WHAT IS THE MOST ENERGY-EFFICIENT AC SETTING?   

Jun 1, 2023 | AC, Air Conditioner, Cool Air, Degree, Energy Consumption, Fahrenheit, Smart Thermostat, Summer, Temperature, Temperature Setting, Thermostat

To avoid high energy bills from excessive AC use during summer, you may wonder what the ideal temperature is to set your thermostat. The good news is Delaware Heating & Air can guide you through some variables to help determine your “sweet spot” and find a more energy-efficient AC setting. There is no magic number, but we can help guide you to find the perfect temperature for your needs. 

WHAT IS THE SUGGESTED AIR CONDITIONER TEMPERATURE TO USE?  

The US Department of Energy suggests setting the thermostat to 78° during the summer for energy savings. However, this temperature may not work for everyone, and finding the best temperature may require some experimentation while keeping comfort and energy savings in mind. 

WHAT IS THE BEST METHOD OF FINDING YOUR PERFECT AC TEMPERATURE?  

You will need to experiment to determine your most comfortable temperature. However, starting with the recommended temperature of 78°F is a good place to begin. Keep your thermostat at this temperature for a few hours and see how your family feels. Then, depending on their reactions, incrementally adjust the temperature by one or two degrees over the next few days. When adjusting your thermostat, keep in mind that lowering the temperature will result in a higher energy bill. 

WHAT TEMPERATURE SETTING SHOULD YOUR AC BE ON WHEN YOU’RE ON A TRIP?  

When you go on a summer vacation or trip, and no one is at home to enjoy the cool air, you should conserve energy by adjusting the thermostat. However, you also need to ensure that your household items, like plants and collectibles, are not damaged. To strike a balance, increase the temperature by 10 degrees from your usual summer temperature when you are away. 

WHAT KIND OF THERMOSTAT DO YOU HAVE INSTALLED?  

Using a smart thermostat or programmable thermostat can help you save energy. If you usually forget to increase your thermostat’s temperature before leaving on a trip, don’t worry. With a smart thermostat, you can easily adjust the temperature from your phone. You can also set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for when you return home from vacation, which is both convenient and energy efficient. So, if you don’t already have a smart or programmable thermostat, give us a call to learn more about having one installed in your home. 

It is possible to be both cool and save on energy costs. With the right information and some experimentation, you can determine the best temperature for your home during the summer. Do you have any additional questions? Call Delaware Heating & Air today at (740) 227-8302, or schedule a heating or cooling repair appointment online now by clicking here