Keeping your home nice and cool during the hot summer season will help you beat the heat until cooler temperatures set in. However, setting your thermostat too low can put a severe strain on your air conditioner and can even cause it to break down, leaving you without a functioning AC unit for hours or longer. Unfortunately, many Framingham residents don’t know the ideal indoor temperature, causing them to ask, “What temperature should I set my air conditioner in summer?”
That’s why Pro Comfort Control is here to tell you the best temperature to set your air conditioner at.
Pro Comfort Control is Framingham’s reliable air conditioning service. If you want your AC unit to reach its full potential so you can stay cool all summer long, contact Pro Comfort Control.
The Best Temperature to Set Your Air Conditioner While You’re at Home During Summer
Figuring out what temperature to set your AC system at isn’t always easy. Setting it too low will cause the system to work much harder, skyrocketing your energy bills while increasing the likelihood of malfunctions. Conversely, setting the temperature too high will make your home unbearably hot, making it difficult to stay comfortable inside your home.
So, are you wondering, “What temperature should I set my air conditioner in summer?”
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recommends keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home. This will keep your residence’s interior climate moderately cool while preventing your AC unit from overheating/overworking.
What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat at During the Night?
Most people prefer a colder temperature when they sleep. Since evenings typically bring cooler, more comfortable temperatures that don’t adversely affect your air conditioner as much, you can drop your indoor climate down to the low to mid-60s.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends setting your thermostat between 60 to 67 degrees before you go to bed. This ensures your home stays comfortable throughout the night and can even improve your sleep quality.
What Temperature Should I Set My Thermostat While I’m Away?
When you leave for work or spend an afternoon away from your house, you want to set your thermostat a bit higher to avoid wasting energy. Since you don’t have to worry about keeping your home comfortable when no one is there, setting the thermostat to 85 degrees will help you save energy while you’re away. This might seem a bit high, but your home will cool down rather quickly once you return home and reduce the temperature setting.
Setting your thermostat to 85 degrees will prevent you from wasting energy cooling an occupied house. The U.S. Department of Energy states that keeping your thermostat at 85 degrees while you’re away can reduce your energy cost by five to 15%!
Tips for Reducing Your Energy Cost During Summer
Keeping your energy cost low during summer is often difficult since most people use their air conditioners 24/7. However, if you use the tips below, you can stay cool all summer while reducing your energy payments.
Use Fans
Fans keep your home cool by circulating air in rooms. Although they generate cool air, they create an indoor wind chill that makes spaces much more comfortable during hot summer afternoons. Turning on a few fans will help you beat the heat without requiring you to decrease your thermostat settings.
In fact, studies show that people who use ceiling fans can set their thermostats four degrees higher than normal without noticing a difference, furthering energy savings.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are advanced temperature regulators that allow you to set automatic temperature settings throughout the day. You can program them to increase the temperature while you’re at work and reduce them right before you arrive back home. Many even learn your everyday routine and will automatically adjust your home’s climate according to your schedule.
Although smart thermostats are more expensive than other popular models, they often pay for themselves over time due to their energy-saving capabilities.
Contact Pro Comfort Control for First-Class HVAC Services in Framingham, MA
If you want to save money and are asking yourself, “What temperature should I set my air conditioner in summer?” contact Pro Comfort Control. We will handle all your HVAC needs so you can stay cool on even the hottest summer days. Whether you need air conditioning maintenance or want to know what causes AC hissing sounds, Pro Comfort Control is here for you.
Give Pro Comfort Control a call at (508) 684-5331 and schedule your appointment in Framingham, MA, today!
Author Bio:
Ryan McKernan
Founder
Passionate about delivering outstanding craftsmanship and superior customer service. Offering our customers the absolute best selection of heating, cooling, hot water and plumbing equipment and top-quality installation materials with industry leading installers. Brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to every project.