What Should You Set Your AC To?

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature to set your AC in order to stay comfortable, control humidity, and keep your energy bills manageable. But the truth is, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. 

Many factors affect the actual indoor temperature of your home. 

Today, we’re discussing these elements to help you decide the right setting for your thermostat. 

Factors that affect the AC setting

Despite the advice of the DOE, 78 degrees isn’t always right for every home. Here are several factors to consider before adjusting your thermostat.

What time of year is it?

Naturally, you’ll need to consider the outdoor temperature when deciding on an indoor temp. During the summer months, it can be tempting to crank your air conditioner and bask in the cool breeze. Unfortunately, your utility bills will reflect that extra energy usage. 

On the other hand, many people find they can get by without their air conditioning system during the winter, especially in warmer climates. 

How long you are away from home

You might think that turning off your AC when you leave the house will save you money, but that may not be the case. Your air conditioning unit will have to work overtime to get your house back down to a comfortable temperature. If this happens regularly, you could be running up your electric bill more than you realize. 

Instead of turning your system off, consider raising the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees. This is an energy-efficient way to save about 10% on your bill. 

You can also invest in a programmable thermostat that will do the job for you. Smart thermostats allow you to pre-set the temperature for different times of day, which will keep you comfortable and reduce your environmental impact. 

Even if you’re leaving for an extended time, it’s best to set your thermostat to a reasonable temp to control humidity and safeguard your home and furniture from moisture damage, mold, and mildew. 

The size of your home

Of course, cooling a large home takes much more energy than those with less square footage. Particularly spacious houses, or those with multiple levels, might even require more than one air conditioner unit to maintain a good temperature. 

If this is the case in your home, you’ll want to set your AC systems strategically for ultimate energy efficiency. If your air conditioning units serve different levels, you can set the higher level to a higher temperature. Multiple AC units for the same floor should be set to the same temp so they don’t compete with one another. 

Why is it important to control your AC temperature?

Finding the ideal temperature for your home can make a big difference in your quality of life. Here are a couple of reasons to consider. 

Save yourself money

Efficient cooling is necessary for anyone looking to lower their electricity bills. While blasting the AC might feel nice at the moment, running your system recklessly will come back to haunt you. 

Follow recommended energy-saving tips like setting the temperature a few degrees higher when you leave home or investing in a smart thermostat. 

Maximize your comfort

It goes without saying that your comfort level is an integral part of finding the best temperature for your home. This has never been more true, as climate change continues to spike temps around the world. 

However, your AC is also a safety measure during the heat of summer. Of course, excessive temperatures are dangerous on their own, but they also allow for mold and mildew to take hold in your home, which can lead to a range of negative health effects. 

Other ways to stay cool along with your AC

Even the best air conditioner can struggle to keep up during extreme temperatures. If your AC unit isn’t cutting it, you might want to add some other measures to your plan to beat the heat. Here are some tips that can help you save money and keep your home nice and cool.

Invest in blinds and curtains

Window treatments come in many styles, including accordion blinds, cellular shades, and curtains. Some are even formulated specifically to reduce indoor temperatures by blocking intense sunlight. In fact, some of these treatments can reduce solar heat by up to 60%. However, even inexpensive solutions can cut ambient heat by about 10%.

Use ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are another great solution that can help keep us comfortable. However, it’s important to note that these devices don’t actually cool the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms,” so there’s no reason to leave them on when people and pets leave the room. 

Avoid heat-based appliances

Appliances like ovens, stovetop burners, and clothes dryers can let off heat that raises the temperature in your home. Avoid using these devices during the heat of the day and opt for alternatives, such as microwaving food and hanging wet clothes on a line outside to dry. 

Incorporate air-flow

When the outdoor temperature isn’t much different than the inside of your home, you might benefit by opening windows. Choose multiple windows at opposite ends of your home to promote cross-ventilation and increase natural air flow. 

Stellar Cooling has all the answers to AC-related concerns!

You depend on your air conditioner to lower the average temperature of your house, maintain proper humidity levels, and keep you comfortable when the summer heat moves in. At Stellar Cooling Services, we can help you troubleshoot problems with your system, perform routine maintenance, and come to the rescue when you encounter mechanical issues. 

Contact us today to learn how we can help you beat the heat!