Best Temperature for Your AC in the Summer

When the blistering summer heat strikes, everyone runs to the nearest thermostat to get the cold air flowing. But the right air conditioner temp isn’t just about staying comfortable. It’s also about energy efficiency and limiting your power expenses. So, what’s the right temp? The answer relies upon on your unique needs and the time of day. Explore the ideal air conditioning temperature range when you’re at home, out and about as well as when you are sleeping.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re at Home

The recommended daytime, at-home temperature for a home's air conditioner is 78 degrees. This amount may seem shockingly high, but the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) claims it balances comfort and energy efficiency. Here are a couple of tips to help stay cool at 78 degrees:

Use fans: Whether you're using a ceiling fan or a desk fan, moving air actually makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. Plus, fans cost very little to use compared to your air conditioner.
Dress lightly: What you have on greatly affects your comfort level. Choosing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics will help you be cool when it's hot outside.
Block out the sun: Sunlight beaming through the windows can easily heat a room significantly. To keep your home from becoming a greenhouse, hang curtains or blinds to block out the sun, particularly during the peak afternoon hours.
Stay hydrated: Water intake plays a big part in managing your body temperature. Staying hydrated enhances your body’s natural cooling processes.
Cook smart: Cooking produces considerable heat, forcing your HVAC system to work harder, so avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest part of the afternoon. Instead, cook food in the microwave, prepare cold meals on hot days or grill out on the porch of patio until the weather gets cooler.

The Best AC Temperature While You’re Away

The DOE advises setting the temperature back 7 to 10 degrees when you’re not home for eight hours, which can save up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Buying a programmable thermostat is the quickest strategy to save without giving up comfort.

This technology allows you to automatically modify the temperature at different times of the day or week according to your schedule, reducing your energy bills without sacrificing comfort. The trick is to utilize your programmable thermostat properly. Here are some recommendations for taking advantage of its full potential:

Set it and forget it: Configure your thermostat to automatically turn the thermostat up to your away temperature about a half hour before you leave for work or school in the morning. Then, set the thermostat to start bringing the temperature back down so a comfortable temperature resumes as soon as 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 avoids too much heat and humidity buildup without throwing away energy to cool an empty house.
Make gradual adjustments: Your air conditioner works most efficiently at consistent speeds. Plus, a dramatic 10-degree drop doesn't actually cool your home more rapidly. If you have to, decrease 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 buy a smart thermostat, take advantage of its programming capability and advanced features. Some brands can learn from your behaviors and adapt the temperature accordingly or be managed remotely for exceptional comfort and convenience.

The Best AC Temperature When You’re Sleeping

When it’s time to head off to 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 room. This makes finding the right sleep temperature a struggle. Thankfully, you can employ several strategies 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 sleepwear impacts how hot or cold you feel. Your bed sheets also affect your comfort level. In both cases, light and breathable cotton is the better solution.
Run a fan: Similar to during the day, a fan can provide a cool breeze in your bedroom at night, making sleep more comfortable.
Open a window: If it gets cooler at night, make the most of this by snoozing with the windows open.
Take a warm shower before bed: It may sound strange, but a warm shower really cools you down faster than a cold shower. It achieves this by elevating your blood circulation, bringing heat to the surface of your skin, where it radiates away more quickly.

Schedule AC Services this Summer in Jacksonville

Balancing a home’s comfort and energy efficiency can be tricky. Why spend all summer trying to find the right AC temperatures when Air Engineers Service Experts can help you make the most of your system? Our trustworthy, cost-effective AC services in Jacksonville come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can choose us with total confidence. Call 904-450-5672 today to schedule the HVAC services you need with Air Engineers Service Experts.