Obviously, you won’t want to sit at home for long periods of time in 85°F temperature, which is why a programmable thermostat is ideal so you can set your home to cool to 78°F right before you return from work. At this temperature, you can feel completely comfortable if you dress for the season and run the ceiling fan to create a wind chill effect. When air moves quickly over your skin, it makes you feel up to 4° cooler, meaning a 78°F room with a fan running feels as comfortable as a 74°F room with no airflow.
Another tip to maintain your ideal summer AC temperature indoors is to look into shades, curtains, and blinds for windows. By utilizing blackout blinds and keeping the sunshine from warming up rooms in your home, you’ll be able to turn the temperature up on your AC and save money. You can also weatherstrip doors and windows to keep the cool air in and the hot air out for additional savings.
The Best Temperature Settings When You’re at Home
To stay comfortable and save money this summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78F (26C) when you are home. Setting your air conditioner to this level will allow you to stay cool and avoid an unusually high electricity bill. If you still find yourself looking for relief, you can invest in a dehumidifier and follow our tips below to trap cool air in your home.
Tips to Maximize Cooling Efforts in Your Home
Although 78 F might still sound uncomfortably high, you can help your air conditioner provide better cooling for less energy by preventing warm air from getting into your home and cool air from escaping. Follow these simple tips to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long:
- Hang up window treatments that block sunlight and prevent heat from entering through your windows.
- Install fresh or replace old weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows to keep your home sealed.
- Limit use of appliances that generate heat, like the oven and stove, until after 8pm. In the summer, try to grill outside as much as possible.
- Install ceiling fans to increase cooling efficiency.
- Replace cooling units with energy-efficient models.
What’s the Best Temperature to Ensure Humidity Control in Your Home?
Humid climates can result in having too much moisture inside your home, putting you and your home at risk of mold and mildew. Not to mention peeling paint, rotting wood, and other humidity-related problems that most of us would prefer to avoid. Fortunately, running an air conditioner can help lower humidity. The ideal indoor relative humidity level is 30-50%.
If you have a humidifier, it may have a built-in humidity that will monitor your home humidity level. If not, you can purchase a hygrometer for around $20 from most hardware stores or Amazon. When it comes to humidity, the rule of thumb is to set your thermostat as high as your comfort level allows, as long as it’s cool enough to ensure a healthy humidity level.
