Everyone seems to have an opinion on how low the indoor temperature should be during the summer when running the air conditioning.
While the standard room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly favored by many, others argue for higher settings, particularly when it’s hotter outside. Recently, while inspecting a rented house, we saw that the tenant had set their air conditioning to a frigid 55 degrees!
What temperature should the air conditioning be set at in your home for the summer and what factors should you consider when making this decision?
Why You Might Want To Set The Temperature A Bit Higher Than Your Refrigerator
37 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for your refrigerator. When it’s really hot outside you might be tempted to cool off by climbing into your fridge, but 37 degrees is actually too cold, especially given what you’re wearing in the summer! To maintain a comfortable indoor environment during the summer, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers recommends a range of 73 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit.
On scorching hot days, you may want to adjust your thermostat toward the higher end of that range. This is because the hotter it is outside, the more it will cost to cool your house. Each degree lower is costing you dollars (hard to define exactly how much as electricity rates vary greatly). As a result, the U.S. Department of Energy advises setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when you are at home during the summer. This temperature strikes a balance between keeping you cool and saving money.
Raise The Temperature When You’re Not Home
In line with energy-saving practices, the Department of Energy suggests adjusting your thermostat by seven to ten degrees higher when no one is home. This simple action can result in potential savings of up to 10 percent on your cooling costs. Some people mistakenly believe it’s better to leave the temperature where you want it so that the air conditioning doesn’t have to work so hard when you get home. In reality, raising the temperature when you’re not at home and then cooling it off upon your arrival is the more energy-efficient approach.
Upgrade To A Smart Thermostat
Save yourself the hassle of constantly adjusting your thermostat by investing in a programmable or smart thermostat. It’s a worthwhile investment that brings convenience and energy efficiency to your home. You can effortlessly set it to start cooling the house down 30 minutes before you return from work, ensuring a comfortable temperature upon your arrival. Additionally, you can program temperature changes throughout the night to suit your sleep preferences. And smart thermostats will let you control the temperature using your phone so that you can easily adjust the programming if your schedule changes.
Summary
Achieving the optimal temperature for your home is crucial for comfort, but it relies on the proper functioning of your air conditioning system. To ensure that your home remains consistently comfortable, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician from Handyside. Our ‘Handy’ services provide you with peace of mind and the confidence that your air conditioning will perform at its best when you need it most.
