Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the sweltering summer heat strikes, everyone runs to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right AC setting isn’t just about keeping comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and limiting your power expenses. So, what’s the secret temp? The answer is based on your unique requirements and the time of day. Explore the best air conditioner temperatures when you’re at home, out and about and when you are sleeping.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home

The suggested daytime, at-home temperature for a residence's air conditioner is 78 degrees. This amount may seem very high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help keep yourself comfortable at 78 degrees:

Use fans: Whether you're using a ceiling fan or a desk fan, the flowing air will make the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to operate compared to your air conditioning unit.
Dress lightly: What you are wearing drastically impacts your comfort level. Dressing in light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics can help you be cool in the summer.
Block out the sun: Sunlight streaming through the windows can easily heat a room significantly. To prevent 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 regulating your body temperature. Avoiding dehydration enhances your body’s normal cooling processes.
Cook smart: Cooking produces a sizable amount of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work harder, so try not to use the oven or stove during the hot afternoon. Instead, make use of the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill out on the porch of patio until the weather isn't so hot.

The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away

The DOE recommends setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not going to be home for eight hours, a move that can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat is the easiest way to save without sacrificing comfort.

This upgrade allows you to automatically adjust the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, lowering your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The key is to utilize your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some guidelines for harnessing its full capabilities:

Set it and forget it: Configure your thermostat to automatically turn the thermostat up to your away temperature about half an hour or so before you leave for work or school in the morning. Then, program the schedule so a comfortable temperature resumes just as you walk in the door in the evening.
Use the vacation setting: If you’re away from home for an extended period, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to keep the “away” temperature for days at a time. This avoids excessive 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 won’t cool your home any faster. If you need to, lower the temperature by just one degree and turn 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 enhanced features. Some designs can learn from your behaviors and adapt the temperature accordingly or be controlled remotely for exceptional 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, many people find it difficult to sleep in a warm room. This makes achieving the suitable sleep temperature a struggle. Thankfully, you can use several strategies to beat the heat while you are trying to sleep:

Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime wardrobe, your choice of night clothes influences how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also affect your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the best choice.
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 off at night, reap the benefits of this by snoozing with the windows open.
Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound odd, but a warm shower truly cools you down faster than a cold shower. It works by elevating your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more rapidly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Kansas City

Finding a compromise between your home’s comfort and energy efficiency is sometimes difficult. Why spend all summer guessing at the right AC temperatures when Neal Harris Service Experts can help you make the most of your home cooling technology? Our high-quality, cost-effective AC services in Kansas City are supported by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with complete confidence. Call 816-787-0500 today to schedule the top-notch services you need with Neal Harris Service Experts.