It’s the weekend, and it’s time to Netflix and chill. But suddenly, the room is more humid than usual. And then my brows start to trickle with sweat.
Yes, summer is here, and I’m feeling the heat.
On average, summer starts in June and lasts until August. However, last 2021, NOAA recorded the hottest summer at 74 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees more than average).
So with summer just around the corner, it’s about time to put the air conditioning unit to use once again.
The ideal air conditioner temperature should be around 72 to 78 degrees for most.
But using an AC would mean increasing my budget for electricity. So, how do I stay comfortable in the sweltering heat without breaking the bank?
Air conditioners can be expensive, but we can save money on our electricity bill with simple tips.
This post will identify cost-effective ways to keep our spaces cool without sacrificing comfort. So stay cool and save money this summer!
What Temperature Should I Set My Air Conditioner In Summer?
It’s time to turn on the air conditioner when summer rolls around. But this can be an expensive endeavor! The average American household spends more on electricity when using air conditioners.
Regarding keeping our home cool for this season, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says we can set our air conditioner at 78 degrees Fahrenheit settings — not too hot and not quite freezing point-style cold.
This data is based on best optimizing energy usage with a lesser impact on the environment, and the goal is to keep the space cool in the most cost-efficient manner.
We must keep our home at a comfortable temperature all day and rest easy after work. Furthermore, DOE recommends changing the thermostat and AC settings depending on using them.
The general guideline is to set the AC at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when away and turn it higher when I stay home.
What Is the Highest Temperature I Can Set My AC to and Still Feel Comfortable?
There is no definitive answer to this question. However, everyone reacts differently to different temperatures, so finding a comfortable temperature is essential.
We all know that summertime can be unbearable without a cooling system to stay comfortable, but a 78-degree Fahrenheit temperature could still be agonizing for some. For others, the most comfortable temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius).
It is essential to find a comfortable temperature and stick to it. Whenever I’m feeling too hot or cold, the perfect way to fix it is by adjusting the thermostat.
I start at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (or 68F) and work down from there if needed.
Tips for Raising Temp While Staying Comfy
Our AC works harder when cool air quickly escapes, or warm air keeps coming inside the room. This summer, we can help our air conditioner better by following these simple tips.
1.) A programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to save on air conditioning costs. I adjust when I want to turn them ON according to how warm or cool it needs to be, so there’s no need for constantly changing temperatures in different rooms.
2.) Thermostats are often set at a colder-than-average temperature when the air conditioner is ON. However, turning the device to a lower temperature doesn’t immediately cool the room, leading to excessive cooling–and unnecessary expense.
3.) Ensure sufficient airflow by ensuring open windows at all times, particularly early morning or late evening when temperatures outside are cooler.
How Temperature Setting Affects Running Costs
Most think setting our ACs to a colder temperature could save us electricity. But as a matter of fact, setting this at a lower temperature puts the compressor under pressure leading to more power consumption.
The difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures can impact our electricity bills. When it’s scorching outside, we need to adjust the settings on the air conditioner so it cools just enough to keep the heat at bay.
When saving money on electricity, the right size air conditioner is necessary. Installing an oversized unit could result in failure and waste of energy if the space is small—the same works for a smaller unit in a huge spacious room.
Instead, an HVAC expert could identify the air conditioning suitable for a specific room.
Is 72 a Suitable Temperature For Air Conditioning?
72 degrees Fahrenheit may be comfortable depending on the activities and outside environment.
But if I want to save on electricity, this is not a good setting for an airconditioner.
So again, go back to the principle: the higher the temperature of the AC, the lower the consumption will be.
How Cool Should My House Be If It’s 100 Outside?
This is a difficult question to answer without knowing the specifics of the space. However, a safe bet will be to set the AC at 78 degrees or higher if it’s 100 degrees outside.
Remember, the hotter outside, the cooler we need our indoor space.
Is 78 Too Hot For a House?
A 78-degree Fahrenheit thermostat should keep any space cool and comfortable against the heat during the summer season.
However, to maintain the coolness, it’s best to avoid raising the temperature on our thermostat by more than a few degrees at a time.
Abruptly raising the temperature can result in higher electricity bills and an uncomfortable environment.
Why Is My House Getting Hotter With AC On?
Air leaks and poor insulation are the typical reasons our room tends to feel hot, even with the AC turned on.
Air conditioning can be ineffective if the leak allows cool outside air into an already warm room or space that needs further cooling.
