Read carefully and save some cash.
We all love our air conditioners. They give us a sweet escape from the harsh climatic conditions that come with the hot summer season. However, there has to be a balance between comfort and expenditure.
Research shows that electricity bills tend to spike during the summer. It’s not hard to understand why, since it’s in the summer when we tend to use our air conditioners the most.
Well then, what temperature should I set my air conditioner in Summer? Read on to find out. You’ll also learn more on:
- Factors affecting your air conditioner’s cost
- A little bit on how to reduce your air conditioner’s costs
1. What temperature should I Set My Air Conditioner In Summer?
It all boils down to preference.
Our reaction to environmental temperatures is purely based on instinct- We can’t explain why we tend to feel uncomfortable in rooms below or above certain temperature ranges (It just happens). However, this doesn’t mean we should crank up our air conditioners at full power during the summer.
The US Department of Energy discovered that 78℉ (26℃) happens to be the best temperature for air conditioners in the summer. We call this setting the “safe zone” (You’re able to keep cool without spending a fortune on monthly electricity bills).
However, some see this setting to be uncomfortably high.
It might be difficult at first, but there is a way you can train your body to adjust to a more efficient temperature range (It doesn’t have to be exactly 78℉. A small compromise is allowed).
Start by slightly adjusting your air conditioner’s temperature setting as you draw closer to the 78° mark. You might want to lower it by a degree or two after 3-4 days until you hit that “favorable” setting- This will give your bodies the time to adjust to the new room temperatures.
An important heads up: the preferred temperature setting for people dressed in summer clothes is somewhere between 71-79℉.
Best temperature setting for an air conditioner in summer when you’re away
You can save a lot more on electricity bills by setting a higher temperature setting when you’re leaving the house. We advise you to turn up your air conditioner setting by 5-7℉ when you’re leaving the house for work or some other outdoor activity (Going out for more than 3 hours). Every degree counts. This way, you’ll end up saving up to 10% of your electricity bills.
How to help my air conditioner keep cool
There are a couple of things you can do to help cool your home and allow your conditioner to run at an affordable setting during the summer.
- Shut all windows and doors when using your air conditioner (Caulk your windows and doors to prevent leaks).
- Use window blinds and curtains to block sunlight and heat from entering into the room.
- Don’t use cooking appliances after 8 pm. The heat released from these appliances ends up trapped inside the house (We advise you to grill your food outside as much as possible). If possible, install and use ceiling fans when sleeping.
Note: Air conditioners with programmable thermostats help a big deal when it comes to energy conservation and saving on costs. Click here to learn about good deals on air conditioners in Phoenix, Arizona.
2. Factors Affecting My Air Conditioner’s Costs
Below are some of the main factors behind your air conditioner’s high running costs.
Poor air conditioner installation and maintenance
How your air conditioner is installed greatly affects its efficiency. Make sure your unit is installed and maintained by a qualified technician. Be on the lookout for air leaks around the ducts (can account for up to 30% of energy loss) and make sure you clean its filters at least once a month. Also, pay special attention to the cooling system and make sure it works as expected.
Your home’s/room size
Many people don’t know this, but your room’s size can negatively affect your air conditioner’s performance. Make sure you size an air conditioner before purchase.
It’s simple: The larger the room/home, the more powerful the air conditioner.
Zoning will be of help to large homes with central air conditioners- Instead of relying on one thermostat, install a thermostat in each room to help in temperature regulation.
Air conditioner’s efficiency rating
Your air conditioner’s efficiency rating tells you more about your air conditioner’s input to output ratio. Go for an air conditioner certified by Energy Star or with a high SEER rating. A high rating ensures that your unit maximizes its cooling ability for each unit of energy consumed.
3. How To Reduce Air Conditioner Costs
The three tips we’re going to show might sound simple, but they’re can significantly help reduce your monthly air conditioner costs:
- Regularly clean your air conditioner’s filters: This is maintenance 101. Make sure you check on and clean the filters at least once a month. Dust and mold buildup will clog your air conditioner’s airflow and force it to work harder than it should. We now have automated thermostats that alert you when your filters are clogged.
- Use ceiling fans: Did you know that fans can save you up to 60% of your air conditioner’s electricity bill? Use fans instead of your air conditioner on the not-soo-hot days or when you’re sleeping.
- Seal all air leaks: Make sure the cool air from your air conditioner doesn’t leak out of the roo (close all your doors, windows, fireplaces, and chimneys). Air leaks will cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy than it has to.
