, your air conditioner won’t have a sudden shock when you lower the thermostat settings once again. Instead, it will quickly and easily be able to meet your immediate cooling needs.

You can even install a programmable thermostat in your home to adjust your AC setting when you’re away from your house. Most programmable and smart thermostats can be controlled from your phone.

How Low Should You Set Your Thermostat at Night?

We’ve discussed the best AC setting for summer during the day, but what about when you’re sleeping? How many degrees should you turn down your thermostat at night? If lower energy costs are your be-all and end-all, you’ll want to consider setting your thermostat at 82 degrees.

As you can see, the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer is typically higher than homeowners would expect. This setting might not work for you — and that’s okay. Everyone has different comfort levels, which can vary depending on age. For instance, the optimal sleeping temperature for most adults is usually 72 degrees, while young children sleep best in a room that’s 65 to 70 degrees.

See What an Air Conditioner Installation With Gold Star Can Do for You

There’s no one specific ideal temperature to set your air conditioner in the summer. Some homeowners may prefer to set their thermostats higher for the energy savings it brings, while others lower their AC settings for the comfort it provides.
Are you looking to improve both energy efficiency and comfort? It might be time to upgrade your AC unit. With a Long Island air conditioner installation, you can cool your home while saving money on energy bills. Contact us today to learn more about our services!