What temperature should I have my AC set to in the summer?
“What should I set my thermostat to in the summer?” is a most common question. In order to stay comfortable and save money in the summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78F when you are home. This temperature will allow you and your family to stay cool and avoid a high electricity bill. Most people don’t use their A/C all year long, when the cold season ends you should turn your A/C unit on to make sure it is running correctly. You don’t have to cool off your entire house. Turn on your A/C using the thermostat, check that cold air is coming from the vents, then turn the air off again.
When the heat increases outdoors, your HVAC system works harder to maintain your indoor comfort temperature. While you’re away, it is best to set the temperature so it doesn’t need to be low. Installing a smart thermostat will make adjusting the temperature even easier. Schedule the setting to increase by 7 to 10 degrees while you’re at work or away for the day.
A ceiling fan won’t replace your air conditioner during the summer months, but it can certainly complement it. During the hot summer months, your ceiling fan blades should spin counterclockwise. By spinning in this direction, your fan creates a cool breeze by pushing air down. You can increase your air conditioner temperature by two to three degrees thanks to the fan’s cool down.
When you’re setting your thermostat higher, you may not see your electric bill go down if your air conditioner isn’t running efficiently. HVAC upgrades may be necessary to lower your energy use and keep your home comfortable. Newer A/C systems can also improve your comfort, since they typically feature 2-stage cooling and a variable-speed fan. This type of air conditioning system will keep you cooler more consistently, even on a lower setting.
Addition to bumping up the thermostat setting during summer months, using ceiling fans, and scheduling AC maintenance, Close shades, blinds and curtains to keep the sun out during the day. Blackout shades and curtains work wonders. Open windows and turn off your air conditioner at night to let in cooler air. Then shut the windows and shades in the morning to trap the cool air in your house. Weather-strips doors and windows to keep cool air in and hot air out. Only use heat-generating appliances like your stove, oven, dryer and hair dryer after 8pm to avoid heating up an already hot house. Appliances can raise the temperature up to 10 degrees!
Saving on your energy bill is important, but you also want to enjoy your space comfortably. If a thermostat at 78 degrees during summer heat isn’t cool enough for you, make small adjustments. Move the temperature one to two degrees higher than normal to see if you can notice a difference.
