What Temperature Should You Set Your Air Conditioner in Summer?

Summer in North Carolina will have you longing for a cool breeze to help cope with the heat and humidity. Temperature statistics on weatherspark.com-Raleigh noted that the North Carolina hot season lasts approximately 3.6 months, with July being the warmest month with an average daily temperature of roughly 88° F. But for those of us that live in the South, particularly North Carolina, we know summer comes and goes on its own schedule.

So, when those sweltering temperatures rise, you’ll want your AC to be working at its optimum comfort level. All American Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing is a longtime HVAC leader in the Triangle area and is here to help your home or business air conditioner do its job when you need it most.

There are many ways that you can keep your air conditioning at a cool and comfortable level without breaking the wallet. By preparing your air conditioning for summer you’ll not only help your HVAC function more efficiently and effectively but also save money on your power bills.

What are the Guidelines for Setting Your AC’s Temperature?

The US Department of Energy (DOE) recommends the ideal temperatures for both the winter and summer months—winter 68° F and summer 78° F when you are home. As a general rule, the smaller the difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature, the less energy the HVAC will have to use.

In other words, the closer the indoor temp to the outdoor temp, the better. The less your HVAC uses, the lower your electric bill will be. So, keeping your air conditioning summer at a constant temperature helps your home stay comfortable without creating spikes in your HVAC use.

Remember that the recommended temperature of 78° F can be used as a baseline. Some people may find this temperature too warm during extreme heat, so if you need to change the thermostat settings, start by adjusting by one degree at a time until you find your comfort level.

Are There Some Tips for Air Conditioning Summer?

Preparing your home for summer energy efficiency is an important step to help reduce costs. There are some great energy-saving tips including:

• Consider installing energy-saving ceiling fans in living spaces: fans and ac work well together
• Install a smart thermostat or other programmable type
• Use your thermostat wisely—when away from home keep your home warmer than normal
• Avoid lowering the thermostat while the AC is running. It won’t cool your home any quicker and you could be wasting precious energy.
• Consider an Energy Star® air conditioning unit
• Remember that washers, dryers, and dishwashers generate heat, so be sure to use these appliances sparingly and always use them with a full load.
• Close the blinds or drapes during the daytime to keep out the heat of the sun
• Switch out old light bulbs for more energy-efficient LED bulbs
• Unplug any electronics and appliances that you are not using
• Seal your home to help prevent air leaks

Are you ready to remove the uncertainty from your HVAC temperature settings? You set it and forget with a programmable thermostat. Through better efficiency, thermostat technology has significantly shaped how we can regulate energy consumption for the better. Using a programmable thermostat can save about $180 annually, according to Energy Star if used correctly.

Take some specialist advice for those summer heatwaves to help you save money on your energy costs. All American Heating and Air is ready to assist you with any HVAC services, so contact the Triangle heating and cooling experts who know how to keep your home or business cool and comfortable.