Our last post was a Basic Thermostat Guide, which you can read here. Being that Summer is ultimately here, we want to discuss the ideal AC temp in summer for best energy usage and cost savings. Blasting the air is typically not the most efficient solution, so again, we want to reiterate that this article is meant to focus on efficiency, and that not everyone will agree on the proposed general temperatures.
Keep in mind that there are factors that can influence temperature, such as:
- Home Insulation: If your home is well insulated, it retains air better than if you have old doors and drafts throughout the home.
- Humidity Levels: If humidity is high, a room can feel warmer than it actually is, so consider investing in a dehumidifier if needed.
What Temperature to set the Air Conditioner in the Summer
Here’s where disagreements typically start. In the summer, experts recommend keeping your thermostat at 78F (or 25C) when home. Many will say that this is too warm, and in that case it’s advised to use ceiling fans. Fans move the air which makes it feel cooler without overworking your AC unit.
This will probably be a shocker for most—but when you’re away it’s advised to turn the temperature up about 10 degrees. This ensures you aren’t cooling an empty house and can help save an annual 10% on cooling costs.
For nighttime, your body temperature naturally drops and 74F (aka 23C) is said to be a good AC temperature at night.
Affect of Temperature on Energy Usage
After reading the above you may say “Well what if I just keep my temperature at 68F (20C)?” To answer, these suggestions are typically based on a correlation between a comfortable temperature and good energy usage. If you lower your temperature to 68F instead of 78F, the system has to work harder to maintain the desired AC temperature.
On average, for every degree lowered, cooling costs can increase from 6 to 8%. So keeping your home at 68 will cost you more than keeping your home at 78. Keep in mind things like insulation, HVAC efficiency, and size of your home can also come into play.
Summer Energy Saving Tips
We know that from time to time it can get a little toasty. So here are a few extra tips to help lower your temperature and keep your energy bill in check.
- Seal Leaks: In older homes especially, have a look at your doors and windows. Are they letting out air? If so, it’s important to seal the gaps to improve efficiency.
- Use Curtains and Blinds: By closing window furnishings during the hottest parts of the day, you can limit the amount of heat entering your home.
- Use Fans: They may not directly lower AC temperature, but when air is moving it appears cooler.
- Use a Smart Thermostat: These thermostats are programmable and can raise the temperature when you’re away and cool your space before you return.
Final Thoughts: Stay Cool and Save Energy
So yes, we are well aware that most prefer to keep their home at a cool 68 degrees with maybe a max of 72 during the day. If you’re comfortable at that temperature and you’re ok with your energy bill, by all means keep doing what you’re doing. But should you want to increase your energy efficiency we will be happy to know that you have implemented one or more of the above suggestions. Here’s to staying cool in the coming months!
