When the scorching summer heat strikes, everyone hustles to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioning temperature isn’t just about staying comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and limiting your energy bills. So, what’s the secret temperature? The answer relies upon on your specific demands and the time of day. Explore the ideal air conditioning temperatures when you’re at home, out 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 number may seem surprisingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are some tips to help keep yourself comfortable at 78 degrees:
- Use fans: Whether it is a ceiling fan or a desk fan, moving air makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost a surprisingly small amount of money to run compared to your air conditioner.
- Dress lightly: What you are wearing drastically impacts your comfort level. Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics helps you stay cool in the summer.
- Block out the sun: Sunlight radiating through the windows can heat a room significantly. 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 intake plays a big part in managing your body temperature. Making sure you keep yourself hydrated boosts your body’s natural cooling processes.
- Cook smart: Cooking generates a sizable amount of heat, forcing your AC to work harder, so don't use the oven or stove during the hot afternoon. Instead, cook food in 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 advises setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re going to be out of the house for eight hours, a strategy experts say can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat is the quickest way to save without sacrificing 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 important part is to make use of your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some recommendations for taking advantage of its full capabilities:
- 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, program the schedule so a comfortable temperature resumes when you walk in the door when you get home.
- Use the vacation setting: If you’re going to be out of your home for several days, use the “vacation” or “permanent” hold to keep the “away” temperature for days at a time. This prevents extreme heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy to cool an empty house.
- Make gradual adjustments: Your AC works the best at consistent speeds. Plus, a big 10-degree drop will not cool your home more rapidly. If you have to, decrease the temperature by just one degree and switch on a fan or remove a layer of clothing to help you feel more comfortable.
- Leverage smart capabilities: If you choose a smart thermostat, capitalize on its programming capability and enhanced features. Some designs can learn from your behaviors and change the temperature accordingly or be operated remotely for outstanding 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 typical setting. However, many people find it difficult to sleep in a hot and stuffy room. This makes finding the suitable sleep temperature a problem. Thankfully, you can try several methods to beat the heat while you go to sleep:
- Sleep in lightweight pajamas and breathable bed sheets: Just like your daytime wardrobe, your choice of night clothes affects how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also influence your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the better option.
- Run a fan: Just like during the day, a fan can create a cool breeze in your bedroom in the evening, making sleep more comfortable.
- Open a window: If it gets cooler at night, take advantage of this by sleeping with the windows open.
- Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound odd, but a warm shower actually cools you down more than a cold shower. It does this by boosting your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more rapidly.
Schedule AC Services this Summer in Calgary
Striking a balance between your home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be challenging. Why spend all summer searching for the right AC temperatures when Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help you make the most of your home cooling technology? Our reliable, cost-effective AC services in Calgary come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with total confidence. Call 403-279-5760 today to schedule the top-notch services you need with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.