What Temperature Should You Set Your Air Conditioner In Summer?

Your air conditioner is essential to beat the summer heat. It keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot months, which is essential for your productivity and health. But what temperature should you set your AC in summer? Setting your AC temperature too low can waste energy and increase your utility bill. But keeping it too high can be just as bad, especially if you’re not home during the day.

The best way to cool down your house is to set the temperature of your system at 78 degrees during the day and 68-70 degrees at night. Doing so will allow you to save energy and keep costs down without sacrificing comfort.

The Difference in Summer Temperatures between Day and Night

During summer, temperatures are typically higher during the day than at night (up to 20 degrees higher). If you run your AC unit all day long without adjusting the temperature, you’ll end up with a hot house.

Does Setting The Temperature Have Anything To Do With Your Energy Bill?

Yes! The temperature you set your air conditioner to has everything to do with your energy bill. The higher the temperature, the more power it takes to cool your home. You can save money by lowering the thermostat when you’re not home. Set it at 78 degrees when you are sleeping at night. Keeping your thermostat on an energy-saving setting will allow the temperature to rise while you’re away and during nighttime when it’s cooler outside.

Things To Consider When Setting Your AC Temperature

Asking yourself these four questions can help guide you to the setting that will keep your house comfortable for those staying there at that time.

What’s your air conditioning system like?

If you live in a place with a lot of humidity and high temperatures, your AC needs to work harder than in dryer climates. That means it will use more power and could lead to higher energy bills for you each month.

Are you leaving any doors and windows open?

You might think opening windows would help cool down your home faster, but in reality, it does just the opposite. When the door or window is left open, warm air will creep back inside your home, making it feel flaming on a hot day. So, keep those windows closed during the hottest parts of the day!

Do you use fans in addition to your AC?

If you’re using fans as well as an air conditioner, try turning off the fan when it gets cold outside. That way, you will save energy on both devices, so they don’t have to work as hard.

Do you live in a one-story house, or do you have a split level?

The floor plan of your house can make a big difference in how warm it feels outside. If your home has many levels, it will feel warmer outside because more air is circulating throughout the house. A split level might feel hotter than a ranch-style home of the same size because the top floor has more windows and less insulation.

Want to minimize humidity indoors, increase efficiency, and avoid expensive replacements later down the road? AVS Heating and Air Conditioning’s licensed, skilled AC repair and AC installation contractors in Rockville and Reston are here to help. Give us a call at (703) 457-9028.