The Best Temperature to Set Your Thermostat to in Summer
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Are you trying to save money on your energy bills while still staying comfortable during the extreme summer heat? Maintaining the best thermostat setting in summer can help provide several benefits for your home and family. AC Plus Heating & Cooling helps families and businesses stay comfortable and reduce energy bills.
Determining the Right Temperature Settings
How do you determine the ideal thermostat temperature? The United States Department of Energy suggests keeping your thermostat in the summer at 78 degrees during the day. They suggest a setting between 80 and 82 degrees at night as your body temperature drops and 88 degrees when you’re not at home and don’t have pets.
The Importance of the Right Thermostat Setting
Keeping your air conditioning system at 78 degrees provides the following benefits:
- Increased energy efficiency: At 78 degrees, your air conditioner runs more efficiently without letting temperatures reach dangerous levels. Maintaining the thermostat settings can save you up to 15% on cooling costs.
- Reduced wear and tear: By running your air conditioning less frequently, you’ll schedule fewer repairs. Your energy-efficient air conditioning system also lasts longer.
- Lower carbon footprint: Do you care about sustainability? You’ll love that maintaining a higher thermostat temperature can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Tips for Maintaining the Perfect Temperature Setting
Seventy-eight degrees qualifies as the best thermostat setting in summer. However, many people still find it uncomfortably warm. Even without the cool air of your air conditioner, the following tips can keep your body heat down and your indoor temperature bearable.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
A smart or programmable thermostat helps you control the temperature in your home without much effort. A smart thermostat lets you pre-program your temperatures according to your schedule. You can also operate it with voice controls (such as Google Home) or your mobile device.
Imagine you’re on your way home. You can turn your thermostat from 88 to 78 so it’s the ideal temperature once you arrive.
Use Natural Cooling
Natural cooling methods provide the best opportunity to stay cool even amid higher indoor temperatures. Open your air vents and run your whole-home fan or use the more energy-efficient option of ceiling fans.
You can also open windows to get a cross breeze on days when the outdoors have cooler air. With a ceiling fan running, cool and loose-fitting clothing, and plenty of ice water, you can stay cool even at 78 degrees.
Avoid Heat-Generating Sources
Look for alternate solutions to running heat-generating appliances like your oven or stove. Close your blinds to avoid direct sunlight from heating your home.
We Help You Endure High Summer Temperatures
Knowing the best thermostat setting in summer helps you lower your energy costs and still stay comfortable and safe no matter how high the summer temperatures climb. AC Plus Heating & Cooling, the trusted local leader for AC repair in Redlands, CA and the surrounding areas remains passionate about keeping HVAC systems running at peak efficiency.
To ensure your air conditioner doesn’t drive up your energy bill, call (760) 243-4440.
Written By Matt Postoian
Matt Postoian has been in the HVAC industry for over 20 years and is dedicated to providing homeowners in Southern California with total home comfort.
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