Americans spend a lot cooling their homes during summer. Air conditioning eats up around twelve percent of the average household budget. It’s an expense that doesn’t have to be so costly. Finding what temperature to set your air conditioner in summer saves money, while also keeping you comfortable during the hottest part of the year.
The ideal temperature setting is one where you’re comfortable wearing seasonal clothes indoors. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, that’s 78°F. But many homeowners treat this as a starting point rather than a rule. To find your ideal temperature, set your thermostat to 78°F then lower it one degree and wait to see how you feel. If you’re still too warm, lower it again until you feel comfortable.
But keep in mind that heat flows from areas of high concentration to low ones. Setting your air conditioner more than 20°F below the outside temperature accelerates the process. Home cooling systems aren’t powerful enough to control your environment under those conditions. With heat seeping in as quickly as it’s pumped out, your air conditioner will run continuously, costing you a fortune.
How to Get the Most From Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are powerful, but expensive. To keep costs down, try following these tips to maximize efficiency.
- Install Ceiling Fans. Circulating air within a room is like a cool breeze on a hot day. It creates a wind chill effect, allowing you to remain comfortable without lowering the thermostat.
- Cover Your Windows. Letting in sunlight heats your house, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. Keep the shades and curtains closed during the day to keep your home as cool as possible.
- Eliminate Drafts. Drafts are most common around doors and windows. They let cool air out and warm air in. Check to make sure you don’t have any in your home. If you find one, seal it with caulk. It’s a quick, effective, and inexpensive way to fix air leaks.
- Don’t Run Appliances During the Day. Running your stove, oven, or dishwasher in the middle of the day raises your home temperature even further. Rather than burden your air conditioner, run them in the mornings and evenings instead, when temperatures are low.
Protecting Your Air Conditioner
Summer is hard on your air conditioning. In especially hot climates, it’s necessary to run it nine or ten hours a day ‒ sometimes more! Not surprisingly, many break down under the strain and few homeowners have enough cash on hand to pay for repairs, which can cost thousands of dollars.
Don’t let a malfunction wreck your finances. Protect yourself with a HomesentialTM warranty. We cover repairs, so you don’t have to. When something goes wrong, our team sends an HVAC expert to your door and pays for repairs, plus all covered parts. Customers don’t have to worry about service fees or deductibles either. Your monthly premium pays for everything. For less than $25 a month, you receive protection and peace of mind. So don’t wait. Sign up today!
