As the summer heat wave hits, many of us find ourselves cranking up the AC unit to stay cool. You may have a preferred temperature for your air conditioning, but have you ever wondered if three is a certain temperature you are supposed to keep your house at?
Turns out, there is a scientific answer to this question! This temperature will strike the perfect balance between keeping you cool and comfortable, and saving you money on your energy bill.
Let’s take a closer look and see what exactly the perfect indoor temperature for your home is, and why.
Why the Perfect Temperature Matters
If your air conditioning is set to too high of a degree, your home will be less comfortable and the air will feel stuffy. In addition, setting your AC too high can cause the unit to freeze up, which can damage the unit and lead to expensive repairs. The air conditioner will also have to work harder to cool down your home if you eventually lower it, which can lead to higher energy bills.
On the other hand, if your air conditioning is set too low, the air in your home will feel damp and clammy. This can be especially uncomfortable in humid climates. In addition, setting your AC too low can cause the unit to work overtime, which can lead to higher energy bills. Additionally, if the air in your home is too cold, it can cause condensation on windows and walls as it reacts to the hotter outside temperature, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
What is the Perfect Temperature?
The optimal temperature to keep your AC set at in the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will strike the perfect balance between keeping you cool and comfortable, and saving you money on your energy bill. It is even recommended to turn your air conditioner up a few extra degrees when you’re gone to help save even more money and give your air conditioning a break. So why exactly is 78 degrees the ideal AC temperature while you’re home? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind it.
The AC Sweet Spot
It has been proven that 78 degrees is the temperature that people are most comfortable at. That’s because it’s not too hot or too cold – it’s just right! When your AC unit is set to this temperature, you won’t have to worry about feeling sweaty or uncomfortable, but also do not need to worry about being too cold.
Not only is 78 degrees the most comfortable temperature, but it’s also the most efficient. 78 degrees is the perfect temperature for preventing humidity build-up in your home. If your AC unit is set too low, it can actually cause the air to become too dry, which can lead to discomfort and health problems. On the other hand, if it’s set too high, it can cause the air to become too humid, which can also be uncomfortable and lead to health problems. 78 degrees strikes the perfect balance between these two extremes, keeping your home comfortable and healthy all summer long.
At night, however, you will want to turn your home’s air conditioning to an even lower temperature. The ideal temperature at night is around 67 degrees.
Your AC Temperature on Vacation
Are you planning to go on vacation during the summer months? If so, it is important to consider the benefit of raising the temperature in your home while you are away. After all, if you are not home, there is no reason to make your HVAC unit work harder. Typically, if you are leaving the house for a while, you will want to raise the temperature setting between seven and ten degrees.
Prevent Overworking Your AC
There are many ways to naturally cool down your home without actually turning down the air conditioning temperature. Here are a few of the best ways to cool down your home during the hot summer months:
- Close the blinds. When the sun is not consistently beating down through your windows, the room will not heat up as much.
- Open the windows. When it is cool out on select days or during the evenings, it is a nice idea to open up your windows. This way, the cooler air from outside will come into your home and create a nice, cool atmosphere in your home that gives your air conditioning a break.
- Change the direction of your ceiling fans. Did you know that the fans in your home have the ability to move both clockwise and counterclockwise? In the summer, you will want your fans to rotate counterclockwise. The counterclockwise motion actually pushes cold air downward, cooling down the room a couple degrees.
Questions? Contact Coastal Home Services!
So there you have it! The science behind why 78 degrees is the ideal AC temperature. By keeping your AC unit set to this temperature, you’ll be able to stay cool and comfortable all summer long while also saving money on your energy bill. So next time the heat wave hits, don’t forget to set your AC to 78 degrees!
If you live near the Morehead City, North Carolina area and have questions or concerns about your air conditioning in your home, contact us here at Coastal Home Services! Our trained technicians are here to help answer any questions you may have, as well as fix any issues that arise in regards to your HVAC system. Our emergency response time is just fifteen minutes!
Contact us by filling out the form below or giving us a call. We look forward to helping you soon!
