The hot and humid summers in Lexington, KY make having a well-functioning air conditioner a necessity. If you’re like many homeowners, you probably set the thermostat at a random temperature that guarantees your home will stay cool for long periods. However, certain temperature settings will keep your place cool and save you money on your energy bills. Find out more about the optimal temperature to set your AC at in the summer.
Ideal Daytime Temperature
The United States Department of Energy recommends homeowners set their thermostats to 78 degrees during the day. This might not sound cold, but it’s enough to help your AC cool down your home. You’ll also save money on your monthly utility bills since the higher the temperature setting, the less your air conditioner will run. You can also invest in a ceiling fan. The breeze will help you feel much cooler than the temperature actually is.
Of course, it also has much to do with your personal preferences. If you like it cold inside, you could drop the thermostat to the low 70s. Remember, though, that you’ll pay significantly more each month, which will also increase your carbon footprint.
Ideal Nighttime Temperature
Before you go to bed at night, adjust the thermostat up. Experts suggest setting the thermostat to 82 degrees at night when people are home. When no one is moving around, you’ll still be comfortable at a warmer setting. You can consider running a fan if it feels too hot.
Ideal Temperature When You’re Away
When no one is home, you can turn the thermostat up to 85 degrees. You’ll save a great deal of energy, and the house won’t be so hot that your AC will have trouble cooling your home down when you get there.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
It’s easy to forget to adjust the thermostat when going to bed or leaving the house. It’s also a hassle. We recommend upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set different temperatures for different times of the day. You can also have separate weekday and weekend schedules.
Upgrading to a smart thermostat gives you even more benefits. Because it’s Wi-Fi-enabled, you can adjust the temperature from anywhere with an internet connection. Some models can also sense when people are home and adjust accordingly.
Your Comfort Team
Titan Heating & Air serves Lexington, Georgetown, and Central Kentucky with efficient and reliable AC repair, installation, and maintenance services. We can also service your furnace or heat pump and help install a whole-home humidifier, dehumidifier, or air purification system. Call us today to learn more.