How to Determine Temperature Settings for Your AC This Summer

You can save energy and enhance your comfort by changing the settings on your cooling system. But what is the ideal setting for your AC unit? Read on to find more tips for keeping your home cozy in the season.

Setting the Best Temperature for Summer

The ideal temperature for your air conditioner can vary, especially in the blistering Burnham’s summer weather. But the Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit for the warm season. The setting is the best if you want to strike a balance between comfort and high energy bills.

Keeping the interior at a constant temperature is critical for more than just your comfort. Your air conditioner can protect vital systems in your home. Extreme temperature fluctuations can damage wooden furniture and concrete structures. When the interior is too cold, there could be damage to your pipes and plumbing system.

While 78 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for many situations, the settings can vary. Typically, the best configuration will depend on the local climate and personal preferences, among other factors.

Best Temperature Settings When You Are Away

If you are going away for summer vacation, it is advisable to keep your AC running. You may raise the thermostat, but keep settings closer to the outdoor temperatures. That way, the interior gains heat gradually, and your air conditioner does minimal work while you are away.

You can cut down your electrical consumption by up to 10% by raising the settings by seven degrees. But if you have pets, you may want to keep the thermostat closer to your regular settings.

The ideal temperature setting for your pup may vary depending on its size. But generally speaking, between 69 and 78 degrees is considered the best for dogs. Dogs expend heat from their bodies through panting. Large dog breeds are much more susceptible to extreme heat and can suffer from heatstroke.

Cats are also quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations. A cat’s ideal temperature setting is between 86 and 96 degrees in summer and 78 and 80 in winter. You ought to keep in mind that different animals have varying requirements. You may want to double-check before adjusting thermostat settings for your furry friend.

Ideal Temperatures for Your Family

The lower you set your thermostat, the more the air conditioning system will work to regulate temperatures. In turn, your AC will consume more energy and raise your bill. Even if you are not worried about consumption, overworking the AC increases the frequency of faults.

The number of occupants can also determine how often your equipment will run. When your family is home, the demand for cool air is higher. Additionally, some family members may keep changing the settings, trying to find their ideal temperature.

You can reduce consumption by gradually adjusting your air conditioning system by a few degrees. You may start at 80 degrees and then lower the settings by 1 or 2 degrees. Continue dropping the temperatures every day until your family notices the difference. That way, you will have struck a balance between comfort and energy consumption.

Also, note that the settings for day and night will vary during the warm season. During deep sleep, the body suspends temperature regulation. A lower setting can keep you cozy when you are going through the REM phase of your sleep. Some studies suggest temperatures of between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal rest.

How Humidity Can Impact Thermostat Settings

The heat in July can be muggy and oppressive for residents of Mifflin County. When there are high levels of humidity, interior comfort can be elusive, even when you turn up the AC. At 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity, it may feel like 86 degrees on a regular day.

High levels of moisture can limit the body’s capacity to manage heat. Our sweat glands work through evaporation. Vapor absorbs heat from your skin as it rises. So, when the air is saturated with moisture, you have to take extra steps to stay cool.

Most air conditioning systems can take care of the moisture through condensation. At between 50% and 60%, the evaporator coils can capture the moisture and drain it through the condensate pan. But some homes have high levels of humidity due to structural problems. If the building does not have vapor barriers in the crawlspaces and foundation, moisture accumulates faster.

The EPA recommends keeping humidity levels between 30% and 50%. You may want to consider installing a dehumidifier to manage moisture effectively in your interior. Dehumidification will also reduce the stress on your system when it is muggy and hot in your Burnham home.

How a Smart System Can Optimize Temperature Regulation

You can keep the interior cozy and manage energy consumption by adjusting the thermostat’s temperature. But it is easy to forget about the settings when there is an abrupt shift in your daily routine. That is why we recommend using a programmable thermostat, especially when you are away from home.

A programmable thermostat has many other advantages for temperature regulation. You can configure settings for different times of the day. Your AC will adjust when you are asleep or when you are working. You can control your equipment while in a remote location through Wi-Fi.

If 78 degrees is your ideal temperature, the thermostat can signal the AC to start running before you arrive. The setting can be closer to the atmosphere outside when you are away. Through your smartphone, your thermostat can adjust to 78 degrees minutes before you step into your house.

Some models can work with smart home systems for additional convenience features. For example, your programmable device can record your movements and patterns. The automation system can apply the data to determine when you need temperature regulation. It may integrate information from weather sources to find the ideal settings for your comfort.

It is worth noting that a programmable device can be complicated to install. There are many models with varying configurations and compatibility requirements. If you are using home automation tools like Alexa, some devices may not work with complete functionality. You can talk to Burnham’s IT Landes Service Team for quality solutions suitable for your preferences and needs.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Cooler in Summer

You can manage the energy consumption of your air conditioner by taking pragmatic steps to keep the interior cool. Shield the room from direct sunlight. The sun will increase the ambient heat, forcing the AC to run for longer. Ensure the thermostat is away from direct sunlight, or the heat will distort the temperature reading on the device.

An efficient cooling system is the best approach to ensuring maximum comfort and energy savings. Routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit is essential for maintaining the system’s optimum performance. It usually involves cleaning the condenser coils, recharging the refrigerant, and inspecting components, among other tasks. A tune-up can extend the life of your air conditioner and catch faults before they become full-blown malfunctions.

You can rely on IT Landes Service Team for comprehensive AC installation, maintenance, and repair solutions in Burnham. Our staff can perform a thorough tune-up of your AC to restore comfort and fix issues with the equipment. We also provide heating, plumbing, and indoor air quality services. As an employee-owned company, we strive to maintain our outstanding service record. Our team has won the President’s Award, the last 10 years in a row. You can schedule an appointment today to experience our first-class customer service.