Buffalo, NY, isn’t known for its hot weather, but it can get surprisingly hot and humid in the summer. You might be tempted to set the thermostat as low as you can stand it, but doing that would send your electricity bill skyrocketing. So, what is the ideal temperature to set your thermostat to in summer? Read on to find out.
The Best Temperature to Set Your Thermostat in Summer Is… as High as Comfortably Possible!
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends raising your thermostat by 7°-10°F for 8 hours each day when you are away and setting the thermostat to a comfortable level when you are home. This can reduce your annual cooling costs by up to 10% without compromising your comfort levels.
Best Temperature at Night When Sleeping
Sleeping in hot conditions can be uncomfortable and disruptive. The Sleep Foundation says that 65°F is the best AC temperature for summer nights. However, if you can tolerate warmer temperatures, setting it closer to 72 degrees will lead to better energy savings.
A programmable thermostat can be incredibly beneficial for managing your nighttime summer AC temperature. You can set it to automatically raise the air conditioner temperature after you fall asleep and lower it before you wake up. This way, you’re not cooling an empty or unused space excessively, which helps in reducing energy costs and energy usage.
Using Your Air Conditioner Also Lowers Humidity Levels
Now, you might wonder how this affects your home’s humidity level, as we have determined the temperature you should set this summer for your AC units. Humidity is significant to your discomfort when keeping your AC at higher temperatures. The increased humidity in the environment makes it harder for your sweat to dissipate so that you can be much hotter even when moisture is absorbed.
The reduction of relative moisture in the home is one of the key tasks of an air conditioner. Make sure your device isn’t too large for your home while relying on your AC to deal with the humidity. In the summer, the EPA recommends an ideal moisture level of 30% to 50% to prevent mold and mildew, which will help make you more comfortable throughout the summer heat. If you wish to save some of the burden on your air conditioner, a dehumidifier might assist you in getting low humidity.
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for what to put AC on in summer. Personal preferences, the specific layout of your home, and even health considerations play significant roles in determining the best summer AC temperature.
For instance, homes with elderly residents or infants might require cooler temperatures to maintain comfort due to their more sensitive nature to heat. Similarly, if you have medical conditions or the presence of heat-generating appliances that increase the room temperature, adjustments might be necessary.
Experiment with different settings to find what to put AC on in summer that suits your lifestyle. Start with the recommended 78 degrees and adjust as needed. Remember, adjusting even by a few degrees can lead to significant savings on your energy bill without sacrificing comfort.
How Else Can You Save Energy?
Apart from tweaking your AC temperature, you can explore more permanent solutions to improve your home’s energy efficiency. For instance, if your air conditioner is old or constantly needs repairs, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Consider Upgrading Your Air Conditioner
Modern air conditioners are designed with energy efficiency in mind and can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption compared to older units. Look for units that indicate they meet or exceed federal standards for energy efficiency.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Additionally, regular maintenance of your air conditioning system can prevent many issues that cause inefficiency. Make sure your air filter is clean, and check for any air leaks in your home’s ductwork. Both can lead to increased energy use because your system needs to work harder to pump cool air throughout your home.
Save Money on Your Electric Bill by Programming Your Thermostat
While increasing the temperature of your thermostat while gone can save you a lot of money, only a few individuals remember to alter the temperature each time they enter the house. Fortunately, you can do this with a clever or programmable thermostat, ensuring you live in a comfortable environment without missing a chance to save. Based on factors like your daytime at home and when the house is vacant, programmable thermostats let you set different temperatures and forget about it.
They can even help adjust moisture levels by pushing the button to show relative humidity on many programmable thermostats. In this way, it helps you to be more comfortable.
Make Simple Changes
Lastly, consider non-AC methods to keep your home cool. Open windows during cooler parts of the day, use blackout curtains to keep out hot air, and position fans to create optimal air circulation throughout your home. All these steps can help you save on cooling costs without compromising on comfort.
Need Air Conditioning Service in Buffalo or Lancaster? Call Us Now.
Finding the perfect balance between staying cool and not watching your energy bills skyrocket can be challenging. So, what is the best summer AC temperature? Hopefully, this guide has answered your question, and you can keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Now that you know what to put AC on in summer, it’s time to take steps to improve your comfort. If you’re looking for expert advice or need to upgrade your air conditioning system, Zenner & Ritter is here to help. We offer top-notch services for all things HVAC in Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding areas to keep your home cool throughout the summer months. Whether you need annual maintenance or air conditioning repair in Buffalo, NY, don’t hesitate to contact us.
If you’re having trouble with your thermostat or any other part of your air conditioning system, call us now!
