Spring is coming to a close and the long, hot days of summer are upon us. According to the current predictions, this summer is going to be a scorcher for many Americans. The best way to escape the summer heat is to head indoors and blast the air conditioner, of course!
The only problem with that is that air conditioning can be a pricey luxury, and running it all of the time is not the best for your cooling system. This begs the question, what is the optimal AC temperature in summer? Read on to find out!
Comfort or Cost?
When it comes to running your air conditioner during the summer, you have to learn how to balance your comfort with the cost of electricity. Many people find that their ideal home temperature is somewhere around 78 degrees. This is enough to keep you and your family cool, but it also helps you save money on your electricity bill.
This might take some adjustment if you’re used to blasting your air conditioner. Try a gradual approach if it doesn’t immediately feel comfortable to you. Turn it up a couple of degrees at a time until 78 is comfortable.
Maximize Your Comfort
Don’t rely on your air conditioner alone to keep you cool during the summer. There are plenty of other things you can do in your home to make it cooler.
First, make sure your AC is ready for summer by having it serviced before the season starts. Install ceiling fans or box fans to help circulate the air in your home and make it feel cooler. Add energy-efficient window treatments to your home to reduce the amount of outside heat energy from coming inside.
Finally, make sure that the seals on your windows and doors are in good shape so you don’t have to worry about losing cool air. If your home’s insulation could use some beefing up, now is the time to do it.
Change the Temp While You’re Away
Your home does not need to stay air-conditioned all day long while you’re away. Consider bumping the temp on your AC up about ten degrees while you’re away from home for extended periods of time. Smart thermostats like Google Nest can be programmed from your phone so you can turn the air down while you’re on your way home, so you’ll never have to deal with excess heat.
This is not only good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the environment!
Now You Know the Optimal AC Temperature in Summer!
Determining the optimal AC temperature in summer might mean a little guesswork for you and your family. Once you find a comfortable temperature that works for you, then you can watch your savings roll in and know that you’re doing the environment a solid. Don’t forget to turn the temperature up when you leave the house!
Learning the basics of AC maintenance isn’t the only thing you’ll have to do when you own a house. You’re bound to have plenty of questions about taking care of your home. Check out the rest of our blog for the answers to all of your most important questions.
