Summers are sometimes quite hot and muggy on the North Shore. If you live in this region, cranking up the air conditioning (AC) likely crosses your mind when temperatures start to soar.
However, before adjusting your system’s thermostat, ask yourself if you are ready to deal with the aftermath: high energy bills. Remember, your AC consumes more power with lower temperatures.
Luckily, there are specific settings you can use to avoid that without sacrificing comfort. Read on to learn about the ideal temperatures for your thermostat in summer.
Ideal Thermostat Settings for Summer
The best temperature settings for your thermostat depend on whether you plan to spend the day indoors, go out, or retire for the night.
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When You are Indoors
The blistering summer heat often makes the outdoors intolerable. To combat that, many people spend the hottest days indoors, snacking on cold treats and enjoying their favorite activities.
If you like to lounge around at home, you likely know that the indoors can get pretty hellish when temperatures go up a notch. Fortunately, you can ensure your living spaces are comfortable by setting the thermostat to 78°F.
Most authorities, including Energy Star, highly recommend this temperature because it’s not only the sweet spot but also incredibly energy efficient. That means the 78°F mark helps you avoid spiking energy bills and cut costs without undermining comfort.
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When You are Going Out
But you can’t spend the entire summer indoors now, can you? After all, this season is perfect for outdoor activities like picnics and swimming.
Before you go out on any summer day, crank the thermostat up by around 7-10°F. Why? According to the US Department of Energy, increasing your thermostat’s temperature by this range can help you cut heating and cooling bills by up to 10%!
If you are worried that you’ll come back to a sizzling home, here’s a solution: get a smartphone-controlled thermostat. That way, you can adjust the device to a lower temperature before returning home.
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When You are Sleeping
Popular opinion has it that sleeping in a cool room helps you sleep well throughout the night, and rightly so. According to health experts, room temperature affects sleep quality. That is why they recommend setting your AC to around 65⁰F when it’s bedtime.
Unfortunately, colder temperatures lead to higher energy bills and vice versa. So, avoid any setting below the recommended one (78⁰F).
Fortunately, several alternatives can help you ensure you get a good night’s sleep in the summer without hurting your pocket. These include taking a shower before bed, leaving windows open, and adjusting meals accordingly.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool and Comfy in Summer
Suppose you’ve tried the recommended AC setting for summer and found it less than ideal. In that case, before you adjust to a lower level and risk higher energy consumption, try the following:
- Get highly reflective window blinds
- Keep your curtains or blinds closed
- Stay hydrated
- Keep cool air concentrated in one area
- Switch to energy-efficient bulbs
Upgrade Your Thermostat Today!
Is your household still reliant on a manual thermostat that has to be readjusted countless times throughout the day? If yes, swap it for a programmable thermostat today.
A programmable thermostat has many benefits, including cost savings and unrivaled efficiency. Plus, if your home has multiple climate zones, you can use this device to regulate temperature and ensure each is in optimum condition.
At Maffei Services, we have everything you need to upgrade to a programmable thermostat at a moment’s notice. Trained technicians, top-tier tools, quality products; you name it, and we have it. Contact Us today for more information.
