Learn and Maintain the Ideal AC Setting in the Summer

As the heat rises with each passing day, ensuring your HVAC system can handle the summer is crucial. First, you should confirm that your air conditioner can keep you cool and comfortable throughout the hot months. Then, you should understand the best way to utilize your AC.

If you’ve researched this topic before, you’ve probably learned that setting your thermostat too low can negatively affect your air conditioner. At the same time, you don’t want to keep your thermostat set too high and feel uncomfortable in your own home. So the question arises: what is the best AC setting for the summer?

We’re here to answer that question. With some helpful tips, we’ll help you find your ideal AC setting in summer. Contact Comfort Specialists today for more information on maintaining your HVAC system and for reliable furnace repair in Succasunna, NJ!

What Should My Temperature Setting Be in the Summer?

When attempting to find the perfect temperature setting for the summer, you’ll need to consider several factors. Should you keep your temperature very low, even though it may stress your air conditioner and result in expensive energy bills? How should your settings change when you’re at home and when you’re away?

We’ll answer those questions, but it’s best to start with a baseline for recommended indoor temperatures in summer. According to the Department of Energy, the ideal temperature inside your home is 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. While this may sound a bit warm, it’s best to set your thermostat accordingly and work from there.

How to Stay Comfortable While Keeping Energy Bills Low

If the recommended 78 degrees feels too hot, not to worry. You can still keep your house cool without creating expensive energy bills.

Set Your Thermostat to a Reasonable Temperature

You don’t necessarily need to set your thermostat to 78 degrees. However, keeping it at too low a temperature is unwise. When you set your thermostat too low relative to the outdoor temperature, your air conditioner works overtime to reach perfect comfort levels.

This extra work results in higher energy usage and energy bills. Furthermore, it may cause spots of different temperatures throughout your home.

The best solution is to keep your thermostat set to at least 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also best to avoid constantly changing your AC setting in summer. Like having too low of a setting, constant thermostat fluctuations result in higher energy usage and bills.

Change Your AC Setting While You’re Away

Though you should try to find the perfect temperature setting for when you’re at home, it’s perfectly fine to change your AC setting when you leave the house. Set the temperature on your thermostat as close to the outdoor temperature as possible. This setting will let your air conditioner take a rest while you’re out of the house, reducing your energy bills.

Install Ceiling Fans

One of the best ways to ensure a constant cool breeze in your home is to utilize ceiling fans. Ceiling fans allow your air conditioner to remain on an energy-efficient setting to save money on bills. In the meantime, the ceiling fan provides sufficient air flow to keep you cool.

Turn Off Your AC Every Once in a While

Giving your air conditioner a couple of breaks throughout the summer months is vital. If your AC becomes overworked, you’ll pay more in energy bills. You may also experience uncomfortable hot and cold zones throughout your home.

On cool days and nights, or when there’s a nice outdoor breeze, shut off your AC and open the windows.

Keep an Eye on Your Indoor Humidity

Perhaps you’ve found the perfect temperature setting for your AC, yet some days still feel warm and muggy. If so, you likely have an issue with your indoor humidity.

Many people overlook humidity levels, but they are crucial to your indoor comfort. Fortunately, you can take advantage of a couple of options for lowering your indoor humidity.

The first option is to purchase a dehumidifier. This device monitors and maintains your ideal humidity level. The second option is to use the energy-efficient “dry mode” on your air conditioner.

Whichever option you choose, try to keep your indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent.

Block the Hot Sunlight

The sunlight that enters through your windows heats the house and may also heat your thermostat. When your thermostat heats up, it misreads the temperature of the rest of the house. Therefore, it uses unnecessary energy to begin cooling.

If you enjoy the sunlight in your home, consider blocking it out only while you’re away. Specialized light-blocking curtains will help keep your home cool until you return.

Additional Tips For Keeping Your House Cool at a Low Cost

Above are the most effective ways to inexpensively keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the summer. Still, here are a few more tips that may come in handy.

• Invest in a smart or programmable thermostat: Smart and programmable thermostats allow you to have scheduled temperature changes. They are beneficial for maintaining the perfect comfort when home and saving energy while away.
• Avoid heat-generating appliances: Using appliances like your oven, stove, and grill indoors generates added heat. This heat will prompt your air conditioner to use more energy.
• Schedule regular HVAC maintenance: If your AC is outdated or needs a fix-up, it will be ineffective at cooling your home. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your AC while ensuring peak performance.

Finding Your Perfect AC Setting

We hope these tips will assist you in finding the perfect AC setting in summer. With a little bit of work, you’ll be ready to stay cool and comfortable throughout these hot months.

Still, it’s vital to know the things you should do before turning your AC on for the summer. For help preparing your AC system for the coming heat, turn to your HVAC experts at Comfort Specialists. Call Comfort Specialists at (973) 381-2726 today to get ready for the summer!