What Temperature Should You Set Your Air Conditioner to in the Summer?

Obtaining the optimal thermostat setting for your home during the summer months is essential for your comfort and energy efficiency. Finding the right balance helps ensure a cool and refreshing indoor environment while minimizing energy consumption and utility costs.

Let’s explore the optimal temperature range for your air conditioner during the summer, considering factors like personal comfort preferences, energy efficiency recommendations, and other cooling best practices.

Recommended AC Temperature for Summer

During the hot and humid summer months, setting the air conditioner to the perfect temperature is quintessential for maintaining comfort while conserving energy. Here are some points that you should keep in mind when adjusting your thermostat:

• Optimal Temperature Range: The recommended temperature range for summer cooling typically falls between 72°F and 78°F. If you lower your thermostat lower than 72, you will be placing a higher demand on your AC unit, causing more energy usage. If you set it higher than 78, you’re just heating your home at that point.
• Personal Comfort: Adjust the temperature within this range based on individual comfort preferences and household occupancy.
• Energy Efficiency: Setting the thermostat closer to the higher end of the recommended range helps conserve energy and reduce utility costs. However, you might sacrifice a little bit for cooling comfort.
• Programmable Thermostats: To enhance energy efficiency, use programmable thermostats to adjust temperatures during peak hours automatically or when occupants are away.

Best Air Conditioner Temperature for Sleeping

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, maintaining the right temperature in your bedroom can be just what you need to get a full night’s rest. To help you in your quest to get the best rest, you should consider implementing these tips:

• Optimal Sleeping Temperature: The recommended temperature range for sleeping is 60⁰ and 67⁰ F, regardless of weather conditions. So, adjust your thermostat accordingly.
• Temperature Adjustment: Adjust the thermostat before bedtime so that your room reaches the optimal sleeping temperature by the time you’re ready for bed.
• Programmable Thermostats: Use programmable thermostats to automatically lower the temperature during your usual sleeping hours.
• Natural Ventilation: This is one of our favorites. On milder evenings, open your windows to provide natural ventilation and help you reach your desired sleeping temperature. 
• Important Considerations for Children: If you have Infants or young children, they may require slightly warmer room temperatures for better sleep quality.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a comfortable environment that’s conducive to more restful sleep.

The Best AC Temperature for Enhanced Energy-Saving

You can conserve energy with your air conditioner by making simple adjustments and proactively maintaining it. Here are three strategies to try:

• Adjust Thermostat Settings: During summer months, set your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual to reduce energy consumption while maintaining comfort.
• Use Programmable Settings: When you’re away from home, raise the thermostat to a higher temperature to avoid unnecessary cooling. This will reduce the workload on your air conditioner and help save energy.
• Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual preventative maintenance to ensure your air conditioning system operates efficiently.

Implementing these practices can reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills without compromising indoor comfort.

Set the Thermostat Temperature Higher When You’re Not at Home

To decrease energy costs, consider adjusting your thermostat settings higher when no one is at home.

• Adjusting Temperature: Increase the thermostat setting by seven to ten degrees when nobody is home to reduce energy consumption without compromising comfort.
• Programmable Thermostats: Installing a programmable thermostat enables easy temperature scheduling, which could help you save up to 10% on energy bills.
• Avoid Extreme Settings: Resist the urge to set the thermostat to a colder temperature upon returning home to cool the house quicker. This doesn’t accelerate the cooling process and causes unnecessary energy waste.
• Smart Thermostats: Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for added convenience and control, allowing you to adjust settings remotely via connected devices like smartphones or tablets.

By adopting these practices, you can optimize energy efficiency and reduce utility costs while maintaining indoor comfort.

How to Optimize Cooling in Your Home During the Summer

To optimize cooling efficiency in your home during the hot and humid summer, consider implementing a few of these strategies:

• Use Fans: Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Opt for energy-efficient models like the Hunter Dempsey Indoor Low Profile Ceiling Fan to save on operating costs.
• Close Blinds and Curtains: Keep curtains and blinds drawn during the day to block sunlight and reduce heat entering the home. Consider installing blackout curtains or tinted windows for enhanced heat reduction.
• Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to minimize heat emission from lighting fixtures, reducing excessive heat buildup indoors.
• Ensure Proper Insulation: Properly insulate and seal doors, windows, and cracks to prevent hot outdoor air from infiltrating your home. Effective sealing and insulation can help maintain a cooler indoor environment without adjusting the thermostat temperature.

By incorporating these practices, you can optimize cooling efficiency and enhance comfort while minimizing energy consumption and utility costs during the summer.

Schedule Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance With Hager Fox Heating and Air Conditioning

Regular air conditioning maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your HVAC system. Residents in Lansing, MI, and surrounding areas such as DeWitt, Okemos, St. Johns, and East Lansing can rely on our experienced HVAC technicians to provide top-notch AC maintenance services. By scheduling regular maintenance with Hager Fox, homeowners can ensure their air conditioning systems operate efficiently, keeping their homes comfortable and cool throughout the summer—call (517) 258-1805 to schedule your maintenance today.